Chapter 2
Tanya
Night had fallen deep, and the master bedroom of Sterling Manor was filled with the sweet fragrance of rose petals. I sat alone on the edge of the massive bed covered in red petals, gripping the hem of my silk nightgown so tightly my palms were soaked with sweat.
The noise from downstairs gradually faded as guests left the grand wedding celebration. And here I was—Tanya Brooks, a complete fraud—about to face my most dangerous test yet.
Oh God, if I get caught I'm dead... I chanted frantically in my mind. But one million dollars... one million dollars...
I forced myself to stay calm. I'd memorized every detail from Karlie's files—Erica's preferences, speech patterns, even her little quirks. Combined with that miraculous pheromone masking agent, I should be emitting the elegant sweetness of a high-ranking Omega instead of my natural cheap lemon scent.
Footsteps echoed down the hallway, growing closer.
My heart hammered so hard I thought it might burst from my chest. It was him—Raymond Sterling. The legendary Alpha heir who'd lost his sight and sensory abilities in that business attack.
The sound of the doorknob turning made my entire body go rigid.
"Click—"
The door slowly opened, revealing a tall figure in the doorway.
In the dim lamplight, Raymond Sterling was even more breathtakingly handsome than his photos. Even though his eyes had lost their focus, his sharp features still radiated heart-stopping charisma.
"Are you afraid?" His voice was deep and magnetic, like cello strings trembling in the night breeze.
I nearly jumped out of my skin. Damn, how does he know I'm scared?
"N-no, just a little nervous." I tried to mimic Erica's gentle tone, but my voice still trembled.
Raymond slowly entered the room and closed the door. His movements were careful, as if afraid of startling something precious.
I secretly studied every change in his expression.
This is the Alpha Raymond? That legendary ruthless business genius? But right now he looks... almost vulnerable.
He's even more gorgeous than his photos... I thought to myself. An Alpha like this—even if it's fake, sleeping with him wouldn't be a loss...
The moment that wicked thought popped up, I shocked myself. Tanya Brooks, what are you thinking?!
Raymond approached the bed and stopped in front of me. His hand lifted gently, as if to touch my cheek, but froze just before making contact.
"May I...?" he asked carefully.
This tenderness completely caught me off guard. Wasn't the legendary Raymond Sterling supposed to be domineering and forceful?
"Yes." I answered softly, my voice steadier than expected.
His fingers finally touched my cheek, the warm contact making me shiver involuntarily.
"We can take this slow. I don't want to force you." Raymond's voice carried a gentleness I'd never heard before.
Force me? He's actually worried about forcing me?
I stared at his handsome profile, my heartbeat accelerating. Well, since we've come this far...
"I'm your wife. This is what I should do." I said while beginning to untie my nightgown's silk ribbons.
Raymond froze at the sound, surprise flashing in his eyes. "Are you sure?"
"Of course." I answered firmly, while internally screaming: An Alpha this hot—I'd be crazy not to take advantage!
Moonlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows onto the bed, rose petals rustling softly under our weight.
Raymond's movements remained gentle throughout, as if handling the world's most precious treasure.
His fingers traced my collarbone with exploratory tenderness. "Are you really ready?" he confirmed again, his voice slightly husky.
"Mmm..." I responded softly, my heartbeat thundering like drums.
He slowly leaned down, lips brushing my neck, his distinctive cedar scent enveloping me. I felt his hard cock pressing against my inner thigh, the heat making me tremble involuntarily.
"Relax..." he whispered in my ear, palm gently caressing my waist. "I'll be very careful."
When he slowly entered me, I couldn't help but gasp. His size was larger than I'd imagined, the fullness making me grip the sheets tightly.
"Does it hurt?" Raymond immediately stopped, asking with concern.
"I'm fine... please continue." I bit my lip, trying to adjust to this unfamiliar sensation.
His movements stayed gentle, each rhythm carried restrained care. I could feel him fighting his Alpha instincts, all to avoid hurting me.
This kind of tenderness... is this really the cold Raymond from the legends? I wondered while my body honestly responded to his every movement.
When it was over, Raymond lay quietly beside me, his breathing gradually steadying. I turned my head to secretly observe his expression—a relaxation I'd never seen before.
He's sleeping so peacefully... I marveled internally. He looks so much more relaxed than before.
Just then, Raymond murmured in his half-sleep: "Thank you..."
Thank me? Why thank me?
I carefully lifted myself to study his sleeping face more closely. The legendary Alpha who'd supposedly become extremely unstable due to his condition now looked as peaceful as a child.
I did it! I celebrated internally. He doesn't suspect a thing!
But then, a doubt crept into my mind. Strange, he seems much better than the supposedly disabled Alpha from the rumors... and that "thank you" just now feels off somehow.
Whatever. At least I successfully fooled him tonight. One million dollars, here I come!
I gently lay back beside him, closing my eyes and pretending to sleep. But my brain was unusually alert, replaying everything that had just happened.
Raymond Sterling was far more complex than I'd imagined. And I... I was actually starting to look forward to what tomorrow might bring.
Wait, what am I thinking? This is just a transaction!
But when his arm unconsciously wrapped around my waist in his sleep, I didn't push him away. Instead, I found myself actually... enjoying this feeling of being protected.
Damn it, Tanya, you're not actually falling for him, are you?
The night was still long, and my heartbeat sounded especially clear in the silent room.
What challenges will tomorrow bring?