Chapter 4 The Facade Of Perfection

Zoe's POV

The grand estate of the Ryders family was ablaze with lights, the sound of laughter and champagne glasses clinking filling the air. I poised a smile and graceful demeanor, I was the epitome of elegance, my designer gown shimmering in the light. Beside me, Alex, handsome and charming, played the part of the devoted husband to perfection.

But behind the face of our perfect marriage, a different story unfolded. My eyes met Alex's, and for a fleeting moment, a spark of tension flashed

between us. It was a tension that had been building for months.

As we mingled with the guests, My mind wandered to the truth I dared not speak aloud. Our marriage was a contract, a ruse to appease Alex's meddling mother, who had been relentless in her pursuit to get her son settled. She would have gone as far as bringing in a girl for Alex, had he not acted quick. And smart. But I had steadfastly refused to bear him a child, I didn't want to bring another person into the cruel world, going through a rough childhood I was determined to never put a child through the same. I knew I was nothing like my late mother, but those days still haunted me to this day. Alex just thinks I'm determined to maintain control in a loveless arrangement and I leave him to his thoughts. We didn't sleep in the same room. We had never made love. A wife for two years, yet a virgin. So much for a perfect marriage, I guess.

Our second year of marriage and Alex's family pressure had been intensifying, and I knew the reprieve was temporary. The whispers of disappointment had already started, and I could feel the weight of expectation bearing down on me.

As the night wore on, my anxiety grew, my smile feeling more like a mask with each passing moment. I felt suffocated, looking at moths chew and sip. Look at the life you're living Zoe, pathetic! Trapped! Oh God, I need some fresh air. I excused myself from the crowd, seeking a moment of solace in the garden. The cool night air was a welcome respite from the tension.

"Zoe, darling!" Alex's voice called out from behind me. "What are you doing out here all alone?"

I turned to face him, my heart racing. "Just needed some fresh air, that's all."

Alex approached me, his eyes gleaming with an intensity that made my skin crawl. "We need to talk," he said, his voice laced with menace.

My instincts told me it would be about something I dreaded, we never discussed anything, never! but I stood my ground. "What is it, Alex?"

He stepped closer, his breath hot on my ear. He held my waist and the back of my head, drawing me close and giving me a hot kiss, it was very sensual, and with the way I reciprocated, I'm sure he knew I felt it too, with a bit of shock of course. My whole body trembled as I felt my pussy soak my panties instantly. I'm sure he didn't know how wet I was, two years and I barely experienced a male's touch.

The Kiss was long, and soon I felt before I saw, his hands enclosing my boobs, through the dress my nipples responded instantly. I was so sensitive to his touch. And then I tried to push him off, to act like this was clearly against my will, but he held her tightly "Someone is watching, don't make a scene". He said as he made circles around my budded nipples, I let out soft moans which I didn't intend to do, but my body couldn't keep it in. This was the once-in-a-blue-moon time he touched me, just to keep the facade of marriage up. "Spread your legs," he said and I was sure I heard a hint of lust in it. I whispered to him "What the fuck do you think you're doing? It's not a little too much?" Anger making me grit my teeth, but the pleasure I was feeling was out of this world. Despite my words, he slid his hands through my gown, and a sharp gasp left my mouth, I tried using my left hand to block him out but it was all to no avail. I felt his fingers gliding smoothly with the aid of my pussy juice, and soon he was finger fucking me out in the open. I felt his hard length rub in my stomach and I quivered.

Alex POV

I held her against my will, I despised touching her, but someone was lurking around and I didn't want to blow our cover. Holding her was more than enough, so I was shocked when I initiated a kiss, it was damn hotter than I expected. I expected her to resist, but surprisingly she returned the heat. Soon things escalated and I was sure I was under a spell, cause what the fuck!! I found myself digging into her pussy with my fingers like a lost something in there, the sounds of her moan were strong enough to make my cock explode. I brought my fingers to taste her and it tasted like heaven, Salty heaven. I opened my eyes to look at her face, and that was when I noticed the figure had left. Probably to give us some privacy.

"Zoe, an heir. A child to carry on my legacy." I said with a raged breath, as I tried diverting back to the original issue. Ignoring the ache in my groin. I could feel it pulsing, all the blood rushing to it.

Zoe's heart sank, forgetting our escapade instantly, I knew cause her face went pale like she'd seen a ghost. I'm sure she didn't expect this, cause I was saying something utterly different from our contract. I wouldn't have bothered either, if not for my mum. I couldn't imagine making love to Zoe.

"And if I refuse?" she asked, her voice quivering and I wasn't sure if it was fear or the results of her horniness.

My smile was cold, and calculated. "Then I'll make sure your darkest secrets are exposed to the world. You know I'd hate to do that love" I grabbed her arm, smearing my saliva and some of her pussy juice on her, and drew her closer. We felt our breaths, our bodies touching. I enjoyed teasing her, there was something hot in her vulnerability.

She pulled herself off from me, panting like she had run a marathon. "It was never in the contract! What makes you think I'd ever give in to this crazy demand? Go ahead and tell them, tell them I murdered someone!" Tears rolled down her cheeks. Ever since the day she signed this contract, since the day I knew her secret, I knew she felt so trapped. I was like a force acting against her and she despised me so much.

Zoe

My heart ached as I searched for a way out. I knew Alex's threats weren't empty; he had always been ruthless in getting what he wanted. But he had given me his words!!

"I need time to think," I stated, trying to buy myself some time knowing that self-pity would never work on Alex. Ruthless. Sexy! Hot! Zoe get back to the problem at hand!!

Alex's eyes narrowed. "You've had two years, Zoe. Time's up."

He turned to leave, but not before whispering, as close as he could to my ear"Don't think you can outsmart me. I have everything I need to destroy you." And then his tongue played a little with my earlobe.

I scuffed in extreme disgust and watched him disappear into the crowd, my heart heavy with fear, my pussy still wet. I knew I had to act fast, but what could I do? The secrets Alex held were my deepest fears, my darkest shame and they didn't fail to hunt me every single night! If only I were sober that night. No, if only I stayed home.

As I stood there, frozen in terror and disgust, a sudden gush of wind blew through the garden, making some leaves swirl. I realized I had a choice to make, and make it quick.

With the threat at hand, I turned back to the party, my eyes searching the room for my sister, Sarah. I knew I had to talk to someone, and Sarah was the only one I could trust, the only one who truly understood me.

I laid in bed, my mind replayed the events of the night. The party, Alex's threats, our sexual fling, the secrets I kept hidden - it all swirled in my head like a toxic storm.

I tossed and turned, my satin sheets tangled around my legs.. Well, he could as come to my room and remind me, I thought.

As I tried to quiet my thoughts, everywhere became eerily quiet, hearing only the creaks of the old woods.

I threw off my bed cover and got out of bed, walking across the room to the window. I pushed my blinds up, gazing out into the darkness. The moon had this glow I knew my life would never have, at least not while in this house.

I felt like I was living in a nightmare from which I couldn't awaken. Trapped by the Ruthless Billionaire, I didn't even need his money or fame, I was doing really well on my own.

Groggily, I stumbled across to the bathroom, stared at the mirror, and looked at my pale face, with dark circles under my eyes clearly from lack of sleep.

As I looked, I remembered the day that changed it all. A disturbing image flashed in my mind - a person, lying on the ground, motionless. My heart raced as I tried to recall the details. Had I...had I hit someone?

Panic set in as I scrambled to piece together the events of that previous night. I remembered getting into my car, driving away from the party...and running into someone. Killing him.

Days passed in a blur, and my anxiety grew with each passing moment. And then, the letter arrived.

With my trembling hands, I signed my name, sealing my fate. And at that moment, I didn't know I had made a deal with the devil himself. A rich stranger. Ruthless and Mean, Alex Ryder.

With a sigh, I returned to my bed, my eyes fixed on the ceiling. Sleep seemed as elusive as an escape from my troubles.

As I reached to turn off my lamp, I heard the creaking of my door

Alex, in my room at night!

"We have work to do Zoe"