Chapter 4 4

Xavier's gaze lingered on her lips for a fraction too long, and Mia felt the temperature rise between them. She could hear the faintest hum in her ears, her body responding to the electricity in the air, even though her mind screamed at her to stay grounded. This was supposed to be a business arrangement, nothing more, and yet the man standing before her made it seem like something else entirely.

She stepped back, forcing herself to regain some semblance of control. "When do we start?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady, though her heart was racing.

Xavier didn't immediately respond. His eyes flicked over her as though deciding something. He stepped back, his posture changing, and for a moment, he looked every bit the cold, calculating billionaire again.

"Tomorrow," he said, his voice clipped. "I'll have the contract ready, and we'll finalize everything then."

Mia nodded, feeling a strange mix of relief and apprehension. "I'll be here."

"Good," he replied, his voice almost imperceptible. "You'll need to pack a bag, too. We're going to my estate for a few days."

Her brow furrowed. "Your estate?"

"Yes. There will be appearances to make. Press events. You'll need to acclimate to the life you'll be living as my wife. It's important that you look the part." His eyes darkened slightly. "No slip-ups, Mia. I don't tolerate mistakes."

A shiver ran down her spine. She wasn't sure if it was the power in his words or the force of his gaze that made her feel so small in that moment, but she nodded anyway.

"I understand."

He gave a brief nod, his expression unreadable. "Good. I'll have a car ready to pick you up tomorrow at 9 AM."

Without another word, he turned and walked toward his desk, signaling that the conversation was over. Mia stood still, her mind racing. She was about to sign her life away to a man who treated everything-including her-as a transaction. The thought should have made her recoil, but instead, she found herself drawn to him. There was something in his presence, something she couldn't quite explain, that kept her from walking away.

She glanced once more at Xavier before turning on her heel and heading for the door. As she reached it, she hesitated, glancing back over her shoulder.

"Xavier," she said, her voice quiet.

He looked up, his expression still unreadable.

"Why me?" she asked, unable to stop herself. "Why not someone else?"

For a long moment, he didn't answer. He just watched her, as though considering her question carefully. Finally, he spoke, his voice low but steady.

"Because you're the only one who doesn't want anything from me."

Mia's breath caught in her throat. She didn't know if it was a compliment or an insult, but there was something unsettling about his words, the way they hinted at something deeper between them.

With one last glance, she stepped out of the office and into the night, her mind still a swirl of confusion and anticipation.

The next morning, Mia was up before the sun, packing a small suitcase with a few essentials. Her hands moved automatically, but her mind was far from the task at hand. She couldn't stop thinking about what Xavier had said last night. You're the only one who doesn't want anything from me.

It didn't make sense. She wasn't here for his wealth or his power. She was here because she had no other choice. But something about the way he'd looked at her, the way he had spoken, made it feel as though she was part of some grand plan she couldn't quite understand yet.

By the time the car arrived at 9 AM, Mia had forced the doubts from her mind. She didn't have the luxury of overthinking. She had made her decision. This was her way out, her chance to fix everything.

When she arrived at Xavier's estate, she couldn't help but feel a pang of awe. The mansion was nothing short of spectacular-an architectural masterpiece that spoke of old money and new power. It sat atop a sprawling hill, surrounded by manicured gardens and vast lawns.

Xavier greeted her at the door, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit that made him look even more imposing. His eyes flicked over her quickly, assessing her outfit-an elegant dress she had chosen with careful deliberation-and then he gave a small nod of approval.

"You look the part," he said, his voice as cool as ever. "Follow me."

He led her through the grand entryway, down long corridors that seemed to stretch forever. The estate was more than just a home; it was a fortress. Every piece of furniture, every work of art, screamed of wealth and power.

They stopped at a set of double doors, and Xavier opened them to reveal a sprawling sitting room with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the estate's grounds. Mia couldn't help but be in awe of the view.

"This will be your space for the next few days," he said, his voice clipped as he gestured to the room. "You'll have everything you need here. We'll begin preparations for the first public appearance tomorrow."

Mia nodded, feeling a strange sense of displacement. She was no longer just a florist fighting to keep her business alive. Now, she was part of a world she didn't understand, a world that was as far removed from her reality as the moon was from the earth.

As she sat down on the luxurious couch, Xavier stepped closer, his presence consuming the room. His eyes held hers, and for a fleeting moment, the mask of the ruthless businessman seemed to slip.

"I know this is overwhelming," he said, his voice softer than she expected. "But I need you to understand something."

Mia's pulse quickened. She waited for him to continue.

"I'm not here to make you uncomfortable," Xavier said, his gaze unwavering. "I'm here to make sure we both get what we want. But that doesn't mean I'll tolerate mistakes. Don't forget that."

She swallowed hard. The warning was clear. There was no room for error, not in his world.

"I won't forget," she said, her voice steady despite the storm raging inside her.

Xavier nodded once more before turning to leave.

The door clicked softly behind him, and Mia was left alone in the room, the weight of her decision settling over her.

She had signed on to be his wife in name only, but as the silence stretched on, Mia couldn't shake the feeling that her journey had only just begun. And somehow, in the depths of her heart, she couldn't quite shake the feeling that Xavier Harrington had far more planned for her than she was ready to face.