Chapter 5 Crossing Boundaries

Elena spent her first day at the Thorn Estate in restless silence. The mansion was a labyrinth of wealth, each room a blend of cold opulence and restrained elegance. Yet, it felt empty, as though no amount of luxury could mask its hollowness.

She sat on the edge of the bed in the guest room-no, her room, as Aiden had coolly informed her earlier. He made it clear that, despite their arrangement, they'd maintain separate spaces. It suited her just fine.

Her gaze wandered to the floor-to-ceiling windows. The sprawling grounds stretched into the distance, bathed in the warm light of the setting sun. For a fleeting moment, she felt the urge to escape. But where would she even go?

A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Before she could answer, Aiden stepped inside, his presence filling the space instantly.

"I assume the accommodations are adequate?" he asked, his voice smooth but distant.

"More than adequate," she replied, her tone clipped. "Though it does feel like I've checked into a high-security hotel."

His lips twitched in what might have been the beginning of a smile, but it never fully formed. "The security is for your protection, Elena. You've seen why it's necessary."

Her frustration bubbled to the surface. "I agreed to this arrangement to save my father's gallery, not to live in a gilded cage."

Aiden's expression darkened, and he stepped closer, his gray eyes locking onto hers. "This isn't a cage. It's a fortress. And whether you like it or not, it's the only thing standing between you and whoever sent that message."

His intensity took her breath away, but she refused to let him intimidate her. "I can take care of myself," she said firmly.

"Not in my world," Aiden countered, his voice dropping to a near growl. "You don't understand the lengths people will go to for leverage. You're my wife now, Elena. That makes you a target."

The word wife hung in the air between them, heavy and complicated. For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Finally, Aiden stepped back, his composure slipping back into place. "Dinner is at eight," he said, his tone cool once more. "I suggest you join me."

Without waiting for her response, he left the room, the door clicking shut behind him.

---

Later that evening, Elena reluctantly made her way to the dining room. The table was absurdly long, its surface adorned with crystal and silver. Aiden sat at the far end, his phone in hand, his expression focused.

He glanced up as she entered, gesturing for her to sit. "You're punctual. I wasn't sure you'd come."

"I'm not here for you," she replied, taking a seat. "I'm here because skipping meals won't solve anything."

A faint smile ghosted across his lips, but he said nothing.

The meal was exquisite, though Elena barely tasted it. Her mind kept drifting to the unknown number and the unsettling feeling of being watched.

As the plates were cleared, Aiden leaned back in his chair, studying her. "There's something I need to tell you," he said, his voice low.

Her heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"

Before he could answer, his phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen, and for the first time since she'd met him, Elena saw a flicker of unease in his expression.

"What's wrong?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aiden stood abruptly, slipping the phone into his pocket. "Stay here. I'll handle it."

"Handle what?" she demanded, standing as well.

His gaze hardened. "I said, stay here."

He strode out of the room before she could argue, leaving her alone with a growing sense of dread.

Moments later, the sound of raised voices echoed down the hall. Elena hesitated, torn between staying put and following. Finally, curiosity won out, and she crept toward the source of the commotion.

She rounded the corner and froze. Aiden stood in the foyer, his back to her, facing a tall man dressed in black. The man's voice was low and menacing, but Elena caught enough to send a chill down her spine.

"You should've kept your secrets buried, Thorn. Now they'll cost you everything."

Elena's breath hitched, and the floor beneath her seemed to tilt. What secrets?

Before she could process what she'd heard, the man turned his head slightly, his dark eyes locking onto hers.

A sinister smile spread across his face. "Ah, the new Mrs. Thorn. I was wondering when we'd meet."