Chapter 5 The Chains of Expectations

Aurelia stepped out of the penthouse, feeling the suffocating weight of Rafael's last words clinging to her skin like an invisible shackle.

"Be back by dinner."

It wasn't a suggestion. It was a demand.

She hated that he had that kind of control over her now, hated that her entire life was no longer hers to dictate.

As the elevator doors slid shut, she leaned against the mirrored wall, exhaling slowly. Outside of this building, she could at least pretend she was still free.

The moment she stepped onto the bustling city streets, the oppressive air of Rafael's world lifted slightly. The morning sun cast a golden glow over Jakarta's skyline, and the rhythmic chaos of honking cars and chattering pedestrians felt alive-the opposite of the cold, lifeless penthouse she had woken up in.

She had nowhere specific to go, but she just needed to escape.

Her fingers itched to call Eloise, her best friend, the one person who would understand. But she hesitated. How could she even explain this mess?

"Hey, Eloise! Guess what? My parents sold me off in a business deal, and now I'm married to the guy who made my university life miserable. Fun, right?"

No. She couldn't say that. Not yet.

Instead, she wandered aimlessly through the streets, letting her thoughts drown in the sounds of the city.

But even freedom had its limits.

Because twenty minutes into her escape, she noticed them.

The black sedan, trailing her at a careful distance.

The man in a crisp suit, pretending to check his phone every time she glanced over her shoulder.

She wasn't stupid. She knew what this was.

"People are watching," Rafael had said.

No. He hadn't just meant the public.

He had meant his people.

He had sent someone to follow her.

Aurelia's fists clenched.

This wasn't just a marriage. This was surveillance. This was control.

She sucked in a sharp breath, forcing herself to stay composed. If Rafael thought she would be an obedient little wife, he had no idea who he was dealing with.

She picked up her pace, slipping into a crowded café and ducking behind a group of tourists. In the reflection of the window, she saw the suited man hesitate outside before choosing a table near the entrance.

He wasn't even trying to be subtle.

Fine. If he wanted to follow her, she'd make him work for it.

She spun on her heel, heading toward the back exit, weaving through tables and ignoring the confused glances of the staff. The door led to a narrow alley, and she stepped out, feeling the heat of the midday sun on her skin.

Then, she turned a corner-and crashed into someone.

Strong hands caught her arms before she could stumble back, and she looked up, startled.

Nathan.

Her heart clenched.

Nathan Callahan had been her first love. Her almost. The one who had slipped through her fingers before she ever had the chance to hold on.

"Aurelia?" His deep voice was laced with surprise. Then, concern. "Are you okay?"

For a second, she forgot how to breathe.

Because seeing him-here, now-felt like fate slapping her in the face.

"Y-Yeah," she stammered, stepping back. "I just-"

Her words died as Nathan's gaze swept over her. Then, his eyes darkened.

"You're married."

Aurelia stiffened.

His gaze had landed on the delicate diamond ring on her finger-the proof of the prison she was trapped in.

Nathan's expression shifted, a flicker of something raw flashing across his face.

"When were you going to tell me?" His voice was quiet, but there was an edge to it.

Aurelia swallowed hard. "It's... complicated."

Nathan let out a bitter laugh, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah? Because from where I'm standing, it looks pretty simple. You disappeared. And now, you're someone else's wife."

Pain twisted in her chest.

She had wanted to tell him. She had. But what would she have said?

"Sorry, Nathan. My family threw me into an arranged marriage with a man I despise. But hey, how have you been?"

Nathan shook his head, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Who is he?"

Aurelia hesitated. "It doesn't matter."

His jaw tightened. "It does to me."

A wave of guilt crashed over her. She owed him an explanation. But before she could say anything, a familiar, chilling voice sliced through the air behind her.

"Am I interrupting something?"

Aurelia's blood ran cold.

She turned, her breath catching at the sight of Rafael standing just a few feet away, his gaze locked onto Nathan with an unreadable expression.

But Aurelia knew Rafael.

And she knew that behind that blank stare, he was furious.