Chapter 2 She had been trained her whole life

Seraphina refused to blink under Killian's piercing gaze. She had been trained her whole life to navigate power struggles, but nothing had prepared her for the weight of his presence-calm, predatory, and utterly in control.

"You say I'm yours," she said, her voice unwavering. "But let's get something straight-I don't bow to men like you."

Killian chuckled, low and amused, as he casually walked toward the marble bar in the corner of the grand hall. He poured himself a drink, the amber liquid catching the light as he swirled it in his glass.

"I think you misunderstand, sweetheart." He turned back to her, taking a slow sip. "This marriage isn't about love. It's not even about you and me." His gaze flickered over her, sharp and assessing. "It's about control. And I don't lose control."

Seraphina stepped forward, hating the way his words sent an unwanted shiver down her spine. "Then you're in for a disappointment," she said coolly. "Because I don't plan on playing the obedient wife."

Killian smirked, setting his glass down. "Good. Obedient women bore me."

She clenched her jaw, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. But he was testing her, toying with the boundaries of this forced arrangement, and she wouldn't let him win.

A door opened behind them, and a tall, impeccably dressed man entered-the Hawthorne family's lawyer. He carried a thick folder, his expression neutral but efficient.

"The contract, Mr. Hawthorne," the man said, placing the documents on the polished mahogany table.

Seraphina knew what was in that folder. The legal terms that sealed her fate, binding her to Killian in a marriage that neither of them wanted. She hated that her father had played this game so well-using her as the final bargaining chip to secure the Aldridge name in the industry.

Killian slid the papers toward her, his fingers barely brushing the edge. "Sign it."

She met his gaze, searching for any sign of weakness, but he offered none. He was unreadable, his confidence infuriating.

Seraphina exhaled sharply, snatching the pen off the table. If this was a game of power, she would make sure he knew she wasn't an easy opponent. She signed her name with deliberate strokes, her signature bold and defiant.

Killian took the pen from her hand, his fingers lingering against hers just a second too long. Then, with the same ease, he signed his own name, his movements slow, deliberate.

"It's done," the lawyer said, gathering the documents. "The wedding will take place in three days."

Seraphina stiffened. Three days.

She had thought she would have more time, more space to figure out how to survive this, but it was clear Killian had no intention of waiting.

The lawyer left, leaving only the two of them in the massive room, suffocated by silence.

"Three days, huh?" Seraphina said, crossing her arms. "Fast, even for a business deal."

Killian leaned against the table, studying her like she was a puzzle he was eager to solve. "Why delay the inevitable?"

Her lips curled into a bitter smile. "You sound eager to trap me."

His smirk deepened. "Sweetheart, you walked into this cage all on your own."

Seraphina's fingers tightened around her arms. "You think this is a cage for me? Maybe you should consider that you're the one who's trapped."

Killian's amusement didn't fade. If anything, it grew. "Is that so?"

She took a slow step toward him, her confidence unwavering. "You think marrying me gives you control. But here's the thing, Killian-I don't break easily. You might have my hand in marriage, but you'll never have me."

Killian stared at her for a long moment, and then he laughed. A deep, rich sound that sent heat crawling up her spine.

"Oh, sweetheart," he murmured, pushing off the table, his towering presence closing the space between them. "Now you're making this fun."

Seraphina refused to step back. If he wanted to play this game, she would show him she wasn't someone to be underestimated.

Because if Killian Hawthorne thought he could own her, he was gravely mistaken.