Chapter 4 exchanging well-rehearsed

The night dragged on in a blur of empty smiles and forced pleasantries. Seraphina played her role flawlessly, exchanging well-rehearsed words with New York's elite, letting the whispers of admiration and envy slide off her skin like silk.

Killian remained by her side, a shadow draped in authority, his presence an unspoken warning to anyone who dared overstep. He spoke in measured tones, his charm a weapon sharper than any blade. But beneath the polished surface, Seraphina could feel it-his amusement. He was enjoying this game far too much.

She refused to let him win.

By the time the last toast was made and the guests began to filter out, Seraphina had perfected the art of ignoring him. It wasn't until they stepped into the grand foyer of the Hawthorne estate, away from the prying eyes of high society, that the mask slipped.

Killian loosened the cuffs of his shirt, rolling them up with slow, deliberate movements. "You looked stunning tonight," he mused.

She arched a brow, slipping off the diamond earrings her father had forced upon her. "I wasn't dressing for you."

He smirked. "I never assumed you were. But you should know-every man in that room wanted you. And every woman wanted to be you."

Seraphina let out a dry laugh, unamused. "Is that supposed to flatter me?"

Killian stepped closer, his scent-a mix of whiskey, expensive cologne, and something inherently dangerous-wrapping around her like a noose. "No. It's a reminder."

She held his gaze, refusing to let him see the unease curling in her stomach. "Of what?"

His fingers traced the rim of the glass he had just poured himself, eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "That you belong to me now, sweetheart."

Her jaw clenched. "In contract, Killian. Not in any other way that matters."

He let out a low chuckle, taking a slow sip of his drink before setting it down. "We'll see."

She inhaled sharply, turning away before she did something reckless-like throw his glass against the wall just to see if he would finally lose that insufferable smirk.

"Three days," she muttered under her breath. "Three more days and then I'll be trapped in this circus of yours."

Killian tilted his head, studying her. "You say that like you haven't been trapped your entire life."

Seraphina froze.

He had struck too close. Too deep.

Her fingers curled into her palms. "The difference is, I never pretended to be free."

For the first time, his smirk faded, replaced by something quieter, sharper. "Neither have I."

The air between them thickened, charged with something she couldn't name. And for a fleeting moment, Seraphina saw something in his eyes-something almost human.

But then he turned away, retrieving his suit jacket from the back of the chair. "I'll have the driver take you home."

She exhaled, forcing steel back into her spine. "I can drive myself."

Killian merely hummed, amused. "I'm sure you can. But humor me."

She didn't argue. She was too tired, too drained to fight him on something so insignificant. So she let his driver take her back to the Aldridge estate, where the walls were just as gilded, just as suffocating.

Three Days Later – The Wedding Day

Seraphina stared at her reflection, the weight of the moment pressing down on her chest.

The gown was breathtaking-hand-stitched lace, custom-designed by one of the world's most sought-after designers. It fit her like a second skin, cinched at the waist, flowing down into layers of soft ivory fabric that pooled at her feet.

But it wasn't hers.

None of this was.

A knock at the door.

"Come in," she said, voice steady despite the storm raging inside her.

Her father entered, dressed in an elegant black tuxedo, his expression unreadable. "It's time."

She met his gaze in the mirror. "Tell me something, Father," she said, turning slowly. "Do you ever feel guilt? Or has it been too long since you sold your own soul for profit?"

William Aldridge's face remained impassive. "This is the best thing for you."

She laughed, bitter and cold. "No. This is the best thing for you. Let's not pretend otherwise."

Her father stepped closer, voice lowering. "You think I don't know what kind of man Killian is? I do. That's why I chose him."

Seraphina's breath hitched.

William's lips curved into a cruel smile. "Because you're just like him."

The words sank in like a knife to the ribs, sharp and deep.

She wanted to deny it. She wanted to throw the truth back in his face.

But she couldn't.

Because somewhere, in the darkest part of herself, she knew.

And that terrified her more than anything.

Taking a slow, steady breath, Seraphina straightened her shoulders. "Then I hope he's ready for a wife who won't be so easy to break."

William merely chuckled, stepping aside as she walked past him.

"Break him first, darling," he said. "That's how you win."

She didn't look back.

Because she had already decided-if Killian Hawthorne thought he could own her, he was about to learn just how dangerous it was to cage something that had never been tamed.