Chapter 5 Paper Chains

---

CHAPTER FIVE: Paper Chains

Elena

I couldn't breathe.

Marriage?

One year?

This wasn't a proposal-it was a contract, a prison wrapped in silk.

I looked around the empty restaurant, the polished floors, the flickering candle between us. The man in front of me didn't ask-he declared. Like I was something he'd already signed for.

I gripped the envelope tighter. "Why me?"

Leonardo's voice was smooth. "Because you're quiet. Because you don't want power or fame. Because you'll disappear when the time comes."

I felt the sting behind those words.

"And my brother?" I asked quietly.

"He'll have the best doctors. Full treatment. New apartment. Private security. Everything."

Tears threatened, but I blinked them back. "And what do you get?"

He leaned forward, eyes locked on mine. "Peace. Obedience. A wife who won't try to own me."

I hated him in that moment. For his arrogance. For his power.

But I hated the world more-for making me desperate enough to consider it.

---

Leonardo

She didn't say yes.

But she didn't walk away either.

That was good. It meant her mind was moving. Calculating. Drowning.

Exactly where I needed her to be.

She would say yes.

Not because she wanted me.

But because I knew what mattered to her-and I had it.

I always win.

Even when the game hasn't started.

---