Chapter 3 Uneasy Boundaries

The first night in Ethan’s penthouse felt like stepping into an alien world—one that was pristine, silent, and cold. The kind of luxury that screamed wealth but lacked warmth. Everything was immaculate, each surface untouched, like a showroom rather than a home. Emily lay awake in the guest room, trying to ignore the tension settling in her chest. She had chosen the room furthest from Ethan’s office, hoping for privacy. It hadn’t worked. The silence pressed down on her, suffocating in its perfection. Her life had changed so drastically in such a short time. The reality of her marriage hit her hard—it wasn’t built on love, mutual respect, or even choice. She was here because she had no other option. Ethan’s world felt like one she would never belong to. She glanced at the clock on the nightstand. Late. And yet, sleep remained elusive. The shadows seemed darker, the walls closing in. She hadn’t heard Ethan’s voice since their brief exchange earlier. He was a man of few words, but every one of them carried weight. Conversations with him felt like negotiations, even when there was nothing to negotiate. A knock on the door startled her. “Come in,” she said, her voice sharper than intended. The door opened slowly, revealing Ethan. His face was unreadable, his presence imposing even in the dim hallway light. He fit in this place, in its cold, sterile grandeur. She did not. “Need anything?” he asked, voice distant. “No,” she replied, forcing herself to sound steady. “Just… getting settled.” He scanned the room briefly, then nodded. “Good. I’ll be in my office if you need me.” And then he was gone, leaving her alone once more. The next few days passed in a blur of silence. Ethan was either locked in his office or gone completely. She avoided unnecessary interactions, finding solace in solitude. But as the days wore on, the quiet became unbearable. They were married in name only, living in the same space but existing in separate worlds. She felt like a ghost in her own home. On the third day… Emily sat at the kitchen table, absentmindedly scrolling through her phone when Ethan walked in, his presence instantly filling the space. His cold gaze swept the room, assessing as always. “We need to discuss the next steps,” he said, his tone blunt. She frowned. “Next steps?” “You need to start acting like my wife,” he stated, sitting across from her uninvited. “We need to present the image of a married couple. Attend social events. Meet the right people. There can’t be any slip-ups.” Her stomach clenched. “I thought we agreed this would be quiet. No one’s supposed to know the truth.” His expression remained unreadable, but his eyes sharpened. “The gala is in two days. We need to attend. It’s high-profile. No one will question our marriage if we show up together.” She stiffened. The idea of stepping into the public eye, pretending to be something she wasn’t, set her nerves on edge. “Fine,” she said, keeping her voice even. “But don’t expect me to enjoy it.” Ethan’s gaze didn’t waver. He was used to control, to people bending to his will. She was just another piece in his carefully constructed world. “You don’t need to enjoy it,” he replied coolly. “You need to do what’s necessary. This is no longer just about your protection. It’s about maintaining the image I’ve built.” A chill settled over her. She wasn’t here for herself. She was a tool, nothing more. But arguing was pointless. “I understand,” she said quietly. “I’ll play my part.” Ethan studied her for a moment before nodding. “Good. Because we’re both protecting more than just you now.” His words lingered as he walked away, leaving her with a new weight pressing down on her chest. Protecting more than just her? What did that mean? Later that evening… Emily stood in front of the mirror in the master bedroom, adjusting the strap of the black dress she had chosen for the gala. Sleek, simple, understated. She wasn’t dressing for herself—she was dressing for Ethan, for the façade they needed to maintain. A knock at the door made her straighten. “Come in,” she called. Ethan stepped inside. His sharp eyes scanned her briefly before looking away, his expression as unreadable as ever. “We should leave soon,” he said indifferently. “Remember, we’re a team in this. Don’t forget that.” And just like that, he was gone, leaving her alone with her reflection. We’re a team. She wasn’t sure she could trust Ethan enough to believe that. It felt like a carefully crafted illusion. But tonight, she had no choice but to play her part. As she adjusted the dress one last time, her phone buzzed on the nightstand. She reached for it absently, only to freeze when she saw the name on the screen. Jason. Her past was knocking at her door.