Chapter 3 The Room That Became a Prison
The wedding reception was over. Alice was taken straight to Evan’s mansion. The black car came to a smooth stop in front of the lobby of a grand mansion designed in a modern minimalist style.
As soon as the door opened, the cold night air rushed over Alice. She stepped out with difficulty, lifting the heavy, trailing skirt of her wedding gown. Evan exited from the other side without any intention of helping her, not even sparing a glance at his new wife.
“Follow me,” Evan ordered curtly.
Their footsteps echoed across the polished marble floor. The servants bowed respectfully, but Evan passed them as if they were lifeless objects. He led Alice upstairs to a large wooden door that opened into his master bedroom.
The moment the door closed, Alice felt her chest tighten. The room was vast, dominated by dark gray and black tones. The dim lighting gave it an atmosphere that was both mysterious and oppressive.
Evan immediately shrugged off his tuxedo jacket and tossed it aside. He then began unbuttoning his white shirt, one button at a time, with slow, confident movements.
Alice stood stiffly near the door, her eyes accidentally catching the sight. When the shirt finally came off and fell to the floor, Evan’s athletic body was fully revealed. His broad chest and sharply defined abs were perfectly sculpted, every muscle clearly outlined under the muted light.
Alice quickly turned her face toward the wall, her cheeks burning. “Can you put your clothes back on?”
Evan let out a mocking chuckle and walked toward her at an unhurried pace. The sound of his steps against the floor felt like a threat closing in. “Why? Are you not used to seeing a beautiful body?” Alice stayed silent, still refusing to look at him.
Suddenly, Evan gripped both of Alice’s cheeks with one hand, forcing her to face him. “Listen, little girl,” Evan said in a low, chilling voice. “Never touch anything in my room. Everything here is far more valuable than your life. If you dare touch or damage even a single thing, your existence will disappear from this world. Do you understand?”
Alice nodded quickly, even though her cheeks ached under his grip. “I understand.”
Evan released her with a rough shove. He took a thin blanket from the wardrobe and threw it onto the long sofa in the corner of the room.
“You sleep on the sofa. I take the bed,” Evan said coldly. Without waiting for a response, he turned and entered the luxurious bathroom connected to the room.
The sound of running water soon filled the space. Alice let out a long breath, her shoulders sagging. She walked over to the large vanity surrounded by mirrors and froze as she stared at her reflection.
She was wearing an off-shoulder wedding gown adorned with shimmering crystals. A diamond necklace circled her neck, and her makeup made her eyes look larger and her lips full and soft.
“I look so beautiful,” Alice murmured, her fingers brushing the surface of the mirror.
She slowly turned, watching how the gown hugged her figure perfectly. Any woman might dream of wearing a dress like this, but for Alice, it was a nightmare.
“But I’m miserable,” she whispered, tears beginning to fall down her flushed cheeks. “This isn’t my life. Tonight I should be packing to move into my campus dorm, not trapped in the room of a man who hates me.”
With trembling hands, Alice began removing her expensive jewelry one by one. She struggled with the zipper at the back of her gown. After nearly fifteen minutes, the dress finally slipped down to the floor.
She changed into the knee-length cream silk lingerie the servants had prepared on the sofa. Curling up on the narrow couch, she wrapped herself in the thin blanket Evan had given her. The sound of rain began tapping against the windows, deepening the chill in her heart, until exhaustion finally pulled her into sleep.
Morning sunlight slipped through the curtains, but it was not what woke Alice. A thick document folder slammed into her face, jolting her awake.
Alice rubbed her heavy eyes and slowly sat up, still disoriented. In front of her stood Evan, already impeccably dressed. He wore a navy-blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, an expensive watch glinting in the light. His hair was neatly styled, and the scent of masculine cologne clung to him.
“Get up. Read that,” Evan ordered coldly.
Alice picked up the scattered papers. At the top, bold letters read: MARRIAGE CONTRACT AGREEMENT.
“What is this?” Alice asked hoarsely, her voice thick with sleep.
“Our contract. This marriage will only last three months,” Evan replied casually.
Alice scanned the clauses. Her eyes widened. “Three months?”
Evan looked at her with disdain. “Yes, just three months. Do you really think I want to marry you? I only needed someone to save face in front of the guests and business associates after Selena disappeared. Once things settle down and I track down Selena’s whereabouts, I will divorce you.”
Alice fell silent, her chest aching as his words sank in.
“Listen carefully, Alice,” Evan stepped closer and bent down until his face was level with hers as she sat on the sofa. “Never expect me to love you. My heart belongs to Selena alone. You are nothing but a tool to protect my family’s pride. After three months, you can go to your precious campus, and I will give you money to cover your tuition until you graduate.”
Alice clenched the papers until they crumpled slightly. “I don’t need your money. I have a scholarship.”
“Good. If you don’t need my money, then sign it. Or I’ll make sure your scholarship is canceled today.”
Alice stared at the pen Evan handed her. This was her only way out, her chance to keep studying, even if it meant selling her dignity for three months. She took the pen and signed her name on the stamped page.
“Done,” Alice said quietly, handing the folder back.
Evan took it with a satisfied, mocking smile. He turned to leave, but the phone on the bedside table suddenly vibrated violently. Evan answered the call.
In an instant, the calm on his face vanished. His jaw tightened, his eyes flashing with fury.
“What do you mean? Find her, no matter what!” Evan barked into the phone.
Alice watched him in confusion. “What’s wrong?”
Evan ended the call roughly. He turned to Alice, his gaze far sharper and colder than before, as if he wanted to crush her on the spot.
“It looks like our plan has changed,” Evan hissed.
“What do you mean?”
Evan stepped forward and grabbed Alice’s shoulder hard enough to make her cry out. “Selena didn’t run away alone. She left with the person I hate most in this world, and they took a major company secret with them.”
Alice swallowed hard. “What does that have to do with me? I already signed the contract.”
Evan leaned close to her ear, his voice a whisper like a demon’s. “It means that until Selena is found, you will never be allowed to set foot on that campus.”
Alice’s eyes widened. “But you promised…”
“Forget my promise,” Evan cut her off sharply. “From today on, you are no longer a substitute bride. You are a prisoner who will pay for all of Selena’s betrayal.”
Evan released her and walked toward the door. Before leaving, he paused and glanced back. “And one more thing. Don’t even think about calling anyone. I’ve completely cut off all your access to communication.”
The door slammed shut, leaving Alice frozen in place as tears finally fell, soaking into the marriage contract clenched in her hands.
“Selena is the one at fault,” she whispered weakly. “So why do I have to bear everything?”
