Chapter 2: Under the Same Roof

Chapter 2: Under the Same Roof

The elevator hummed softly as it ascended to the top floor of Knight Enterprises’ towering skyscraper. Inside, I stood rigidly, my mind whirling as the doors slid closed. I was about to step into a world I had only ever dreamed of—and one I had never truly wanted to be a part of. Yet, here I was, bound to Alexander Knight in a contract that would shape the next three years of my life.

The air in the elevator felt thick, suffocating almost, but I forced myself to breathe steadily. I glanced at the polished steel walls and saw my reflection staring back at me: a woman who had just signed away her freedom. My heart hammered in my chest as I thought about what was to come.

The elevator finally came to a stop, and the doors opened to reveal a vast hallway. At the end, I could see the imposing door to Alexander’s penthouse suite. As I walked towards it, I felt the weight of my decision settling heavily on my shoulders. This wasn’t just a marriage of convenience anymore. I was about to move in with him—the Alexander Knight—the man who could crush me without a second thought.

I was both excited and terrified.

I had heard whispers about him for years. The cold, calculating CEO who took no prisoners. The billionaire whose name was synonymous with success and ruthlessness. The man who owned Knight Enterprises, a business empire that spanned across continents. But what had truly drawn me to him was the same thing that terrified me: his ability to get what he wanted, no matter the cost.

And now, I was going to be his wife, even if only in name.

The door opened with a soft whoosh, revealing an impeccably decorated penthouse. The space was sleek and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city below. There was a minimalist elegance to the place, everything carefully chosen to exude wealth and power without being ostentatious. The perfect reflection of Alexander’s personality.

I stepped inside, feeling small under the weight of everything that had just transpired. My heels clicked on the polished floors as I followed him into the living room, my pulse quickening with every step.

“I trust you’ll be comfortable here,” Alexander said in his usual cool tone, gesturing towards the spacious room. He took a seat on one of the leather armchairs, his presence radiating authority.

I nodded, trying to keep my composure. “I’ll manage.”

“Good,” he said, his eyes locking onto mine, sharp and calculating. “I have some rules that you’ll need to follow while we’re living together. First and foremost, this is a business arrangement, Sophia. You are not my wife in the traditional sense, and I expect you to keep that in mind.”

I bit my lip to prevent myself from responding too quickly. I knew what he was doing—establishing boundaries. He wanted to make it clear that our marriage had no emotional attachment, that I was just a pawn in his game. But I had no intention of playing by his rules. I had my own agenda.

“And what about your family?” I asked, my curiosity getting the best of me. “How will they react to this arrangement?”

Alexander’s lips curled into a brief, almost imperceptible smirk. “My family won’t be a problem. They understand that business is business. My mother may have some questions, but she’ll fall in line eventually.”

I could tell that he was more concerned about his own reputation than any personal relationships. Everything was about control for Alexander. He lived in a world where emotions had no place, only strategy and power. And I would need to play the game just as he did.

As the hours passed, I began to settle into the luxurious surroundings of Alexander’s penthouse. I was given a spacious bedroom with a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The bed was massive, the sheets soft and cool against my skin, but despite the comfort, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that hung over me like a heavy cloud.

I had been prepared for the business side of this marriage, but I hadn’t expected to feel this… disconnected. Living under the same roof as Alexander, surrounded by his wealth and influence, made me acutely aware of how little I truly had left. My family’s legacy was crumbling, and here I was, clinging to the last thread of hope in the form of a man who was as cold and untouchable as the very empire he controlled.

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The next morning, I woke up early, unable to sleep through the anxiety that gnawed at me. The first thing I did was sit at the sleek desk in my room, pulling out my laptop to review the documents I had received the previous evening. The contract marriage was set in stone, but there were still so many details to figure out. I needed to come up with a plan—a way to use Alexander’s resources to rebuild my father’s company. But there was one problem: Alexander Knight didn’t offer help for free.

He wanted something in return, I just hadn’t figured out what that was yet.

A soft knock on the door interrupted my thoughts.

“Sophia?” came Alexander’s voice, deep and commanding. “We need to talk.”

I hesitated for a moment before responding, “Come in.”

The door opened, and Alexander stepped inside, looking every bit the powerful CEO that he was. His sharp suit, his perfectly combed hair, and his piercing gaze made it clear that I was dealing with someone who never let his guard down. Not for anyone.

“I’ve scheduled a meeting with the board today,” he said, his voice calm yet firm. “You’ll be there, of course.”

I raised an eyebrow. “I’m not sure I understand. I thought our marriage was supposed to be a private matter. Why involve the board?”

Alexander walked over to the desk, leaning casually against it. “Because, Sophia, you are now my wife—even if it is a contract. People will be watching us, and I want them to know that you are a part of my world. This isn’t just for show, it’s a power move. And you need to learn how to navigate it.”

I nodded, taking in his words. Despite the coolness in his tone, I could sense a certain level of possessiveness in the way he spoke. It wasn’t just about the contract; he was marking his territory. And I had to be ready for whatever came next.

I had agreed to this marriage for a reason. It wasn’t just about saving my father’s company; it was about gaining the leverage I needed to survive in a world that didn’t care about anything but power.

But Alexander? He was a storm. A man who could either be my greatest ally or my worst enemy. And right now, I had no idea which one he would choose.

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Chapter 3 Preview:

Sophia attends her first board meeting as Alexander’s wife, feeling the weight of her new role.

Tension builds between her and Alexander as they continue their business arrangement, with secrets slowly beginning to unravel.

Sophia’s plans for the company begin to take shape, but not without obstacles.

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