SHADOWLESS LOVE

The morning began with a rude awakening.

"Aeron!"

I vaguely registered my father's voice but dismissed it, pulling the blanket over my head. Whatever disaster he'd conjured, he could handle it.

"Aeron Valentino, wake up!"

Still, I refused to budge, savoring the bliss of sleep.

"AERON, YOU LAZY SON OF A—GET UP! YOUR WIFE IS HERE!"

That got my attention. My eyes shot open, only to glare at the man standing at my bedside. "I'm a divorced man, Dad," I grumbled, my voice hoarse with sleep.

"The new one, you idiot!"

The shock hit me like a thunderbolt, and I bolted upright. "What?" I barked, fumbling for the nearest shirt. "Why the hell is Ivelle Ivanova in our house?"

"She's your fiancée, genius," he spat, yanking me to my feet. "And why didn't you tell me she looks like Erika?"

I froze mid-motion, feeling a pang in my chest. "I needed time to process it myself," I mumbled. "You didn't say anything weird to her, did you?"

"Me? Weird?" He scoffed, though his guilty look said otherwise. "Cassian got to her before I could do anything embarrassing."

We hurried down the corridor, our footsteps echoing in the vast space. The mansion's grandeur surrounded us like a silent witness to our chaos. Intricate chandeliers hung from a vaulted ceiling painted with scenes from Roman mythology. The marble floors gleamed under sunlight streaming through stained-glass windows, and portraits of stern ancestors lined the gold-trimmed walls, judging us silently.

"Aeron," he murmured. I glanced at his trembling hands. "Are you sure she's not her?"

"She's not," I replied, though my voice lacked conviction. "If Erika were alive, she'd come back to us. She wouldn't join that family."

He nodded numbly. "You're right. She'd never abandon us."

We reached the guest living room, and I took a deep breath before stepping inside. The room was a masterpiece of Valentino opulence. A Persian rug sprawled across the marble floor, its gold-threaded patterns shimmering in the light. Massive windows framed the view of the lush gardens, their sheer curtains fluttering gently. Sculptures of mythological figures stood guard in the corners, while a crystal chandelier cast prisms of light across the gilded furniture.

And there she was, standing by the grand fireplace like a queen surveying her domain.

Ivelle Ivanova was a vision of calculated elegance. Her black silk shirt, tucked into tailored pants, fit her perfectly. Rolled-up sleeves hinted at her effortless confidence, while her jewelry—a pink diamond rose necklace, pearl earrings, and a ruby bracelet paired with a red diamond ring—exuded understated power.

When she turned to face me, her smile was disarmingly sweet and razor-sharp.

"Good morning, Aeron," she said, her voice as smooth as velvet.

A shiver ran down my spine, though I masked it with a smirk. "You're quick to play the role," I remarked, striding toward her.

Without hesitation, she stepped closer, her heels clicking softly against the floor. She reached up, adjusting my collar with a familiarity that both intrigued and annoyed me.

"You're adapting well," I said, catching her wrist before she could pull away.

Her sapphire eyes locked onto mine, calm yet unreadable. "You promised me what I want. This is simply the price."

"Anything, huh?" I leaned in, my voice dropping to a low murmur. "Even if I push you to your limits?"

Her breath hitched, but her expression remained stoic. "Yes."

I chuckled, releasing her wrist. "Brave words, Princess. Let's put them to the test. Stay here for a week."

Her calm demeanor cracked ever so slightly. "What?" she asked, her voice sharp.

I shrugged nonchalantly. "We're getting married, aren't we? Consider it a trial run."

"That wasn't part of the deal," she snapped, her eyes flashing with irritation.

"Too many rules make a marriage dull," I countered smoothly. "And I think we both deserve to enjoy this arrangement."

Her lips curved into a cold smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Of course. I'll need to retrieve my belongings."

I laughed at her attempt to wiggle free. "Do I look like I can't afford clothes for my fiancée?"

Her jaw tightened, but she didn't argue.

Three knocks echoed from the door—a signal from Cassian. I turned to leave, but not before flashing her a victorious smile.

"Welcome to the Valentino mansion, Princess. I hope you enjoy your stay in my small domain."

Behind me, I could feel her icy glare boring into my back. Perfect. It's going to be interesting.