Chapter 1

October 5th.

At dinner, the crystal chandelier outlined Alex Carter's features with almost flawless precision. On the bone china plate sat slices of medium-rare steak, and the rich tannins of red wine hung in the air. Everything was just like the marriage I had meticulously crafted. I have a wealthy and exquisite marriage, but we have no love.

I absentmindedly jabbed at the asparagus on my plate with my fork, my fresh French manicure glimmering softly under the chandelier. Without looking at Alex, I kept my eyes fixed on the diamond bracelet he'd given me, and spoke up in a careless, almost childishly annoyed tone.

"Alex, my mom's been feeling under the weather lately. She's always home by herself, and it makes me kind of uneasy."

Alex paused for a moment, the knife making a soft scrape against the porcelain plate. Then he set down his utensils and took my hand, his fingertips are so warm. "What's wrong? What did the doctor say?" His brows furrowed slightly, and the concern in his eyes was textbook-perfect, just like always.

"It's nothing serious. She's just getting older, moves slowly and with difficulty." I said, lowering my gaze. And my long lashes cast a shadow over my eyes. I lowered my voice and continued, "My cousin Mark said maybe I should transfer the villa in the suburbs to his name. His wife just quit her job, so they could move in and look after my mom..."

Silence fell between us.

I could feel his grip on my hand getting tighter. My wrist started to ache from the pressure, but I didn't pull away. Instead, I obediently nestled closer to him, looking up with absolute trust in my eyes.

"Don't be silly," Alex's tone lowered, edged with undeniable authority. But he quickly softened, his words turning gentle as he tried to comfort me. "Emily, you're innocent. You can't trust everything your relatives say. That villa is something you owned before we got married, a safety net your mom left for you. How could you just give it away to someone else?"

I let slip a well-judged touch of vulnerability and confusion. "But... Cousin Mark really means well. And I don't know anything about property rights, transfers, it all just gives me a headache." I deliberately kept my words vague, playing the perfect canary who is only interested in love, and absolutely clueless about anything financial.

Alex smiled, which is a triumphant smile, like a hunter watching his prey step right into the snare. He released my hands and gently stroked my hair, as if he were calming a pet. "Don't be afraid, I'm here for you. Don't worry about these things. If you trust me, just sign an authorization, and I'll handle everything for you. I'm a hundred times more dependable than Cousin Mark."

I looked up at him, my eyes shining with delight and admiration, playing the part of a girl utterly smitten.

"Really? Alex, you treat me so well."

He looked at me with a soft, tender gaze. However, I could spot the greed and scheming I knew all too well. He looked at me like a lamb ready for the slaughter.

Good' I thought to myself. Acting like prey is the perfect disguise.