Chapter 3

Seraphina's POV

Three days later, I stared at my reflection when I heard familiar footsteps approaching down the hallway. My heart lurched.

Caspian entered, carrying an elegant jewelry box. He looked grimmer than usual—the kind that made my blood run cold.

"There's an important gala tonight," he said, placing the jewelry box in front of me. "The business elite will be there, including some... less than friendly faces."

I nodded, trying to look calm while my thoughts spun. Who was he talking about?

Inside was a sapphire necklace and matching earrings that sparkled brilliantly in the sunlight. His fingers traced the necklace while his eyes never left mine.

"You need to be on your best behavior," he said softly, each word hitting like a punch. "Everyone will be watching us tonight"

I nodded quickly, while reading between the lines. This isn't just a social event—it's some kind of test. He wants to parade me around like a trophy, proving the Blackwood family's power and status.

And I can't make a single mistake.

He stood behind me and personally fastened the necklace around my neck. The cool gemstones pressed against my skin, but his fingertips were even colder. When his fingers brushed the nape of my neck, I couldn't help but shiver.

"Nervous?" he whispered in my ear, his breath warm against my skin. "Don't be afraid. As long as you behave, nothing will happen."

The words sounded like comfort but felt like a threat. In the mirror, I caught his gaze—deep as the night, concealing dangers I couldn't begin to understand.

By dusk, dressed in the deep blue evening gown he'd selected for me, I sat in the back of his luxury car. As we drove through the city, my hands were sweating.

"Remember," Caspian suddenly spoke, his voice particularly deep in the enclosed space, "tonight you only need to stand beside me, smile, and nod. Nothing else."

I nodded emphatically, my heart hammering.

The hotel ballroom was exactly as he'd described—filled with the city's business elite. Under crystal chandeliers, designer suits and diamond necklaces everywhere, all smiles hiding sharp teeth.

I clung to Caspian's arm, maintaining a graceful smile. Every look felt like an interrogation that made me feel like an animal on display.

"Caspian, it's been a while," a voice called from behind us.

I turned to see a man of about fifty, silver-haired but sharp, with eyes sharp as a hawk's. A young, beautiful woman accompanied him, but his attention laser-focused on me.

"Henry." Caspian's voice instantly dropped several degrees, though his face maintained a business-like smile. "Didn't expect to see you here."

Henry? I recalled the phone conversation I'd overheard at breakfast—this was Caspian's competitor. My nerves pulled even tighter.

"Of course I came to offer my congratulations." Henry's gaze lingered on me, looking me over like I was for sale. "I hear you're newly married. Your wife must be quite special?"

"Indeed she is." Caspian's hand lightly caressed my waist, possessiveness creeping into his voice. "My wife is extraordinary."

Henry smiled, a smile that reminded me of a reptile. "I hear your wife isn't much of a talker? What an... interesting choice."

His words carried obvious mockery and provocation, implying I wasn't worthy of someone of Caspian's status. heads turned our way, anticipating drama.

I struggled to maintain my smile, but anger burned inside me.

"It's understandable though," Henry continued, deliberately raising his voice, "some women only need beauty, isn't that right?"

A few people snickered. My cheeks began to burn, not from embarrassment, but from rage.

I felt Caspian's hand tighten, his muscles tensing. But he said nothing, just watched me silently, waiting for something.

Henry, apparently pleased with his "wit," pressed on: "I've always admired women who support from the shadows—no need for talent, just obedience."

In that moment, something in me snapped completely.

"I think some people are even worse at communication—they only know how to take cheap shots from behind."

The moment the words left my mouth, I knew I was doomed.

The room went dead quiet. All conversation stopped, all eyes focused on me. Even the champagne glasses stopped clinking.

Henry's eyes widened, his expression morphing from smugness to shock, then to a kind of gleeful anticipation.

"Oh?" His voice dripped with schadenfreude. "So Mrs. Blackwood's condition has miraculously improved? What an... unexpected delight."

My knees went weak, my mind blank with panic. Everyone knew Cordelia was mute, and I had not only spoken but delivered a sharp retort. I had completely exposed myself!

I couldn't bear to look at Caspian's face, but Danger radiated off him—that suffocating silence more terrifying than any storm.

"It seems we've all underestimated Mrs. Blackwood's... recovery abilities," Henry's smile grew increasingly radiant, like someone witnessing a spectacular show. "How wonderful. Now we'll get to hear more of Mrs. Blackwood's insights in the future."

I fought to keep my legs steady, with only one thought in my mind: It's over. Everything is over.

On the ride home, the silence in the car was more terrifying than death itself.

Caspian hadn't uttered a single word, hadn't even glanced my way. He just sat there, neon signs flashing across his face, as cold and severe as a statue.

My hands trembled uncontrollably on my knees as my mind raced through possible outcomes. What would he do to me? Kill me to silence me? Or would he use some more cruel method?

I stole a glance at him. That perfect profile showed no emotion whatsoever, but his calm scared me more than anger would have. An enraged Caspian might be manageable, but a calm Caspian...

The car stopped at the mansion's entrance, and the driver respectfully opened our doors. My legs barely functioned; I nearly fell getting out of the car.

Dim lighting cast long shadows in the foyer, creating an oppressive atmosphere. I followed Caspian, each step like walking to my death.

The moment we stepped inside, he suddenly turned around.

Caught off guard, I was pushed against the wall, my back hitting cold marble. His hands planted on either side of me, completely trapping me between him and the wall.

"Darling, so you can speak after all," his voice quiet but deadly. "Were all those sounds in bed fake too?"

I closed my eyes, waiting for death to come. I expected him to grab my throat or end my life some other way.

Instead, I felt his lips.

He kissed me fiercely, with an intensity and wildness that left me breathless. This wasn't a gentle kiss but a mixture of possession, anger, and some emotion I couldn't comprehend.

My mind went blank. This was nothing like what I'd imagined. I thought he would kill me, but he was kissing me?

His arm encircled my waist, pulling me closer, crushing me against him. his chest rising and falling, hear his heavy breathing, feel the violent beating of his heart.

When he finally released me, we were both gasping for air. His eyes burned with something dangerous.

"Starting tomorrow," his voice was hoarse and deep, his finger gently tracing my swollen lips, "you're no longer mute."

I stared at him blankly, completely failing to understand what he meant.

His smile was both dangerous and captivating, particularly mysterious in the dim light. "Since the secret's out, let's play a more interesting game."

My heart pounded wildly in my chest, whether from fear or something else even more dangerous, I couldn't tell.

Watching his back as he turned and headed upstairs, I realized tonight's incident wasn't an ending, but the beginning of an even more dangerous game.

A game I wasn't sure I knew how to play.