Bound by Lust

The engagement party had ended, but the mansion was still thick with the air of expectation. The grand rooms, now nearly empty, seemed quieter than ever. Esme sat alone in a lavish lounge, surrounded by empty glasses and the lingering scent of expensive wine. The weight of Charlotte's frosty glare and Nana's silence hung heavily on her shoulders. Even Grandpa's gentle smile couldn't shake the gnawing sense that everything in her life had shifted—irreparably.

She stared at the gleaming ring on her finger, its presence a stark reminder of the choice she had made. But despite the sparkling jewel, something inside her felt hollow. She had expected many things when she agreed to this engagement, but not this emptiness.

Maria's voice cut through her thoughts as she stood in the doorway. "Miss Esme? Are you alright?"

Esme glanced at her, forcing a smile. "I'm fine," she lied, trying to cover up the knot tightening in her chest. "Just... processing everything."

Maria didn't seem convinced but said nothing. Instead, she took a seat next to Esme, her expression gentle but knowing. "I understand. But you don't have to do this alone. We're here for you."

Esme nodded, feeling grateful for the comfort Maria offered. But even her kindness couldn't fill the void within her. Kael had vanished into the crowd, leaving her to fend for herself. She didn't know if that should have been a relief or another source of frustration.

Her thoughts drifted, and it was then that she heard the footsteps.

Kael.

He appeared at the doorway, his dark eyes scanning the room before they locked onto hers. His expression was as cold and indifferent as ever, offering nothing of warmth or comfort. His gaze was steady, but there was no tenderness, no recognition of her feelings—only the same dispassionate observation.

"Esme," he said, his voice low and devoid of emotion. "We need to talk."

She didn't answer immediately. Her chest tightened, but she stood up anyway, instinctively following him. The silence between them as they walked through the house felt like a chasm—no words, no explanations, just the sound of their footsteps echoing on the marble floor.

They reached a private study at the back of the mansion, and Kael motioned for her to sit.

"Sit," he ordered, his tone clipped and final.

Esme sat, trying to ignore the space between them, but his presence loomed over her like a shadow. She couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes; it felt like she was being scrutinized under a microscope, though his gaze didn't seem to care at all. It was like he was simply observing the situation, detached and removed from the reality of it.

"You've been distant tonight," Kael said, his voice carrying no concern, only a simple observation. His eyes flicked over her, his gaze weighing her like he did everything—without emotion, without care. "Is something bothering you?"

Esme hesitated. What was there to say? She didn't know why she was so unsettled, but everything felt off. "No," she answered, but the lie felt thin, unraveling with every word. "I'm just... trying to adjust. Everything's happening so fast."

Kael's gaze didn't shift. He didn't flinch, didn't show any empathy. His voice remained cold. "You knew this was coming when you agreed. It's not exactly a surprise."

Esme winced at his words. She knew he was right, but that didn't make the situation feel any easier. "I didn't think it would feel like this," she said, her voice quieter now, almost as if she was trying to convince herself.

He didn't respond immediately, instead leaning closer. His proximity sent a chill down her spine. There was nothing soft in his approach, no attempt to comfort. Only a sharp edge. "You made a choice. And there's no going back."

His words cut through her like a warning, but she couldn't decide if it was one she should heed or fear. He had said it so matter-of-factly, as if this was the only reality that mattered—no doubts, no second chances.

Esme swallowed the lump in her throat, staring straight ahead, unwilling to meet his eyes. "I didn't think I was allowed to turn back."

A small, almost imperceptible smirk tugged at the corner of Kael's lips. "Good. Because I don't plan on letting you."

The words were final, leaving no room for discussion. He didn't care about her hesitation or her fears—this was a transaction, a choice she had made, and he had no intention of letting her reconsider it.

Esme felt her stomach churn at the implications, but she remained silent. She wasn't sure if she felt relief or dread, and Kael's presence only made her feel more uncertain.

Without another word, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving her in the silence of the study.

The weight of the engagement—the weight of everything—settled deeper into her chest. As she sat alone, her heart felt like it was slowly sinking, dragging her down into the depths of something she wasn't sure she could escape.

****. ****. ****.