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Hayden drove them to their mansion in silence, the soft hum of the engine the only sound between them. The ride was tense, with unspoken words hanging in the air. Melissa stared out the window, her mind racing with thoughts of the party ahead and the strained relationship she had with Hayden. She knew the life she was living was far from what she had imagined, but there was no escaping it now.
When they reached the mansion, the large iron gates slowly opened, revealing the grandeur of the estate. The driveway was long, lined with tall trees that cast shadows over the pristine gardens. Hayden parked the car in front of the entrance, the mansion towering above them, its elegant design bathed in the soft glow of the evening lights. Without a word, they both stepped out of the car.
Inside, the mansion felt as cold and distant as their relationship. It was luxurious, yes, but lacked the warmth of a true home. Hayden immediately headed upstairs to prepare for the party, while Melissa lingered in the foyer for a moment, her thoughts heavy. She wasn't ready to face the evening, let alone Hayden, but she knew she had no choice.
Upstairs, Hayden walked into the sleek, marble-tiled bathroom, turning on the shower. The steam filled the room as he stepped under the hot water, letting it wash away the tension in his muscles. His thoughts, however, remained focused on Melissa. She was a puzzle to him—defiant, yet vulnerable; trapped in a life she didn't choose, yet still determined to maintain her dignity.
After his shower, Hayden dressed quickly, slipping into a tailored black designer suit that hugged his frame perfectly. Underneath, he wore a crisp white shirt, paired with polished black shoes that gleamed in the low light. He combed his fade haircut meticulously, every strand falling into place. The mirror reflected a man who appeared calm and composed, but underneath the surface, his emotions churned, a storm brewing just beneath his controlled exterior.
When he was ready, Hayden made his way to the sitting room, sinking into the plush leather sofa. He toyed with his car keys absentmindedly, his gaze fixed on the ground as he waited for Melissa. Minutes passed, and his patience began to wane. He glanced at the clock, tapping the keys against his knee. Still, she hadn't appeared.
Just as he was about to get up and check on her, the soft click of high heels echoed down the hallway. His head snapped up, and when he saw her, his breath caught in his throat.
Melissa walked toward him slowly, her presence commanding the room. She was dressed in a deep crimson, silky gown with spaghetti straps that draped over her shoulders delicately. The high slit revealed her smooth, flawless skin with every step she took, her legs moving gracefully beneath the fabric. The color of the dress contrasted beautifully with her skin, making her look radiant and striking.
She wore a pair of black, chunky heels that added to her height, accentuating her long legs. Her hair was styled in elegant 'S' waves that cascaded down her back, soft and polished. Her makeup was perfect—her eyes lined with precision, lashes long and curled. The red matte lipstick on her lips was bold, seductive, and impossible to ignore. A pair of dangling silver earrings caught the light as she moved, matching the delicate silver bracelet on her wrist. In her hand, she clutched a glittering black clutch.
As she stopped in front of him, Hayden's eyes were glued to her. He had never seen her like this before—so stunning, so utterly breathtaking that for a moment, he forgot to speak. His chest tightened, and his mouth went dry as he stood up slowly, moving toward her.
"You're so stunning," he murmured, his voice low, almost a whisper. He stepped closer, his gaze locked on hers. "I almost don't mind making an heir with you… tonight."
Melissa's heart skipped a beat at his words. She swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry. The playful, teasing tone in his voice made her pulse quicken, and the intensity in his eyes made her skin tingle. She stood frozen, unsure how to respond. The air between them seemed to crackle with a tension that had been building for far too long.
She clenched her clutch tighter, blinking rapidly as Hayden moved even closer. There was no space left between them now—his presence overwhelming, his scent intoxicating. She could feel the warmth of his body against hers, the heat of his breath as he leaned in, his face mere inches from hers.
Melissa's mind was racing. She had spent so much time resenting Hayden, resisting the life she had been forced into, but at this moment, she felt something different. There was an undeniable pull between them, a magnetic force that she couldn't ignore, no matter how much she wanted to.
She remained silent, her breath shallow as she stared into his eyes. Hayden's gaze flickered down to her lips, and for a brief moment, she thought he might kiss her. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her hands trembled as she tried to maintain her composure.
But then, just as quickly as the moment had come, Hayden pulled back slightly. His eyes, which had been full of heat and desire, cooled as he stepped away, giving her space. He cleared his throat, breaking the spell that had fallen over them.
"Let's go," he said, his voice returning to its usual calm tone. But there was something different in his expression now—something softer, more uncertain.
Melissa nodded, still too stunned to speak. She adjusted the strap of her dress, trying to steady her breathing as she followed him toward the door. Her mind was still spinning from the intensity of the moment, but she forced herself to focus on the task at hand. The party. The charade she had to play as Hayden's wife.
As they stepped outside, the cool night air hit her skin, bringing her back to reality. The car was waiting, and Hayden, ever the gentleman, opened the door for her. She slipped inside, her heart still racing, her thoughts a jumble of confusion and emotions.
Hayden joined her in the car, and as they drove toward the party, the silence between them was thick with unspoken words. Melissa glanced at him from the corner of her eye, wondering what he was thinking. There was a part of her that wanted to ask him, to break the tension, but she stayed quiet, unsure of what she even wanted to hear.
The mansion grew smaller in the distance as they sped down the road, but the unresolved emotions lingered between them, simmering just beneath the surface. And as they approached the party, Melissa couldn't help but wonder what the night would bring—and how much longer she could resist the pull she felt toward the man she had vowed to hate.