The car hummed softly as it glided through the darkened streets. The faint glow of streetlights slipped past the windows, illuminating Yuna's delicate profile. She sat with her hands folded neatly in her lap, sneaking glances at Lucas. His face was unreadable, his attention fixed on the passing scenery.
The silence between them was thick, almost unbearable. Yuna cleared her throat softly and ventured, "So… the ceremony went well, don't you think?"
Lucas barely turned his head, his response a noncommittal hum.
Yuna frowned. Determined to break the icy silence, she tried again. "It's a nice night, isn't it? The stars are so bright."
This time, there was no reply.
She clenched her fists, frustration bubbling under the surface. What? Am I a stranger or something? she thought bitterly. I'm your wife, for heaven's sake!
Resigned, she turned her attention to the window, letting the cool glass soothe her rising irritation. The streets gave way to the outskirts of the city, where towering trees and sprawling estates replaced the bustling chaos of urban life. Her eyelids grew heavy, exhaustion from the day's events creeping in.
The car finally pulled up to a grand mansion, its towering facade illuminated by soft garden lights. The structure was breathtakingly large, a testament to the wealth and power of the man she had married.
The driver quickly stepped out and opened the door for her. Yuna slid out of the car, clutching her gown to avoid tripping on its heavy fabric.
"Follow me," Lucas said, his voice as cold and sharp as the night air. Without waiting for her response, he strode toward the mansion's grand entrance.
Yuna hurried after him, her heels clicking against the polished stone pathway. Inside, the mansion was even more impressive. High ceilings adorned with intricate chandeliers, marble floors that gleamed under the golden light, and walls lined with expensive artwork—it was like stepping into a palace.
She barely had time to take it all in before Lucas stopped in front of a door.
"This is your room," he said, his tone clipped and matter-of-fact.
Yuna blinked, looking from the door to his face. "You mean… our bedroom?" she asked hesitantly, hoping he had misspoken.
"No," Lucas replied, his dark eyes meeting hers with icy detachment. He pointed down the hallway. "Mine is that one."
Her heart sank. So far from mine, she thought, staring at the door he had indicated. The distance felt symbolic, a tangible representation of the emotional chasm between them.
"Fair enough," she said, masking her disappointment with a forced smile. She didn't have the energy to argue, nor did she see the point.
Lucas nodded curtly, stepping aside to let her enter.
Yuna pushed open the door, revealing a lavishly decorated room. The bed was massive, covered in silky white sheets and an array of plush pillows. A crystal chandelier hung above, casting a warm glow over the elegant furniture and soft carpeting.
She walked in slowly, taking in the space that was now hers. Lucas stood in the doorway, watching her with an unreadable expression.
"I'm going to my room," he said after a moment. "If you need anything, you can tell the servants. Don't disturb me unless it's important. And by important, I mean really, really important."
His tone was firm, almost dismissive, and it made Yuna's blood boil.
"Really, really important," she mimicked under her breath as he walked away. She flopped onto the bed, letting out a frustrated groan.
"Ugh!" she cried, kicking off her heels. "Who does he think he is?"
But as her anger simmered, reality sank in. What else could she have expected? This was an arranged marriage, a business deal. It wasn't like he had any feelings for her.
"But isn't he an alpha?" she muttered to herself, sitting up. A sly grin spread across her face. "Heh, I can use my pheromones."
The idea was too tempting to resist. If Lucas thought he could keep her at arm's length, she would prove him wrong.
Yuna adjusted her dress, smoothing out the fabric before stepping out of her room. The hallway was quiet, her footsteps muffled by the thick carpet as she approached his door. She hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering over the wood.
This is your chance, Yuna. Go ahead. Do it.
Taking a deep breath, she knocked.
"Come in," Lucas's voice called, calm and stoic as ever.
She pushed the door open, peeking inside. His room was just as luxurious as hers, though more subdued in color and decor. Lucas was seated at a large desk, his back straight and his attention focused on a stack of papers. He wasn't in his suit anymore, but even in his comfortable clothes, he exuded authority.
He glanced up, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. "Need something?"
Yuna's heart raced, but she forced herself to appear calm. Feigning innocence, she said, "I… I can't unzip my dress."
She turned slightly, showing him the zipper at the back of her gown. It was a valid excuse—there was no way she could reach it on her own. But her motives weren't entirely pure. She wanted to see how he would react, if her scent would affect him.
Lucas stared at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a resigned sigh, he stood up.
"Come here," he said, his voice low and commanding.
Yuna's breath hitched as she stepped closer. He was taller than her, and his presence was almost overwhelming. She turned her back to him, her hands gripping the front of her dress nervously.
Lucas's fingers brushed against her back as he took hold of the zipper. His touch was light, professional, but it sent a shiver down her spine nonetheless.
The scent she had subtly released into the air wasn't overpowering, but it was unmistakable. It lingered between them, warm and inviting.
Lucas paused for a fraction of a second, his hand still on the zipper. Yuna bit her lip, her heart pounding. Is it working? she wondered.
But if he was affected, he didn't show it. He continued unzipping the dress with practiced ease, his movements steady and controlled.
"There," he said, stepping back. His tone was as neutral as ever.
Yuna turned to face him, searching his face for any sign of a reaction. But his dark eyes were calm, his expression unreadable.
"Thank you," she said softly, trying to mask her disappointment.
"Anything else?" he asked, crossing his arms.
She shook her head, taking a step back. "No, that's all."
"Good," Lucas said, returning to his desk without another word.
Yuna lingered for a moment, unsure of what to do. Finally, she turned and left the room, closing the door quietly behind her.
As she walked back to her own room, her thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and frustration. Why didn't it work? Isn't he an alpha?
She flopped onto her bed with a groan, staring up at the ornate ceiling. "This is going to be harder than I thought," she muttered.