A Forced Contract Marriage with the Devil novel Chapter 15

Chapter 15

ALESSANDRO’S POV

The ride back to my estate was silent. Nikolai sat beside me, his body rigid, his hands clenched into fists in his lap. He hadn’t spoken a word, but I could feel the tension radiating off him in waves, thick and suffocating.

Good.

Let him simmer in his frustration. Let him understand that resistance was futile.

As we stepped inside, the grand entryway swallowed him whole. The chandeliers cast a warm glow over the polished floors, but the weight of the moment dulled the elegance. He stood there, stiff and uncertain, like an intruder in his own life. Because that’s exactly what he was.

Mine to do with as I pleased.

I shrugged off my coat and gave him a once–over, unimpressed. “Go clean yourself up,” I ordered coolly. “You look pathetic.”

His flinch was slight, but I caught it. He didn’t argue, didn’t snap back like he wanted to. Instead, he turned and made his way up the stairs, disappearing into the room that was now his–though it had never truly belonged to him. Nothing here did.

As the sound of his door clicking shut echoed through the halls, I exhaled slowly, rolling the tension from my shoulders. I had won this battle, but the war was far from over.

Minutes passed. I poured myself a drink, savoring the way the rich liquid burned down my throat. Then, I made my way to his room, knocking firmly on the door.

“Get dressed and come downstairs,” I said, my tone leaving no room for disobedience. “We have things to discuss.”

Silence.

I waited, and just when I considered knocking again, I heard movement inside. Good. He was

learning.

When he finally entered the dining room, his steps were hesitant, wary. I watched him approach, watched the way his eyes flickered to the untouched plate of food at his seat. He wouldn’t eat. I knew that already. He was too stubborn, too caught up in his own emotions.

I swirled the wine in my glass before setting it down. “Sit.”

1/3

Chapter 15

He did, though tension still lined his frame. His hands curled into fists beneath the table, his shoulders squared. He was trying to appear strong, but he was exhausted.

Tomorrow, we’ll begin adjusting you to your new role,” I said simply.

His head snapped up. “New role?”

I took a slow sip of my wine, watching him over the rim. “You married me, Nikolai. And that meanst you will uphold your responsibilities as such. No more tantrums. No more useless resistance.”

His jaw tightened, a flash of defiance flickering in his dark eyes. “You can’t just expect me to accept

this overnight.”

I tilted my head slightly, a smirk playing at my lips. “I don’t expect you to accept it, Nikolai. I expect you to obey.”

He said nothing. He was smart enough to know arguing wouldn’t change anything, but I could see the war inside him, the desperate need to fight back.

Minutes stretched, thick with unspoken words. I let the silence settle, let him think–let him stew in his own helplessness.

Then, finally, he spoke.

“Alessandro…” His voice was careful, hesitant. But he wasn’t breaking–he was planning.

I didn’t answer immediately. Instead, I waited, sipping my wine as I let him force out whatever desperate plea he had been rehearsing in his mind.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify