CHAPTER 10
The next day, William walked into Kate's room, with a long black gown.
"Put this on."
Kate looked at the long black gown William dropped on the bed.
She frowned. "What's this for?"
"We're going to a charity ball. Tonight."
"You could've asked nicely."
"I don't ask, Kate, I inform."
She picked up the dress. "You could also try being human."
He didn't reply. Just walked out.
******
The ballroom was full. Lights everywhere, Music soft. Cameras flashing. Rich people pretending to care.
Kate stood beside William. Eyes were on her. Whispers were sounding like a chirping cricket.
"She looks like a doll."
"She's not from our world."
"Poor thing. Doesn't know what she's in."
She clenched her teeth.
William didn't look at her once. He Just smiled for the cameras. Shook hands and Nodded.
Kate forced a smile. Took a glass of champagne.
Then another.
Then more.
"Slow down," his voice came beside her.
"I'm fine."
"You're not."
"I said I'm fine," she snapped, walking away.
She found a quiet spot. Near the corner. Sat on the velvet couch. Breathed in. Closed her eyes.
Everything spun.
Voices blurred. The Lights were too bright.
She opened her eyes slowly. William stood in front of her.
"Why are you here?" she slurred.
"To stop you from embarrassing both of us."
"Too late," she laughed bitterly. "They already hate me."
"You care what they think?"
"No," she paused. "Maybe yes. Maybe I just want to feel like I belong."
"You don't need their approval," he said quietly.
She looked up. "And yours?"
He sighed. "Let's go home."
"No."
"Yes."
"I don't want to go with you."
"I'm not asking."
He helped her up. She stumbled. He caught her. She leaned on him. His scent hit her. Warm and Strong.
They walked out. Paparazzi snapped. William shielded her face.
Inside the car, she rested her head on his shoulder. His hand stayed on her back, Light and Careful.
"You're warm," she mumbled.
He didn't speak.
At the mansion, he carried her upstairs. Gently. Like she was glass.
She opened her eyes halfway.
"You'll drop me."
"I won't."
"You're not cold tonight."
He didn't answer.
He placed her on the bed. Took off her heels.
She held his wrist.
"Don't go."
He froze.
She whispered, "Just stay... for once."
He stood,Then slowly sat beside her.
She closed her eyes. Minutes passed,Then—She felt his fingers brush her cheek. The touch was Soft.
She didn't move.
He whispered, "You don't know how dangerous this is."
She smiled faintly. "Then don't stop." She drifted off to sleep.
But William didn't move.
And when he finally stood, his eyes lingered on her face longer than they should have.
He walked out and Closed the door.
But outside, he didn't leave. He stood, his Back against the wall. Inside the room, Kate's eyes opened slowly.
She'd been awake the whole time.
And her heart wasn't ready for what she was starting to feel.
The next day Warmth was the first thing Kate felt. Soft breath on her neck. A firm arm around her waist. Her back pressed against someone's chest.
She opened her eyes slowly.
It was him.
William.
He was still asleep. His hand resting on her stomach. They were Close and Intimate and it's Real.
Her heart skipped but She didn't move.
She just stayed there. Let herself feel it, Just for a moment.
She wanted to feel the Peace,Comfort,Safety.
She closed her eyes again. Then his hand twitched.
He pulled back in a fast pace. It was like he touched fire.
She turned and Their eyes met.
He stood. "You were drunk."
She sat up. "I know."
"You needed help. That's all."
Her chest tightened. "Right."
"This doesn't change anything."
"Of course not."
"Our deal stands."
"I didn't ask for more."
He looked at her. Hard eyes. "Good."
She rose from the bed. Her voice is low. "Do you always run from anything real?"
He didn't answer.
She walked past him. Then stopped at the door.
"You were holding me," she said.
"It was a mistake."
"Felt like comfort."
"You imagined it."
She laughed bitterly. "No. You're just scared it meant something."
His jaw tightened. She left the room.
Downstairs, the staff kept their distance.
Kate sat at the breakfast table. She Barely touched her food.
William walked in. He was Dressed, looking Sharp and Untouchable.
"We're attending a business brunch. Be ready at ten."
She stared at him. "Still pretending nothing happened?"
"It was nothing."
"Liar."
He ignored her and Walked out.
She clenched her fists. Her heart didn't agree with him.
The hall was full of light, laughter, and high-society faces. Kate stood beside William, her hand linked with his. Her dress was perfect. Her smile was forced. Her heart was heavy.
He hadn't said much in the car. She hated these events. But she had to pretend. For the deal. For survival.
Then she saw her.
Gabriella.
She looks Tall, Stunning and Confident. Like she owned the room.
She walked toward them, her heels clicking sharp on the marble floor.
Kate felt the tension rise in William's body, but his face stayed blank.
"Darling," Gabriella said, her voice sweet with poison. "You brought her."
Kate forced a smile. "Good evening."
Gabriella didn't even look at her. She looked at William.
"I didn't expect you to downgrade so fast."
Kate's smile dropped.
William said nothing.
Gabriella turned to Kate, lips curved. "So. How does it feel marrying into a world you don't belong to?"
Kate blinked. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me. Look around. Do you see anyone like you here? Anyone wearing a dress off the sale rack?"
A few people nearby turned and Whispered.
Kate's hands trembled. "I don't need to impress you."
Gabriella laughed. "Oh honey. You can't even if you tried."
William stood still.
Kate turned to him. "You're not going to say anything?"
He met her gaze. "Why should I?"
Her throat tightened. "Because she's humiliating me."
"She's testing you," he said calmly. "Prove you can handle it."
Kate swallowed. Her cheeks burned.
Gabriella smirked. "He won't fight for you. Because he doesn't see you."
Kate looked at William again. "Is she right?"
He said nothing. That silence crushed her.
Gabriella stepped closer. "Let me give you some advice. Leave. Walk away before this world eats you alive."
Kate stared at her. Then something in her snapped.
"No," she said.
Gabriella raised a brow. "No?"
"I'm not going anywhere," Kate said, voice firm. "I didn't marry William to please you or anyone here. And I'm not scared of you."
There were Gasps that sounded like the building would collapse.
William's eyes narrowed.
Gabriella's smile cracked.
Kate stepped forward. "You don't scare me. You think you're strong because you're loud. But real strength is quiet. And I've been quiet for too long."
Gabriella looked stunned. Just for a second.
Then she stepped back.
Kate turned to William. "You can keep watching. But don't ever think I'll beg for your help again."
She walked away. Her Shoulders high and her Heart racing.
She didn't look back. William stood there, staring after her.