Unexpected Defense

Unexpected Defense

The day before the grand celebration, the Knight mansion buzzed with preparations, each corridor echoing with hurried footsteps and crisp instructions. Alina moved through the chaos with quiet urgency. but her mind wasn’t on flower arrangements or chandelier placements.

It was on him.

Since the stormy confrontation that had unfolded. one she remained unaware of. Aaron hadn’t shown himself. She hadn’t seen him since morning. No glimpse. Not even a shadow.

She could picture him perfectly, pacing, lighting one cigar after another, bruising his knuckles against an innocent wall. And still, she hadn't managed a moment to check on him.

It was strange how deeply she understood him in such a short time. But it was true. She knew the rhythm of his silence, the storm behind his stare. Perhaps better than the people who’d known him for years.

I just hope he slept.
The thought wouldn't stop looping in her head.

Then, as she passed the staircase, she froze. There he was.

Aaron stood at the far end of the hallway, speaking quietly to Emma. His usual stoic expression carried a shadow. something darker, heavier.

Their eyes met.

Just a brief glance. But it stole her breath.

His charcoal eyes, so commanding, were rimmed with exhaustion. And his right hand, raw and red across the knuckles.

She blinked. Her throat tightened.
He had noticed her stare. He always did.
But neither of them could reach out. Not here. Not with eyes watching.

All day, she searched for a moment alone with him. But between vendors, guests, and the whirlwind of final touches, the opportunity never came.

…

The Next Evening

Golden light flooded the Knight estate. Ivory drapes glowed. Crystal chandeliers spilled diamonds across marble floors. The air shimmered with perfume, champagne, and secrets.

Upstairs, Alina fastened her earrings, her fingers steady despite the storm beneath her skin. Her reflection looked composed. Her nerves did not agree.

The door creaked open without a knock. She didn't look to check as she knew it's her so-called husband.

He leaned against the doorframe, his smirk curdled with venom. His gaze slid down her figure like oil, ignoring the glint of disgust in her eyes.

“Well?” he drawled. “You look stunning tonight, wifey.”

He stepped inside. “Made up your mind yet? Or are we still playing the innocent act?”

He asked as he was expecting to see the usual fear in her eyes. But, to his amusement. She ignored him.

She applied her lipstick slowly, carefully as if he were no more than a shadow in the room.

Lucas chuckled. “Still pretending? That’s getting boring.”

Again Silence. Her lack of reaction was sharper than a slap.

It triggered his worst part. He moved fast, suddenly behind her, hand circling her throat. hard enough to leave a mark, glaring at her angrily through the mirror.

“You think you’ve grown brave huh?” he hissed in her ear. “I still own the leash. One word from me, and everyone downstairs will know what a filthy little whore you were. not to forget your recent hide and seek romance with my brother. it takes a minute to tear off your perfect daughter in law status, do you want that?”

His grip got harder as her face turned red due to lack of breath. But she didn't struggle, she didn't beg, her hands gently rose, She peeled his fingers from her neck. calmly, coldly. and turned to face him with clear eyes.

“Go ahead,” she said. “Tell them. Tell them what we've been doing since we got married.”
Lucas blinked, the cruel smirk on his face slowly vanishing as he can see where she is leading.

She stepped closer. Her tone turned quiet. Deadly.

“And don’t forget to include how you sold your wife to business partners for deals. For money.”

She whispers the last words as she feels him looking at her with a rapidly pumping heart. She smiles as she smooths his curled shirt.

“You may have my secrets, Lucas. But so do I. If you try to burn me, I’ll make sure you burn with me. So be my guest. Let's destroy each other together.”

For once, Lucas had no words. He stood frozen, lips parted, breath shallow. This is not what he had expected to get from her. His eyes were still looking at her out of shock.

Alina smoothed the hem of her gown, gave him one last look, and walked past him like a queen leaving a crumbled pawn.

….

Downstairs

The ballroom was a portrait of elite grandeur. Laughter drifted through the air like music. Champagne flutes clinked. The Knight name glittered across every polished surface.

Alina descended the staircase like a vision. Chin lifted. Smile poised. No one could tell she had just been assaulted upstairs.

She wore her role to perfection. the adored daughter-in-law of a billionaire clan.

But one man saw through the flawless performance.

Aaron had been waiting all day. restless, pacing, haunted by her absence. His eyes had searched for her in every corner, every reflection, every passing shadow.

And then, finally, she appeared.

Descending the staircase like a vision in black satin, Alina stole the breath from his lungs. The gown hugged her frame like it had been stitched by sin itself, her hair cascading over her shoulder, her expression unreadable.

For a moment, he was caught. completely, devastatingly caught. She was breathtaking.

But the awe didn’t last.

His gaze sharpened as he noticed it. the faint red imprint marrying the side of her neck.

Finger marks.

His entire body tensed. The air left his chest in a silent hiss. The calm shattered.

He touched her.
No, He dared to hurt her.

His fists clenched. His jaw ticked. The image alone made his blood run wild with fury. The thought of what might’ve happened upstairs twisted like a blade in his gut.

He took a step forward. eyes burning, ready to tear through the crowd, take her hand, tilt her chin, and demand the truth. He didn’t care who was watching. He needed to see her up close, to hear her say she was okay.

But then,

“Surprise.”

A voice too sweet, too smug, coiled around him. Slender arms wrapped around his torso from behind, halting him mid-step.

“Aaron.”