: Trapped in Gold
Eva woke up to the sound of distant murmuring voices and the faint aroma of coffee drifting through the air. For a moment, she forgot where she was. The bed beneath her was softer than anything she had slept on in years, the sheets crisp and luxurious against her skin.
Then reality crashed in.
She wasn't free. She was in Alexander Ricci's mansion, a prisoner in a golden cage.
Sitting up, she glanced around the room. The morning light spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a soft glow on the opulent furniture. A large walk-in closet stood to one side, its doors slightly ajar, revealing rows of expensive dresses. Everything about this place screamed wealth and power.
And none of it belonged to her.
A knock at the door startled her. Before she could answer, it opened, and a woman dressed in a sleek black suit stepped inside. She was in her mid-forties, her dark hair pulled into a tight bun, her expression unreadable.
"Good morning, Miss Eva," the woman said formally. "My name is Anna. I am Mr. Ricci's house manager."
Eva hesitated. "House manager?"
Anna nodded. "I oversee the household and ensure everything runs smoothly. Mr. Ricci has instructed me to assist you with anything you need."
Eva's stomach tightened. "And what exactly does he want from me?"
Anna's expression remained neutral. "Breakfast is ready. You should eat."
Eva didn't miss how she avoided the question.
Still, hunger gnawed at her. Reluctantly, she slipped out of bed, smoothing down the silk nightgown someone had dressed her in while she slept. The thought of hands touching her while she was unconscious made her skin crawl, but she pushed it aside and followed Anna through the grand hallways.
When they reached the dining room, Eva stopped short.
Alexander was already seated at the long, dark wooden table, sipping a cup of black coffee. He looked up as she entered, his piercing gaze raking over her in quiet assessment. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt, the top buttons undone, revealing a hint of his toned chest.
A king at his throne.
"Sit," he said simply, gesturing to the seat across from him.
Eva's legs felt stiff as she moved toward the chair. She sat down, her eyes darting to the plates of food before her—eggs, toast, fresh fruit, and a steaming cup of coffee. It had been so long since she had eaten a real meal.
Alexander watched her with a smirk. "Go ahead. It's not poisoned."
Eva hesitated, then slowly picked up a fork. The first bite of food felt foreign on her tongue, but once she started eating, she couldn't stop. She didn't even realize how desperately hungry she was until now.
Alexander leaned back in his chair, studying her. "I assume you have questions."
Eva swallowed hard, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "Why am I here?"
He took a slow sip of his coffee before answering. "I told you last night. You belong to me now."
Anger flared in her chest. "I don't belong to anyone."
His smirk deepened. "That's where you're wrong."
Eva gripped her fork tightly. "You paid for my freedom just to keep me trapped in another prison?"
Alexander set his cup down with a quiet clink. "Prison? Do you see bars around you, Eva?"
"No," she shot back. "But I also know I'm not allowed to leave."
Silence stretched between them.
Then, Alexander leaned forward, his voice dropping to a dangerous murmur. "You have no idea what kind of men wanted to buy you that night. If I hadn't stepped in, you'd be in a far worse situation right now. So if you're going to be angry at someone, be angry at your father for the debt he left behind. Be angry at James for selling you like property." His eyes darkened. "But don't be angry at me for saving you."
Eva's breath hitched. She hated that he made sense.
But that didn't mean she trusted him.
She looked away. "What do you want from me?"
Alexander was quiet for a long moment. Then, he leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable.
"Nothing," he said finally. "For now."
That last part sent a chill down her spine.