Chapter 9

The car eventually rolled to a stop in front of a grand villa perched midway up the hillside.

The villa stretched out broadly, its glowing lights bright against the night, almost like a modern-day castle.

"We've arrived," Austin said as he stepped out first,circling around to open the door for Brinley.

She stepped down gracefully,raising her head to take in the imnposing edifice. For a moment, she was struck with a mixture of awe and unease.

This was her new home.

Unlike the house she once shared with Colin, this villa was unquestionably more opulent, yet at the same time strangely foreign.

Austin, standing side by side with Brinley now,said in a low voice, "From today onward, this is your home."

Brinley turned her head to study him.

Beneath the glow of the villa's lights, his profile appeared prominent and dignified.

She gave a small nod and followed him inside.

As she took in the interior decor, she was surprised to find that his house was both modest and elegant.

She turned, studying Austin.

How could this man-with such a gentle look-be the same ruthless figure the public feared?

Well,perhaps this calm side of him was nothing but a front.

Glancing up, Brinley caught a glimpse of Austin's collarbone revealed by the slight shift of his suit collar. The sight made her swallow unconsciously.

She couldn't deny he was indeed an attractive man.But she still felt a deep, instinctive caution. This was someone she needed to keep her distance from.

"Mr. Moore," Brinley said, trying to stay calm,stopping at the base of the curved staircase, "since this is a marriage of convenience, I think it's better we establish some clear boundaries."

Austin leaned lightly against the banister, tilting his head to look at her.

The soft light spilling from above threw his sharp face into shadow and glow-his nose high, his lips sharply defined.

His eyes, always carrying that trace of a smile,glimmered now with amusement. "Go ahead, I'm listening."

Brinley straightened her shoulders, trying not to be unnerved by his gaze. "First, we don't interfere in each other's private lives."

She paused briefly before continuing, "Second, we keep our finances separate. Neither of us will touch the other's assets."

Then she lifted her chin, glaring into his eyes. "Third, if we ever divorce, we'll part on good terms-with no complications."

A hush settled over the hallway for a mnoment.

Then Austin suddenly laughed, the deep sound echoing warmly through the stairwell. "Don't you think you're being a little too cold with me?"

He took a few strides and stood in front of her.

Brinley caught the scent of cedarwood clinging to him.

"Remember, we're legally husband and wife now,"Austin said. Brinley's heart gave a small jolt, and she instinctively stepped back.

Austin looked fierce and intimidating like a predator advancing towards its prey.

"I think you should understand that this is just a partnership, and there are no feelings attached," she said, trying to stay calm. "I don't want unnecessary trouble."

Looking amused, Austin studied her stiff face.He chose not to press harder.

He reached out, as if to brush the strand of hair resting near her forehead, but midway he stopped and said teasingly, "Trouble? Is that what you think I am?"

Austin's voice had a subtle trace of lust in it. He made no move to touch or hold her, yet somehow,Brinley felt heat creep up her cheeks.

"That's settled," Brinley said firmly, turning her face aside.

Austin gave a helpless shrug, lifting his hands as if in surrender. "Alright, as you wish, my dear wife."

It sounded quite natural when he addressed her teasingly as "my dear wife." Brinley acted as though she hadn't heard a thing,quickly moving past him up the stairs.

The villa had three floors. Austin mentioned that the guest rooms on the east side of the second floor offered the best light and comfort.

But Brinley didn't stop to glance at the options;she continued upward to the far end of the third floor,where a modest wooden door marked the attic space.

She opened it to reveal a room with a lofty ceiling,slanted roof beams, and aged wooden floors. A tall window framed the northwest horizon, the view expansive and quiet.

"This one," she said calmly. "I like the vintage feel."

In truth, she simply wanted the room farthest from his master bedroom.

Austin leaned casually against the doorway, smirking.

"You do have unusual taste," he remarked, eyeing the slanted roof."But in the winter, the drafts will be harsh."

"It doesn't matter," Brinley replied coldly without looking back. "I can manage the cold."

She began to settle in, but her stomach betrayed her with a sudden growl. Austin puckered a brow, amused. "Hungry?" he asked playfully.

Nodding without hesitation, Brinley replied, "Yes. I didn't eat properly at the party."

"Then come on," Austin said, straightening himself."Let's get you something to eat."

Brinley imagined there must be a professional chef waiting in such a luxurious home.

Yet when she followed him into the kitchen,she was surprised to see Austin himself shrug out of his jacket,draping it over a chair. He reached for an apron hanging on the wall, tying it neatly around his waist.

At this moment, he looked nothing like the intimidating man he usually was when he wore suts.

Austin rolled up his sleeves, revealing strong forearms,and began pulling fresh ingredients from the refrigerator.

Brinley paused at the doorway, stunned into silence,as he set a cut of beef on the chopping board. The knife in his hand gleamed under the light, slicing the meat into thin, even strips.

Without glancing up, he called out, "What are you doing just standing there? Come help." Brinley arched an eyebrow but stepped forward,accepting the onion he handed her. She washed it briskly and began chopping it.