Chapter 12
Chapter 12:
The car eventually rolled to a stop in front of a grand villa perched midway up the hillside.
The estate sprawled wide, its lights glowing against the night like a modern-day castle.
“We’ve arrived,” Austin said as he stepped out first. He circled around and opened the door for Brinley.
She stepped down with quiet grace, lifting her head to take in the imposing façade.
For a moment, awe and unease tangled in her chest.
This was her new home.
Unlike the house she had once shared with Colin, this villa was undeniably more opulent—and yet it also felt strangely foreign.
Austin stood beside her and spoke in a low voice. “From today onward, this is your home p>
Brinley turned to study him.
Under the villa’s glow, his profile looked prominent and dignified.
Dі𝘀𝘤𝗈𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘩𝗂𝖽de𝗻 𝗴е𝘮ѕ 𝗈n ѕ.co𝗺
She gave a small nod and followed him inside.
As she took in the interior décor, she was surprised to find it both modest and elegant. She glanced at Austin again.
How could this man—with such a calm, almost gentle air—be the same ruthless figure the public feared?
Then again, perhaps this composure was only a façade.
Brinley’s gaze lifted, catching a glimpse of Austin’s collarbone revealed as his suit collar shifted slightly. She swallowed without meaning to. She couldn’t deny he was attractive—but a deep, instinctive caution still held her. This was a man she needed to keep at a distance.
“Mr. Moore,” Brinley said, forcing herself to remain steady as she stopped at the base of the curved staircase, “since this is a marriage of convenience, I think it’s best we establish some clear boundaries p>
Austin leaned lightly against the banister, tilting his head to look at her. The soft light spilling from above carved his sharp features into shadow and glow
His nose was high, his lips sharply defined. His eyes, always carrying that trace of a smile, glimmered now with amusement. “Go ahead. I’m listening p>
Brinley squared her shoulders, refusing to let his gaze unsettle her. “First, we don’t interfere in each other’s private lives p>
She paused, then continued, “Second, we keep our finances separate. Neither of us will touch the other’s assets p>
Then she lifted her chin and held his gaze. “Third, if we ever divorce, we part on good terms—with no complications p>
A hush settled over the hallway.
Then Austin laughed, the deep sound echoing warmly through the stairwell. “Don’t you think you’re being a little too cold with me p>
He took a few strides and stopped in front of her.
Brinley caught the faint scent of cedarwood clinging to him.
“Remember, we’re legally husband and wife now,” Austin said.