Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Congratulations

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Chapter 5

~Zara~

I freshened up, changed and went down for breakfast only to be informed Snow had left for work. Glancing at my watch, it was just 7 a.m. and he was already at work. I didn't ask what he did. I did not wish to bother myself.

Breakfast was laid out on a long table—fresh fruits, pastries, eggs, smoked salmon, milk, juices and grape wine. I took my time, savouring every bite.

Snow's mansion was full of surprises, and I wasn't going to let my family's betrayal ruin this small pleasure. I ate slowly, letting the calm of the morning and the food distract me from the anger under my skin.

I finished breakfast, set my napkin down, and decided to explore. The mansion was enormous—high ceilings, expensive art, a library with towering shelves, a sunroom with exotic plants, and a gym filled with top-tier equipment.

The staff gave me polite smiles, curious about the new Mrs. Snow. I smiled back, determined not to feel out of place.

I wandered through the east wing, discovering rooms with antique furniture, a ballroom and a drawing room with a massive fireplace. Snow's wealth was everywhere, and I couldn't help but wonder what else I had to learn about him.

Outside, the garden was filled with paths, fountains, and a pond. As I wandered, I spotted a greenhouse tucked in the corner. Inside, it was warm and filled with bright, exotic flowers.

Relaxed, I turned to leave but noticed heavy doors at the far end, reinforced with metal bars. Why would a greenhouse need such secure doors?

A staff member appeared, looking uneasy. "My lady, is there something you need?" she asked.

"Just exploring," I replied. "What's behind those doors?"

She hesitated. "Those are private, ma'am. Master Snow prefers they stay closed."

I nodded, filing it away for later. Snow had secrets—so did I. In this world, secrets were power. I just needed to figure out how to use mine.

In the meantime, I decided to explore my other skills and spread my eggs.

Evening came quickly. I headed to the dining room, not expecting to see Snow tonight. The long table was already set, candles flickering, their soft glow reflecting off the silverware.

I took a seat, feeling strangely nervous, my heart thudding a little harder than usual. I wasn't sure why nor was expecting him to join me.

But then, the door creaked open, and Snow walked in. I froze. He was wearing a simple white tee that hugged his muscular frame, every line and contour of his abs visible beneath the fabric, and black jeans that fit like a second skin.

My jaw dropped before I could stop myself, and I quickly shut it, feeling a heat rush to my cheeks. Astrid, purred in my mind, her voice filled with approval.

"Oh, we do like that, don't we?"

Snow noticed my reaction, a sly grin spreading across his face. "See something you like?" he teased in a smooth honey voice.

I snapped back to reality, trying to play it cool. "You wish," I shot back, but my cheeks were burning.

He chuckled, taking a seat across from me, leaning back casually, as if he owned the room. "I'm glad to see my new wife is already so captivated," he added, eyes glinting with mischief.

I rolled my eyes, though a small smile tugged at my lips. "Captivated? Hardly. Just... surprised, is all. I wasn't expecting company."

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his gaze still fixed on me. "Is that so? Because I thought you'd be eager to see more of your husband after our... whirlwind wedding."

I laughed, feeling a little more at ease. "You mean the wedding that happened so fast I barely remember saying 'I do'? Yeah, that one."

I felt my cheeks flame, and I fought to keep my composure. "Is that your idea of a joke?" I countered, trying to sound unimpressed, but my voice betrayed me, slightly breathless. _{ƒrēewebnovel.com}