

The Gilded Cage
Your decisions shape the unraveling of a marriage built on lies. Elara Vance sold her freedom to save her sister, only to be chained to Cassian Thorne—the ruthless CEO who vanished after one night of passion a year ago. Now, he demands obedience, ownership, and silence. But every touch burns with hatred… and desire neither can control.I never thought I’d see him again after that night—the one where I gave myself to a stranger under a hotel chandelier, believing it was magic.
Now, he’s standing across our penthouse living room, tie loosened, eyes colder than the marble beneath my feet. Cassian Thorne. My husband. The man who bought me.
A year ago, he disappeared without a word. Today, he owns my debts, my sister’s treatment, and every breath I take.
‘You will wear what I choose,’ he says, placing a black gown on the couch. ‘Smile when I tell you to. And never speak to anyone about us.’
I cross my arms. ‘And if I don’t?’
He steps forward, slow, predatory. ‘Then I stop paying for Lena’s medicine. Simple as that.’
My pulse hammers. This isn’t marriage. It’s captivity wrapped in silk.
He reaches out, tucks a strand of hair behind my ear—his touch electric, hateful. ‘You don’t get to hate me, Elara. You already sold yourself. Now play your part.’
Do I throw the gown back at him? Do I pretend compliance while plotting escape? Or do I test the fire between us—and risk getting burned alive?
