the cold alpha's spoiled bride

In a mansion adorned with ancient architecture and sprawling gardens, Eve Norman stirred awake to the sweet chirping of birds. She blinked slowly, her gaze drifting up to the ceiling out of habit before stretching languidly. Three years within these walls had woven a monotony into her days, draining the vibrancy from her eyes and leaving her seemingly devoid of anticipation. Normally, sunlight would stream brightly through the windows, but the perpetual fog that enveloped the estate muted its brilliance, casting a soft, ethereal glow instead. "Mrs. Andrew, are you up?" the maid's voice called from beyond the door. "Yeah, come on in," Eve responded, hurrying to slip into a robe over her nightclothes. The maid entered with a respectful demeanor, but Eve noticed she wasn't pushing the usual breakfast cart. The servants in this mansion maintained a polite yet distant attitude, never offering clear answers no matter how much she questioned them. Initially, she had dreaded the possibility of losing her mind or passing away alone within these mansion walls. "What about breakfast today?" Eve asked. Before the maid could respond, a sudden commotion outside seized her attention. Curious, Eve hurried to the window to catch a glimpse of what was happening. It wasn't that she craved drama, but the usual quietness and monotony of the estate left her yearning for any hint of excitement. To her surprise, the brick courtyard lay empty, dousing her curiosity in an instant. "Any visitors today?" Eve turned back to the maid, hoping for some information. The maid's face remained impassive as she met Eve's gaze. "Oh, it was Mr. Andrew's aunts, but they've already been sent away by Mr. Andrew." What?! The troublesome aunts again? Were they attempting to push her out of the estate once more? Eve breathed a sigh of relief, glad she hadn't woken up earlier and avoided the ordeal of dealing with those pesky elders herself. Wait a minute! Eve's expression stiffened as she processed the maid's words. "Who exactly chased them off?" Eve queried, but the maid, unfazed by Eve's surprise, said. "Mr. Andrew is back and wants to enjoy a meal with you in the dining room, Mrs. Andrew." Eve's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide with disbelief as she struggled to comprehend this unexpected news. Could it possibly be true? After three long years of marriage, her husband, Yellen Andrew, had finally decided to show his face. ***** As Eve entered the dining room, she was greeted by a lavish spread already set out on the table. The servants on either side nodded respectfully as she approached. "Please, take a seat here, Mrs. Andrew," Fury Watson, the head butler, said politely as he pulled out a chair for Eve. Suppressing her nerves, Eve turned to Fury, one of the few she felt comfortable with, and asked, "Where's Yellen Andrew?" "He's still in the study, Mrs. Andrew," Fury replied, handing her a fresh napkin. Eve accepted it with forced composure, hiding the turmoil inside her. The prospect of facing her estranged husband made her heart race with apprehension, her mind swirling with unanswered questions. Because she wasn't truly the heiress of the Norman family, she had been a substitute bride. Three years ago, an accident had erased her memory, and she was taken in by the head of the Norman family, White Norman. At that time, White received a demand from the Andrew family to send his daughter for a marriage alliance. His real daughter, Elizard Norman, had been in constant distress over this matter. "Dad, I don't want to marry Yellen. He's a sick man. He's reclusive, ruthless, and enjoys tormenting those around him. How could I marry such a monster?" "Don't worry, darling. I've arranged everything. That amnesiac Eve will take your place at the wedding." Soon after, Eve found herself coerced by White into this marriage. In order to protect his daughter, White was willing to sacrifice another's life, a choice he made as a father. Shortly after, White publicly announced the discovery of his long-lost second daughter. Eve then became Eve Norman, a substitute to be sacrificed. In the gloomy weather, Eve, draped in a wedding gown, was led into the church. Despite the groom's absence, the ludicrous ceremony had carried on. Back in the present moment, Eve straightened instinctively, her gaze fixed on the empty chair at the opposite end of the expansive dining table. At last, she was about to face Yellen. Footsteps approached, and Fury respectfully announced, "Mr. Andrew." Eve looked up sharply, only to meet a man with an arresting presence. His nose was strikingly prominent, complemented by deep blue eyes that resembled the depth of a starry night sky, as if capable of seeing through one's soul. Each line of his face seemed meticulously sculpted, conveying an air of unwavering dignity. Beneath the well-fitted, expensive suit lay a sturdy physique, exuding a distinct masculine allure with every move and gesture. Despite having daydreamed countless times about her first encounter with her husband, Eve found herself unable to maintain her composure when the moment finally arrived. Her heart raced as she took in his presence. Noticing Eve's mixture of surprise and admiration, Yellen smirked, exuding a charm that was both mysterious and captivating. He asked casually, a hint of amusement in his voice, "Seen enough?"