CH3: THE COLD PALACE

[ SCENE: OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL / MOMENTS LATER ]

Becca held the contract paper tightly in her hands. Her heart was beating so fast it felt like it would break through her ribs.

She looked at Jason Hans, who was already walking towards a sleek, black luxury car. He didn't even look back to see if she was following. To him, she was just a container, a vessel for his child.

"Get in," Jason said coldly as he entered the car.

Becca hesitated for a second, then climbed into the back seat beside him. The inside of the car smelled expensive—like expensive cologne and mint. But the atmosphere was freezing.

Jason leaned his head back and closed his eyes, ignoring her completely. It was as if she wasn't even there.

Becca sat quietly, looking out the window. The city scenery passed by, but her mind was in chaos. 'I am going to live with a stranger. A powerful Alpha. And after I give birth, he will throw me away.'

Tears wanted to fall, but she wiped them away quickly. She couldn't show weakness in front of this man.

[ SCENE: THE HANS MANSION / ARRIVAL ]

The car drove into a massive gate that opened automatically. They entered a property so huge it was like a private village.

In the center stood a huge, modern mansion that looked more like a palace. It was beautiful, clean, and perfect... but it felt empty and cold.

When they stepped out, servants lined up immediately, bowing their heads respectfully.

"Welcome home, Alpha Jason!"

Jason walked past them without a word. He just pointed at Becca.

"Prepare a room for her. Take care of her needs. She is pregnant. Nothing must happen to the child."

"Yes, Sir!"

Becca felt like a package being delivered. They cared about the baby, but not about her.

[ SCENE: THE ROOM ]

A maid led her to a spacious bedroom on the second floor. The room was huge, with a big soft bed, walk-in closet, and a balcony.

"Miss, this will be your room from now on," the maid said politely. "Please change into these clothes. Alpha Jason ordered that you must rest well."

The maid handed her expensive, soft clothes. Becca changed slowly. She touched her flat stomach gently.

"Baby... we are here now. It's scary... but we have to be strong."

[ SCENE: DINNER TIME / EVENING ]

Becca went down to the dining room for dinner. Jason was already sitting at the head of the long table.

The table was filled with delicious, expensive food. But the silence was so heavy you could hear a pin drop.

"Eat," Jason ordered, still not looking at her. "You need nutrition. My child needs to grow strong."

Becca picked up her spoon and ate slowly. She was hungry, but she couldn't enjoy the food because of the tension.

Suddenly, Jason spoke.

"Listen carefully, Becca Dawson," he said in a deep, serious voice. "While you are here in my house, there are rules."

Becca stopped eating and looked at him nervously. "W-What rules?"

"First," Jason counted with his fingers, his eyes ice-cold. "Do not try to act like my wife. You are not. You are just a surrogate mother. Do not touch me, do not hug me, and do not try to kiss me. That is disgusting to me."

Becca’s heart stung. 'Disgusting...'

"Second," he continued mercilessly. "Do not bring your poor family here. I don't want to see their faces. They are not part of this deal."

"Third... stay in your place. My world is dangerous and full of powerful people. You are weak. If you cause trouble, I will not save you."

He finally looked at her, his gaze piercing right through her soul.

"Understood?"

Becca bit her lower lip, holding back the pain. She nodded slowly.

"Yes... I understand, Alpha Jason."

"Good," he turned back to his food. "Now eat. And remember, your only purpose here is that baby. Once you deliver, you are free to go."

[ SCENE: NIGHT / BEDROOM ]

Later that night, Becca was alone in her big room. She sat on the bed, hugging her knees.

"He is so cruel," she whispered to herself. "He has a heart made of ice."

But deep inside, a small part of her wondered... 'Is he always like this? Or is there a reason why he is so cold?'

She touched her stomach again. "Don't worry baby. Even if Daddy is scary and mean, Mommy will love you enough for both of us."

Little did she know, across the hall, Jason Hans was standing by his window, looking at the moon. His wolf was restless.

'Why does her scent smell so sweet to me?' Jason thought, frowning. 'It shouldn't be like this. She is just a human girl I hired. I must not feel anything.'

To be continue...

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