**Chapter 5: Getting to Know You**

As the days passed, Michelle found herself growing accustomed to the rigid routine Christian had imposed upon her. Every morning, she would wake up at precisely 6:00 AM to a gentle knock on her door, signaling the arrival of her personal maid, Emma. The soft rustle of Emma's uniform and the gentle clinking of the tea set as she laid out Michelle's breakfast were the only sounds that broke the silence of the morning. Christian had deemed it necessary for her to start her day with a healthy breakfast, and Emma ensured that she adhered to this schedule. Michelle's days were filled with mundane tasks: yoga, French lessons, and etiquette classes. Christian would often drop by to observe her progress, his piercing amber eyes scrutinizing her every move. The air seemed to thicken in his presence, and Michelle felt like a specimen under a microscope, her every action judged and critiqued. At first, Michelle found his constant interference suffocating. She longed for the freedom to make her own decisions, to live her life on her own terms. But as the days turned into weeks, she began to notice the little things about Christian. The way he smiled to himself when he thought she wasn't looking, the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he was amused. These small observations made her feel like she was getting to know him, like there was more to him than the dominating persona he presented to the world. One afternoon, as Michelle was practicing her French pronunciation, Christian walked into the room, his eyes scanning the space before settling on her. "How's your day been so far?" he asked, his voice low and husky, sending a shiver down her spine. Michelle hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She didn't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing how much she resented his control over her life. But at the same time, she didn't want to antagonize him. "It's been fine," she said finally, trying to sound nonchalant. Christian raised an eyebrow, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Fine?" he repeated. "That's all?" Michelle shrugged, feeling a flush rise to her cheeks. "What do you want me to say?" she asked, trying to sound defiant. Christian chuckled, the sound low and throaty. "I want you to be honest with me," he said, his eyes locked on hers. "I want to know what's going on in that head of yours." Michelle felt a surge of unease as he took a step closer to her. She could smell the scent of his cologne, a heady mix of spices and leather that made her heart skip a beat. "I'm just getting used to the routine," she said, trying to sound casual. Christian nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "I see," he said. "Well, I want you to know that I'm here to help you. I'll do everything in my power to make sure you're happy." Michelle felt a pang of skepticism. Happy? How could she be happy when she was trapped in this gilded cage, forced to live a life she didn't want? But as she looked into Christian's eyes, she saw something there that gave her pause. It was a glimmer of sincerity, a hint that maybe, just maybe, he wasn't as heartless as she thought. As they stood there, the tension between them was palpable. Michelle could feel Christian's eyes on her, boring into her soul. She knew that he was trying to get to her, to break down the walls she had built around herself. And she wasn't sure if she was ready for that. "Let's take a walk," Christian said suddenly, his voice breaking the silence. Michelle hesitated, unsure of what to do. But Christian's eyes were insistent, and she found herself nodding, agreeing to accompany him. As they walked through the gardens, the fresh air and sunshine were a welcome respite from the stifling atmosphere of the estate. Michelle felt a sense of freedom, of release, that she hadn't experienced in weeks. But as she glanced over at Christian, she knew that she was still trapped, still bound to him by the contract that had been forced upon her. The question was, how long would it take her to realize that she was trapped in a different kind of prison, one of her own making?