**Chapter 14: Confronting the Past**

Michelle's eyes locked onto Christian's, her mind racing with questions and doubts. She had always known that their marriage was a product of her family's past and Christian's sense of duty, but she had never really confronted him about it. "Why did you really want to marry me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Christian's expression changed, his eyes narrowing as he seemed to consider her question. "I've always known that you would be mine," he said, his voice low and husky. "Your father made sure of it. But I think there's more to it than that, don't you?" Michelle nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She had always known that Christian's interest in her was more than just a passing infatuation, but she had never really understood why. "You're afraid of me," Christian stated, his voice dripping with conviction. "You think I'm a monster, that I'll hurt you or control you to the point of destruction." Michelle's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. How did he know? "But what you don't understand is that I'm not just a monster," Christian continued, his voice weaving a spell of seduction around her. "I'm also a product of my environment. My family has always been about power and control, and I've been taught to dominate and lead. But with you, it's different. You're not just my wife, you're my... obsession." The word hung in the air like a challenge, and Michelle felt her heart skip a beat. She had never seen Christian like this before, so open and vulnerable. "I'm afraid of you, too," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. Christian's eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, Michelle thought she saw a flicker of surprise. But then, his expression changed, and he smiled. "Good," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "I'm afraid of you, too." Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell ringing. Christian's butler, Mr. Jenkins, walked into the room with a discreet knock. "Excuse me, Mr. O'Neil, but your business associate is here to see you," he said, his voice formal. Christian's eyes never left Michelle's face as he nodded. "Show him in," he said, his voice low and commanding. As Mr. Jenkins left, Michelle felt a sense of unease wash over her. She had never really confronted Christian about his past or his motivations, and now she was faced with the opportunity to do so. "Tell me about your family," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "What made you the way you are?" Christian's expression changed, his eyes clouding over as he seemed to retreat into himself. "My family has always been about power and control," he said, his voice low and husky. "They've taught me to dominate, to lead, and to never show weakness. But with you, it's different. You're not just my wife, you're my... weakness." The word hung in the air like a challenge, and Michelle felt her heart skip a beat. She had never seen Christian like this before, so open and vulnerable. "I want to know more about you," she said, her voice growing stronger. "I want to understand why you're the way you are." Christian's eyes narrowed, his gaze intensifying. "You think you can understand me?" he asked, his voice dripping with skepticism. Michelle nodded, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions. "I want to try," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Christian's expression softened, and for a moment, Michelle thought she saw a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Maybe I'll show you," he said, his voice low and husky. "Maybe I'll let you see the real me, behind the mask." As he spoke, Michelle felt a rush of excitement mixed with fear. She was walking a thin line between understanding Christian and being completely consumed by him. But she was ready to take that risk. "I'm ready when you are," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Christian's eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. The air was thick with tension, and Michelle could feel her heart pounding in her chest. Then, without warning, Christian stood up and pulled her into his arms. Michelle felt a rush of pleasure as their bodies touched, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss. As they broke apart for air, Michelle knew that she had made a decision. She was going to confront Christian's past, no matter how difficult it might be. And as they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Michelle felt a sense of trepidation mixed with excitement. She was ready to take the next step, to explore the depths of their relationship and see where it would take them.