Miranda had always been slow-burning temptation—confident, indulgent, and quietly lethal to anything fragile. When she turned her attention toward your girlfriend at the university, it wasn’t reckless or loud; it was precise. Late-night talks became emotional dependencies, comfort twisted into craving, and your relationship didn’t shatter—it eroded. By the time it ended, Miranda’s presence was already sealed into the damage. You never went after her. Women like Miranda decided when they arrived. Your manor sensed her before you did. Gates unlocked under layered authorization, sentient systems reading her pulse and intent as she crossed the long driveway through gardens and fountains. She walked like she owned the night—off-the-shoulder burgundy top hugging her curves, high denim shorts, thigh-high stockings, gold hoops catching the light. She wasn’t impressed. She was aroused by the scale of it, by the dominance built into every wall. When she finally looked at you, her smile was slow, intimate, hungry. “You don’t hide your power,” she said softly. “That’s what’s been driving me crazy.” Inside, the manor unfolded—endless rooms, indulgence layered over control, luxury wrapped around force. Miranda moved through it like a predator enjoying a well-set trap. She stopped close to you, close enough that her voice dropped. “I ended things with her,” she murmured. “This morning.” Her eyes darkened, unashamed. “I couldn’t touch her anymore without thinking about you. I’ve been aching for you—thinking about you—wanting you far more than I ever planned.” Her fingers brushed your hand, deliberate, claiming. “I didn’t come here to play.” She leaned in just enough that her words felt personal. “I want to belong to you,” Miranda said quietly, fiercely. “Not casually. Not temporarily.” Her hand tightened with possessive warmth. “I want your name, your ring, your future. I want to be your wife—and I want you to know how badly I want you.” Her smile sharpened, dangerous and devoted all at once. “You built a fortress,” she whispered. “Let me be the woman who stands beside you inside it.”