Chapter 5 _ Father's Orders

**Fiona’s POV**

"You're my wife, Fiona. I cannot sit back and allow you to chat so confidently with another man—let alone a man who is proposing a marriage. Where is that done? Don't forget that we are legally married," Rowan gritted out.

"But you have Sage Andrews's contact and you chat with her."

"Fiona," Rowan glared at me. "Sit down and eat your food first. When we get home, we will sort this out."

I lost my appetite. I didn't want to sit down and eat with him, but it wouldn't be polite to waste the food—besides, it was my favorite meal. Furthermore, he had ordered the exact same thing.

This was the first time Mr. Carson and I had ever eaten together. Previously, he only required me to fetch his lunch and coffee in his office; he never ate with me or cared to know my preferences. Despite my anger, I forced myself to sit back down and picked up my spoon, trying to avoid his eyes.

Rowan confiscated my phone and slipped it into his trouser pocket instead of returning it. I let him keep it, too exhausted to fight. Around us, some of the female patrons muttered to one another.

"Are they actually married? How can Mr. Carson cheat on Sage Andrews? Maybe it was a slip of the tongue, or maybe it's not a real marriage."

I didn't waste time glancing at the gossips. After all, I was famished. A part of me was thrilled that Rowan was possessive of me, secretly hoping he truly wanted me as his wife, even if only for a short time. But another part of me ached, knowing it was fake—that he didn't love me and was merely passing the time while waiting for his true love to return.

I tried not to think about Sage Andrews, but she felt like a shadow constantly following Rowan and me.

Picking up my spoon, my appetite returned as I entertained the flicker of hope that Rowan might actually fall for me during these two years of our marriage. Then my mind wandered to his comment about me being a mere "outlet" to relieve his stress. *What if he doesn't want to change his outlet and actually gets used to me?*

I blushed at the thought. Rowan coughed, snapping me out of my trance.

"Fiona, what are you thinking about? I am done with my meal and you're still halfway through?" he asked, his eyes locked on me.

"Um, I'll finish it now," I replied, pouting and pressing my lips together.

"Stop making that face or thinking about other men in front of me. You're my wife now, so learn to know the difference in your status," Rowan said coldly.

I nodded. "Fine."

I hurried to finish my meal as Rowan stood up and left the table.

"I will wait for you in the car park, so hurry up. We have to visit the jewelry store," he whispered, keeping his voice low and steady right beside my ear.

Unaware to him, my heart raced at his closeness and the coolness of his breath fanning against my skin. He walked away, and I forced myself to finish eating.

"Some women are so shameless, openly seducing her boss in broad daylight. I cannot believe her audacity. Sage Andrews needs to hear about this," some female patrons mocked, but I chose to ignore them.

After finishing my meal, I rose to my feet, dashed out of the restaurant with my bag, and headed to the car park. Rowan stood beside his car, holding his phone and speaking in a low, steady voice.

"Mom, I don't have a choice. I love Sage, but I have to marry to get Grandpa's assets," he replied.

Mrs. Carson's voice drifted harshly through the receiver. "Rowan, we are richer than one hundred million! How can you secretly marry a lowlife just to take over your grandfather's fortune? I don't want to see that woman. I will only accept Sage Andrews as my daughter-in-law. Don't bother bringing her home, and file for a divorce immediately before this leaks to the public. If you needed money, you should have contacted your father and me. Why would you do this?"

Rowan didn't look at me as he answered, "Mom, Grandpa's legacy matters to me. I cannot turn a blind eye to it. As the first son of the Carson family, I have the right to make my own decisions, and I am not divorcing right now. We will get a divorce, but not today."

"Rowan!" his mother yelled. "Don't bring her here. It's best you don't take her home at all. If you give that woman a chance, what makes you think she'll easily agree to divorce you?"

"Mom," Rowan groaned. "It's my choice, and Sage understands. She isn't coming back soon, so she agreed for me to marry Fiona to secure Grandpa's assets."

"What?" Mrs. Carson gasped, disbelief lacing her voice. "I find this hard to believe, Rowan. What woman allows her man to marry someone else? You need to come back right now and put an end to whatever you're doing with your secretary!"

The call ended. Rowan breathed out heavily before looking over at my face.

"Are you ready? I still need to take you home to see my grandfather. My mother can be mean, but you'll have to put up with her," he said softly.

I nodded. "Alright."

I got into the car, taking the front passenger seat. Rowan remained silent as he waited for me to fasten my seatbelt, then started the engine and drove toward the jewelry store.

When we arrived, Rowan parked his black sports car and said, "Wait here. I'll be right back."

"What about my phone?" I asked, noticing he was still holding it.

Rowan hesitated, his eyes flickering with disagreement.

"I won't call Josh again. I promise," I assured him.

A wave of relief crossed Rowan's formidable features. His gaze softened as he peered at my face, dipped his hand into his trouser pocket, and handed my phone back.

"Good to see you now know your place as my wife," he said, his voice thick with satisfaction.

I looked away to hide my blush and took my phone. "I'll be back," Rowan said, hurrying into the jewelry store to pick out our rings.

I sat in the car waiting for him, powering on my phone since he had switched it off earlier. Instantly, it rang with an incoming call from my father.

Anxiety gnawed at my gut, but I answered anyway.

"Fiona, what did you do to provoke Mr. Edwards's son? He called and said you told him you aren't marrying him because you're married to your boss. Is that true?" Dad demanded, his voice booming with anger.

"Dad, I can explain when I get home."

"Fiona, since when did you become like this? If I hadn't asked, were you never going to tell me you were having an affair with your boss?"

"What? No, Dad. We actually just got married today."

"What?" My father gasped, and I silently prayed he wouldn't suffer a heart attack. "Fiona, how could you marry your boss? Why would you secretly get married without informing us? What sort of marriage is this? I do not accept this union. Come home immediately—you are marrying Josh Edwards, and that is final."