Chapter 4

I was absent-minded as I sat in front of the marriage documents. My conversation with Cassian's Mother was still replaying in my mind. Spy on her son?

I asked her why.

"I am just worried about him. He has become so lonely, and I fear for his mental health. Cassian changed ever since the accident, and I worry he is not going to get better." She looked genuinely concerned.

That sounded noble enough.

It's not like she would be doing anything wrong if it were for a good cause. It was to calm a Mother.

"Elara? Elara! Where has your mind gone?" My Mother's strict tone snapped me out of my thoughts. She was already glaring at me as everyone looked.

"Oh. Right. Sorry." I said awkwardly as I collected the pen from Cassian, who was giving me a strange look.

It had been a really small affair all right. I was dressed in a simple corporate gown, and only our parents, siblings, and the minister were present.

I looked at the papers. I was signing away my life. No escape. I was becoming the wife of Cassian Rooke. There was no going back.

I gulped as I signed. This was for the children, not for me. I needed to protect them at all costs. It was done.

"It is done. You are now married. Congratulations." He said, plainly taking the signed papers.

Just like that, I was married.

I dreamed about my wedding day so many times. I imagined being whisked off by a Prince in a charming suit, and I in a white ball gown, but none of that was going to happen.

I had been sold to a man I hadn't even had a decent conversation with.

I maintained my smile as the parents congratulated us while our siblings snickered.

The ceremony was held at the Rooke's mansion.

"That is all. Congratulations to you both. I'm sure you will like to be on your own now. I've called for your driver already." Mrs. Rooke said as she walked up to us. She glanced at me briefly, giving me a small smile.

"Elara, dear, be respectful to your husband and try to please him as much as possible." Mom said to me as she hugged me.

Before she pulled back, she whispered something. "Make sure you do your duty and seduce him so you can get pregnant. Don't be totally useless." She pulled back and squeezed my hands as I winced.

The driver pulled up, and soon Cassian and I were in the car on our way to our new home.

The drive took thirty minutes tops, and soon we were driving up a long stone-path driveway that led to a very beautiful mansion straight out of a movie.

I came down and looked around. This was definitely a beautiful place.

I turned to Cassian as we walked inside. "Um... where will I-"

"Isla!" He called out.

A petite young lady rushed up. "Yes, sir?"

"Show the guest to her quarters and prepare dinner earlier. I'm sure she's famished."

At that moment, my stomach growled, and I almost died from embarrassment. It was true though. I had been so nervous that I couldn't eat for fear that I would throw up.

"Of course, sir."

Cassian walked off in what seemed to be his wing and left me with the maid.

"Here, miss. Your quarters are this way." She said a bit nonchalantly.

I watched as she strutted in front of me, not even helping with my bags.

Was that normal?

I panted behind her, dragging my luggage on what seemed to be an endless staircase.

"Here is your room. Dinner is at 7 pm. Don't be late." She pointed at a door, then walked off.

Attitude. Well, I knew living here wouldn't be easy.

I finally collapsed on the bed as I finished unpacking. My room was so spacious compared to my old place. It was terrifying.

I sighed as I looked at the time and saw it was 6 pm already. I needed to get ready.

I hummed as I sat in front of my mirror, brushing my hair. Maybe I could actually grow to like this place.

I stood up at 10 minutes to 7 and made my way downstairs.

The house was as big as a castle. I got lost twice before I finally found my way.

As I finally managed to find my way and got to the dining area, I saw plates being cleared as though someone had just finished eating.

I saw a maid cleaning up.

"Um... where is dinner?" I asked her.

She gave me a look. "Good evening, ma'am. My name is Rose. Dinner is by 6 pm, ma'am. I thought Isla told you. Mr. Rooke has already eaten and retired to his room. He figured you weren't interested in joining him." She said as she finished clearing up.

"Huh? But... But Isla told me dinner was by 7 pm." I said, confused.

"No. It's by 6 pm. Perhaps you misheard."

"No, I didn't."

I realized what had happened. Isla tricked me. I clenched my fists. How could she do that?

"Is there a problem, ma'am? Should I serve your dinner?"

I huffed then nodded. Isla ruined my reputation in front of Cassian. He was going to think I hid from him on purpose.

I ate silently as I thought about how rude I probably looked to Cassian this evening. How would I even go about defending myself? He probably wouldn't even believe me.

I begrudgingly finished eating and tried finding my way to the balcony. I wasn't going to risk asking anyone and end up in the dungeons.

As I finally sat outside, I thought. Now I was married and a member of the Rooke family. On the bright side, my family would no longer be able to hurt me, or at least they would think twice before trying to.

I glanced at my phone as a text popped up. It was from Vivienne.

'I hope you haven't forgotten our arrangement.'

What arrangement? It's not like I agreed. I just sprinted out of there. I sighed as I put the phone down.

I actually had no other choice. If I didn't do as she asked, God knows what she would do, plus it was just a little harmless spying.

I didn't even have to give her anything relevant.

With that decision, I finally decided to go inside and get ready for bed.

I got lost again. Damn it! I tried finding my way, but it wasn't easy, especially with all the lights turned off.

I finally found my room and hurriedly went in. I needed to sleep.

As I sat down, I noticed something by my bed stand.

Waiting neatly on the bedside table was a black leather book.

Stamped in silver across the front:

THE RULES OF ROOKE MANOR.