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[Madison Rose]

"I had been hoping for him to choose Violet as his wife. Deep down, I believed she would be a superior partner for Marco. Unfortunately, Violet is still too young, so the responsibility fell on the eldest daughter. It's a situation that feels inherently unjust to me."

As I absentmindedly chewed my food, I tried to drown out the constant discussion of Violet. There were times when my love for my sister clashed with feelings of envy towards the attention Walter showered upon her. Perhaps if Violet had been the one to get married, I would not have to worry about inheriting anything from him. Now, the entire company would be solely mine because I was the one wedded to the man who claimed to have saved it.

"Remember, Maddie, if Marco ever chooses to dissolve your marriage, you will not receive a single penny from me. Keep that in mind!"

There were several grounds for annulling our marriage, and I was aware that it wouldn't be easily voided. However, aided by the influence of the Moretti family, he might appear capable of accomplishing challenging feats in the eyes of others.

After finishing breakfast, I retreated to my room where I got dressed and prepared myself. It felt as though my husband could arrive at any moment.

Although we've been married for a month, I still have a limited understanding of him. Besides his name and his passion in bed, he remains an enigma to me. Essentially, he is a complete stranger.

"Ma'am Maddie, Sir Marco has arrived," our housekeeper informed me.

As Marco stepped into my room, an all too familiar feeling of nervousness cascaded over me, just like our initial encounter. My heart pounded in my chest as I noticed his icy gaze fixed upon me.

With the departure of the house helper, we were granted a moment of seclusion as the door closed behind them. Marco continued to stare at me relentlessly, causing me to shrink under the weight of his intense eyes. His gaze lacked vitality, and it was evident that a brewing storm of violence lurked below his calm exterior.

Should I greet him? I need to ensure he doesn't consider leaving me. Despite my lack of desire for this marriage and any feelings towards him, I must maintain it for the sake of our company. He's the one who will save our business.

Finally breaking the long silence, Marco's question pierced through the tension. His voice remained distant, as though speaking out of obligation or reluctance. He scanned the room, his fingers gliding over nearby furniture.

“How are you?” Marco was the first to ask with his cold demeanor

My heart raced, and I inhaled deeply, contemplating how to respond to him, even though his question was simple. "I'm... I'm good. And you?" I stammered. This is the effect he has on me; in his presence, fear grips my every word.

I had heard numerous rumors about him long before our marriage, which is why I initially pleaded with my father not to arrange it. I feared that he would amplify the abuse I had already endured in my father's household, as that was a harsh reality I grew up with.

As for Marco, people often talk about his unwavering determination and fearlessness. He swiftly deals with anyone who dares to challenge him, completely eliminating those who oppose him. He presents himself as someone cold-hearted, lacking both compassion and a conscience. This dominant and authoritative demeanor is clearly evident in his aura.

Upon hearing my response, he locked his gaze on me, and fury ignited in his eyes, heightening my discomfort. I couldn't discern whether I truly witnessed the anger mirrored in his expression or if it was a figment of my imagination.

"Why haven't you moved out from your parents' place yet?" He furrowed his brow, inching closer to me. "We have our own house. What compelled you to remain here?"

Perplexed, I furrowed my brow in response to his sudden question. ‘Why would he ask me this now? After leaving me without a word, he seems surprised by my decision to return.’

"I stayed there for a few days, but..." My voice trailed off, uncertain how to proceed.

Though I considered broaching the subject of the photos I discovered, capturing him with another woman that my father had shown me, I realized I no longer cared. It wasn't that I was wounded, truthfully; I felt nothing. What troubled me was that most people assumed he would abandon me. Or perhaps it was just my own apprehension.

Numerous questions swirled in my mind about Marco. Where did he go during his absence? Who was the woman beside him? Is he planning to divorce me?

Despite the jumble of thoughts, I found myself unable to vocalize a single one.

"Get your belongings, we're leaving," Marco announced, turning away from me as if preparing to depart the room. But before he could do so, I found my voice again.

"Where are we going?" I inquired, seeking clarification from him.

Casting a quick glance my way, he responded with a dismissive eye-roll, conveying his impatience towards my seemingly trivial query. The corners of my mouth tightened as I pondered his response. "We're going home, where you should have rightfully resided all this time."

His words caught me off guard, leaving me taken aback. His distant demeanor indicated that he might be challenging to connect with or comprehend. It was clear I had to grasp his intentions immediately, as he was not one to repeat himself. Deciphering his true thoughts proved challenging; I only hoped he wasn't inclined towards abusive behavior. I had experienced enough as a mistreated daughter, and I had no desire to subject myself to the same fate as a battered wife.

A group of maids entered my room and immediately began packing my belongings. They skillfully arranged everything into a few suitcases that I would be taking with me. Their actions gave me the impression that they wanted to ensure I wouldn't return here.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Marco leaning against the door frame, observing me intently. Feeling uneasy, I purposely avoided making eye contact with him.

With an air of authority, Marco addressed the maids, "If you have finished packing her things, you may leave now."

The maids hastened to organize my belongings, and I observed their movements, trying my best to evade the intense gaze of the man loitering near the entrance. In no time, the maids departed.

Marco advanced toward me, each step causing my mouth to feel drier than before. For some unknown reason, I instinctively took a step back.

Marco exuded an overwhelming sense of intimidation and terror. Merely being near him was enough to send shivers of fear down my spine, even when he was fully clothed.

Engrossed in my contemplation of his presence, I failed to notice that he had already positioned himself directly in front of me. Striving to distance myself, I made an effort to withdraw, but Marco grasped my hand firmly. With a single, smooth motion, he gently guided me onto the bed.

"Please, do not hurt me," I murmured in a feeble voice. The mere fact that Marco was present made me feel feeble and vulnerable.

"You told me never to ask you again, but am I allowed to kiss my wife? Am I allowed to have sex with you right now?"

I was stunned by his consecutive questions. I thought of this as my duty as a wife, so I nodded. As long as Marco didn't hurt or beat me, I would allow him to use my body.

Marco kissed me after seeing my nod. I let out a faint moan due to the intensity of his kiss.

As I pushed him away in an attempt to catch my breath, a wave of weakness engulfed me. I couldn't help but question if my weakness was genuine or merely a subconscious desire to prolong our intimate moment, even though I was gasping for air.

Amidst the fervent kissing, he softly whispered, "I'm upset with you."

Each shallow kiss carried an intoxicating allure that left me feeling intoxicated, as if I were consuming alcohol with each delicate touch of his lips. I became completely lost in the moment, surrendering myself to the sensations.

"I understand that you may not be enthusiastic about this marriage," he confessed, his voice filled with longing. "But could you, at the very least, pretend to be excited and happy when you reunite with your husband after a month apart?"