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Chapter 1

Freya's POV

I stood frozen, my eyes fixed on the grand staircase as my life flashed before me. I had vowed never to get involved with rich and influential men like Michael Smith, the billionaire I had just married. But life had other plans.

"Miss Rogers, we don't really have to maintain an intimate relationship when we're alone," Michael said, his voice piercing through my thoughts. "The contract doesn't apply except when a third party is involved."

I turned to face him, my heart sinking. His words were cold and detached, his eyes devoid of emotion. I forced a reply, trying to keep my tone neutral. "Oh, yes."

Michael's gaze swept over me, his eyes lingering on my face before he turned to leave. I watched, feeling a surge of resentment, as he ridiculed me with his towering height.

"Mr. Smith," I called out, my voice firm but polite. He paused, his back still turned to me.

"Where's my room?" I asked, trying to keep my tone even. "You didn't show me my room."

Michael turned, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Miss Rogers, based on our agreement and contract, I don't think it was included to choose a room for you."

His words were laced with disdain, and I felt a sting. But I bit back my retort, reminding myself that I needed him. He had cleared my family's debt and saved me from the cruel claws of our creditors.

Michael's blue eyes seemed to bore into my brown ones, as if daring me to challenge him. Then, he turned and continued up the stairs, leaving me standing alone in the foyer.

I clenched my fists, feeling a wave of frustration wash over me. But I knew I couldn't antagonize him. Not yet. I needed his money to save my mother, who had been diagnosed with kidney failure.

The memory of Michael's words echoed in my mind: "How on earth would you have been able to repay your debts if I hadn't swooped in?" His voice had dripped with malice, and I knew I was bound to him for six months.

I took a deep breath, letting my gaze wander around the opulent foyer. I was trapped in this gilded cage, forced to play the role of Michael's wife. But I vowed to keep my distance, to protect myself from his cold, calculating heart.

***

I collapsed onto the bed, exhaustion seeping into my bones as I gazed around the smallest room in the mansion. The opulent space, though small compared to the rest of the estate, still dwarfed the largest room in my family's humble home.

As I began to undress, my eyes wandered to the numerous scars etched into my skin. Each mark told a story of pain and suffering, a constant reminder of my ex-boss's brutal treatment. Memories of his cruelty flooded my mind, and I felt the familiar ache in my chest.

The man I had once trusted, the one I had given my heart and soul to, had shattered me completely. His betrayal had left me with emotional wounds that still lingered, a constant reminder of the fragility of trust and the destructive power of love turned sour.

As I lay my head to sleep after a night shower, laughter echoed down the hallway. My curiosity got the better of me, I followed the sound as two familiar faces from the wedding came into view. "Hi, we've met before," Alexis said, her bright smile warm and inviting. But I detected a hint of insincerity, a glimmer of something more sinister lurking behind the surface.

"I'm Alexis, and this is my cousin, Raymond." My eyes narrowed slightly, my mind racing. Why were they here on my first day of marriage?

"Alexis, Raymond," I replied, my tone measured. "What brings you both to...our home?" Raymond's eyes sparkled with amusement.

"We're here to welcome you to the family, Freya. Michael's been...ahem...less than forthcoming about his new bride."

Alexis shot Raymond a warning glance before turning back to me. "We wanted to get to know you better. You're now part of our family, after all." I forced a smile as Raymond's teasing words cut through my composure. "Where's your husband? Aren't you both supposed to be lovey-dovey?"

"I think he's having a bath," I replied, my eyes darting toward the hallway. "Make yourself at home while I go get him." As I excused myself, discomfort grew. I paused outside Michael's door, collecting my thoughts before knocking.The first two knocks went unanswered.

On the third, Michael's voice growled, "It isn't up to an hour, and you've already broken the terms and agreement." I rolled my eyes, frustration etched on my face.

"Look, I'm not here for this...there's a problem," I said firmly, butmy heart kept racing.

Michael emerged, shutting the door behind him. His eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?" I took a deep breath.

"Your relatives, Alexis and Raymond, are here."

Michael's gaze intensified. "Why are they here? You didn't invite them, did you?" My hands spread in exasperation.

"Can you listen to yourself, Mr. Smith? Why on earth would I?" Just then, Alexis's voice drifted from the hallway. "Hey, lovers' talk!"

Michael froze, his eyes locked on mine before turning toward Alexis and Raymond. His expression darkened. "What do you both want?" Michael's voice was icy.

Raymond approached,a charming smile plastered on his face. "To congratulate and see how you're doing, cousin." Michael's laughter sent shivers down my spine . It was cold and mirthless.

"Congratulate? You did that at the hall. Besides, it's our first day as a married couple.My beautiful wife and I need all the privacy in the world."

Our eyes met, mine narrowing at his sudden display of affection. His smile, the first I'd seen, made my heart skip a beat. I looked away, reminding myself it was just an act. Alexis chimed in, "Of course, you need privacy, but who are we to defy Grandpa's wishes?" Michael's fists clenched, jaw tightening.

"What do you mean?"

Raymond's grin widened. "Grandpa wants us to stay and keep Freya company. He thinks she might get lonely." Michael's eyes locked onto mine, shock mirrored in my expression. My jaw dropped.

Michael's expression turned cold. "That won't be necessary. Leave!" His baritone voice grew louder,and I knew something had to be done, anything.

I intervened, attempting to diffuse tension. "C'mon, honey, they're family. If they want to stay, sweetheart, don't you think it's okay for them to?"

I entwined our hands, gazing into his piercing blue eyes, as tension radiated from his rigid posture. "Sweetheart, what do you think?" I whispered, my head tilted, allowing my long brown hair to Cascade down my back like waterfalls. Michael avoided my gaze.

"Fine, do whatever you wanna do. I don't care." He said to the cousins, walking briskly as I heaved a sigh of relief.

"Make yourselves at home," I said, my eyes fixed on the two "I need to speak with my husband in his room."

As I turned to leave, I caught a bit of their conversation. "Michael's doomed... Did you hear Freya's last words? 'His room,'" Alexis whispered. My heart trembled. Had I made a mistake by saying "his" instead of "our"?

Gathering courage, I approached Michael's room. He sat, engrossed in his laptop. "Michael's marriage is a sham. We'll make them believe we're following Grandpa's will, but we'll strike unexpectedly," he voiced out looking at me as I froze, fear creeping in. What was happening? I took a quick glance at his laptop and it revealed a surveillance footage of his cousins. He stood, towering over me, his piercing blue eyes locking onto my brown ones.

" Those are the words from my cousins," he said as my mouth suddenly opened.

As he spoke, his gaze drifted, and I glimpsed a flicker of pain. What had happened to him, and why did he abstain from all members of his family? I wondered.

"What I mean is... some rules no longer apply," Michael continued, his voice, now confident and commanding. "My cousins are suspicious of our marriage.We have an audience now. Until they leave, Miss Rogers, you must pretend to be my wife.... fully. We'll share a room and appear together at all times."

My jaw dropped, and then I wondered,How could I escape without confronting my past demons?