I barely slept that night.
Confusion, fear, and exhaustion battled inside me until my body gave up. When sunlight finally touched the room, I forced myself to get up.
I wasn't a prisoner… at least, not officially.
I moved slowly, freshened up, and changed into the simple clothes the servant had left for me. The silence around me felt heavier than last night's shadows.
After a moment of hesitation, I stepped out of the room.
The mansion's hallways were wide and cold, yet silent, as if everyone here had learned to speak only when ordered. My footsteps echoed softly until I reached the grand hall.
One of the servants noticed me and immediately bowed slightly.
"Good morning, ma'am. What would you like for breakfast?" she asked politely, her tone professional but her eyes carefully avoiding mine.
For a moment, I stood frozen.
"Ma'am."
That word felt like a joke.
I swallowed my pride and fear, whispering softly, "Anything simple… is fine."
The servant nodded and hurried away, leaving me standing in the middle of the massive hall, feeling small.
I wasn't sure what terrified me more.
The silence.
Or the man who ruled this house.
The servant placed the tray in front of me and stepped back silently.
I glanced around again, unable to stop myself.
The servant noticed.
"Are you looking for Knight Sir?" she asked gently.
Startled, I quickly shook my head. "No! Not at all. I'm just… I can't see him anywhere."
She smiled faintly, as if she knew something I didn't.
"Sir didn't come home. He usually works at night and sleeps in the morning."
I paused, then mumbled softly to myself, "Good. It's better he's not here. At least now I can eat freely."
Finally, I picked up a piece of bread, letting out a small sigh of relief.
But before I could take a bite, the heavy sound of footsteps echoed behind me.
My body stiffened.
No… it can't be.
I turned slowly.
And there he was.
Knight.
Wearing a new black suit, cold and dangerous, like nothing touched him. His expression unreadable, yet his presence pulled all the air from the room.
Without saying a word, he walked straight to the table.
And sat down.
Right beside me.
I felt my heart stop.
"I know you were waiting to have breakfast with me," he said suddenly, a cold laugh escaping his lips.
I flinched, shocked. "No! I wasn't waiting for you!" I said quickly, standing up in panic. "I don't want to eat with you. I'll eat somewhere else… far from you!"
But before I could take a step, his hand shot out.
He grabbed my wrist, firm but calm.
"Sit beside me."
His voice was low. Controlling. Dangerous.
I looked at him, breathless and scared.
But I knew there was no choice.
Slowly… I sat down again.
Beside the man who had stolen my freedom
Knight's grip didn't loosen as he leaned slightly closer, his voice cold but calm.
"You're going to do what I say, understand? Because this is my house. And as long as you're here… you'll follow my rules."
I clenched my jaw, gathering courage I didn't even know I had.
"I'm your wife now. Legally." My voice came out sharper than I expected. "Which means… this house is mine too."
For a moment, there was silence.
Then, unexpectedly… he smiled.
A dark, slow smile that made my heart stumble.
"So…" he said softly, "you're finally confessing that you consider me your husband?"
I froze, my breath caught in my throat.
I didn't know what scared me more.
His words.
Or the fact that, deep inside… a part of me couldn't deny it.