Selena followed Jace silently out of the hospital.
The night air was cool, but she felt hot—flushed from everything that had happened in just one hour.
A black limousine waited outside.
Not a normal one—this one looked like money, power, and danger combined.
The driver opened the door. "Sir. Ma'am."
Ma'am.
The word hit her harder than expected.
She slid into the backseat, fingers twisting together nervously.
Jace entered after her, the space instantly shrinking with his presence. He sat with his arms crossed, gaze fixed on the night city as the car moved.
Selena bit her lip. "My mother… she'll be okay, right?"
"Yes." His tone was clipped, but firm. "The surgeon I paid for is the best in Lagos."
She exhaled shakily. "Thank you."
Jace didn't answer, but she saw his jaw tighten—as if gratitude irritated him.
Silence That Was Too Heavy
The car was quiet, but not peaceful.
Selena could feel every breath, every shift he made. His scent—clean, sharp, expensive—wrapped around her, making it impossible to relax.
Finally, she asked, barely above a whisper,
"Why are you always so cold?"
His gaze flicked to her.
"Why are you always so emotional?"
Selena stared at her hands. "Because I'm human."
"And I'm not?" he challenged.
She flinched but didn't reply.
His eyes softened for half a second—so quick she doubted it happened.
Arriving at His Mansion
The gates opened with a deep mechanical hum, revealing a massive mansion that looked like something out of a drama series.
Tall, intimidating, surrounded by trees and guarded by security.
Selena's mouth parted slightly.
She had never even entered a rich neighborhood before… now she was supposedly living in one.
The car stopped at the entrance.
Jace stepped out first, then held the door for her.
Not kindly.
But because it was expected of a husband.
"Don't wander," he warned. "This house is big enough to swallow you."
She blinked. "Is that a joke?"
"No," he said seriously. "You'll get lost."
Selena almost smiled. Almost.
Inside the Mansion
Warm lights. Perfect furniture. Marble floors.
Everything looked untouched—as if no one lived here.
"Do you live alone?" she asked.
"Yes."
"It feels… empty."
"That's how I like it."
Something in his voice sounded lonely, but she didn't dare comment.
They walked through the grand hallway until Jace stopped at a door.
"This will be your room."
Selena peeked inside.
It was bigger than her entire apartment.
Soft bed, huge windows, everything spotless.
She turned. "And your room?"
He pointed down the hall. "There."
"So we won't…" She stopped. Her face heated.
Jace smirked lazily.
"No, Selena. I won't touch you unless you ask."
Her entire body went hot. "I—I won't ask."
"We'll see," he murmured.
Jace leaned against the doorway, arms folded.
"There are a few rules for this marriage."
Selena nodded nervously.
"Rule one: In front of others, we act fully married. People must believe it."
She swallowed. "Okay."
"Rule two: You obey when I give instructions. It avoids suspicion."
"…Okay."
"Rule three:"
He stepped closer, lowering his voice so his breath tickled her ear.
"No falling in love."
Her heart dropped.
He straightened up, cold and composed.
"Love complicates contracts. Keep that in mind."
Selena forced a nod. "I won't fall in love with you."
"Good."
But something flickered in his eyes.
A glint.
A warning.
Or maybe fear.
Alone at Last
Jace left her room, closing the door behind him.
Selena sank onto the bed, burying her face in her hands.
What had she just agreed to?
A stranger's wife.
A man colder than winter.
A contract that could break her heart.
But her mother was alive.
And that was worth everything.
As she lay down, she didn't realize Jace stood outside her door for three long seconds…
hand half-lifted, as if he wanted to knock.
But he didn't.
He walked away—
cold, composed, untouchable.
At least… that's what he wanted to be.