I looked away, refusing to answer his question.
His smile didn't fade.
"Silent, huh?" he whispered, finally letting go of my wrist, but his presence still pressed heavily against me.
I tried to steady my breathing and forced myself to speak.
"Don't twist my words. I said legally. That doesn't mean I accept you as my husband."
He chuckled coldly. "Say whatever helps you sleep at night, Alice."
I stood up quickly, desperate to escape this moment. But before I could take a step, his voice stopped me.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Anywhere away from you." My voice trembled slightly.
He rose from his chair too, walking toward me slowly like a predator cornering its prey.
"You'll only exhaust yourself fighting me. This is your life now, whether you like it or not."
I backed away until I hit the wall behind me.
"Stay away from me," I whispered.
But he leaned in slightly, his voice dangerously soft.
"No, wifey. You'll stay near me. Right where you belong."
His words sent shivers down my spine.
But before I could react further, he stepped back suddenly, adjusting the cuffs of his suit like nothing happened.
"You'll have dinner with me tonight," he ordered without looking at me. "And don't test my patience again."
And with that, Knight walked away, leaving me standing there, confused… trapped… and trembling.
Dinner? With him?
The thought alone made my stomach twist.
I stood frozen, staring at the spot where Knight had just walked away. My heart felt heavy… my body even heavier.
A dinner?
With a man who kills without blinking?
With a ruthless mafia king who treats lives like they're nothing?
I clenched my fists, frustration boiling inside me.
"What's wrong with me?" I whispered to myself, shaking my head. "How could I say that… how could I say I'm his wife? Am I mad or what?"
Tears burned in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.
This wasn't just a nightmare anymore.
It was my reality.
I sat down on the edge of the bed, holding my head in my hands.
Suddenly, a soft knock on the door made me jump.
"Who's there?" I called out, trying to steady my voice.
A soft female voice answered, "Billi, ma'am. Your servant."
I hesitated, then whispered, "Come in."
The door opened slowly, and Billi entered, carrying something that made my confusion deepen.
A large, beautifully wrapped gift box.
She walked over silently and placed it on the table in front of me.
"What… what is this?" I asked hesitantly, staring at the box like it was something dangerous.
Billi kept her head slightly bowed.
"Knight Sir sent this for you, ma'am. Along with a note."
She placed a small folded note beside the box.
Before I could ask anything else, she bowed slightly and said softly, "Please get ready soon, ma'am." Then she left the room quietly.
I stared at the door after she left, my heart racing.
I turned back to the box.
A gift?
From him?
What game are you playing now, Knight?
I swallowed hard and reached out… wondering whether opening the box would bring more answers…
Or more trouble.