Chapter 12 I pushed open the door to my apartment , fully expecting silence . Instead , I was met with the rich aroma of garlic and butter , something simmering on the stove , and a familiar figure standing in my kitchen . He glanced over his shoulder with the most casual expression , like he belonged there . Youre home . I dropped my bag by the door , my voice flat . What the hell are you doing here ? He stirred the pan once before turning off the burner . Cant I visit my wife ? I scoffed , stepping further in . You dont need to visit me . We had an agreement , remember ? No strings attached . No playing house . Rozen wiped his hands on a kitchen towel . Yes , no strings . But still youre my wife . Thats not something I forget . He walked toward me , something glinting in his palm . He held it out a thin , elegant bracelet , silver with a faint blue glow . I frowned . What is that ? Wear it . I stared at him . Why ? So I can track you . My eyes widened , heart lurching with a mix of disbelief and anger . Excuse me ? You want to track me ? Are you insane ? Is this because of what happened a while ago ? No , he said calmly , but his tone was firm . I just want to know where you are . What am I to you , Rozen ? A prisoner ? A pet ? He exhaled , looking tired . Youre not a prisoner . I just Jasmine , I get worried , alright ? My lips parted , confused and caught off guard . Worried ? Please , he said again , softer this time . Just wear it . I wont check it unless something happens . But I need to know I can find you . Just in case . In case of what ? I asked , my voice low . What are you not telling me? He didnt answer right away . Just looked at me with that expression that made me feel like I was being pulled into something I didnt fully understand . Please , he repeated . There was something in his voice something vulnerable . For a moment , I hated how it made me weak . I didnt reply . I just reached out and took the bracelet from his hand , slipping it onto my wrist without a word . Dinner was quiet . He served me pasta , sat across the table , but we barely spoke . It was like both of us were trying to navigate an invisible wall . I didnt ask what he was doing here . bu % 19:25 Fri , 18 Apr He didnt explain . When I finished , I stood and started cleaning , but he gently took the plate from my hand . Ill do it . You should rest . Im fine , I replied , voice stiff . He didnt argue . Just cleaned the dishes while I sat on the couch , watching the quiet buzz of city lights outside my window . Later , he stood in the hallway , eyes unreadable . Ill take the guest room . I didnt stop him . And I didnt sleep . Not really . I lay there , staring at the ceiling , heart tight . I wanted to ask why he really came . Why he brought food . Why the bracelet . Why the hell he looked at me like that like I mattered . But I didnt ask . Because if I started pulling the thread , I knew Id unravel . And I couldnt afford to feel more than what this contract allowed . Not again . It was around 11 p.m. when I stood in front of the mirror , fixing my lipstick . Maybe it was petty . Maybe it was foolish . But I needed to forget . I needed to feel in control again . The bracelet still clung to my wrist like a silent reminder . I ignored it , grabbed my coat , and headed to a bar not far from the apartment . It wasnt loud or wild just warm lights , low music , the kind of place where no one asked questions . I ordered a drink and sat at the bar , letting the quiet hum of the crowd numb me . Then , someone approached . A guy with an easy smile and warm brown eyes . He started talking . I let him . I laughed at his jokes . Let my fingers brush his on the counter . I didnt even know his name . But for a second , I felt free . And then I didnt . Because suddenly , hands gripped my waist tight , possessive . I let out a yelp as I was lifted from the stool , swung up like a rag doll . What the hell- ?! I landed over a shoulder strong and familiar . My stomach flipped , and so did my heart . Put me down ! I shrieked , pounding my fists against his back . ROZEN ! Shut up , he growled , storming toward the exit like a storm in a suit . People turned to look . Some laughed . Others gasped . I burned with embarrassment and fury . You are out of your mind ! What are you doing ?! I told you not to do this . You dont get to tell me what to do ! Chapter 12 ས . 60 % ° F 19:28 Fri , 18 Apr He kicked open the bar door and marched into the night , toward his car . Put me down right now ! He didnt until we reached the passenger side . He dropped me on my feet , eyes blazing . Are you seriously trying to make me lose my mind ? You already have , I snapped , shoving his chest . You dragged me out like some caveman ! You were with a stranger . Flirting . Touching- Thats none of your business ! Youre my wife ! he shouted , voice raw . Even if this marriage started as a contract , I still care ! The words echoed between us like a slap . My breath caught . I stared at him . His chest was heaving . His hands were clenched . And his eyes God , his eyes were filled with something that looked too close to pain . He looked away first , swiping a hand over his face . I dont know what youre doing to me , he muttered . Neither did I. Because this wasnt part of the plan . This wasnt supposed to be real . And yet … As I stood there , wind catching my hair , heart still racing from his touch I wasnt sure if I wanted it to be fake anymore . Audrey's biggest regret? A one-night stand with Floyd, her secret love for eight years. Despite his arranged marriage and his family's troubles, he kept rescuing her. She thought she was just a fling,...