hapter 6 The limousine ride was silent , but not uncomfortable . I sat beside Rozen , staring out the window as the city lights blurred into streaks of gold and silver . My fingers grazed the hem of my wedding dress , the fabric soft , expensive . Everything happened so fast . One moment , I was standing in front of Ambers chaos , and now I was legally Mrs. Blackwood When we arrived , I expected grandeur but not this . His estate wasnt just big . It was massive . Regal iron gates opened slowly to a private road lined with cherry blossom trees , and in the distance , a mansion emerged , elegant and intimidating in equal measure . Everything screamed power and old money . Rozen stepped out first , then extended his hand to me . Welcome to your new home , he said dryly . Inside , marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers . High ceilings , of paintings , a sweeping staircase it felt like something out of a royal film . A butler grested us , followed by staff who bowed slightly as we passed . I kept my expression neutral , even as awe swirled inside me . Rozen led me up the stairs and stopped at a pair of large double doors . This is your room , he said , pushing them open . I stepped in , my breath catching . It was larger than my entire apartment before all this . The bed looked like it could fit five people , with satin sheets and a velvet headboard . Floor to ceiling windows offered a view of the estate gardens . There was even a fireplace flickering gently . I figured youd prefer space , Rozen continued . Just because were married doesnt mean we have to share a room . I turned to him , lifting a brow . Arent we newlyweds ? He scoffed . This marriage is for convenience . I need a wife for inheritance reasons . You need revenge , freedom , whatever it is . So , lets stick to the deal . I crossed my arms . And what exactly is that deal ? You act the part of my wife when I need you . Banquets , parties , charity galas . You wear the ring , smile , and play nice . In return , you get your freedom and your revenge . I tilted my head . About that … theres a project Ive been eyeing . Its based abroad , and it lasts for a year . I want to be part of it . Rozen didnt look surprised . He leaned against the doorframe . You can do it . But when I need you , you come back . No arguments . I nodded . Fair enough . He pushed off the frame , walking toward me with that same cool arrogance . One more thing , he said , voice low . No strings attached . No falling in love . A bitter laugh escaped me . That wont be a problem . Love is the last thing Im interested in . 60 % 19:23 Fri , 18 Apr De Rozen smirked . Because if one of us catches feelings , therell be consequences . What kind of consequences ? Lets just say … whoever falls first pays a price . Financial . Emotional . Legal , maybe . My smile was dry . Then I guess youll be safe . Because I dont plan on falling in love ever again . We shook hands . That was it . Our deal sealed not with a kiss , but with a contract of emotional detachment . And oddly enough , it was exactly what I needed . Later that evening , I stood by the window of my new room , arms wrapped around myself . I wasnt sad . Not anymore . I felt oddly … calm . Like the storm had passed , and what was left was just silence . And maybe a little satisfaction . My phone buzzed on the nightstand . I walked over and picked it up . Jasmine , Im sorry . I shouldve trusted you . Then another . I was wrong . Everything was wrong . Please , talk to me . I blinked . Message after message poured in . Calls too . They were desperate . Now that the truth was out , the tables had turned . And they were crawling back . I took screenshots of everything . And then , with deliberate precision , I opened a new message and typed : To Amber : So … what does it feel like knowing your men are crawling back to me ? ???? I hit send . I stared at the screen for a few more seconds , then tossed the phone onto the bed . No guilt . No hesitation . Just a sense of justice slowly being restored . 60 % 1 19:23 Fri , 18 Apr The calls wouldnt stop . 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,...