"The Rules of the Game"

As Nicholas's words settled between them, Elena's body swelled. We now talk about the rules. Nicholas Blackwell, of course, would have rules. Her grip on the suitcase handle tightened. "Rules?" she repeated, keeping her voice even.

As he pointed toward the couch, Nicholas maintained his sharp gaze. "Sit."

She hesitated for a moment before slowly and rigidly lowering herself onto the cool leather. Nicholas took the seat next to her and confidently crossed one leg over the other. He then got started, giving off the air of a man who was used to getting exactly what he wanted. "Rule number one: In public, we are a devoted, happily married couple. With no exceptions. Elena anticipated this. After all, he didn't marry her because he loved her. This concerned appearances. "Fine," she said, her voice steady.

As if he found her quick compliance amusing, Nicholas' lips curved slightly. "Rule number two: You live here. Full-time. There will be no separate residence, and you will not be able to sneak away to your previous apartment. Elena's heart rate increased. "Why?"

Nicholas leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. Because married couples share an apartment. Additionally, I cannot afford rumors or speculation. This arrangement must be airtight in every way. She felt a chill down her spine. Although she had signed a contract, she now felt as though she had entered a cage. Still, she forced herself to nod. "Fine."

Nicholas studied her, his expression unreadable. He then carried on. Third rule: You and I will go to social events as needed. You will smile and act the part, and you will never make me feel embarrassed. Elena's jaw clenched. "So, I'm your coveted wife." Nicholas smirked. "No. You're my convincing wife."

She detested the manner in which he said it, as if this were just another business transaction for him. But wasn't that what it was, too? She pushed down the anger in her chest with a slow inhalation. "Understood."

Nicholas nodded approvingly. "Good. Fourth rule: This marriage is only for one year. Nothing less nor more. She felt a strange hollowness in her stomach. Even though she was aware that this wouldn't last forever, hearing the timetable laid out so bluntly made it seem more... transactional. "Then after that?" She inquired. Nicholas spoke calmly and precisely. "We split up. We will return to our separate lives after you receive the payment specified in your contract. Elena slowly exhaled. For a year. She could make it through a year. She needed to. As he went on, Nicholas's expression got a little darker. "Rule number five: We decide what happens behind closed doors." A sharp jolt shot through her spine.

"What does that signify?" She asked with care. Nicholas didn't blink. This means that I will not impose anything on you. However, this union must be convincing. If the situation requires physical closeness—holding hands, a kiss—you won't flinch."

Elena's chest swelled. The way he said it, with that unreadable gaze, made her skin prickle.

She took a big inhale. "Fine."

Nicholas studied her for a long moment, his expression giving away nothing. He then got up. "Then we are finished here." Elena exhaled, not realizing she was holding a breath. Nicholas turned to face the corridor. "Your room is down the hall, second door on the left."

She was hesitant. "And yours too?" Nicholas glanced back at her. "On the right is the first door." distinct rooms. It was a slight reprieve. But Nicholas Blackwell didn't always play by his own rules, and Elena had a sneaking suspicion that he did. ---

Later That Night

Elena was tangled up in her thoughts as she lay in bed and looked up at the ceiling. Everything about this felt unreal.

She was clinging to the life she had built, barely making it through this morning. She was now Elena Blackwell, the wife of a man who frightened her. Not in the way of physical fear, but something deeper. She felt unsteady because of Nicholas Blackwell's presence—his control and unwavering certainty. She turned onto her side, pulling the covers higher.

For a year. She was all she had to deal with. One year of playing it safe, smiling, and standing next to a man who was from a world that was far too harsh and cruel for her. She would enter that world tomorrow. Additionally, she was unsure if she would emerge the same person. ---