CHAPTER 14

The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm golden hue across the room. I stretched lazily, blinking at the clock on the bedside table. 10:03 AM.

I frowned. It wasn’t like me to sleep this late. Maybe it was because I had stayed up waiting for Heinrich. Or maybe it was the exhaustion from everything that had happened lately. Either way, my body felt unusually heavy.

As I rubbed my eyes and sat up, the sound of rustling papers caught my attention. I turned my head to see Heinrich sitting on the couch near the window, his legs crossed at the ankles, a few documents spread out on the glass coffee table in front of him. His sharp green eyes scanned each page with meticulous focus.

He looked completely immersed in his work, his brows slightly furrowed as he flipped through the pages.

I yawned and stretched. “What are you up to?”

Without glancing up, he gestured for me to come closer. “Come and see for yourself.”

I hesitated for a moment before climbing out of bed and padding across the room toward him. As soon as I got close enough, Heinrich grabbed my wrist and, in one swift movement, pulled me down onto his lap.

I gasped in shock as my body collided with his, my hands instinctively landing on his shoulders for balance. “Heinrich! What the hell?”

He smirked, his grip firm around my waist. “You’re slow this morning.”

I scowled and tried to push away, but he didn’t let me go. “Let me go.”

“No.” His tone was amused but firm.

I shot him a glare. “You’re impossible.”

“I’ve been told.”

I sighed heavily, giving up on fighting him. “Fine. What are you working on?”

He finally released me slightly and picked up a document. “Just going through some contracts.”

I peeked at the paper in his hand, but the text was too small for me to read. “Contracts for what?”

He arched a brow. “You don’t need to know that.”

I frowned. “Then why did you tell me to come and see?”

He leaned back slightly, smirking. “Because I wanted to see your reaction.”

I groaned. “You’re so annoying.”

He chuckled but didn’t deny it. Instead, he reached for another document and placed it on top of the others. “There’s one contract you do need to see.”

I raised a brow. “Oh?”

He handed me the paper, his expression unreadable. “It’s for our marriage.”

I stared at him for a moment, waiting for him to say he was joking. But he didn’t.

I looked down at the document, my brows furrowing. “A marriage contract?”

“Yes.”

I let out a small laugh. “What is this? A novel or real life?”

He didn’t even blink. “It doesn’t matter.”

I narrowed my eyes and flipped through the pages. “So, what does this contract say?”

“It outlines the terms of our agreement,” he said simply.

I skimmed the document, my eyes catching various clauses about confidentiality, loyalty, and public appearances. But then, one particular line made me pause.

"In the event of infidelity, the punishment will be nothing but death."

My hands went stiff, my grip tightening on the paper.

I laughed nervously. “Okay, very funny.”

Heinrich said nothing.

I lifted my eyes to his face, expecting to see some hint of amusement, but he was staring at me with that cold, unreadable gaze.

He wasn’t joking.

My stomach twisted. “Wait. You’re serious?”

“Yes.”

I blinked rapidly, feeling my throat go dry. “You’re actually putting this in a contract?”

“Yes.”

I scoffed, shaking my head in disbelief. “You can’t be serious. This is insane.”

He tilted his head slightly, his expression unwavering. “It’s simple.”

I gaped at him. “No, it’s psychotic.”

He didn’t react. He just kept watching me, his gaze as steady as ever.

I swallowed. “What if I refuse to sign this?”

He raised a brow. “Then you’re free to leave.”

I stiffened.

We both knew that wasn’t an option.

I had nowhere to go. I had nothing. And he knew that too.

My fingers clenched around the document. “You… really mean this?”

“Yes.”

A heavy silence settled between us.

I didn’t know what to say. I wanted to argue, to call him out on how ridiculous this was, but something in his eyes told me it would be pointless.

He wasn’t bluffing.

Heinrich had always been controlling, but this was something else entirely.

I exhaled shakily. “This is crazy.”

“Perhaps.”

I looked down at the contract again, my mind racing.

Why would he even put something like this in writing? Did he actually expect me to cheat on him? Or was this just another way for him to control me completely?

I had no answers.

Finally, I forced a laugh, even though my voice was shaky. “Well, it’s not like I planned on cheating, anyway.”

His gaze darkened slightly. “Good.”

I swallowed hard.

I didn’t want to think about what would happen if I ever did.

A Silent Battle

The contract sat between us like a wall. My fingers trembled slightly as I turned the page, scanning the rest of the clauses. Some were standard, about maintaining a certain public image and avoiding scandals. Others were more controlling—restrictions on my whereabouts, rules about who I could or couldn’t speak to.

I looked up at him. “This is really detailed.”

“Of course.”

I exhaled, shaking my head. “You really thought of everything, didn’t you?”

“I always do.”

I studied his face, searching for some kind of hint—some sign that maybe, just maybe, this was a bluff.

But there was none.

Heinrich wasn’t the type to joke about things like this.

I pressed my lips together. “So… I just sign this, and then what? We live happily ever after?”

His lips curled slightly. “Something like that.”

I let out a dry laugh. “You’re insane.”

He smirked. “You’ve mentioned that before.”

I sighed heavily and tossed the document onto the table. “I need time to think.”

“You have until tomorrow morning.”

I blinked. “You’re giving me a deadline?”

“Yes.”

I scoffed. “Of course you are.”

He didn’t reply.

Instead, he leaned back against the couch, watching me with those piercing green eyes.

I felt like a mouse trapped under a cat’s gaze.

Finally, I stood up. “I need some air.”

“Take all the air you need,” he said smoothly. “Just don’t leave the estate.”

I clenched my jaw. “I wasn’t planning to.”

He nodded, satisfied.

Without another word, I turned on my heel and walked out of the room.

As soon as the door closed behind me, I exhaled shakily.

My hands were trembling.

I pressed them against my chest, trying to calm my racing heart.

This marriage…

It wasn’t just a contract.

It was a cage.

—---------------

The afternoon sun filtered through the curtains, casting soft golden hues over the bedroom. I lay on the bed, scrolling mindlessly through my phone, bored to death.

After the whole ridiculous contract situation earlier in the morning, I desperately needed something to distract me. My mind kept replaying Heinrich’s cold, serious expression when he had given me that absurd ultimatum—cheat, and I die.

I shuddered, shaking the thought away.

I needed an escape.

I sighed and tapped open my messages, my fingers hovering over Elizabeth’s contact.

Me: Are you free for some shopping?

It only took a few seconds for her reply to pop up.

Elizabeth: Depends. Who’s paying?

I smirked.

Me: Who do you think?

Elizabeth: Then yes. Pick me up anytime.

I chuckled. Of course, she wouldn’t turn down a shopping spree—especially when someone else was paying.

Now, I just had one tiny little obstacle.

Heinrich.

I found him outside in the garden, lounging on one of the sleek patio chairs. A book rested in his hand, his long fingers lazily flipping the pages. He looked relaxed, completely at ease.

For a moment, I considered turning around and just forgetting about this.

But no.

If Heinrich wanted a trophy wife, then fine. I’d give him one. A high-maintenance, extravagant, ridiculously expensive one.

I sauntered over and crossed my arms. “I need your card.”

Heinrich didn’t look up. “Do you?”

“Yes.”

He turned a page. “Why?”

I rolled my eyes. “Because I want to go shopping with Elizabeth.”

Finally, he closed his book and looked at me, amusement flickering in his green eyes. “And why should I give you my card?”

I scoffed. “Because you’re my fiancé. And if I’m going to be paraded around like some perfect little wife, I need to at least look the part.”

He smirked. “Ah. So you finally understand your role.”

I scowled. “Just give me the card, Heinrich.”

His smirk widened. “Have you forgotten one of my rules?”

I frowned. “What rule?”

“The one where you’re not allowed to make any plans without informing me first.”

I groaned. “Oh, come on. I’m informing you now.”

He arched a brow. “After you already made the plan.”

I huffed. “Fine. Next time, I’ll tell you first. Now, can I have your card?”

He leaned back in his chair, studying me like he was debating whether to say yes or drag this conversation out just to irritate me.

Knowing him, it was probably the latter.

I sighed dramatically. “Please, Heinrich. I promise I won’t buy a helicopter or anything.”

His lips twitched. “Tempting offer.”

I put my hands on my hips. “So?”

He exhaled through his nose, then reached into his pocket, pulling out a sleek black credit card. He held it between his fingers, but just as I reached for it, he pulled it back slightly.

“There’s no limit,” he said casually.

I blinked. “No limit?”

“No limit.”

I smirked. “You’re going to regret not setting one.”

He chuckled. “I doubt it.”

I snatched the card from his hand and grinned. “We’ll see about that.”

An hour later, I was walking into an upscale boutique with Elizabeth, our eyes shining with mischief.

I wasn’t kidding when I told Heinrich he’d regret this.

If he thought giving me a card with unlimited funds was a good idea, he was in for a surprise.

“Okay,” Elizabeth said, eyeing the rows of designer dresses. “How reckless are we feeling today?”

I smirked. “Very.”

She grinned. “Good. Then let’s start with shoes.”

We spent the first half-hour trying on heels—ridiculously expensive ones.

I picked up a pair of Louboutins, my eyes widening at the price tag. “These cost more than my old car.”

Elizabeth snorted. “Yeah, well, you’re engaged to a billionaire now. Might as well enjoy it.”

I shrugged. “You’re right.”

And just like that, I bought them.

And another pair.

And another.

By the time we moved on to dresses, I had already spent more money in one hour than I had in my entire life.

And I wasn’t stopping anytime soon.

Elizabeth held up a sleek red dress. “This would look amazing on you.”

I took one look at it and nodded. “Get one for yourself too.”

She grinned. “You’re the best.”

I smirked. “I know.”

We continued our spree, moving from store to store, buying whatever caught our attention. Dresses, jewelry, handbags—things I didn’t even need.

At one point, Elizabeth eyed me suspiciously. “You’re having way too much fun with this.”

I grinned. “I told Heinrich he’d regret this.”

She burst out laughing. “You’re evil.”

“Thank you.”

The more I spent, the more I realized something—I had control.

Heinrich might have made the rules, but right now, with his limitless credit card in my hand, I had the power.

And it felt good.

By the time we were done, we had enough shopping bags to fill an entire trunk.

Elizabeth plopped onto a nearby bench, exhausted. “Okay. I’m officially dead.”

I laughed, setting down my own bags. “Same.”

She peeked inside one of them. “You seriously bought a designer coat? It’s summer.”

I shrugged. “I might need it one day.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re out of control.”

I smirked. “That’s the goal.”

By the time I got back home, I half-expected Heinrich to be waiting at the door, demanding an explanation.

But he wasn’t.

I frowned slightly. Did he really not care how much I spent?

Shaking my head, I carried my bags inside.

A housekeeper appeared, offering to take them, but I waved her off. “No, it’s fine. I’ll take them up myself.”

I made my way to the bedroom, setting everything down near the walk-in closet.

As I unboxed my shoes, I heard the door open.

I turned to see Heinrich standing there, his expression unreadable.

He glanced at the mountain of shopping bags. “I see you enjoyed yourself.”

I smirked. “You said no limit.”

His lips twitched. “I did.”

I raised a brow. “Not mad?”

He shook his head. “I expected this.”

I narrowed my eyes. “You expected me to go on a reckless shopping spree?”

“Yes.”

I scoffed. “And you’re really not mad?”

He smirked. “I said I expected it. I didn’t say I wasn’t entertained.”

I blinked. “Wait. Are you saying you wanted me to do this?”

He chuckled, stepping forward and tilting my chin up with his fingers. “If spending my money makes you feel powerful, then by all means, Mariane.”

I swallowed.

His eyes held something dark—something amused, yet possessive.

I suddenly felt like I had walked right into his trap, not the other way around.

And the worst part?

I wasn’t sure I minded.

I leaned back against the bedpost, my arms crossed, watching Heinrich with a smirk. His reaction to my shopping spree wasn’t what I expected. Instead of being annoyed or scolding me, he had found amusement in it.

Fine. If he wanted me to play the role of a spoiled, extravagant wife, then I’d embrace it fully.

“Well then, I’m going to keep spending your money ridiculously,” I said, tilting my head. “And while I’m at it, why don’t we go out tomorrow?”

His brow lifted slightly, his green eyes flickering with interest. “Out?”

I nodded. “You did promise me that we would go on dates.”

His smirk returned. “I don’t recall making any promises.”

I rolled my eyes. “Don’t play dumb, Heinrich. You told me that if I behaved, you would take me out.”

He sighed, rubbing his temple as if I was exhausting him. “Fine. Where do you want to go?”

I blinked. I thought he was going to refuse outright.

“You’re actually asking for my opinion?” I asked, surprised.

His lips twitched. “Don’t get used to it.”

I huffed. “Somewhere that a wife who loves to spend would go.”

His expression shifted slightly as if he was considering my words carefully. Then, after a moment, he nodded. “I know a place you’ll like.”

My curiosity piqued. “Really? Where?”

“You’ll see.”

I frowned. “You’re not going to tell me?”

“No,” he said simply. “You like surprises, don’t you?”

I wasn’t sure if I did. Not when they came from him.

I narrowed my eyes, but I decided not to push further. “Fine.”

He glanced at the clock. “It’s getting late. We should eat.”

I sighed. “You say that like I have a choice.”

“You don’t,” he said, already heading toward the door.

I rolled my eyes but followed him downstairs.

The dining room was already set when we arrived. The long wooden table gleamed under the soft glow of the chandelier, the plates arranged neatly, silverware perfectly aligned. The scent of freshly cooked food filled the air, making my stomach grumble slightly.

Heinrich, as usual, took his seat at the head of the table. I sat a few seats down, putting some distance between us.

Dinner had become an odd routine. Some nights were filled with unbearable tension, others with cold silence. But tonight, it felt... neutral.

A maid served us steak with a side of vegetables and mashed potatoes. I picked up my knife, cutting into the meat, my eyes flicking up to Heinrich briefly.

He was eating casually, his posture relaxed.

“So,” I started, deciding to break the silence, “are you actually going to take the day off tomorrow?”

He didn’t look up. “It depends.”

I sighed. “Depends on what?”

“My schedule.”

I huffed. “Then what’s the point of agreeing to go out if you’re just going to bail?”

His lips curled slightly. “I didn’t say I would bail.”

“Right, but you’re not denying it either,” I muttered.

He smirked. “If I have to cancel, I’ll reschedule.”

I rolled my eyes. “That’s not the same.”

“It’s close enough.”

I stabbed my fork into a piece of potato aggressively. “You have a very twisted way of seeing things.”

He took a sip of his wine. “I prefer to think of it as realistic.”

I shook my head and focused on my food. At least tonight, we weren’t arguing.

“So, this mystery place you’re taking me to,” I said after a few minutes, “is it a restaurant?”

“No.”

“A casino?”

“No.”

“A shopping center?”

“No.”

I exhaled sharply. “Are you going to give me anything?”

He smirked. “No.”

I groaned. “You’re annoying.”

“I’ve been told.”

I narrowed my eyes. “By who?”

His smirk didn’t fade. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

I scowled, stuffing a piece of steak into my mouth just so I wouldn’t respond to him.

Silence settled for a while, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Heinrich continued eating as if he wasn’t aware of how frustrated I was.

Or maybe he was. And he was enjoying it.

I let out a breath. “So, what’s the dress code for this ‘mystery place’?”

“Elegant,” he said simply.

I raised a brow. “Black tie?”

He nodded.

I pursed my lips. “And I suppose you’ve already picked out my outfit?”

His smirk widened. “Naturally.”

I rolled my eyes. Of course, he had.

But at least now I had a small clue. If it was black tie, then it had to be somewhere high-end. That narrowed it down to a few options.

Maybe a gala? An auction? A high-profile event?

Whatever it was, I had a feeling it wasn’t just a simple date.

And with Heinrich, nothing ever was.