Chapter Five: Rules

Anna pov

The mansion gates opened like jaws swallowing me whole. The Bentley rolled up the long drive, and I stared at the massive stone building that was now my prison for the next year. I was here in the morning but I just had time to take it all in now. White columns, perfect gardens, lights glowing like it belonged in a movie.

Smith, who I now know as the butler, stood at the front steps, straight-backed in his butler uniform, with a small line of maids behind him.

“Welcome home, Mrs. Blackwood,” The butler said as he opened the car door for me. His voice carried real warmth. “We’ve prepared everything for your arrival. The staff is at your service.”

I stepped out in my wedding dress, adjusting it as the silk now feeling heavy after the long day. “Thanks. Call me Anna.”

A young maid with kind eyes, the one I recognized from morning,stepped forward with a small bouquet of fresh roses. “We’re so happy to have you, Anna. I’m Clara. If you need anything, tea, a late snack, help unpacking, just say the word.”

Another maid nodded. “Your room is ready. everything in place as Mr. Blackwood ordered.”

Smith led the way inside. The foyer took my breath away. high ceilings, crystal chandelier, marble that shone under soft lights. Everything screamed soft life. I noticed the Maids moved quietly, efficient and smiling. They actually seemed pleased to see me.

“This place is huge,” I said. “You sure I won’t get lost?”

Clara laughed softly. “We’ll give you a tour tomorrow. For now, rest. You must be tired after the wedding.”

Smith stopped at the grand staircase. “Mr. Blackwood will join you shortly. He’s finishing a call in his study.”

I rolled my eyes internally and followed him up, heels clicking. To My new room, he opened the door to a massive space with a king bed, sitting area, and windows overlooking the gardens.

Clothes already hung in the closet. My few personal things from my old apartment sat neatly on a dresser.

“It's beautiful Beautiful,” I muttered. “But it doesn’t feel like home.”

Smith paused at the door. “Give it time, madam. It's natural you'll miss home. But if it'll make you feel better. Mrs. Veronica already sent words she adores you.”

I smiled at that. At least one person in this world thought this marriage was real. “Tell the staff thanks. I appreciate the welcome.”

He bowed slightly and left. I changed out of the dress into soft sweatpants and a tank top, I remembered I the maid, Clara said if I need anything I should come to her, so I was about to head downstairs for water. When Carlton’s voice carried from the study, deep, seeminglyin on a call. So I changed direction and pushed open the door his voice was coming from, without knocking.

First thing I noticed was that it was a in house office. He stood by the desk, phone to his ear, but ended the call when he saw me. His tux jacket was off, shirt sleeves rolled up. He looked every bit the boss.

“I was just about looking for you but it's good you pushed your way in here.,” he said without greeting. “We need to set some ground rules, now.”

I crossed my arms. “Rules? Carlton I signed a contract, not joined the army.”

His eyes narrowed. “Need I remind you, woman. This is my house. Now. First rule, you stay away from other men. No private talks specifically with John or anyone else. Public appearances should only with me. Is that Clear?”

I laughed mockingly. “Stay away from other men?Carlton. John’s been there for me since we were kids. You jealous already?”

He stepped closer, voice low and hard. “Not jealous. Practical. This marriage looks real to the outside. My mother believes it. My business needs it. Break that image and the deal breaks.”

I lifted my chin. “So I’m a prisoner with nice sheets? What else? Curfew? No talking back?”

“You talk back plenty already.”His control slipped for a second. I saw the muscle jump in his jaw. “Second rule: No poking into each other’s business. Third: attend events when required. Smile like you mean it. Fourth: no secrets. I know everything about you already, but if something changes, you tell me first.”

I moved closer, poking his chest with one finger. I didn't know where my courage came from. “And what about you? Do you follow rules, or just give them? Can you stay away from other women, or is that only for the poor wife you bought?”

His hand caught my wrist, firm but not painful. Heat jumped between us. “Careful, Anna. I don’t buy women. I made a deal that saves your mother. Push me and you’ll see how cold I can be.”

I yanked my hand free but didn’t step back. “You already look cold most days. Except when you whisper sweet rubbish at the altar. What was that about? Trying to sell the romance to your mom?”

His eyes darkened. “Again, I do not need to explain anything to you. But keep using that sharp tongue and I might end up stuffing your mouth.”

I smirked. “Threats now? Big strong billionaire can’t handle a little challenge from his fake wife?”

He stared at me, his breath picking up. His Control cracking, I saw it in the way his hands flexed. For a second, the air felt thick, like he might grab me and snap my neck in half right there in the study.

“Last warning,” he said, voice rough. “Follow the rules. Stay away from other men. That final.”

I held his gaze. “Or what? You’ll punish me? Send me back to my old life with Mom’s bills unpaid? I think you need this marriage more than you admit.”

He exhaled slowly, then turned and walked toward the door. “Goodnight, Anna. Smith will show you anything else you need. Don’t test me again, you won’t like the consequences.”

The door clicked shut behind him. My heart pounded. I touched my wrist where he’d held it, still warm. The maids had made me feel welcome, but Carlton made it clear,this was his kingdom, and I was the new queen who better obey.

I wandered back to my room, passing Clara in the hall. “Everything okay, Anna? Need help settling in?”

“Everything’s fine,” I said. “Thanks again for the welcome. It’s nicer than I expected.”

She smiled. “We’re glad you’re here. Mr. Blackwood seems… lighter already.”

Lighter? I almost laughed. He looked ready to explode. I closed my room door and sat on the bed.

My thoughts drifted to how I got in this situation But Mom was safe. The first Surgery was done. It's worth this ridiculous arrangement.

For now.

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