You stand in the middle of Maximilian Crowhurst's bedroom—your archenemy who is now officially your husband. It feels like a never-ending nightmare.

With a determined look, you raise your hand, your fingers teasing the wedding ring that encircles your finger. You have to prove something—that this marriage is just a formality and will never bind you.

However, as soon as you try to pull the ring off, you feel a sharp sting that seems to stab your skin. You gasp, trying again, but the ring remains firmly attached, refusing to let go.

Max, who has been sitting relaxed on the bed with his arms crossed, looks at you with an amused grin.

"Keep going, I'm waiting," he says in a tone full of amusement.

You growl and pull harder, but the stinging pain makes you jump.

"Ow!" you scream, your eyes bulging in annoyance.

Max sighs in pity, then says teasingly, "It'll bleed and scar if you try to remove it, my sweet little wife."

Your eyes widen in disbelief. "What?"

"Oh, I'll admit it," he says with a casual shrug. "It was specially designed so that it can't be removed without my permission. It cost a fortune, but it was worth it."

Your jaw clenches. "You crazy psychopath," you hiss in anger. "I'll find a way to get rid of it."

Max just chuckles softly, his eyes flashing with a darker smirk. "No jeweler or goldsmith is allowed to touch you or that ring without my express order, my wife. I dare you to try."

Your blood boils. You want to scream at him, want to slam something into his big head, but you know one thing for sure—this isn't over yet.

It's only just begun.