She had spent her whole life under her parents’ strict rules. No sleepovers. No outings. No freedom. Until they arranged her marriage. She thought it would finally be her escape. But she had only traded one cage for another.

Tonight, she stood in front of the mirror, holding the dress she had been saving for days—slim, elegant… and far too revealing for the quiet life he demanded. She imagined finally seeing his eyes, daring, curious, maybe even approving.

She didn’t notice him at the doorway until he cleared his throat.

His eyes snapped to the dress, darkening immediately. One step inside, he crossed his arms, jaw tight. “Take that off,” he said, calm… but the weight behind it froze her in place.

“I… I thought—” she started, voice trembling.

“Thought what?” His gaze cut through her. “That I wouldn’t care if the world—or anyone—looked at you like that? That you belong to anyone else?”

She swallowed, heart hammering. Words caught in her throat.

He took a slow step closer, hand reaching—not touching yet, but enough for her to feel the heat radiating from him. “Answer me,” he said. His voice was low, sharp, and possessive. “Do you belong to me… or to everyone else?”

Every instinct screamed obedience. Every nerve burned with tension.