My grip tightened around her waist as I kept her at a distance while my patience wore thin with the unwelcome advances and flirtations from others. In a light-hearted manner, she joked, "If our arrangement weren't fake, I'd genuinely worry about your possessiveness, Ailean"

Her joke failed to amuse me as I pressed her against the wall, a low growl escaping my lips. "Do you truly think this is all an act?" I questioned, my eyes darkening as I leaned closer, causing her breath to quicken. "Answer me, my wife," I demanded.

"Do you honestly believe that when I call you mine, obsess over every second without hearing from you, and rush to your side like a lost puppy, it's all just a show?" "Furthermore, consider the fact that you've never removed my ring. Is that also part of the charade?" I accused.

"You were never meant to be my sister's. You were always meant to be mine," I murmured, my voice dripping low as I halted just before our lips touched. "Just know this. I will make you mine in every possible way. And if a way doesn't exist, I will create one. Until you become my everything."