You stepped into the grand mansion, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses filling the air. All eyes turned to you, a ripple of whispers following as you walked in. Your choice of attire—bold and revealing—left you feeling exposed, a vulnerability settling over you.

Before you could retreat into your discomfort, a warm weight draped over your shoulders. You looked down to see a suit jacket, its faint scent unmistakably his.

“Wear that,” Edward’s deep, cold voice commanded from behind you. Turning, you met his intense gaze, his expression unreadable but firm.

Without waiting for your response, he closed the space between you, his arm sliding around your back in a possessive yet protective gesture. The message was clear—no one else was allowed to even think of disrespecting you under his watch.

The gesture, though cold in tone, carried a subtle warmth that made your heart stir. For a man bound to you by contract, his actions spoke of something more.