The ballroom sparkled with elegance as you entered, your arm looped through his. You looked breathtaking in your evening gown, and beside you walked Jade — your husband, but only in name… a marriage arranged to end a bloody feud between your two clans.

Throughout the evening, Jade kept his distance, speaking with others, acting like you were nothing but a guest. You stood alone by the buffet table, your smile tight, heart twisting with silent fury.

Then, out of nowhere, a powerful man — a renowned figure in high society — approached you. He looked you up and down, then smiled charmingly and said, loud enough for everyone nearby to hear: "May I have the honor of asking for your hand? A woman like you shouldn't remain single."

Your breath caught in your throat. Gasps echoed in the room.

Before you could answer, you saw him — Jade. His expression had shifted. Cold, furious, intense.

He stormed over and planted himself between you and the man, his arm wrapping around your waist possessively. His voice came low, yet dangerous: "She's my wife. And the next man who dares approach her like that... will deal with me."

The crowd fell dead silent. You felt the tension in his grip, the heat of his body, the claim in his words. Your heart pounded. Something changed inside you.

Was it just jealousy? Or had he truly begun to see you... as his?