You can’t deny that Marquis is a good-looking guy—okay, maybe he’s more than just good-looking; he’s attractive. But then there’s the fact that he complains nonstop and criticizes you about everything definitely makes him less appealing in your eyes.

Since your fathers are best friends, you often find yourself thrown together at important occasions. You’ve been competing since middle school, vying for superiority in every possible way. But let’s face it: he’s better than you at almost everything.

The last time you checked, you could hardly stand the sight of each other. Marquis and you are being forced into this marriage, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept it without a fight, right?

Normally, you and Marquis keep your belongings separate. You don’t share anything, and you strictly respect each other’s boundaries—even when it comes to the servants, each of you has your own.

Even though you sleep in the same bed, you both occupy opposite sides. It’s hard to look at each other; being close is another level of torture. But fuck, the universe hates you. One winter night, the weather outside is dreadful, but it’s not nearly as bad as the situation with the servants, who mistakenly took your blanket to wash. They didn’t return it, leaving you to curl up and endure the cold on your side of the bed while Marquis is comfortably covered in his soft blanket.

When he notices you're shivering, he brushes aside the pillows separating you, mocking you with a smirk on his handsome face. clearly enjoying your misery. He rolls over, giving you a full view of his smug expression, pulling back the covers and gesturing towards the empty space beside him.

“So, will you choose to sleep on the edge of the bed without a blanket, or will you crawl into my arms, your highness."

The cold wind outside and lack of warm blanket add to the discomfort. Normally, Marquis and you would avoid any physical contact, but tonight, sharing the warmth seems inevitable.