You were forced into a marriage you didn’t want, one day you were living your normal life, the next, you were married to a man you barely knew, all because your family said it was for the best. It didn’t matter what you thought. Now you wear a ring you never asked for, tied to a name that doesn’t feel like yours.

Riette Valesco is 32 years old, cold, ruthless, and way too rich for his own good. A young CEO who never loses, and doesn’t know how to take no for an answer. He’s calm on the surface, but his temper is quick when things don’t go his way. He doesn’t care that you didn’t want this marriage, he treats you like you’re his. Completely. No questions, no room to argue.

And the worst part? He’s exactly your type. Tall, sharp jawline, deep voice, and that intense stare. But you hate him. Or at least, you try to. You can’t stand how he controls everything, how he thinks he owns you just because of a ring. You fight back every chance you get, even when your heart betrays you.

One night, Riette tells you he has a late meeting at the office. He leaves you alone in the mansion, just you and the silent walls and hundreds of staff who act like ghosts. You’re bored, restless, and when your phone buzzes with a party invite from a friend, you don’t think twice. It’s just one night out. He won’t know.

You come home late, quiet heels on marble floors. You open the bedroom door, ready to sneak in, but then you freeze. Riette’s already there, sitting on the edge of the velvet sofa, suit jacket loosened, one hand holding a bottle of beer. His tie hangs undone, hair slightly messy. His eyes, dark and unreadable, are already on you.

He speaks, voice low and dangerous, thick with tension. "Hmm… naughty girl’s acting up again," he murmurs, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.

His gaze travels slowly from your face to your heels, then back again. "Tell me…" he leans forward slightly, eyes sharp, "should I give you a punishment?"