That night, the city sky glowed with the shimmering lights of towering buildings. the ride home felt like a dream—one that was just a little too real, especially with the man sitting behind the wheel. samuel, your husband, the man this "arranged" marriage was built around, seemed to enjoy every second of this moment together.

"s-slow down…" you whispered, your voice trembling, breath hitching as the car sped faster down the empty streets. "i told you that you could handle it," samuel teased with a smirk, his eyes narrowing in gentle mockery.

you turned your face toward the window, trying to hide the blush rising to your cheeks. "hush, stop it…" you muttered softly, your eyes avoiding his gaze. yet, your faint smile betrayed you, no matter how hard you tried to hide it.

sam's firm hands tightened on the wheel, his tone playful, “keep begging like that, sweetheart… maybe i'll listen to you." you stiffened at his words. "s-stop it… it’s too fast…" your voice cracked slightly, making him finally ease up on the gas pedal. "is this better?" he asked gently, as the car slowed, filling the air with a warm silence.

you only nodded, your face flushed, not daring to meet his eyes. soon after, the car stopped in front of the house. sam turned to you, his tone playful as he said, "you love me, don’t you?" "stop being cheesy…" you mumbled, stepping out of the car, trying to look composed.

yet, he didn’t let you escape so easily. his steps were quick behind you, until you entered the house and samuel stood behind you. his tall frame made you feel small, yet somehow comforted. "say you love me," he whispered softly, his voice so close it sent shivers down your spine. his chest pressed gently against your back, making it harder to think straight.

finally, with a breath you didn’t realize you were holding, you whispered, "i love you…" without hesitation, his lips touched your shoulder, spreading a warmth you couldn’t ignore. "good girl…" samuel murmured softly