After he left, a few weeks passed with no sign of him again. I knew he wouldn't leave my trails easily. He was not that type of man.

I was having a feeling the next time we will meet, I won’t have another choice but to marry him.

‘What he wanted to gain from it? It couldn’t be all revenge, was it? Why did he want me? All this sham? Ugh, why am I thinking about him!?’

I failed to shift my mind from his proposal. For a moment, I also thought about it- What could possibly go wrong?

‘No, no, no, stop thinking like this, Saafia.’

The next week, I went to work a little late and saw everyone was working furiously. My mouth gaped, blinking to perceive what I missed in thirty minutes.

“What the hell is happening?” I whispered, grabbing my friend, Anne’s arm.

“Did you hear? Boss is selling the company. We will work under a third party now. You missed his speech. I saved you by telling him you went to the bathroom.” She whispered back.

“What? Why?”

That was unforeseen. Things were going exceptionally great for us. Selling company was totally unexpected.

“I have no idea. He came out of the blue and announced. Though it won’t affect our work, he says. I have no idea what caused him to do it. Probably profit.” She explained.

“Hmm. I guess we are growing. So, who bought the company? Who is going to be the boss of our boss?” I asked nonchalantly, reaching my desk only to find a file filled with too much work for me to do.

“You won’t believe it, the business tycoon, Dariel Cannedy!”

“Huh?”

This has to be a joke.

A quiver surged through my skin as I was frozen in horror to hear. Immediately understanding the reasoning behind these sudden actions.

“Pardon?” I asked in pure appall.

Okay, now he was going too far with his demand.

“Dariel Cannedy! He will come next week after we are done with the new changes. We are going to become robots now.” She sighed in frustration.

We all knew how he was at work. High wages and extreme work. He ensured if he was paying higher than other companies, he would make you work double.

From directors to janitors- everyone.

“I wonder what that man saw in the insurance company. He owns a variety of businesses anyways.”

Anne continued as I stood with heavy breaths and slightly dizziness, turning my hands blood cold.

“Next week?” I asked, gulping hard, making a frightened face.

“Too early, isn’t it? He should have given us a month but because of his order, we have to overwork this week. We all know he is a workaholic.” She hummed, leaning on the table.

“Your ex also works in his company, right? He must be one hell of a boss. Is he as dangerous as they say?”

‘He is.’

Due to my lack of reaction, Anne snapped her fingers to bring me to my reality.

“Saafia? Where are you lost? We have a lot of work to do.”

“Let’s get back to work.” I spoke instantly, getting the file to focus on work but from inside my stomach curling into a tense feeling.

A strange numbness began to steal my strength and I was worried where this might lead. He had sworn that he won’t stop.

“You are right, we are already going to overwork.”

“Hmm.”

This action of his made it clear that he won’t sit quietly until he marries me…

Before I knew it, a week passed and the time to meet the man who literally bought our company only to prove his power came.

With a scowl lingering on my face, I was holding a bouquet. Of course the head staff was greeting him one by one.

My hands were icy, my mind was in a state of turmoil to fathom his intentions to convince me to marry for a measly and pathetic reason.

“Welcome, Sir.” I greeted him with a fake smile, giving him the flowers.

“She is Saafia Blooms, The head of marketing-”

And when my turn to be introduced came, he deliberately didn’t take my flower and turned his head away, putting his hand dominantly in the air to pissed me off.

“I know. I have gone through the list. Instead of wasting our time on introductions, let's complete our pending work. I need to leave for a meeting in two hours.”

My frown deepened. He was fine when everyone was greeting him and at my turn, he stopped instantly, walking away.

“Sure, Sir. Please, this way.”

Rolling my eyes, I turned to leave for my work and shifted my mind, to pretend I had no connections with him but he called me.

“Miss Blooms.”

“Yes, Sir?”

“Send me the past annual reports in my office.” He ordered.

“Yes, Sir.”

Judging his sore focus on work and ethics, I doubt he would bring the topic of his proposal here.

“Here are the files, Sir. I have put them in order.” I spoke coldly, placing them. As far as I heard from Jared, I had no intentions of losing my job by enraging him.

But, I won’t sit quietly too.

He didn’t react as I stood on the other side of the desk, folding my arms at my chest. He was engrossed in work, checking things and reports with focus.

When he was focused, his features were enhanced and made them strict yet arresting. He noticed I was not leaving and arched an eyebrow handsomely.

“Hmm? Why are you still here?”

“Why are you doing this?” I asked sternly.

“I believe you are aware of the fact I don't fancy interruptions during work.” He replied in the same tone.

“We both know why you are doing this. Stop acting.” I added, inclining my hands on the table which caused him to stop.

Lifting his mysterious eyes, he locked them with mine with an energy that sent a shiver down my spine.

“Really?” He asked seductively.

My heart skipped a beat when his lips curled into a devilish smirk. Clearly using his overwhelming power.

“Don’t.” I whispered, rolling my tongue over my lips, becoming nervous slightly.

Resting his elbow on the table and leaning forward to look dead into my soul with his one demand.

“Then marry me. Don’t make me do this.”

“What? What the hell is your problem?”

My mouth was gaped, staring at him with surprise. I couldn’t believe him, he wouldn't stop until he would convince me.

“You.”

The determination in his eyes was disturbing me.

“Burn your fatuous desires, Mr Cannedy. I won’t marry you. In fact, you are the last man I would prefer.”

Hissing, I slammed my hands. Determined to not marry this man as I turned to leave. Before he could continue his mindless wish, I walked out.

“What is his problem? Is that how people should marry? Why should ‘I’ marry him? Why bind my life with a stone?”

I was constantly muttering those questions under my breath while walking as far as possible from him.

Sadly, he had decided to become my shadow and followed my trails, also resolved to convince me to marry him.

“What more do you want me to do for you, Saafia?!”

He shouted before the whole office. I gasped, my body was stiff suddenly at his call which gained the attention of everyone.

“What the hell?”

Mumbling, I pressed my hand over my heart, sensing how abnormally my sensations were augmenting.

I didn’t dare to move an inch and at my lack of reaction, the sound of his expensive heels approached me. Standing behind me, I trembled at his addictive scent and muscular body behind me.

“Stop running away from me.”

His tone went lowest and smoothest in could go, acting proficiently. He tugged my sleeves carefully to not touch me and made me turn to him.

“Marry me,”

Everyone’s jaw dropped when he proposed to me in my office on the very first day. Making it OBVIOUS that he bought the company because of me.

My face was red from embarrassment, my breaths became heavy at his unbelievable proposal.

“What the hell do you think you are doing?”

My voice was lower than a whisper so no one could hear, leaning forward and unintentionally closing our gap.

“I am selfish to the core and I want you, I will get you. Don’t worry, I am not an abusive monster… or a serial killer- at least.”

He smirked darkly. His one hand was in his pocket dominantly and offered his other hand to me.

“Please marry me.”

He spoke loudly to ensure this echoed everywhere, making sure I won’t be able to return here.

“Say yes! Say yes!”

Shit, shit, shit.

“I need to talk to you. Alone.” I blurted out abruptly, putting my hand in the air, moving away from him, earning disappointment from everyone.

“Sure. Come.” He shrugged his shoulders and we went back to the cabin.

The second we entered and closed the door, I burst my fury, “What the hell is your problem?! What are you doing?!” I whisper-yelled.

He had no reaction. As if it meant nothing to him.

“If you have conditions, tell me. We can make a fair deal, I need you to make them feel horrible. If there is anything you want me to do then tell me, like prepare the best medical care for your father…? Anything.” He suggested calmly.

“What type of stone are you? Do you think you can buy relationships?” I growled.

No one had frustrated me to this point in my entire life- not even those bratty kids of your relatives.

“Yes, I can. I can do anything for my purpose and you have seen it now too. Place your price.” He offered in a low, husky tone, standing right before me.

I swallowed hard, narrowing my eyes with a hint of rage flickering in them but he discarded them and brought his hand closer to my cheek.

“I know you are a delusional and dreamy woman, probably waiting for a charming prince- drop that dream. That won’t happen. Enter my life.”

Stunned, I put my hand in between to stop him from touching me which earned a tempting chuckle from him. How wicked.

He was all beauty, no soul.

His voice went deeper, taking a strand of my hair, leading to my ear.

“Let me show you the dark side of this world.” He murmured, causing my skin to crawl.

“A world where people like you can never survive.” He enunciated, pushing me to the edge before pulling away. I knew he would use all methods to make me marry him.

Deep down, I felt like it was more than revenge.

A strong desire he was concealing professionally and using our cheater partners as an excuse to hide the ‘real’ reason.

‘How hard and dark his world could be? Does he truly believe he could change me?’ I thought.

Gathering my thoughts, I mentally prepared myself and called him, “You know what?”

Arching an eyebrow, he looked from his shoulder, “I am ready.”

“What?” He blinked, turning fully to me with an eerie yet ominous excitement creeping on his features.

“I said I am ready to marry you. I am giving you one year to change my thoughts, to change me.” I declared, taking a step forward.

If he was resolved to change me then I was too, to not bulge my personality. I won’t change myself.

“One year?”

“Not Enough?”

“More than enough.” He smirked devilishly.

Closing our distance, I pressed my index finger over his heart, feeling the expensive fabric of his coat. Staring dead into his eyes.

He also became serious, holding my collar to incline our faces dangerously closer. The hint of no emotions, no attachment.

“Let me make this ‘very’ clear- You can never change me, Dariel Cannedy.”

“We will see who will change in the end, Saafia Blooms. I am sure one day this altruistic demeanor will drown you.” He declared.

Ripping us apart and setting his tie to assert his superiority to which I scoffed in return.

“Worry about your heartless soul first,”

With this, he returned to our work to prepare for the worst marriage where two entirely different souls were about to meet-

A worthless relationship was about to begin.

I have done it.

I ended up marrying a man I never thought I would.

I was staring outside the window with an emotionless gaze. Wearing the arresting wedding dress. I never thought it would feel this dry and cold on my wedding night.

As my eyes were affixed outside, the door slightly opened and the heartless man I married entered with swift steps.

“Well, well, look who’s here finally.”

A mocking tone came, echoing in the dead silent but profoundly decorated room.

My heart thumped when he stood behind me, his heavy presence hovering over me. Tightening my grip on my sides, I closed my eyes briefly and breathed out in a soft tone.

“Are you satisfied now? Isn't this what you wanted?”

Gathering my courage, I glanced from my shoulder to look at the man I was supposed to consider my husband from now on but the question was-

‘Will I ever accept him as my husband? An arrogant stone like him? Can I?’

Resting his hands in his pockets, a sly smirk lingering on his handsome features, shrugging his shoulders.

“I told you already. I get what I want.”

His low but stern voice came out. None but amusement was dripping from his features.

“What are you going to do now? How are you going to make me hate on anyone?” I questioned, pressing myself against the ledge of the window.

“Forget about it for now, Dear, it’s our wedding night. Let’s enjoy that.” He chuckled huskily, drying my throat to perceive what he meant by enjoying.

Keeping a straight face, I waited for his reaction and after a brief silence, he took a step dangerously closer. His eyes gradually scanned me from top to bottom.

My heart skipped a beat. My hand gradually held the hem of my dress, swallowing hard due to his keen gaze observing me as he slowly filled the gap.

“What happened, hmm?”

Breaking the silence with a low, tempting tone, he moved his hand and placed it above my head, trapping me in his arms. The sound of my breaths became swift, tensing at his closeness, filling the cold gap.

“What are you doing?” I asked innocently, panting.

A hint of scarlet shade came to my cheeks as I took support from the ledge of the window to stand properly.

“You…”

His lips parted, looking down at my timid expression with a raised brow and not leaving a smirk. I was baffled, not expecting him to get close in the slightest.

“I should change.”

Mumbling with a lowered gaze, I turned to leave but he placed his arm in the middle, stopping my way.

His smirk grew dark, “Tell me to maintain my distance now.”

A shiver went down my spine when he whispered, refusing to pull away. Inhaling deeply, I gathered my emotions to remember it was not that type of marriage.

“I won’t.” I replied sternly which baffled him as I turned him and stared dead into his eyes, completing my words.

“Because you won’t touch me in the first place.”

Murdering his amusement with my reply, I moved out from the cage of his muscular arm and turned to leave for the bathroom but he came before me again.

“Why do you think that?” He frowned, displeased.

I smiled amusingly this time, taking a step closer to see the darkness wrapped around his attractive eyes.

“Your eyes. They said it all.” I whispered temptingly, bringing my hand closer to his chest but not touching him.

“Then I will definitely touch you to prove you wrong.”

Growling furiously at my remark, he grabbed my wrist roughly and pulled me forward so I could fall on his hard chest.

My mouth gaped, looking at him with a tense look. I knew from the first meeting that he was impatient, I expected this reaction from him.

“If you think I won’t then I definitely will.”

Hissing, he pressed my palm harder on his chest to greet our skins but it was purely emotionless.

No attachment, no feeling.

Tilting my head to the side, I flashed compassion for the next two seconds before growling back.

“Mark my words, your stubbornness will drown you one day.”

I attempted to leave his arm but he placed his hand on my side, immobilized with a wicked smirk, inclining his face to my level.

“Guess what, dear wife?”

I glared at him when he whispered seductively in my ears, “I don’t care.”

I narrowed my eyes in ire when he let me go instantly, setting his collar and turning his head to the side with a scowl.

“Your responses never failed to amaze me to fathom how people like you exist in this world, Mister Cannedy.” I hissed, taking a step closer, pointing my finger at his heart.

“Ignorant of compassion, kindness, emotions. Only a stone.”

Scoffing, I folded my arms at my chest with a pout, turning my head to the side as well. I was still in disbelief how he could be like that.

Frowning, he gradually turned to me, “Well, If you are done reminding me about what I already know then go and change this dress too. I don’t understand why you dressed up in the first place for a measly event.”

He became nonchalant in the end, moving away from me and taking a seat. Leaning back, he rested his hand on the headrest with a dominant posture.

“No matter how this marriage happened, I still had the urge to become a bride.” I muttered, going to the dressing table and taking off my jewelry and unzipping the dress, I was wearing a petticoat and corset underneath anyways.

As I was undoing my beautiful dress up, I noticed through the reflection that he was intensely staring at me. His eyes followed my movements. His other hand covering his mouth with a mysterious look, scanning me.

‘Stop staring…’

Licking my lips nervously, I tried to ignore him but that grew hard to do so eventually. Unable to ignore him, I slammed my bangles on the table.

“What?” I asked out of irritation.

“Nothing. Go and change.” He shrugged his shoulders.

“Then stop staring.”

“Why would ‘I’ stare? What do you have, woman?” He scoffed, rolling his eyes off.

I opened his mouth to argue but decided not to ruin my mood as I went to the bathroom to freshen up. After taking a shower and changing into my nightwear, I walked out.

I saw the jewelry I scattered on the table was organized and set correctly in its place. Not paying attention to it, I shrugged my shoulders and climbed under the covers where he was using his phone.

The second I sat on my side, he stopped instantly and turned to me with an astonished look. And I was confused, we were married. He was behaving like it was unforeseen or not part of the deal.

“What are you doing?” He asked.

“Going to sleep…?” I replied calmly, laying down.

“On the same bed?”

His mouth gaped, definitely not supporting it. Plopping on my elbow, I pointed at his expensive furniture, curling my lips in a mocking smile.

“If you have problems, your lavishing room has a couch too. Go and sleep there.”

…. And he actually slept on the couch.

We are married, of course we could sleep on the same bed. What was his problem?

Internally growling at his action, I scoffed loud enough to let him know that he pretended he didn’t hear and remained stubborn and we went to sleep.

Starting a life which might not end up well for any of us…