Chapter 1 Beside Him

I was half awake when I felt a stomachache. I could feel the pain and the urge to vomit, so I quickly got up. But that sensation vanished immediately and was replaced by nervousness when I realized where I was.

This isn't my room! Where am I?!

"Damn!" I whispered to myself.

When I looked down at myself, I nearly went into a trance when I realized I wasn't wearing anything, just a blanket wrapped around me.

"Ugh..."

My whole world seemed to pause when I heard that faint growl. I had no idea what I'd do next. My entire body started to tremble with fear and anxiety. I prayed that my assumption was wrong. I hoped it was Ares.

But I was completely mistaken when I saw the man beside me from behind. He had a large dragon tattoo on his back and a full-sleeve tattoo as well. He was broad and muscular, clearly the result of hitting the gym - definitely not Ares' back.

What have you done, Ana? Who is this man?

I was about to stand up when I felt something in my hand, on my finger. I examined it closely and frowned when I saw I was wearing a ring—a wedding ring?!

"What's going on..." I whispered, still examining the ring to figure out its kind, all while my heart continued to thump loudly.

My world shattered completely when I realized what kind of ring it was. I rapidly scanned the room and spotted a piece of paper on the side table. I quickly stood up and grabbed the paper. As I read it, I felt like I might faint.

"Damn..." I whispered again, trembling and holding the paper. "A marriage contract?"

What transpired last night? Why does this document exist? Why am I wearing a wedding ring and finding a marriage contract here? Why am I in this room with this man? Where's Elena? What the hell happened, Ana?!

Tears welling up, I placed the paper back on the table. My heart was still racing as I pondered my next move - should I just leave or confront this man who was still asleep and demand an explanation?

"Hey..."

I froze in my spot at the sound of that voice. It was whole and still hoarse. When I turned to look at the speaker, I saw the man sitting on the bed. I glanced down at his body. Like his back, his chest was also broad.

What's wrong with you, Ana?!

"W-who are you? What did you do to me?" I fired off one question after another, wiping the tears from my eyes.

He suddenly smirked at me and shook his head.

"Don't make me laugh, lady. Don't you remember anything?"

"A-answer my question! Who are you? Why... Why is there a marriage contract here? Why am I wearing a wedding ring? Why are we both naked?" I cut him off, the intense nervousness burning in my heart.

Even though I already knew the possibilities, I still hoped my thoughts were wrong.

That little smirk never left his lips. Instead of answering, he suddenly stood up and faced me. For a moment, my eyes widened at his action, realizing he wasn't wearing anything. I quickly bent down and bit my lower lip hard. What kind of man was this and was this his habit?

"I see. Looks like you really don't remember anything. That sucks. You don't even remember what happened between us last night," he said in his arrogant tone.

My anger intensified. I wanted to look at him, but I couldn't be certain if he was wearing anything or not.

But my attention shifted when he mentioned what happened last night. Something had indeed transpired between us. At first, I still denied it to myself, but that was shattered when I saw the bloodstain on the bed sheet.

I sat down on the bed with my back to him and cried quietly, overwhelmed with annoyance and anger. I didn't even know what I was going to do after this. What awaited me now?

"I can't believe it… you took advantage of me—"

"Not really. You were the first to approach me, Miss. If only you could remember everything. We had fun last night. We were both very drunk. From what I saw last night, I think you enjoyed it too," he interjected, making me feel even more dejected.

I knew it. That was my first time drinking hard liquor. I didn't understand why I couldn't remember anything from last night. But there was only one thing on my mind now: How do I tell Ares?

"The ring you mentioned earlier is our wedding ring. We got married last night. Something happened between us; it was a honeymoon. I guess you're not that foolish for not knowing that," he said coolly. I turned to him quickly.

He was already wearing pants and fixing his hair.

"I don't believe you! Didn't you stop me from what I did and agree to get married just because we were both drunk?" I shouted at him, but he just laughed.

I could even see him looking at my body, so I quickly ran into the bathroom with my belongings. Once inside, I sat down and wept with deep remorse.

I was so confused. I didn't know what to believe. I didn't know if I should believe what that man said. But what if it was true? What if I did that last night? How would Ares and I get married? It was supposed to be my bachelorette party. Elena had prepared that for me after Ares proposed to me.

And now, here I am.

Married to a man I don't know.

And something happened between us.

How am I supposed to believe that when I don't remember anything?

After I finished bathing and getting dressed, I quickly packed my belongings. Suddenly, I grabbed my bag and searched for my cell phone. When I saw that it had a low battery, my heart pounded even more.

"You can relax. You should be thankful you married me. Don't worry, I'll be a good husband—"

"I will immediately file for an annulment if this is really true," I interrupted him.

The man suddenly laughed, so I looked at him. Suddenly, his face turned serious.

"You can't do that anymore, wife. Our wedding is even more official after what happened between us last night..." he said in his deep voice, quickly closing the distance between us.

I was about to walk away from him, but he quickly cornered me against the wall. I automatically looked up because he was so tall. I saw him lower his gaze to my lips and then return to my eyes again. I could feel my heart pounding .

"Damn. I will not regret our marriage because of you. You were amazing last night with those innocent eyes. I almost fainted, you know..."

And I was sure, this would be my worst nightmare. This man would be my biggest mistake.