Chapter 3 3|| HOUSE RULES

I trailed behind Liam into the house, taking in the beauty of the edifice of his mansion. This house was way bigger than my father's former mansion. For a moment, I was excited.

We entered the sitting room and I was awed at the sight before me.

The room was bathed in soft, golden light streaming through expansive windows draped in rich silk curtains; their deep burgundy hues complemented the gleaming mahogany paneling that lined the walls. A crystal chandelier hanged from the ceiling like a cascade of diamonds, casting prisms of light across the room and reflecting off the polished marble floor.

The seating arrangements exuded comfort and sophistication: plush velvet armchairs in shades of deep amethyst and emerald were arranged around a low, intricately carved coffee table adorned with art books and delicate silver trays bearing petit fours and exotic teas. Silk-upholstered sofas with golden trim offered a luxurious retreat, each cushion plumped to perfection, inviting one to sink in and lose track of time.

Every corner of the sitting room told a story of wealth and refinement, from the gilded mirrors reflecting the room's beauty to the antique sculptures that stood as silent sentinels in the corners.

"This is your room. Freshen up and come downstairs for dinner. We'll have a proper conversation tomorrow.

Liam said, as he pointed to a door and walked away.

Slowly, I stepped into the room, closing the door behind me.

With each breath, I absorbed the essence of the room, its quiet elegance and timeless charm enveloping me.

The centerpiece of the room was a grand canopy bed, draped in sumptuous satin and adorned with intricately embroidered pillows. Its carved mahogany posts rose majestically towards the ceiling, where they met a canopy of sheer silk that billowed gently in the soft breeze from an open window.

On the opposite end of the room, an antique writing desk gleamed under the soft light, its surface adorned with a quill pen in a silver holder and a leather-bound journal. A delicate scent of roses lingered in the air, emanating from a crystal vase filled with fresh blooms atop a polished mahogany dresser.

I felt happiness swell in my stomach.

"At least I'm not going to suffer like in my late father's house.

I thought to myself as I jumped on the king-sized bed.

The ambiance was one of serenity and indulgence, where every detail spoke of wealth and taste.

I closed my eyes, listening to the rhythmic hum of the house settling into sleep. Uncertainty still lingered, but excitement stirred in my heart, whispering promises of adventures yet to come in this new chapter of my life.

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The soft tendrils of sleep were just beginning to wrap around me when a loud knock on the door startled me awak

Confusion clouded my mind as I glanced at the clock-morning had barely broken, the sun's golden rays timidly peeking through the curtains. With hesitant steps, I approached the door.

As I opened it, there stood Liam in all his glory. His expression was a blend of solemnity and curiosity.

"I wonder why you should still be sleeping by this time when you're not sick." He spoke with the calmest voice I had ever heard, with his hands in his pocket.

"Anyways, follow me. I have to get you acquainted with the rules here."

He said this as he walked away.

"That can wait. I have to complete my sleep before doing anything else."

I objected as I closed the door.

Before one could say Jack, the door flung open, and I was roughly dragged downstairs by Liam.

"Do you want to detach my hands from my arms?"

I yelled as I massaged her already-red wrist.

"Sit."

He pointed to the sofa, totally ignoring my questions.

"No."

His brows furrowed in anger as he yanked me by the shoulder and roughly pushed me onto the sofa.

"I own you now, so you must do as I say."

He snickered.

"I'm human, and I deserve to be heard too. I'm not a possession."

I fired back in defiance.

"I see."

He said he was a bit taken aback by my outburst.

"You've really got some nerves right there.

After a moment of silence, he spoke.

"I brought you here to inform you of the rules in this house. So listen carefully, because you will not be spared if you flout any.

He said as picked up his phone and looked into it, gesturing his bodyguard to read the content of the document he was holding.

"First, we are Couple on paper and housemates in private. So respect yourself and your boundaries.

If we are to be housemates, why did you marry me?"

I cut in, interrupting the bodyguard.

"To help your poor family to pay your mother's expensive medical bills, of course. Do you think I'd leave all the classic ladies I have met just to stoop for a pauper like you

Definitely not

You're not even close to my specs."

Liam retorted.

My countenance fell at his outbursts

"You mean, you hadn't admired me from afar before asking for my hand in marriage?"

My voice broke.

"Admire? All the way from this town to the trenches to admire someone like you? Come on, be realistic."

He responded, his voice laced with disdain.

"Why then did you go through all that stress to marry a pauper like me when you could have just used your money for something more meaningful?"

I asked, feeling hurt for bruising my ego.

"Well, you see, I needed a bride, and your family needed money, so I guess that completed the transaction.

He said this as he stood up, pacing around.

"You are not permitted to fall in love with me."

"I don't even like men like you."

I thought in my mind.

"You are not permitted to enter my room."

The bodyguard read on.

"As if you have anything valuable in there."

I thought, rolling my eyes.

"You bashed my van. I am going to make you pay for the damages you caused to my van."

His cold, baritone voice interrupted my thoughts, with him walking towards me

I shuddered at his outbursts, looking dumbfounded.

"I don't have any money to pay."

I stuttered.

"You will work for it. You will do anything I say." He said with a scowl on his face.

I nodded my head in fear, for his aura was intimidating, and I dreaded him to get more closer.

The doorbell rang and Liam gestured me to answer the door.

Scampering to the door, I pulled the doorknob and a lady appeared.

"Hello."

I said trying to initiate a conversation, but the lady looked at me disdainfully and shoved me to the side."