JANE POV
His gaze traveled across my body. While he inspected my physique, his expression remained apathetic. An unbearable silence filled the surroundings. "So that's it?"
I asked, trying to speak evenly. "You married me, and now I'm just supposed to live under your roof like a stranger?"
His expression didn't change. "You were aware of this, Jane. I can't stand being overly emotional."
I laughed in irritation. "All right. Because you feel so emotionally burdened, don't you?"
"If that's how you feel, why did you even agree to this marriage?"
I pressed my hands together and asked. Andrew's eyes blazed for the first time, but he remained silent and his jaw remained stiff.
He whispered, "Because I had no choice," The words made my spine tingle. Like me, I had imagined Andrew had accepted this marriage voluntarily, but under duress.
But I could tell by the tone of his voice that his story was not only about what he was saying.
He turned aside, his posture tight, before I could push him any farther.
"Jane, we don't have to act. We shall act out our parts in public.
But we lead different lives behind closed doors. Neither you nor I will meddle in one another's affairs." My throat constricted. "And if I do?"
When he finally made his way to see me, I saw the first time I saw something intimidating in his eyes.
"Then you'll regret it." It was an obvious warning.
I felt a chill go through me. "Sleep wherever you want," he added and walked confidently to the door.
"I won't be sharing this bed with you." The door clicked shut behind him as he walked out.
When I was alone, his words swayed me hard. It was my wedding night.
I have never experienced it alone in my life. The next morning, when I woke up, the apartment was empty
Andrew had left.
I had anticipated that the bed linens on his side would be undamaged.
I turned and tossed for hours before suddenly drifting beginning to lie on the lowest side of the mattress.
The gorgeous space was suddenly flooded with golden sunlight from windows to ceilings.
I took a deep breath the night before to release myself from the cold. I was startled when the door was tapped.
I responded, "Please come in," and then a woman in a smart black coat came in through the open door. Her hair was carefully arranged in a bun, and her eyes were keen.
She replied, "Good morning, Mrs. Jackson," with a polite but distant smile. The vibration of the name was strange.
"Mr. Andrew Jackson has asked me to tell you that he won't be arriving until late," she stated. "The breakfast has been cooked in the dining room.
Let the staff know if you need anything. I paused. "And who are you?"
"My name is Margaret." The head housekeeper is me. She spoke in a professional, practiced tone, yet there was pity in her eyes.
No, it was too short to tell. "Thank you, Margaret." She gave a nod and walked away. I let out a slow breath.
Andrew had set the guidelines for our marriage right away.
This morning, he didn't even feel the need to confront me. Alright.
I could play his game if that's how he wanted it. — The day was a haze of isolation.
As I walked through the property, I was impressed by how big it was.
All the apartments and corridors were fantastic exhibitions with expensive artwork, beautiful chandeliers, and perfect marble flooring.
But there was no warmth.
No life. The employees were courteous but aloof; they were obviously under strict orders to avoid interacting with me. I was in my own house as a visitor.
By nightfall, I was at my breaking point.I took a deep breath as I stepped into the breathtaking balcony and peered into the city. The skyline glowed in the darkness.
Then I heard footsteps behind me. I made a quick turn.
Andrew.
As always, his presence was dominating, and his clothing was immaculate. However, something had changed.
His shoulders were stiff, and his gaze had a restless look. When I answered, "You're home," my tone was more accusatory than I meant to be.
After examining me for a while, he moved forward. "I see you've settled in."
"As much as one can settle into a house that feels like a gallery."
A faint smirk came on his lips and vanished as fast as it had appeared. "You'll get used to it."
I crossed my arms. "Did you need something?"
For a second, I thought he was going to say something important as his eyes darkened a little.
However, then— "Stay away from Frank." I blinked.
"What?" His face grew stern.
"He glanced at you last night, and I saw it. and the manner in which you answered." My breath caught.
"You were watching?"
The air felt heavy as he took a step closer. "What you do with your time, Jane doesn't matter to me. However, you are my spouse.I also keep what's mine to myself."
My chest erupted in anger. "I'm not a possession, Andrew." His eyes met me. "Aren't you?"
I was startled by what he said. At the time, I detested him.
I detested the way he had complete power. I detested how his mere glance could make my heart race.
I yelled, "You have nothing to worry about,"
"Frank is just being kind." Andrew's mouth clenched.
"Frank doesn't do kindness without a reason."
I laughed resentfully. "Unlike you?"
He flashed his eyes dangerously. We were silent for a time.
He turned and disappeared into the darkness of the home without further word. I gripped the balcony railing and made a sharp sign.
Despite his possessiveness, Andrew didn't love me.
But why did it appear that he wasn't just jealousy warning me about Frank?
And why did I feel like I had just stepped into a much more dangerous environment than I had expected?