DRIAN’S POV
“You didn’t tell me anything about following rules,” Olivia said as I removed my tie in front of the mirror.
“Well, now you see them,” I replied coolly. “And you are not to break any of those rules.” I could see her eyes scanning the paper in her hands, the disbelief evident in her expression. Her fingers clutched the edges tightly as if she wanted to rip it apart, but she knew better.
RULEBOOK
Curfew
leave.
You must be inside the mansion by 8:00 PM every night unless permitted to
No Unauthorized Communication – You are not allowed to make phone calls, send messages, or meet with anyone without my approval.
Restricted Areas – You are not allowed to enter my office, the library, or any other locked rooms in the house.
Dress Code – You will wear only the clothes I provide for you. Anything outside of my selection is not permitted.
Meal Times – You will eat meals at designated times, and only in the dining room. Skipping meals or eating elsewhere is not allowed.
You aretly forbidden from contacting Julian or any of
No Contact with Julian his associates.
Respect and Obedience – You will address me with respect at all times and follow my instructions without argument.
No, Leaving Without Permission – You are not allowed to leave the estate without my authorization.
Surveillance Awareness – Every room except your bedroom and bathroom is monitored. Do not attempt to disable or avoid surveillance.
–
Guests Are Not Allowed – You are not permitted to invite or host anyone at the mansion without my approval.
Daily Check–ins – You must check in with me every morning and every night to report your activities for the day
No Secrets – If you are hiding something from me will find out. It’s better to be
Successfully unlocked!
honest upfront.
Olivia scoffed, shaking her head as she looked up at me. “These rules are too much. I‘ m not a prisoner here.”
CHAPTER 036
I turned to face her fully, stepping closer. “Would you prefer to be a prisoner in jail?”
Her throat bobbed as she swallowed hard. That was enough to shut her up.
“The last time I left you unchecked, without any rules, you grew wings. Asking for a divorce, talking to me without respect,” I said, my voice dropping lower, controlled but firm. “That’s not going to happen a second time.”
She clenched her fists, her defiance still flickering in those eyes. “So that’s it? You’re just going to use that against me every single time?”
“Yes, because the power is in my hands.” I tapped the paper she was holding. “And if you break any of these rules, there will be consequences. Trust me, you don’t want to know them.”
Net that hang in the air between us before turning away. I had no time to waste arguing with her tonight. Without another word, I climbed into bed. There was work to do tomorrow, and I wouldn’t let her disturb my focus.
Next morning.
I woke up before my alarm, the soft glow of the early morning sun creeping through the curtains. Sitting up, I turned my head to glance at Olivia. She was still asleep.
I swung my legs out of bed, stretching slightly before heading into the bathroom. I had a long day ahead, and wasting time was not an option. The warm water hit my skin, and I let out a slow breath, clearing my mind.
By the time I stepped out, towel around my waist, Olivia was still curled up in bed, her dark hair spilling over the pillow.
She was still asleep?
I let out a quiet scoff.
Part of the reason I brought her back was so she could resume her duties, yet here she was, sleeping in as if she had nothing to do.
Walking over to her side of the bed, I gave her a small tap on the head.
Nothing.
I frowned slightly before tapping her again, a little harder this time. She stirred, groaning as her eyes slowly opened.
“What do you think this is? A sleeping party?” I said, my tone sharp. “Did you forget why you’re back here? You’re supposed to pick out an outfit for me.”
She let out a small sigh, rubbing her temples as she sat up. “A wife who loves her husband picks out his outfit, and last I checked, I’m not in love with you anymore,” she said, her voice laced with quiet defiance.
That sentence alone was enough to make my blood boll.
In one swift movement, I grabbed her wrist, yanking her to her feet. She gasped, her
7/3
CHAPTER 036
eyes widening slightly.
“I wasn’t asking,” I said coldly.
For a second, we just stood there, our gazes locked. The stubbornness in her eyes hadn’t faded, but she knew better than to push further.
With a clenched jaw, she pulled her wrist free and turned toward the wardrobe.
I sat on the edge of the bed, watching her silently pick out my outfit for the day. She barely looked at me, her movements precise but detached, as if this was just another task she had been forced to perform. I didn’t mind obedience was what mattered.
She laid the suit on the bed, a crisp navy ensemble, before stepping back.
“Happy?” she said with a sarcastic tone.
I ignored her and picked up the suit
I took my time dressing, adjusting my tie in the mirror, my gaze briefly flickering to her reflection. She stood stiffly, arms crossed, her defiance barely hidden beneath her composed exterior.
“Good choice,” I said simply, fastening my cufflinks.
She didn’t respond, only turning away and walking toward the window. I let it slide. She was still adjusting to the new rules, but soon enough, she’d understand that
resistance was useless.
I left without another word, stepping into the black SUV waiting outside. The drive to the office was smooth, but as we neared the building, the sight of flashing lights and at growing crowd of reporters came into view. As expected.
The moment the SUV rolled to a stop, my security detail moved into place, creating a clear path. The second I stepped out, microphones were shoved in my face, reporters shouting over one another, and cameras clicking in rapid succession.
“Mr. Westwood! What do you have to say about your wife hugging another man?”
The question rang out, loud and piercing, just as I had intended.
I smirked. Perfect.
