The Rules
361 Words
Ethan’s house was nothing like I expected.
Cold.
Modern.
Too perfect.
White walls. Dark furniture. Large windows that looked out over the city like it was something to be controlled. The silence inside felt heavier than the noise we’d left behind.
“This way,” he said, already walking ahead of me.
I followed, dragging my suitcase behind me, every step echoing like a reminder that this was real.
He stopped in front of a door and opened it.
“This is your room.”
I blinked. “My… room?”
“Yes.”
The room was spacious, beautifully furnished, and unmistakably separate from his.
“So we’re not even pretending?” I asked.
Ethan leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. “Let’s be clear, Ava. This marriage exists on paper. Nothing more.”
Something twisted in my chest.
“Good,” I said quickly. “I don’t want anything from you either.”
A lie.
But a necessary one.
He studied me for a moment, then nodded. “There are rules.”
I laughed bitterly. “Of course there are.”
“Rule one,” he said calmly. “We don’t interfere in each other’s personal lives.”
“Rule two?”
“No feelings,” he said, his voice firm. “Whatever happens outside this house stays outside.”
I looked away. “And in public?”
“We act married,” he said. “Affection. Smiles. No questions.”
I swallowed. “And if I break a rule?”
His gaze sharpened—not angry, just dangerous.
“Don’t.”
Silence stretched between us.
Then he turned to leave.
“Goodnight, Ava.”
“Ethan,” I called after him before I could stop myself.
He paused but didn’t turn around.
“What happens if feelings get involved?”
For the first time, he hesitated.
“That,” he said quietly, “would be a mistake neither of us can afford.”
The door closed behind him.
I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the ring on my finger, my heart racing.
Because deep down…
I already knew.
This marriage was going to ruin us.
- Writer
