New rules
724 Words
Chapter Four: New Rules
The morning sun poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Knight mansion.
Amelia woke slowly, confused by the unfamiliar room.
Cream-colored walls.
A crystal chandelier.
Fresh white lilies on the bedside table.
Then it all came rushing back.
She was married.
Not because she had fallen in love.
Not because she had chosen to.
But because of a contract.
She sighed and climbed out of bed.
A soft knock came at the door.
"Good morning, Mrs. Knight," a cheerful voice called.
A middle-aged woman entered carrying a breakfast tray.
"My name is Mrs. Brooks. I've been working for Mr. Knight for fifteen years."
Amelia smiled politely.
"It's nice to meet you."
"Mr. Knight asked me to make sure you were comfortable."
Amelia looked surprised.
"He did?"
Mrs. Brooks nodded.
"He left early for the office, but before he did, he made one thing very clear."
"What was that?"
"'Mrs. Knight is to be treated with the same respect as me.'"
Amelia couldn't help smiling.
Maybe Ethan wasn't as cold as everyone believed.
---
An hour later, Amelia wandered through the enormous mansion.
There was a private library filled with books from floor to ceiling.
An indoor swimming pool.
A home theater.
A beautiful garden blooming with roses.
It felt more like a luxury hotel than a home.
She eventually found Ethan's office.
The door was slightly open.
Inside, shelves were lined with awards, business magazines, and framed photographs.
One picture caught her attention.
A much younger Ethan stood beside an elderly man, both smiling warmly.
She guessed it was his grandfather.
"So you found my favorite room."
Amelia turned quickly.
Ethan stood in the doorway, his suit jacket draped over one arm.
"I didn't hear you come in."
"I walk quietly."
"You certainly do."
For the first time, the corners of his mouth lifted into a small smile.
"I finished work earlier than expected."
She pointed toward the photograph.
"Your grandfather?"
He nodded.
"He raised me."
"You seem close."
"We are."
His expression softened.
"He taught me that success means nothing if you lose your integrity."
Amelia noticed the warmth in his eyes whenever he spoke about him.
It was a side of Ethan the world never saw.
---
That evening they sat across from each other at the dining table.
The silence wasn't awkward.
It was simply... unfamiliar.
Ethan finally broke it.
"I think we should establish a few rules."
Amelia raised an eyebrow.
"Rules?"
"It'll make living together easier."
"I'm listening."
He placed a neatly written list on the table.
"No entering each other's bedrooms without permission."
"Fair."
"No pretending to be in love unless we're in public."
She nodded.
"No hiding important information."
"I like that one."
"And lastly..."
He hesitated.
"We respect each other's personal space."
Amelia smiled mischievously.
"So you're saying I can't steal your side of the bed?"
He looked at her for a second.
Then, unexpectedly...
He laughed.
A genuine laugh.
It was deep, warm, and completely different from the serious businessman everyone knew.
"You have your own room," he replied.
"I know."
She grinned.
"I just wanted to see if you could smile."
"I rarely do."
"I noticed."
For the first time since their wedding, dinner felt... comfortable.
---
Later that night, Amelia couldn't sleep.
She stepped onto the balcony outside her room.
The city lights sparkled below like thousands of tiny stars.
A cool breeze brushed against her face.
"You couldn't sleep either?"
She turned.
Ethan stood on the neighboring balcony with a mug of coffee in his hand.
"I guess not."
"Coffee?"
"At this hour?"
"I don't sleep much."
She leaned against the railing.
"What keeps you awake?"
He was quiet for a long moment.
"Responsibility."
She understood.
"My father carries the same weight."
Ethan looked at her.
"No."
"What do you mean?"
"He chose his responsibilities."
His voice was gentle.
"You didn't choose yours."
The words lingered between them.
For the first time...
Amelia felt truly seen.
She smiled softly.
"Thank you."
He returned the smile.
It wasn't large.
But it was real.
At that exact moment, neither of them noticed the figure standing just beyond the mansion gates.
Hidden in the shadows.
Watching.
A camera clicked.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
The mysterious observer lowered the lens and whispered,
"They're getting closer."
Then the figure disappeared into the darkness.
- Writer
