With a gentle deceleration, the car glided to a stop within the penthouse driveway, where the soft glow of golden lamps cast an illuminating path. The driver smoothly emerged from the vehicle, courteously tending to the door on Chris' side.
Poised and composed, Chris emerged before Suzy, who remained entranced by the picturesque surroundings.
Chris with a playful glint in his eyes, then opened the door on her side, extending an inviting hand that she nearly clasped—only to have him teasingly pull it back with an infectious grin.
"Follow me," he asserted, leading the way into the penthouse. Amused, Suzy chuckled and gathered the folds of her elegant gown, stepping out gracefully and following Chris into the luxurious abode.
In no time, Suzy arrived in the living room, a space adorned in a serene palette of whites and light hues, creating an ambiance of tranquil elegance.
Chris could nowhere be seen, making her feel better. She wanted him to leave the penthouse because that way she would be safe from the predatory eyes of Chris. He was a playboy and she knew his main aim was to take her to the bed, then treat her like a trash later. Nevertheless, Suzy had no intentions to fulfill her marital duties.
"Good evening, Young Mistress," a deep yet gentle voice fell into her ears and she pivoted to look at the person, who was in his late thirties. "I am Lionel, entrusted by Master Arthur with the responsibility of serving Young Master and Mistress," he elucidated with a touch of formality.
A subtle unease brushed against Suzy as Lionel addressed her as "young mistress." "Kindly call me Suzy," she gently requested, her tone laced with a touch of humor, "We're not in the medieval era, after all." The corners of her lips curved into a warm smile, a gesture mirrored by the faint hint of amusement that graced Lionel's expression.
"Of course, Suzy," Lionel readily agreed.
"Let's save the pleasantries for later," Chris interjected with a commanding tone, his voice resounding through the space. Suzy and Lionel instinctively raised their gazes, spotting Chris positioned on the second floor, a short distance from the stairs.
Breaking the silence that followed, Suzy's gaze shifted toward Lionel as she voiced her request, "I'd like to have a different room."
"Suzy, we're meant to share the night," Chris called down from the upper floor, aware of Suzy's reluctance. Anticipating her resistance, he swiftly descended the staircase and stood in between her and Lionel.
Lionel chose to remain uninvolved, tactfully stepping back from their interaction.
"I'll settle in the living room," Suzy declared, instinctively moving away from Chris. Her statement seemed to prick at his patience; his grip closed around her supple, exposed arm. Swift as thought, he gathered her into his arms, disregarding her attempts to resist.
"In this household, I make the rules," Chris declared firmly, an echo of the very words Suzy had flung at him when he had ventured into her company without invitation.
"Address her as Young Mistress, not Suzy," Chris instructed Lionel in a frigid tone before ascending the stairs with her.
They soon arrived in a lavishly adorned bedroom. Chris threw Suzy onto the bed, causing rose petals scattered across the sheets to dance in the air. Suzy's effort to sit upright proved futile as Chris swiftly immobilized her wrists against the mattress.
"Chris!" Suzy's gaze bore into him, a fierce glint reflecting her displeasure.
"How does it feel, now that you're my wife? And what's it like, knowing you've taken money from my grandfather?" Chris inquired, his tone carrying a mix of curiosity and accusation.
Suzy opted for silence, her gaze averted. Not one to be ignored, Chris gently but firmly grasped her chin, redirecting her attention. "Look at me and respond," he insisted, his grip leaving little room for evasion.
Suzy harbored an aversion to the way he handled her, his manner of treatment far from endearing. The fact that he was Arthur's beloved grandson held little sway over her. While she had been advised to approach him with a gentler touch, Suzy elected to operate on her terms, in a manner more fitting for her.
Without hesitation, her hand extended to his head, fingers entwining tightly in his hair. The effect was instantaneous – Chris let out an involuntary sound of pain. As his grip on her face faltered, it migrated to his head, where Suzy's determined hold exerted its influence.
"Leave my hair," Chris asked when she tightened the hold on his hair.
She propped up to sit and said, "Chris, treat a woman gently. I am sure your mother has taught you this. If not, I as your wife, will teach you this in a far better way."
"Suzy, don't anger me," Chris tried to intimidate her with his gaze and voice.
"Oh, I will. I am good at handling brats like you, Chris. Also, I am black belt in judo. Next time, you do it and I'll break your hand," Suzy pronounced before pushing him away. Chris head banged on the headboard and again a low cry escaped his mouth.
Suzy removed the heels and got down from the bed to head out. Approaching the door, she held the doorknob. However, to her surprise, it appeared locked from the outside.
Suzy called out Lionel, but she got no response.
"Grandpa must have ordered him to lock us in the room," Chris affirmed when she turned to gaze at him.
Suzy found him undressing his clothes right in front of her.
"Do that in the washroom," Suzy told him.
"No," Chris said and threw the bowtie somewhere on the floor. Their eyes remained locked at each other as Chris continued to unbuttoned his shirt. He stopped at the fourth button and chuckled.
"I won't give you the privilege to see my body so early," Chris stated and dropped his hands to his side. He took forward steps, making Suzy ponder if he would again do something to her.
To her surprise, Chris went to the mini couch and settled on it. "Are you hungry?" he asked Suzy.
"I am not hungry," Suzy replied when her stomach growled, which Chris also heard.
"Fine. I will eat alone," Chris said. Suzy didn't stop herself and sat on the same couch as him. She grabbed the plate when he grabbed her hand.
"You'll get food only if you kiss me, Suzy," Chris muttered and smirked at her.
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