Kael didn't argue. He simply unbuttoned his shirt, revealing the sharp lines of his collarbone, and Seren nearly choked on her own breath before whipping her head away.
"Oh, come on! At least warn a girl before you start stripping!"
Kael, utterly unbothered, simply removed his watch. "It's my room."
Seren groaned into her hands. This was going to be a long, long night.
She nearly threw a pillow at his emotionless face.
Fine. If he wanted a war, he'd get one.
An hour later, Seren lay victorious.
She had claimed most of the bed, sprawling comfortably while Kael was relegated to the very edge.
She cracked open an eye to see if he noticed.
Oh, he noticed.
Kael lay stiffly on his side, his breathing perfectly controlled, his expression blank. He didn't fidget, didn't sigh—nothing.
It was infuriating.
Seren smirked. "Uncomfortable?"
Kael didn't answer.
Her smirk grew. "You could always sleep on the floor."
Silence.
Then—Kael moved.
With one precise motion, he reclaimed his space by shifting Seren effortlessly to her side.
She gasped. "Did you just shove me?!"
Kael adjusted his pillow, utterly unbothered. "Go to sleep."
Seren glared at him. "I hate you."
"Noted."
Seren woke up tangled in blankets, her pillow fortress half-collapsed, but thankfully, Kael was nowhere near her side. She sat up groggily, stretching before realizing—oh. She was officially a married woman now.
The reality hit her like a bucket of cold water.
Still, she was not about to let this marriage be a soul-sucking nightmare. If she had to live here, she would do it on her terms.
Throwing on a silk robe, she strolled into the dining hall where breakfast was already being served.
By the time Seren entered the dining hall, the entire Velyne family was already seated.
The scene was... tense.
Kael sat at the head of the table, sipping his coffee like a brooding prince, while his parents, his grandfather, and Thalina all watched Seren as if waiting to see what kind of creature she was.
Elliot, Kael's best friend, was also present, grinning like a man who thrived on chaos.
Seren plopped into her seat. "Good morning, family."
Thalina, sitting across from her, tilted her head. "Did something happen?"
Kael closed his eyes briefly, as if praying for patience.
Lady Evelyne delicately placed her teacup down. "I trust your first night here was… pleasant?"
"Oh, absolutely," Seren said, taking a bite of toast. "Kael and I built a magnificent wall of pillows between us. A true architectural masterpiece."
Elliot snorted into his coffee. Kael gave him a pointed look.
Lord Cedric barely reacted, while Lord Alistair chuckled. "A fortress already? My, my. Quite the strategic move."
Seren grinned. "Oh, you know me. Always thinking ahead."
Thalina, clearly enjoying the spectacle, leaned in. "And did Kael survive this fortress-building ordeal?"
Kael didn't respond. He simply resumed eating.
Lord Alistair watched the two of them with an amused expression. "This is going to be quite an interesting marriage."
Seren smirked. "Oh, you have no idea."
The morning after the wedding should have been peaceful.
It wasn't.
After the breakfast, Seren barely had time to settle into her new reality before the first summons arrived.
A knock at the door.
A maid entered, bowing slightly. "Young Madam, Young Master Velyne has requested your presence in the study."
Seren, still adjusting to the whole married life thing, raised an eyebrow. "And if I say I'm still sleeping?"
The maid hesitated. "Young Master was… firm in his request."
Seren sighed, stretching before sliding out of bed. "Fine, fine. Let's see what His Frostiness wants now."
Kael was already seated at his massive mahogany desk when Seren arrived.
He didn't look up.
Didn't acknowledge her entrance.
Just continued flipping through some documents with the precision of a machine.
Seren strolled in, plopping down onto the chair across from him. "You rang, dear husband?"
Kael finally looked up. His gaze was sharp, assessing, and completely unreadable.
"We have an event to attend."
Seren blinked. "An event? As in, public?"
"Yes."
"And I'm required?"
Kael's cold stare answered for him.
Seren sighed dramatically. "What kind of event?"
Kael slid a file across the desk. "Read."
She picked it up, scanning the details.
A business networking gala. Hosted by the Velyne Conglomerate, with attendance from the most powerful names in finance, industry, and politics.
Translation: An arena where reputations were weapons and alliances meant everything.
Seren whistled. "So, basically, the royal ball of the corporate world?"
Kael didn't react.
She flipped another page. "And we're attending because…?"
"To establish our marriage in the public eye."
Seren raised an eyebrow. "So this is about appearances?"
Kael's silence confirmed it.
She smirked. "Oh, I see. Can't have people thinking Young Master Velyne married out of anything other than cold, calculated decision-making."
Kael ignored the jab. "You will act accordingly."
Seren leaned back, crossing her arms. "And what exactly does 'accordingly' mean?"
Kael's tone remained ice-cold. "You will behave as my wife. No unnecessary remarks. No reckless behavior."
Seren stared.
Then, slowly, she grinned. "Ah, I get it. You think I might embarrass you."
Kael didn't deny it.
Which only made Seren's grin widen.
"Oh, this will be fun."
Kael exhaled, looking at her like one might examine an unwanted complication. "This is not a game, Miss Seren."
She rested her chin on her hand. "Oh, but it is, Young Master. It's just a matter of who plays it better."
Kael's expression didn't change.
But the air between them grew colder.
For the first time, Seren had the distinct feeling that Kael wasn't just indifferent to her antics.
He could be ruthless if he wanted to be.
And something told her she hadn't even seen the worst of it yet.
The conversation might have ended there—if not for the way Kael moved next.
He stood, walking to the window, his gaze fixed on the city skyline.
Then, with a calm, methodical tone, he said, "You will familiarize yourself with the key business figures at the event."
Seren raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Like who?"
Kael didn't turn around as he listed them.
"The Aurelius Group—real estate magnates controlling half the luxury market. The Lancaster Consortium—investment giants with direct ties to international banking. The Holloway Corporation—military tech suppliers with government contracts."
Seren's eyebrows shot up.
"So, basically, the shadow rulers of the modern world."
Kael finally glanced at her. "If you prefer theatrics, yes."
Seren shook her head. "And here I thought I married into money."
Kael didn't react. "These are people who operate with absolute control. If you cannot match their presence, you will be ignored. If you misstep, you will be devoured."
Seren smirked. "Oh, you're worried about me?"
Kael's eyes held no warmth. "I do not tolerate liabilities."
Seren blinked.
Not even a flicker of hesitation in his voice.
She wasn't sure if she should be impressed or mildly terrified.
Then again…
She had married Kael Velyne.
A man whose cold logic could probably outlast an ice age.
"Well," she said, standing and stretching, "sounds like I have a gala to prepare for."
Kael gave a small nod. "Wear something appropriate."
Seren gasped, mock-offended. "Excuse me? I always dress appropriately."
Kael gave her an unreadable look. "Your cousin Dante visited wearing a sheer silk shirt and leopard-print sunglasses. Forgive my skepticism."
Seren scowled. "Dante is an artist. He expresses himself."
Kael didn't even blink. "He was dressed like an eccentric Bond villain."
Seren crossed her arms. "What's your point?"
Kael's voice was utterly deadpan. "Don't follow his example."
Seren groaned. "You're no fun."
Kael turned away, already dismissing the conversation. "You may leave."
Seren huffed, but as she turned toward the door, she called over her shoulder, "Don't worry, husband. I'll be so appropriate it'll make your icy little heart melt."
Kael didn't respond.
Seren grinned.
Game on.
The day of the event arrived faster than Seren expected.
The estate was bustling with preparations. Luxurious cars rolled in, staff hurried about, and an air of prestige settled over the place like a heavy, expensive perfume.
Seren, standing before the mirror, eyed her reflection.
A gown of deep sapphire blue, sleek and elegant, hugged her figure perfectly. The fabric shimmered subtly under the light, catching every movement like liquid midnight.
Her hair was styled in effortless waves, framing her face with just the right balance of sophistication and allure. Not too regal, not too casual.
Perfect for an evening of pretending.
She smirked, adjusting her earrings.
"Young Madam," a voice interrupted.
Vivia and Maya stood at the doorway, both dressed to kill.
Maya, in a stunning emerald dress, whistled. "Damn, Seren. I almost feel bad for the other women attending. They never stood a chance."
Vivia, in a classy champagne-colored gown, grinned. "Who knew our wild Seren could look so… respectable?"
Seren rolled her eyes. "You two are hilarious."
Vivia crossed her arms, teasing smirk still in place. "So, how do you feel? First official event as Mrs. Velyne?"
Seren glanced back at the mirror.
She looked… composed.
Poised.
Ready.
Even if inside, she still felt like an outsider playing dress-up in a world that wasn't hers.