My heart beat fast waiting to hear what he was going to say. I swallowed hard and waited for him to drop the bombshell.
His eyes swept over me with the barest flicker of impatience. "This isn't your home. Don't start thinking it is. From this moment forward, we play our roles exactly as agreed.
"In public, you are the polished and untouchable Mrs.Garrett. In private… he paused, his jaw tightened. In private, we're strangers. You'll follow my rules and don't ask questions. He commanded.
I forced my chins up. "What do you mean by rules". I asked with Curiosity.
"All the dos and donts". He said, each word clipped clean. "You'll have your own room at the far end of the hall. You won't step into my office. You don't speak to the press unless I permit you to". He continued.
His words struck me hard.
"And the most important rule" his gaze cut into me like a blade. "Don't mistake this arrangement for love. This is strictly business and I won't let you ruin it with sentiment. And also we're having dinner with my parents as we go in. Just thought to inform you". He added.
The air between us stilled. I lost my breath for a few seconds. My chest tightened as his words slammed into me, colder than the evening wind outside.
For a heartbeat, I almost wished he'd shouted. It would have been easier than this calm but brutal detachment.
"And what", I asked. My voice quieter than I intended, "if I decide I don't like your rules?"
He stepped closer, his presence was suffocating. "Then you'll regret it". He threatened.
That ended the conversation. He turned and pushed the penthouse door open and walked in. I followed with my shoes tapping softly on the marble floor.
The inside of the penthouse was like a palace in the sky. Huge glass windows showed the city glowing with lights. Silver sculptures stood in the penthouse.
The furniture looked expensive and too expensive to touch. It was beautiful but also cold like no one really lived there.
Before I could take in more, I heard footsteps. Then I heard a deep voice come from the living room.
"Garrett, we've been waiting".
I turned to the direction the voice came from. I saw Garrett's parents seated on a velvet sofa; Mr & Mrs Knight.
Mr Knight was tall even when sitting. His dark hair had silver streaks and his shoulder carried power. His wife sat beside him with a gold silk dress looking all elegant. Her posture was perfect, her eyes sharp as she studied me.
"You both are finally here. We left the wedding venue since and have been waiting here for you". Mrs Knight said, sounding impatient.
"We are finally here mom! Let's move to the dinning then". Garrett responded with a smile.
The dinning looked like something from a palace. Silver spoons and forks were placed neatly in rows. Outside the tall windows, the city lights glittered in the night.
Garrett sat at the head of the table, I sat next to him. His parents sat across from us, side by side. Their faces were calm but their eyes were sharp.
I felt like they could see straight through me.
The servants brought the first set of food; lobster soup In fine white bowls. No one touched their spoons.
Mrs knight leaned forward, resting her hand on her glass. Her voice was soft but carried power. "Let's not pretend". She said, her eyes moved from Garrett to me. "We all know what this marriage is".
I turned to Garrett, waiting for him to defend me. He didn't move, not even a blink.
"Mother". Garrett said at last with a calm voice. "There's no need for drama. The arrangement is done and everything is under control". Garrett said softly.
"Control only works when everyone plays their part", Mr Knight said. His deep voice filled the room. He turned his eyes on me. "That includes you".
I held my spoon tightly. "I understand". I said with a small but steady voice.
Mrs Knight tilted her head, studying me like I was the problem she hadn't solved yet. "Do you really understand what this is? This is not about love or wedding vows. The is about the name,Knight. Your job is simple, protect and polish this name, never ever shame it. Even if you must swallow your pride for this to work". She threatened.
Her words cut into me, I wanted to argue but Garrett spoke first.
"She understands". He said, lifting his glass. His eyes flickered to me. "She'll follow the rules".
Mrs Knight leaned back, still watching me. "Good. Because if you make one mistake, you'll find this family has no patience".
The room grew colder, the chandelier sparkled but I felt none of it's warmth.
I kept quiet even though anger built inside me. I had married, just as an act.
Dinner went on but it didn't feel like dinner anymore. It felt like a training.
"You'll attend public events". Mrs Knight said, charity dinners, business parties and all family gatherings. Make sure to smile and play your part well". She warned with a stern look.
"And if the press ask you questions?" Mr Knight added. "You shouldn't answer, you should let Garrett speak because one wrong word could ruin everything."
I gripped the napkin in my lap. Every word they spoke felt like another chain around my neck.
"And what about children?" Mr Knight asked.
The question made me freeze. I stared at him in shock.
Garrett's jaw tightened. "That wasn't part of the agreement". He said.
His father studied him, then gave a short nod. "Fine but remember, appearances must always be perfect".
I forced myself to eat though the food had no taste. The soup, the duck and the wine were expensive but they all turned bitter in my mouth.
By the time desert came, I had no appetite left. My hand trembled in my laps though i tried to hide it.
At last Mrs Knight rose from her seat. "Do your part well", she said softly. "And life will be easy. Fail, and you'll will regret ever joining this family".
Her heels clicked on the floor as she left. Mr Knight followed behind her. His silence was louder than her t
hreats.
The doors closed leaving only I and Garrett in the room….