The Tyrant's Bride: His Plaything, His Prisoner

The sound of Grandma's voice filled the room, stern yet protective. "A girl has entrusted herself to you, so you have to be responsible for her, understand?"

Aria couldn't help but feel deeply moved by the scolding.

Over the past three years, she had faced the harsh ups and downs of life, and very few people had ever shown such care for her.

The weight of her grandmother's words settled in her heart, a reminder that there was still someone in this world who had her back.

On the other hand, Carter stood there with a calm demeanor.

His face betrayed no hint of disagreement, no sign of impatience.

He simply listened, nodding slowly, patiently, as if the conversation held no particular importance to him.

Finally, after the exchange, the three of them made their way downstairs, ready to enjoy a peaceful morning together.

Since it was the weekend, the family was more relaxed than usual.

After a simple breakfast, Carter received a phone call, which prompted him to leave for work.

Aria, however, stayed behind to accompany her grandmother on a walk through the yard.

The morning passed pleasantly with her grandmother reminiscing about the past.

Aria listened intently, occasionally chiming in with a few words.

For the first time in a long while, Aria felt truly cared for.

She made sure grandmother had everything she needed, serving her tea, offering water, and ensuring she was comfortable.

The day was easy, flowing with the peaceful rhythm of life.

Even though Carter was nearby, he hardly spoke.

His silence seemed to hang in the air, neither comforting nor cruel, just present.

But as the night drew near, things began to shift.

That evening, when the door to their bedroom closed, the atmosphere grew tense.

Aria stood at the edge of the bed like a young wife caught in a storm.

Carter was sitting on the bed, his eyes icy as they fixed on her.

"I don't care who sent you or what your purpose is," he said coldly, his voice sending a chill down her spine. "You are not allowed to mention those words 'divorce' again in front of my grandmother. Our relationship continues, and don't play any tricks on me."

Aria's chest tightened as the weight of his words sank in.

She had been accused again, and it didn't sit well with her.

The situation had shifted dramatically from earlier, and now her emotions ran high.

No longer the same meek person she had been before, she met his gaze with determination.

"I didn't!" she replied, her voice growing firmer.

But her words didn't seem to ease the tension.

For a moment, she hesitated, considering her next move.

After a deep breath, she spoke again, her voice unwavering: "Let's get a divorce! If it's because of your grandmother, we can keep it a secret. I'll still support you, cooperate with whatever you need, and take care of her feelings whenever you call. But let's end this between us, privately."

She paused, letting the weight of her words settle between them.

After all, the two of them had barely known each other for long.

He was the type of person she disliked the most: a rich, entitled young man, and a top one at that.

Now, with everything else gone, her instinct was to refuse, to reject him strongly.

The hurt from her previous relationship with Ryder Vaughn still lingered in her bones, and she had no illusions about the so-called "rich nobles" or "Prince Charming."

Carter's response was a sharp, disdainful roll of his eyes.

He sneered. "Wait until you understand the Montgomery family and get familiar with the family rules before you talk to me about divorce! Tonight, you're not allowed to touch my hair. If you do, I'll throw you out."

With that, he turned over on the bed, flipping off the light.

Aria rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a smile.

She made a face in his direction but eventually climbed into bed, crossing her arms and trying to sleep.

In the middle of the night, something unexpected happened.

A soft body like jade slipped into his arms.

Carter, still half asleep, felt the familiar smooth touch and instinctively pulled Aria closer, holding her in his arms.

The next morning, the sunlight streamed into the room, waking Aria with a sudden jolt.

She opened her eyes and realized that half her body was dangling from the bed, the other half still lying on it.

Carter's pajamas were slightly askew, and she noticed that he was covered in some kind of grime.

With a groan, he sat up, his face darkening. "It smells so bad! You're not allowed to come near me until you wash up!"

Aria, still half-dazed, groggily sniffed herself. She pouted in frustration. "Can't you be a little less fussy? Isn't this normal for women? I don't mind you! Your body's like a stone, and your legs are covered in hair…"

She mumbled, shaking her head as she stumbled toward the bathroom.

She caught a glimpse of his muscular chest in the mirror, and for some reason, it only made her laugh.

Meanwhile, Carter's face darkened even further, a blush creeping onto his neck.