Henry Lockwood shuffles papers on the table, not looking up.
finally looks up, his gaze intense and unyielding. Alright, listen up. This marriage contract won't be a walk in the park.
leans back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest You'll have your own room, your own income, and a certain level of protection.
But remember, this is a business arrangement. You're here to settle your family's debt, not to become my wife.
nods slowly Okay... I understand.
slams his hand on the table, startling Razorkd Good. Now, listen carefully. There will be rules. Strict ones.
First and foremost, you will keep your distance from me. We are not friends, nor lovers.
swallows hard Understood...
narrows his eyes Second, you will not involve yourself in any family matters. You are not to interfere with my decisions or question my authority.
leans forward, voice low and dangerous And third, you will not bring up your past. Your history has nothing to do with me or this arrangement.
deflates visibly Alright, no discussion about my past.
pulls out a stack of documents from a folder Now, read through these. They outline the specifics of our agreement.
flings the documents onto the table Fine. Take a look, but don't expect to find anything favorable to you.
smirks coldly Oh, don't be so shocked. It's simple enough. You work for me, I pay off your debt.
stands up abruptly That's settled then. I'll have the necessary arrangements made. You'll move into the guest house tomorrow.
turns to leave, pausing at the door One last thing. Don't test me. I won't hesitate to put you back where you came from.
swallows hard Understood...
exits the room, slamming the door behind him
gets up and walks to the window, looking out at the dark night
enters his private study, closing the door behind him Damn it. I need to make sure she understands the rules.
closes the window and climbs onto the bed, laying there thinking about her life
scribbles a note on a piece of paper "Remember, Razorkd. This is strictly business. Keep your distance and follow the rules."
walks into the kitchen, rummaging through the fridge Looks like we're having cereal for dinner tonight. Suit yourself, Razorkd.
murmurs to herself Just another day, huh?
pauses, staring at the bowl of cereal You know, you could make this meal more interesting. Ever thought about cooking?
hesitates, then nods Yeah, I guess...
smirks Well, don't just stand there. Show me what you've got.
moves towards the kitchen, pulling out ingredients Alright, let's see...
leans against the counter, watching intently Go on. Impress me.
starts chopping vegetables Like this?
nods approvingly Not bad. Keep going.
continues preparing the meal, focused
leans closer, observing You know, Razorkd, if you can cook half as well as your mom, we might actually have a chance at making something of this mess.
pauses, then resumes cooking Thanks... I'll try my best.
sits down at the kitchen table, watching Razorkd cook You know, I never expected someone like you to end up in this situation. How did you end up here?
bites her lip My father... he made sure I knew what pain was.
leans back in his chair, crossing his arms And yet, here you are, trying to make something of yourself. I admire that.
forces a smile Thanks, Mr. Lockwood.
leans forward, narrowing his eyes Look, Razorkd. I didn't save you from that hellhole just to watch you fail.