Marriage is not just about love; it is about belonging to someone so deeply that their presence becomes your peace… and sometimes, their absence becomes your fear. Being married to a man like Edward means being loved in a way that is intense, protective, and almost impossible to escape like being wrapped in warmth you never want to leave.

I got married to Edward Laurent—not just a man, but the richest CEO in New York, a man everyone feared and admired in equal measure.

Ours was not a simple love story. It began as something far from love… we were enemies before we ever became lovers.

I had always thought he was ruthless—cold, untouchable, and dangerously powerful. But everything I believed about him changed the moment I fell in love with him… and even more when I became his wife.

…

I woke up to the familiar scent of his cologne—rich, woody, and intoxicating, mixed with the warmth that always lingered around him. It was a smell I had come to associate with comfort… and possession.

My eyes slowly drifted open, and there he was—standing in front of the mirror.

Edward looked effortlessly perfect. His tall, well-built frame was accentuated by the way his shirt clung slightly to his broad shoulders, his posture straight and commanding. Every movement he made carried quiet confidence, the kind that did not need to be announced.

For a moment, I just watched him.

Then I got up and wrapped my arms around him from behind, resting my cheek against his back.

He paused, then turned, pulling me closer without hesitation his grip firm, almost possessive. His gaze softened, but there was still that intensity in his eyes that always made my heart race.

“You always find your way back into my arms,” he murmured, his voice low and filled with quiet authority. “And I am never letting you go… you belong right here with me, princess.”

“As it should be,” I said quietly.

“I’m leaving for work now,” he murmured, pulling me even closer, his grip tightening just enough to make my breath catch.

His lips brushed lightly against my ear, his voice dropping into something deeper… something darker.

“Do not get too comfortable without me,” he said slowly. “I do not like the idea of you forgetting who you belong to.”

His hand slid up my back, holding me firmly in place.

“Everything about you is mine, Linda… your time, your attention… even your thoughts should start and end with me.”

He pulled back just enough to look into my eyes, his gaze intense, almost consuming.

“And while I’m gone…” he added softly, “…behave like my wife, princess. I would hate to come back and be disappointed.”

A slow breath escaped my lips, my heart beating heavier against my chest as his words settled deep within me.

For a moment, I just looked at him… really looked at him.

There was something dangerously reassuring about the way he spoke—like no matter what happened, I would always be his center… and he would always be mine.

My fingers curled slightly against his chest as I stepped closer instead of pulling away.

“Then do not stay away too long,” I said softly, my voice steady but laced with something deeper.

My eyes held his, unblinking.

“…because I might start missing you more than I should.”

A faint smile touched my lips, but it did not quite hide the truth behind my words.

Before he could respond, I closed the distance between us and kissed him—slow at first, then deeper, more certain.

It was not just a kiss.

It was a promise… a silent understanding between us.

When I finally pulled away, my fingers lingered on his shirt for a second longer before letting go.

“Go,” I murmured softly.

I walked him downstairs, my hand lightly brushing against his as we stepped outside. His driver was already waiting.

He got in, his eyes still fixed on me like he had not quite left yet.

I stood there, watching as the car drove off, a quiet feeling settling in my chest.

…..

I walked back into the house to get ready for work.

Edward had always been hesitant about me working. It took a lot of convincing before he finally agreed to let me have my independence.

After getting dressed, I left for work. I owned a large shopping complex, one I had built with time and effort.

As I walked into my office, all the employees stood up at once and greeted me respectfully.

I smiled at them, returning the greeting warmly before continuing inside.

Just as I settled into my seat and began going through the appointments of my most important clients, my phone rang.

I glanced at the screen and saw it was my best friend, Sophie.

I answered immediately, my heart tightening at the sound of her voice.

“Linda…” Sophie’s tone was trembling, heavy with pain and fear.

“Hey… what’s wrong? Are you okay?” I asked, my chest tightening with worry.

“No, Linda…” she whispered, and I could hear the tears in her voice.

Panic shot through me. “Sophie… talk to me! Where are you? I’m coming,” I stammered, grabbing my keys and bag without thinking.

By the time I reached her house, the sight before me made my stomach drop. Sophie’s body was bruised, her clothes torn in places, and the fear in her eyes was raw and unmistakable.

“Oh my God…” I gasped, tears pricking my eyes as I rushed to her side.

“He did this… again,” she whispered, her voice shaking.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and took her hands in mine. “You’re not staying here. Not like this. Not ever again,” I said firmly, my mind already racing for a solution.

“You don’t understand…” she said, trembling. “I don’t even have a job of my own, nowhere to go…”

Without thinking twice, I pulled out my phone and called Edward, explaining everything as fast as I could.

Within minutes, he was there, and together, we began figuring out how to get her to safety.

I pulled Edward aside, leading him to a quieter corner away from Sophie.

“I really think she should come to our house,” I said, my voice firm but worried.

Edward’s eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening. “Our house? No way,” he said sharply. “She has parents. This isn’t our responsibility.”

“She’s in danger, Edward! You saw her… she can’t stay there. I can’t just leave her like that,” I insisted, my voice trembling slightly with urgency.

He ran a hand through his hair, clearly torn. “I don’t like the idea of her being here. This is our home, Linda. Our space.”

I stepped closer, gripping his arm gently but firmly. “I know, baby. But just for a short while. She won’t stay forever. Her parents don’t even know about what’s been happening—if we don’t help, she’ll be alone, and it could get worse.”

He stared at me, his eyes searching mine as if measuring how serious I was. Finally, he let out a heavy sigh and nodded, a small but approving smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

“Alright,” he said, his voice low but certain. “Just for a short while… and we handle this carefully.”

Relief flooded me. “Thank you, Edward. She really needs us right now.”

Together, we helped Sophie gather herself, and I led her to the guest room once we got home. I called a doctor immediately to tend to her bruises and make sure she was safe.

After ensuring Sophie was settled, I found Edward standing on the terrace. The morning sunlight highlighted his tall, perfect frame, and my heart swelled as I approached him.

I wrapped my arms around him from behind, and he turned, pulling me close. A playful grin crossed his lips.

“You know I’m the clingy type,” he murmured, hands resting possessively on my waist. “Even with your best friend here, you belong to me, and I won’t let you forget it.”

I leaned into him, resting my head against his chest. “Don’t worry, baby. You’ll always have my attention. Always.”

He smiled, low and husky, then leaned down, capturing my lips in a passionate, lingering kiss.