Rowan woke up before the sun had even risen. He groaned, stretching until one of his joints popped. He stood up, ready to leave the room - then paused.
He turned and walked over to the bed, hands shoved into his pockets as he stared down at her.
Carmen slept peacefully on her side, her mouth slightly parted. Her long eyelashes fluttered with each breath, and her jet-black curls framed her face and neck like something out of a painting.
He hated to admit it, but... she wasn't bad-looking.
He sighed. "It's not fair," he muttered. "She sleeps like a baby while my back's been screaming all night."
He reached down and shook her gently. "Hey. Wake up."
She didn't respond but snored after. He frowned and shook her again, harder this time. Carmen groaned and shifted onto her back, her hands splayed across the bed. She still didn't wake up. Rowan leaned in and yelled directly into her ear, "WAKE UP!"
Carmen jolted awake with a yelp and thudded to the floor.
He stepped back, and crossed his arms.
She looked up at him, a vein pulsing on her forehead. "What the hell was that for?!"
"We're leaving. You need to get up."
"And you had to scream in my ear to say that?!"
"Nope." He turned and walked away, smirking.
Carmen's face fell in disbelief.
---
Outside the apartment, Carmen and Rowan waited with their luggage. A sleek black car pulled up. The chauffeur stepped out and began loading their bags into the trunk.
Rowan slid into the back seat first, shutting the door before Carmen could get in. He smirked at her through the window and gave her a thumbs-up. Carmen glared.
The ride was uneventful. It had the same stomach-churning feeling she used to get on the first day of school. Rowan glanced at her staring out the window, then turned to stare out his own.
When they arrived, Carmen felt a tug on her shoulder. She opened her eyes slowly, rubbing the sleep away.
"You can sleep when you're inside," Rowan said.
She stretched, yawning. "I fell asleep?"
"No, you're dog food."
She shot him a death glare and turned to the window.
She gasped. The Bronson mansion towered in front of her, it was gigantic, luxurious, and ten times the size of her family's home. Their bags were taken out, and they walked toward Mr. and Mrs. Bronson, who stood waiting by the entrance.
"Thank goodness you're back," Mrs. Bronson said, arms open wide.
"Huh?" Carmen glanced at Rowan, confused. She pointed to her chest as if to ask, "Is the hug for me?"
Before she could react, Mrs. Bronson engulfed her in a tight embrace. Carmen gasped. Was this warmth... affection? Or was the woman squeezing the life out of her and she was already seeing the light?
"Welcome back, son. How was your honeymoon?" Mr. Bronson asked, patting Rowan's shoulder.
"I just wished it was one day instead of two. Too long. Even a few hours would've been enough," Rowan muttered.
Mr. Bronson sighed. "I wanted you to spend time with your wife. You're newlyweds. You're supposed to get to know her."
"A honeymoon was unnecessary."
"Oh? Would you have preferred one outside the country?"
"I didn't ask for a honeymoon."
Mrs. Bronson finally pulled away from Carmen, who gasped for breath.
"Th-thank you... Mrs. Bronson," she managed.
Rowan glanced at her and smirked.
"Well then, get inside. You must be starving," Mr. Bronson said.
And exhausted, both Carmen and Rowan thought.
Inside, Carmen gaped at the beautiful artwork on the walls and the polished furniture.
"Please take my daughter-in-law to her room," Mrs. Bronson instructed a nearby maid.
"Yes, ma'am," the maid said. She turned to Carmen. "Please follow me, miss."
Carmen nodded and followed her upstairs as the chauffeur brought up their luggage.
"So, son, how was your honeymoon?" Mrs. Bronson beamed.
Rowan looked away. "Fine," he muttered.
"Did she treat you well?"
"She's annoying," he grumbled under his breath.
"What's that?"
Rowan forced a smile. "She treated me just fine, Mom."
"I'm so glad to hear that."
Rowan caught the genuine joy in her expression and managed a small, reluctant smile.
"I must head to work," Mr. Bronson announced. "I'll be back for dinner."
"Whatever, old man," Rowan muttered, heading toward the dining room without a glance.
Mr. Bronson sighed. Mrs. Bronson placed a gentle hand on his arm.
"Give him time. He's still upset about the marriage. But soon, he'll see how lucky he is. Carmen's beautiful. He'll fall in love and thank you."
"I hope so. I can't take his silent treatment forever."
"He won't. Now go, or you'll be late."
He kissed her cheek and left.
Rowan sat alone at the table, his appetite gone. He stared at his untouched food, frustrated. He didn't ask for this marriage. He didn't want to live up to anyone's expectations.
He was in his early twenties. He wanted to stay wild and free.
"Oh, eating alone now? You cruel bastard, couldn't wait for us?"
Rowan groaned. "I forgot about this one."
Josh waltzed in, arms open. "Did you miss me?"
Rowan ignored him.
Josh pouted. "Still mad?"
Rowan turned to him. "Are you going to sit down or just stand there staring at me all day?"
Josh grinned and took the seat beside him. "Where is she?"
"Who?"
Josh raised a brow. "You know who."
Rowan stuffed a forkful of food into his mouth.
"You're ignoring me again?"
---
Carmen admired her massive room. The maid giggled from the door.
"This is bigger than my old room," Carmen said, bouncing a little on the bed.
"Do you love it, Miss?" the maid asked.
"It's more than I expected. Thank you."
"No need to thank me. It's my job to make sure you feel comfortable in your new room."
"Can I ask something? Am I sharing this room with Rowan?"
The maid's eyes widened before she giggled. "No, no. He asked me to prepare a separate room."
"Perfect," Carmen whispered.
She walked to the bedside table, picked up her phone, and frowned. A message popped up, her friends asking to hang out at her place since she wasn't allowed out. She clutched her phone to her chest, her eyes burning. They didn't know. No one could know she was married.
"Miss, breakfast is ready. Everyone's waiting downstairs."
"I'll be right down."
The maid bowed and left.
Carmen sighed and flopped on the bed.
---
She entered the dining room to find Mrs. Bronson, Rowan, and Josh already eating. She sat opposite Josh and apologized.
"It's alright," Mrs. Bronson smiled, then turned to Josh. "Josh, have you met Carmen? Rowan's wife."
Rowan scoffed quietly. Just Carmen would do, he mumbled.
Josh grinned. "Carmen! Nice to meet you, baby girl. I'm pleased."
"Nice to meet you too, Josh," she said with a polite smile.
"How does she know my name?!" Josh exclaimed.
Rowan smacked him on the back. Josh winced.
"And what was that for?!"
Carmen and Mrs. Bronson chuckled awkwardly as Josh and Rowan began bickering.
"Don't mind them," Mrs. Bronson said, smiling at Carmen. "They're always like this."
"Oh, it's fine."
"Carmen."
"Yes, Mother?"
"We forgot to mention... you and Rowan go to the same college. Isn't that wonderful?"
Carmen froze. Her eyes widened.
What?! Oh, shit.