Chapter 3 FIRST NIGHT, COLD WALLS

The next morning, Blue and Jay found themselves at the company headquarters to sign the marriage contract. Seated across from each other, their matching scowls made it painfully obvious they were sworn enemies forced into an uncomfortable alliance.

After reviewing the contract, they discovered the marriage would last only one year. The company was confident that this timeframe would be enough to repair Blue's public image. Jay was required to fully cooperate with the PR campaign: no public arguments, plenty of affection, and a picture-perfect image of a happily married couple, with Blue doting on Jay as the ideal husband.

Jay scoffed. "I want to add some clauses," he said coldly. "No touching. Don't meddle in my business. And most importantly, stay the hell out of my space. If either of us breaks the rules, the contract ends. Simple."

Blue raised a brow and sneered. "Even if you were the last man on Earth, I wouldn't want anything to do with you. I'm only here because of this ridiculous contract."

Jay smirked. "Well, the feeling's mutual, Phi Blue."

Despite their mutual hatred, the contract was signed. The company then informed them they'd be moving into a luxury apartment together the next day to make their living situation more believable. Before leaving, Key handed them a pair of simple silver rings.

"These are your wedding rings. Wear them at all times," Key instructed.

Both men took the rings with visible reluctance and left to pack their things.

The following morning, a loud knock echoed through Jay's condo. Half-asleep, he groaned and turned over then froze when the events of the past day came rushing back. His gaze fell on the wedding ring now sitting snug on his finger.

"...Right," he muttered, sighing.

At the door stood Key.

"Khun Jay," he said cheerfully. "I've come to drive you to the apartment. Phi Blue moved in last night."

Jay nodded sleepily. "Give me ten minutes."

Soon after, they were en route to the apartment. The moment Jay stepped in, his eyes widened. The place was stunning modern, sleek, with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of Bangkok.

Wow, Jay thought. Too bad I have to share it with him.

"You're here," came Blue's voice, flat and cold.

"Hm," Jay replied and headed to his room thankfully, on the opposite end of the apartment.

Later that afternoon, Key called them both out for their first press conference as a married couple. They were handed a short, scripted Q&A filled with carefully curated moments to portray love, trust, and redemption. Surprisingly, the conference went smoothly. Blue played his role well, offering subtle smiles and gentle hand touches, while Jay smiled stiffly but didn't resist. By the end, fans online had already begun rewriting their narratives.

From being called a "liar" and a "manipulator," Blue was now being hailed as the World's Best Husband. Fans gushed over how lucky Jay was to have someone who would publicly defend him and admit to his mistakes.

Photos of Blue in a tuxedo in Paris from weeks earlier had recently resurfaced, and now everyone assumed that was when the private wedding had taken place.

The company warned them, "From now on, you're being watched. No slip-ups. There will be more press, and even a reality shoot. You need to be the perfect couple."

Back at the apartment, night fell. Their first night as "husbands."

As they stepped inside, Blue glanced at Jay. "Are you hungry?"

Jay, still irritated, ignored him and headed toward his room. But Blue caught his arm.

"I asked you a question. Or do you think I'll let you starve to death under my roof?" Blue said dryly. "I don't care about you, but I don't want to deal with a sick husband either."

Jay rolled his eyes and sat at the dining table without a word. Blue quietly served the food Key had dropped off earlier.

They ate in silence, seated at opposite ends of the long table, as if trying to keep their worlds apart.

After dinner, Blue began collecting the dishes.

Jay frowned. "What are you trying to do make me look bad? You cooked, now you clean? What am I, a freeloader?"

"I didn't cook," Blue replied with a sigh. "Key bought it."

Still, Jay took the dishes and stomped toward the kitchen. "Whatever. I'll do it."

Blue just shook his head as he walked away, mumbling, "He's impossible."

The night felt colder than usual.

Blue tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. Eventually, he slipped out to the balcony, hoping the night air would help.

To his surprise, he noticed movement on the adjacent balcony Jay was there too, leaning on the railing, staring at the stars.

"Can't sleep?" Blue asked.

Jay didn't answer at first. Then, quietly, he said, "Yeah... I can only sleep in my own bed. I hate new places."

Blue nodded. "Try to get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be packed."

Just as he was about to return inside, Jay asked, "What about you?"

Blue paused. "Nothing," he replied, and walked away.

Truth was, Blue suffered from insomnia something only Key knew. The only way he could fall asleep was by completely exhausting himself.

A few minutes later, Jay returned to bed, lying on his side as he replayed the day's events in his mind.

What the hell am I doing here? he wondered. What's going to happen tomorrow? Next week? Next month?

But then he took a deep breath and whispered to himself, "One day at a time, Jay."

With that thought, he finally drifted off to sleep.

Next Chapter Preview: Will something finally spark between these two, or will the cold wall between them grow even higher? Stay tuned ,it's only going to get more exciting from here. Thank you for reading! 💙💍✨