Chapter 5 The Deal

"What? I was just telling the truth. You started criticizing me first," Loretta Williams snapped, her almond-shaped eyes narrowing in frustration.

Mark Robin sighed and tugged at the collar of his shirt.

"Alright, alright. My bad. I shouldn't have said what I did. I apologize."

Loretta folded her arms, her expression softening slightly.

"Fine. Apology accepted. I won't touch you again, so there'll be no need to comment on your... performance anymore."

Mark's expression darkened even further, his jaw tightening.

He drew a slow breath and tried to keep his composure.

"While we're living under the same roof, I won't interfere in your personal life. You're free to have your space, your friends, your privacy. Just make sure it doesn't end up ruining my name."

Loretta lifted her chin.

"Relax. I have standards. Since I agreed to this marriage, I won't be dragging myself into any scandals. We'll be divorced in a few years anyway, so I can handle this for the time being."

"Good," Mark replied.

"We have a deal then."

"A deal."

Even though they were legally married, it was no different from two strangers who happened to sign the same document.

Mark, having fulfilled what seemed like an obligation, turned away from his new bride without another glance.

He signaled to the staff waiting outside.

Loretta followed him through the bustling streets of downtown until they reached a quiet, secluded compound.

Inside, a sprawling three-story villa sat grandly in the courtyard.

An older gentleman stepped forward with a slight bow and a warm smile.

"Madam, I'm Butler Smith. If you need anything, feel free to let me know."

Loretta blinked, taking in the vast grounds.

A long paved driveway stretched ahead, flanked by trimmed hedges and manicured lawns.

The villa itself looked like it could fit her old house inside ten times over.

Mark turned toward her. "This will be your residence from now on. With me, of course."

"Oh, you're staying here too?"

He raised a brow.

"What, are we already planning separate residences after the wedding?"

"No! I just... wanted to be sure," she muttered, glancing away.

"My parents rarely visit. The staff will follow your instructions. If the décor bothers you, tell Butler Smith. You can change anything you like-except my study and my bedroom. Those are off-limits."

Loretta held up her hands.

"I'm not here to remodel the place. It looks fine. Renovation sounds like too much trouble anyway."

Mark paused, giving her a long, unreadable look as he leaned casually against a console table.

Even doing nothing, he radiated effortless charm and composure.

His fingers toyed with a leather wallet in his hand. The slender shape and elegance of his fingers made her wonder if he played the piano-those hands seemed meant for it.

He finally spoke.

"Butler Smith will give you a tour. Take your time and get comfortable."

Butler Smith promptly led her through the estate.

The interior was vast-almost overwhelming.

There were so many rooms that Loretta was sure she'd need a map just to find her way. The kitchen was tucked at the back, while the front led into a grand living room.

Bedrooms were upstairs. The maids' quarters were in a separate wing entirely.

Compared to her old home with the Williams Group, this was an entirely different level of wealth and luxury.

Turning to Butler Smith, she asked, "Is this really Mark Robin's house?"

"Yes, Madam. And now it's your home too."

Loretta's brows raised.

"Mark must be... quite wealthy."

Butler Smith gave her a polite smile.

"Indeed, Madam. He is. And although he might seem difficult to approach at first, he's a good man. You'll find your rhythm here soon enough."

Loretta finally reached the walnut-toned double doors to the master bedroom.

But the moment she opened them, she was met with a sight that made her freeze in shock.

Mark stood just outside the bathroom, half-naked, steam still curling from the shower.

A towel was wrapped loosely around his hips, barely holding on.

His bronzed skin glistened with water droplets.

His physique was perfectly sculpted-broad shoulders, toned chest, lean hips tapering to strong legs.

Loretta stared for too long.

Realizing she was gawking, she let out a strangled gasp and darted out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

Inside, Mark frowned, clearly irritated.

For a moment, he regretted giving in so easily to his family's pressure. He'd always preferred refined, graceful women-elegant like Alice Jacob.

But now, here he was, married to someone whose energy clashed with his in every way. All because of a senseless arrangement.

Yet no matter how it happened, she was now his lawful wife.

Outside the door, Loretta leaned against the wall, her heart pounding wildly in her chest.

The image of Mark's body flashed through her mind again. She had never seen anyone look that... handsome.

But she reminded herself that it didn't matter. This was just a contractual marriage.

The door creaked open again. Mark had changed into a simple set of loungewear, but even in casual clothes, he exuded an icy authority.

"You still planning to come in?" he asked coolly.

Loretta nodded sheepishly. "Yes, sorry. I'll come in."

This was their agreement. She needed to get used to it.

With a deep breath, she stepped inside and quietly shut the door behind her.

Her voice came out softer this time.

"Sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to freak out. It's just... I'm still adjusting to being married, to suddenly living with someone I barely know."

Mark's eyes studied her pale, porcelain-like face. Her skin was so clear it almost glowed. It reminded him of snow-soft and untouched, however, he looked away.

"I don't care what habits you brought with you," he said, his tone detached.

"But from now on, knock before entering."

Loretta's jaw dropped. "Wait, are you blaming me? How was I supposed to know you were stark naked? If anyone needs to adjust, it's you! There's another person living here now-you can't just parade around like that!"

His gaze darkened. "You-"

She threw her hands up. "Ugh! I was trying to play nice, but you really make it hard with your arrogant attitude."

Mark decided it was pointless to argue. He grabbed a blanket and marched over to the couch.

Seeing that, Loretta called out, "Wait. I'll prefer to sleep there."