The Tyrant's Bride: His Plaything, His Prisoner

Which planet is he from?

So many problems!

Aria screamed internally as she stomped toward the bathroom, her frustration bubbling over.

The man's icy tone and endless rules replayed in her mind, making her blood boil.

Once inside, she shut the door and stood frozen in the middle of the spotless room.

Everything gleamed, bright white tiles, neatly arranged toiletries, and surfaces so clean they could double as mirrors.

She couldn't help but groan.

The shampoo bottles and bath products looked untouched, as if they were there for decoration rather than use.

How exhausting would it be to live with someone so obsessed with cleanliness?

Her gaze landed on a small red basket sitting on the sink.

Peeking inside, she found disposable travel-sized toiletries neatly arranged, clearly meant for her.

So this is the 'red box,' huh?

Her fingers curled into fists.

After all that fuss, he actually thinks I smell?

Raising her arm, she sniffed lightly. Her lips curled into a wry smile.

From childhood, people had always complimented her smooth, radiant skin and naturally fresh scent.

Yet, Carter Montgomery, the walking iceberg, thought she smelled? Ridiculous.

Is this my life now?

A never-ending list of rules and insults?

No way!

Suddenly, the memory of Carter eating the carrot at dinner sparked an idea.

A mischievous grin spread across her face.

---

She "locked" the bathroom door, only to unlock it quietly. Then she went to work.

First, she opened a bottle of shower gel and deliberately poured some onto the pristine tiles.

Next, she knocked over a few toiletries on the shelf, scattering them haphazardly.

Taking a comb, she ruffled her hair and made sure stray strands landed in the corners of the room.

For the finale, she grabbed a bottle of lightly scented essential oil, unscrewed the cap, and tipped it over.

The liquid spilled out slowly, filling the air with an overwhelming fragrance.

Once the stage was set, she slipped off her clothes, wrapped herself in a towel, and stepped under the showerhead.

To add drama, she laid a towel on the floor to muffle the sound of running water, wet her hair and body just enough, and then kicked the towel aside.

Turning the water to the hottest setting, she stretched out her arm until the scalding water hit her skin.

"Ahhh!" she screamed, her voice sharp and panicked.

---

The bathroom door burst open a second later, and Carter stormed in.

"What are you doing?" His voice was thunderous, his expression a mixture of fury and disbelief.

The fragrance hit him first, cloying and overbearing.

Then his eyes took in the chaos.

Steam filled the room, bottles lay scattered across the floor, and water splashed everywhere.

Aria stood in the corner, clutching her towel as though it were her only shield.

Water dripped from her hair and ran down her arms, pooling at her feet.

Carter's jaw clenched.

Every step he took made him angrier. "You've got to be kidding me," he muttered under his breath.

Reaching the shower, he twisted the faucet off with a sharp motion.

"Aria Monroe! Did you completely ignore everything I said?"

Aria's head drooped.

Her lips trembled as she mumbled, "I'm sorry. I'll clean it up right away." Her voice cracked, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Carter was about to scold her again when he noticed her arm.

It was red, an angry, swollen patch of skin standing out starkly against her pale complexion.

His anger faltered.

Her skin, normally flawless, looked raw and painful under the harsh bathroom light.

He sighed, his gaze softening against his will.

"What happened?" he asked, his tone less sharp but still firm.

Aria sniffled, keeping her eyes downcast. "I… I didn't want to dirty the bathroom, so I tried to wash my hair first. I couldn't figure out the faucet, and when I finally got it to work, it was too hot. I panicked and…" Her voice trailed off, and she bit her lip.