Chapter 3

Ember's POV

"Your coffee. Two sugars, no cream."

Aspen set the cup in front of me with an accuracy that made my scalp tingle. We'd only been dating three days—how did he already know my preferences?

I looked up at him, those deep eyes studying me intently.

"How did you know I like it this way?" I asked tentatively.

"I observed." He sat across from me, his hand naturally reaching over to hold mine.

There it was again.

Ever since that first handhold, he'd become obsessed with holding my hand. Not casual hand-holding either—fingers interlaced, so tight I couldn't pull away even if I tried.

"Aspen..." I struggled gently.

His fingers immediately tightened, something unreadable flashing in his eyes.

"What's wrong?" His voice was soft but carried an undeniable firmness.

"Nothing." I gave up struggling.

Strange—why didn't I hate this feeling of being controlled?

In the week we'd been dating, he'd become a completely different person. From cold and distant to attentive and intense—the transformation was so rapid it left me unsettled.

"Ember!" Tom from our class called from across the courtyard. "About today's notes, could I..."

"She doesn't need your notes." Aspen cut him off, his voice carrying obvious coldness. "She has me."

I felt his grip on my hand tighten, almost painfully.

Was he jealous?

Tom, intimidated by Aspen's aura, laughed awkwardly and left.

"Why did you do that?" I was annoyed. "He was just trying to help."

Aspen stopped walking and turned to face me, something indecipherable flickering in his eyes.

"I don't like other men getting close to you." His voice was low, but every word was crystal clear. "You're my girlfriend now."

His words made my heart race, but also filled me with an inexplicable unease.

After class, we walked along the secluded path behind the school.

It was quiet here, just the two of us. Aspen was more silent than usual, but I could sense some kind of tension radiating from him.

"Today's lecture was interesting. The professor said..." I tried to make conversation, but before I could finish, he suddenly pulled me into his arms.

His kiss came without warning.

Starting with gentle kisses on my forehead, then moving to deep kisses on my lips—his movements became increasingly urgent, increasingly possessive.

The way he kissed me... like he wanted to devour me completely.

"Aspen..." I tried to push him away. "Someone might see..."

"I don't care." His voice turned husky, completely ignoring my struggles as he deepened the kiss.

I felt like I was suffocating, but my body was responding beyond my control. The contradiction left me both thrilled and terrified.

When we broke apart, my lips were numb.

"Just now you... didn't seem like yourself," I gasped, my voice trembling.

He looked at me, undisguised desire burning in his eyes.

"Sorry." His voice was soft, but I could hear the restraint beneath it.

Over time, we gradually broke down the barriers between us. Sometimes I forgot we were just pretending. But I'd remind myself—since it was all fake anyway, why not enjoy it?

---

A month later, my birthday arrived.

"Come with me." That evening, Aspen mysteriously led me toward the observatory behind the school.

When I saw what lay before me, I froze completely.

Under the starlit sky, the observatory was decorated like something from a fairy tale. Rose petals scattered everywhere, candlelight flickering, and my favorite champagne-colored ribbons.

"This... what is this?" I covered my mouth, unable to believe my eyes.

"Happy birthday, Ember." His voice was exceptionally tender.

Then he did something that completely shocked me.

He dropped to one knee, pulling out an elegant ring box from his pocket.

A proposal?!

"Marry me, Ember." His gaze was burning and determined. "Be my wife."

My brain went blank. I knew this should just be part of the game, part of our year-long "fake relationship," but everything looked so real.

"No way." Despite my inner joy, I didn't want to admit it.

"Just enjoy this moment," he said seriously.

Even if it was just a game, I wanted this moment.

"Yes." I nodded, my voice choking. "I will."

He stood and slipped the ring onto my finger. It fit perfectly, as if custom-made just for me.

Such a perfect ring—when had he prepared this?

But I didn't have time to think about it because he was already pulling me into his arms.

Then, of course, we kissed.

But this kiss was more intense than any before. I could feel him holding something back, his body trembling, his breathing becoming rapid.

His hands began tugging at my clothes. I could sense the change in his body, that barely-controlled tension.

"I can't..." He suddenly stopped, breathing like he'd run a marathon, sweat beading his forehead. "We shouldn't..."

I could see he was in pain, his whole body shaking violently. His fists were clenched, knuckles white, like he was desperately suppressing some beast within.

That restrained agony made my heart ache.

Suddenly, I softened.

"But I want to." I kissed him first, wrapping my arms around his neck.

Aspen froze, the last trace of reason struggling in his eyes. "Ember... do you know what you're saying?"

"I know." I looked into his eyes. "We only have this year. No regrets."

That sentence completely shattered his final defenses.

The restraint in his eyes vanished instantly, replaced by raw desire. He held me tighter, kissed me more frantically.

"Are you sure?" he asked one last time, his voice impossibly hoarse.

"I'm sure."

In that moment, he completely let go.

Under the moonlight, our clothes scattered on the ground. His kisses fell on every inch of my skin, carrying long-suppressed madness and desire.

I felt like I was drowning in his passion.

That night, the stars witnessed our madness.

I thought it would be the only time.

But I was wrong.

From then on, Aspen became completely different. His gaze grew more intense, his possessiveness stronger.

Every time he looked at me, it was like a hungry wolf eyeing its prey, his eyes burning with undisguised desire.

I looked at the ring on my finger, a strange premonition rising in my heart.

This game seemed to have spiraled completely out of control.

And I was sinking deeper into it, unable to escape.