Chapter 2

　　"This is your room, Madam..."

　　I looked at the room the servant had just shown me. It was quite large, even very spacious compared to my room in my old house, which only had a thin mattress that left my whole body sore every morning.

　　"I sleep alone?" I asked directly. Considering my status as his legal wife, should I not be sharing a room with my husband?

　　"Yes, Madam. Mr. Samuel's room is on the third floor," the servant replied politely.

　　I let out a long breath and nodded. My eyes fell on a corner of the room. Several sets of maid uniforms were neatly arranged there. So they really intended to make me a servant in this house.

　　Suddenly, a brilliant idea crossed my mind. Without saying a word, I walked out to look for my husband's room on the third floor.

　　I was panting as I climbed the stairs one step at a time. Still, I kept pushing myself. Damn it, why am I using the stairs when there is an elevator? I complained inwardly when I reached the second floor and saw a servant stepping out of the lift.

　　I immediately entered the metal box. My legs were too tired to climb another floor.

　　When the elevator doors opened on the third floor, I looked around. There were three large doors. Which one was Samuel's room? I should have asked earlier instead of coming here blindly. With hesitant but steady steps, I tried opening one of the doors. It felt impolite, but I did not care. I was the lady of this house, even if they saw me as nothing more than collateral.

　　The door opened. I stepped in cautiously, observing the room dominated by dark gray tones. It was very spacious. The bed alone looked big enough for five people. There was not a single photo displayed anywhere.

　　My body suddenly stiffened when the bathroom door opened.

　　Samuel came out in his automatic wheelchair. His upper body was completely bare, while his lower body was covered with a white towel. I froze. His body looked very athletic and attractive, though several scars marked his skin.

　　"What are you doing in my room?" Samuel snapped, making me flinch.

　　I quickly neutralized my expression. I could not let myself look mesmerized by my own husband's body.

　　"I wanted to help you. You just finished showering, right? Do you want me to help you get dressed?" I offered as I stepped closer, but my movement stopped at his firm rejection.

　　"No need. Leave. I do not like strangers entering my personal space."

　　Instead of leaving, I curved a faint smile. "Why call it personal space? Did you forget? I am your wife. We should be sharing a bed and a room so I can help you, so I can..."

　　"Shut up, Emelia! Do you have no fear? Everyone trembles in front of me!"

　　I shook my head slowly. "No. You are human, right? Why should I be afraid of another human?"

　　"You do not know me, Emelia. I could kill you right now!" he threatened in a low voice that seemed to shake the air.

　　"Kill me? Go ahead. Shoot me, stab me, I am not afraid of death," I replied calmly, even though inside I cursed myself for saying that. How could I say such a thing? I knew the man in front of me could be cruel if things did not go his way.

　　"Leave, Emelia!"

　　"Why? I just want to help!"

　　"Leave. Or I will really lose my patience and tell my men to take turns with you!"

　　My body froze instantly. A cold shiver ran through me. I would rather die than be violated by many men.

　　"You are insane! I am your wife. How could you let others touch me like that?" I snapped angrily. I immediately turned around and walked away as fast as possible before Samuel carried out his threat. Considering my status as mere collateral, he might really be that cruel.

　　Reluctantly, I put on the maid uniform. When they took me earlier, I did not have time to prepare anything. I only had a small bag with my wallet and an old phone, now abandoned on the bedside table.

　　Strangely, the uniform fit my body perfectly, as if it had been tailored just for me.

　　My thoughts were interrupted by a loud knock on the door. When I opened it, the guard who had picked me up yesterday was already standing there.

　　"What is it?" I asked curtly.

　　"Sir has ordered you to carry out your duties immediately," he replied flatly.

　　I frowned. Duties? What kind of task was this? Considering my help had just been rejected, it was impossible that this was about serving him in bed.

　　"Please follow me, Madam," the guard said again. I could only nod and follow behind him.

　　Curiosity filled me as he led me to the very large backyard. As far as the eye could see, there was only a stretch of grass and tall, lush trees.

　　"Sir instructed that you must pick up all the fallen leaves in this yard," the guard said expressionlessly.

　　My eyes widened. "Sir, is there a mistake? I have to pick up all these leaves? This place is huge. And it is autumn. The leaves will not stop falling!" I complained in frustration.

　　"Sir said so, Madam. This is your punishment for being disrespectful earlier," the guard added before walking away, leaving me alone.

　　I let out a long sigh, staring at the dry leaves scattered across the green grass. "Why is my life like this? My family is a mess, and my husband is not sane either. This is crazy," I muttered.

　　Instead of picking up the leaves, I lay down under the shadiest tree, enjoying the cool breeze brushing against my face.

　　It was impossible for me to clean all of this alone. It would be a pointless task. Besides, I barely slept last night because I was busy searching for information about my mysterious husband. My eyes felt heavy, and I decided to close them for a moment.

　　I did not know how long I had been asleep. Suddenly, a sharp cold sensation hit my entire body. I jolted awake, gasping as if I had been struck by a huge wave.

　　When my senses returned, I stared in shock at a guard standing in front of me holding an empty bucket. My anger almost exploded, but it stopped when I heard a deep voice from behind.

　　"You seem very comfortable sleeping here."

　　I turned and saw Samuel in his wheelchair. I looked at him angrily after he had drenched me completely.

　　"What is it? Do you not like it?" Samuel challenged coldly. "That is your punishment for sleeping on duty. Now get to work. Pick up all those leaves with your own hands."

　　"Why me?" I challenged back.

　　"Because you are a servant in this house. A servant's job is to clean."

　　I let out a rough breath and stepped closer to the man who was my husband, even though my clothes were still dripping wet. "But I am your wife, Samuel."

　　"No. You are only collateral. You are just a servant," he said firmly, his gaze sharp.

　　I smirked, then bent down in front of him until our faces were only a few centimeters apart. His masculine scent filled my senses.

　　"In that case, why not make me your servant in bed instead? I am ready," I teased boldly, making Samuel's jaw tighten instantly.