Chapter 2
He said it like I was a dog he just adopted.
“Understood,” I said.
“Good.”
He turned to leave, then stopped.
“Dinner is at 8. With the board. Don’t embarrass me.”
That night I learned what Rule 4 really meant.
Dinner with the Vultures. 12 men in suits. All staring at me like I was a scam. Because I was. Michael introduced me as his wife. His hand didn’t touch my back. His eyes didn’t meet mine. But when one board member, Mr. Khabo, said, “She’s... young. Are you sure this will last a year, Michael?”
Michael's whole body went still.
“She’s my wife,” he said, voice flat.
“Watch your tone when you speak to her.”
The table went silent. I almost choked on my wine. On the drive home he didn’t speak. At the top of the stairs he did.
“Don’t get used to that,” he said.
“I protect assets. You’re an asset.”
“Right,” I whispered.
“An asset.”
I went to my room. The guest wing. King bed. Walk-in closet. And a note on the pillow.
Transfer 2: R2.5M in 6 months. If you last.
I should’ve felt relieved. Instead I felt... something else. Because when Mr. Khabo looked at me, Michael looked like he wanted to break his jaw. Toxic? Yes. Jealous? I didn't know. And I was stuck with him for 365 days.
The gala was at Avani Maseru. Crystal chandeliers, R5000 dresses, and people who all knew each other’s bank balances. I hated it.
“Smile,” Michael murmured in my ear as cameras flashed. His hand was on the small of my back. The first time he’d touched me on purpose.
“Like you’re happy to be Mrs. Thorne.”
“I am happy,” I lied.
“R5 million happy.”
His jaw ticked. He didn’t like that answer. We made it 10 minutes before he was dragged away by investors.
“Stay here,” he ordered.
“Don’t talk to anyone.”
Right. Because I’m a dog. I grabbed a glass of champagne and hid near the dessert table. That’s when I saw him. Tebello. My ex. From university. The one and only guy who left me when mom got sick because “he couldn’t deal with drama.”
He saw me too. And his eyes went wide.
“Palesa? Holy shit. You’re... with Michael Thorne?”
“Tebello.” I kept my voice flat.
“What are you doing here?”
“My uncle works with Thorne Holdings. I’m a consultant now.”
He stepped closer. Too close.
“You look amazing. Rich looks good on you.”
“I’m not—”
“Can I get you another drink? We should catch up. For old times sake.”
His hand brushed my arm. That’s when the room went cold.
“Remove your hand from my wife.”
Michael said behind me. His voice was quiet but deadly. Tebello snatched his hand back like he’d been burned.
“Mr. Thorne, I didn’t—”
“Didn’t what? Didn’t know she’s married? Didn’t know she’s off limits?”
Michael stepped between us. He didn’t yell. He didn’t have to. The whole room was watching.
“Let me make it clear. Touch her again and you’ll never work in this country again. Understood?”
Tebello went pale.
“Y-yes sir.”
He walked away fast. Michael turned to me. His eyes were black. Furious.
“Car. Now.”
The Ride Home. Silence. Thick and angry.
In the mansion, he slammed the door.
“Were you going to go with him?”
“What? No—”
“Then why were you smiling?”
“I wasn’t smiling! He surprised me!”
Michael stalked toward me. He stopped 1 step away. Close enough that I could smell his cologne.
“Rule 4, Palesa. You don’t touch me. And no one else touches you either. Not while you’re wearing my ring.”
He grabbed my hand. Twisted the wedding band on my finger.
“This means something. Even if it’s fake.”
My heart was pounding.
“You’re being ridiculous.”
“Am I?”
He leaned in. His breath hit my cheek.
“Because I saw the way you looked at him. And I didn’t like it.”
For a second I thought he was going to kiss me. He didn’t. He pulled back.
“Go to your room. Galas are canceled for you until next month.”
“YOU CAN’T—”
“I can. I’m your husband.”
The word sounded wrong in his mouth. Possessive.
“And I’m your CEO. Don’t test me.”
He walked away. I stood there shaking. Not from fear. From the way his eyes burned when another man touched me. Toxic. Jealous. Mine. For 1 year.
