Arranged To Be|18+✔️

'14

We stood there staring at each other for a bit. Both of our breathing were harsh and neither one of us dared to break eye contact. Eventually Czar let me go and dusted his shirt off.

"Don't ever pull something like that again," he said.

"I'll do what I please," I replied.

He glared at me. "This isn't up for debate."

"You're right, it isn't."

"Just cut the crap, Zariah!" he yelled, slamming his hand down on the table.

"Now look who's acting childish," I snapped.

Czar tugged at his hair in frustration before storming into the bathroom. I stood there a moment longer, then sat on the bed and buried my face in my hands.

Was this how it would always be? The arguing? The stubborn pride between us? He wanted obedience. I wanted freedom. We were fire and gasoline—one spark from exploding.

The shower turned on. I sighed and called room service for dinner. My stomach was growling, and I hadn't eaten all day. I debated ordering something for Czar but decided against it.

I called Lada.

"Hi! How's it going?" she answered immediately.

"Terrible," I sighed.

"What happened?"

"What hasn't happened? Lada, I don't know if I can keep doing this."

"Give him time. He'll come around. I promise."

"I don't want him to come around. I want out of this marriage."

She was silent. "I'm so sorry, Zariah. I wish I could help."

"It's not your fault."

The shower turned off. I wrapped up the call.

"I have to go. I'll call you tomorrow."

"Try to enjoy yourself—for me."

I hung up just as Czar stepped out, towel around his waist. My eyes trailed over his abs before I forced myself to look away.

"Who were you on the phone with?" he asked, walking to the closet.

"Room service," I lied.

"Oh."

He changed into sweats and a t-shirt, then sat at the table with his laptop.

When dinner arrived, I ate alone. He glanced at my plate but said nothing. After brushing my teeth, I climbed into bed.

~

I woke to the bed dipping. Czar climbed in beside me.

"What are you doing?" I asked, voice thick with sleep.

"Going to bed."

"Why in here?"

He rolled his eyes and turned his back to me. I stared for a while but gave up. Too tired to argue, I turned away and let myself drift back to sleep.

~

Hot. Too hot.

I blinked awake, sweating. I tried to move but couldn't. Czar was sprawled across me, heavy and warm.

"Czar, get up. You're making me hot," I groaned, nudging his head.

Nothing. Just soft snores.

"Czar!"

Still nothing. He only held on tighter.

I shoved, kicked, and finally, he stirred, eyes confused.

"Why are you so sweaty?" he asked.

"You were burning me alive!" I snapped, throwing off the covers and stomping to the bathroom.

I splashed cold water on my face, pulled my hair into a bun, and brushed my teeth. Czar joined me wordlessly, brushing his teeth too. We both avoided each other's gaze.

When we finished, we tried to exit the bathroom at the same time and got stuck.

He pushed me through. I glared.

"What do you want to do today?" he asked.

"We're actually doing something today?"

"Don't make me change my mind."

"Ziplining."

I could've sworn I saw a hint of a smile.

"Be ready in five," he said, heading to the closet.

Maybe this honeymoon won't be so bad after all.

~~~

Sorry for the long wait for an update, winter track has just started and I forgot how hard it is to balance sports and school while trying to keep up with updates. So, for now on I most likely will be updating on weekends. Anyways I hope you all enjoy this chapters, until next time my Lovlies!