Chapter 7 Your Role As A Wife

• "Even if you don't believe me, I am different from other women. Vanity does not dwell in my heart. I truly want to help, and I’m sorry if I insist, but please—my mother's health is deteriorating. She is the only family I have. My mother is everything to me. I’m begging you to help me, please," Anastasia pleads gently.
• Sebastian remains silent, so Anastasia steps closer.
• "Sir, please. You are my only hope," she says, her breath close enough for him to smell the faint scent of roses. Her proximity makes him uncomfortable, causing him to lean backward.
• "I'm sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable," she says softly, her eyes admiring the face of this Greek god of a man. He is extremely handsome, and his eyes—she sighs. Sebastian Parrow penetrates all parts of my being.
• Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door.
• "Come in," Sebastian orders.
• "Sorry for the interruption. Everything is ready," a voice responds.
• "Are you there?" Sebastian asks.
• "Yes."
• "Bring it in," he commands.
• A photographer, a makeup artist, and a designer enter. Leandro locks the door behind them.
• "Anastasia, we are getting married now. You want to help your mother, and I want to make sure you keep your word. When you marry me, you will be bound to me for life—or until I no longer want you by my side. Let them prepare you," Sebastian orders, making her even more nervous.
• "Don’t worry. It’ll be quick. The designer will give you your wedding dress. We need evidence," Leandro explains when he sees the frightened expression on her face.
• Anastasia has no choice but to comply with Sebastian's demands. They hand her the dress. It’s not the wedding she dreamed of, but the dress is simple and beautiful, hugging her figure perfectly.
• The young girl sighs before stepping out of the bathroom. When she does, Sebastian is ready, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit.
• "That dress looks very good on you, Anastasia. Please, sit down so they can fix you up a bit," Leandro suggests.
• Sebastian frowns, irritated. He wants to see Anastasia as she really is, without all the enhancements.
• Within minutes, everything is arranged. Anastasia is surprised to see how well Sebastian organizes everything despite his blindness.
• The officiant enters to make the marriage legal. Everything feels like a movie to Anastasia, but what intrigues her the most is the coldness Sebastian displays. She had spoken sincerely, yet he refuses to believe her. He wants to make sure everything is documented and signed.
• She and Sebastian sign the legal marriage certificate while the photographer, with great professionalism, captures every moment—the signatures and the looks Anastasia throws at Sebastian.
• "Now they are husband and wife," Leandro announces joyfully.
• "Let everyone leave," Sebastian orders, bitterness seeping into his voice. His marriage was supposed to be an important day, shared with the love of his life. Now, he’s tethered to a woman he does not love—all for convenience.
• "Everyone out, except the photographer," Leandro adds, and Sebastian frowns.
• "What’s going on?" Sebastian asks arrogantly.
• "We need a photo of the kiss," Leandro says with a mischievous smile.
• "No," Sebastian replies flatly.
• "I don’t think it’s necessary, Mr. Leandro," Anastasia interjects nervously. She doesn’t know how to kiss a man and doesn’t want to embarrass herself.
• "It is necessary. A kiss will make it look believable, as if you’re madly in love. And not just one photo, but several," Leandro insists.
• Anastasia swallows hard.
• "Hurry up," Sebastian says, his tone laced with anger.
• The photographer gets ready. Anastasia approaches Sebastian, her hands sweating, heart racing.
• "Come a little closer, Anastasia, and kiss your husband," Leandro directs. Sebastian’s face remains cold and unyielding.
• Anastasia sighs, placing her delicate hands on Sebastian's face. He furrows his brow even more. With great hesitation, she presses her lips to his, unsure of what to do.
• "It looks fake. It needs to be more real. Come on, Sebastian, do your part. Give her a proper kiss so we can finish this and get everything published," Leandro urges.
• Anastasia feels humiliated by Sebastian’s cold attitude. She lowers her hands.
• "Just one. Don’t bother me again," Sebastian growls.
• Guided by his other senses—his sense of smell and touch—Sebastian brings his hands to Anastasia's face, pulling her closer. She tenses under his touch. As she looks into his eyes, he gently traces her lips, finding where to kiss her. That simple contact sends shivers down her spine.
• When his lips finally meet hers, the kiss is intense. Anastasia freezes, unsure of how to respond. But the kiss overwhelms her. Sebastian pulls her closer, his hand gripping her waist. Anastasia sighs into the kiss, her body betraying her as she feels a strange, exquisite sensation building inside her. For the first time in her life, her body responds in ways she can’t control.
• Sebastian pulls away. For Leandro, the kiss was almost too convincing.
• "Excellent photos, Mr. Parrow," the photographer says, reviewing his shots.
• "Choose the best ones and have them published in all the magazines. Now, get out," Sebastian orders.
• Anastasia’s face flushes deep red. Leandro, observing her, realizes how pure and innocent she truly is.
• "They nailed it. Looked very real," Leandro says mockingly.
• "Fortunately, it was all fake. Since you’re my wife now, I’ll cover your mother's expenses. Leandro, make sure Mrs. Parker receives the best care. And ensure Anastasia does her part well. I’ll remind you again—in the eyes of the world, you are my wife, but to me, you’re just a servant. Take off that dress and come back. We’re going out," Sebastian orders coldly.
• Anastasia looks at Leandro, who gestures sympathetically. It’s clear Sebastian is cruel to her. Once in the bathroom, she locks the door and finally breathes normally. She can still feel the remnants of Sebastian's demanding kiss. She touches her lips gently with her right hand, closing her eyes as the memory of his touch floods back. The way he grabbed her waist, the intensity—it’s too much. She shakes her head, trying to clear her thoughts. I can’t fall in love with him, she reminds herself.
• "Did you like the kiss?" Leandro teases, speaking quietly to avoid angering Sebastian.
• "Shut up, idiot!" Sebastian snaps.
• "Come on, don’t lie. You liked kissing her," Leandro continues mockingly.
• "You miserable fool. Don’t you have something better to do?"
• "Don’t get angry, my friend. Didn’t you notice? She’s innocent."
• "I don’t know what you’re talking about," Sebastian says, clearly annoyed.
• "I’d bet she’s a virgin."
• "I doubt it. Women her age are easy these days."
• "Not her. I can assure you that kiss rattled her."
• "That’s nonsense. Stop bothering me, Leandro. You’re unbearable."
• "But that kiss… it wasn’t fake, Sebastian. Lower your guard a bit with Anastasia. Don’t hate her."
• The bathroom door creaks open quietly. Anastasia overhears everything.
• "I would never notice a woman like her. I didn’t even like the kiss. I felt nauseous kissing her," Sebastian declares arrogantly.
• "Sir, I’m ready," Anastasia says, finding the strength to speak despite the sadness swelling in her chest after hearing Sebastian’s cruel words.
• Leandro curses silently, while Sebastian shows no regret. For him, it’s better that she heard the truth—he doesn’t want her getting any illusions about their relationship.
• "Let’s go to the vineyard, Leandro," Sebastian orders, his voice as cold and ruthless as ever.
• Sebastian rises to his feet.
• "From now on, your role as a wife begins. Besides covering your mother’s treatment, Leandro will deposit money into your bank account."
• "I don’t have a bank account, Mr. Parrow," Anastasia replies quietly, her head bowed.
• "Leandro will handle that. You’ll receive your first payment soon. I hope you’ll do your job well, Anastasia Parker—because if you don’t, I’ll become your worst nightmare," Sebastian Parrow threatens.