In the dimly lit Roberts' residence, incense filled every corner with its aroma.
Seated on the luxurious bed, Scarlett Wallace stared at her untouched wedding dress, feeling as if she were in a dream.
Just days ago, she couldn't have imagined marrying a man she barely knew.
This night marked the beginning of her unexpected union with a stranger, but Scarlett held no regrets.
Her actions were driven by the need to pay for her grandmother's medical bills.
As Scarlett waited anxiously, the door burst open, revealing a tall figure entering the room.
The dim lighting concealed his face as he walked in, his back to the light source.
"Mr. Roberts, everything has been prepared," a servant said respectfully, bowing before leaving the room and closing the door softly behind her.
Scarlett's heart pounded. She stood up instinctively.
Before she could speak, the man sneered, "What did you do to gain my grandmother's favor, forcing me into this marriage? Your manipulation is repulsive."
Scarlett's face drained of color; she didn't expect such hostility from her new husband.
Ella Roberts, the grandmother he mentioned, had favored Scarlett, arranging the marriage with her grandson and covering Scarlett's grandmother's hefty medical bills.
Bound by duty to her family, Scarlett had no choice but to accept.
Unknown to Scarlett, her husband deeply resented the forced marriage.
She acknowledged that she should have understood the situation sooner, particularly given his refusal to participate in their wedding ceremony.
Trying to explain, Scarlett stepped forward, saying, "You've misunderstood. I..."
But dizziness struck her.
Her body wobbled, and she fell toward the man before her.
Elias Roberts' expression turned sour.
Was this bold woman trying to seduce him?
He intended to push her away, but when he felt her soft form against him, an involuntary tension seized his lower body, sparking an unexpected reaction.
Elias's eyes darkened. He firmly grasped the woman's arm and snapped, "Damn it! What are you doing to me?"
Scarlett, her body aflame, barely registered his words. Instinctively, she held on to him tightly.
Suddenly, Scarlett found herself thrust onto the bed.
His imposing figure loomed over her. Despite herself, she reached out, seeking a deeper connection.
But almost immediately, she was flung aside onto the bed.
"You're deceitful. Attempting to trap me in such a disgraceful way," Elias accused, fighting his own arousal and sneering coldly. "But you won't succeed! I find you despicable. I'd rather die than touch you!"
With that, Elias turned his back, refusing to look at her again. He stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
Left alone, Scarlett lay on the bed, overwhelmed by the ordeal, slowly slipping into unconsciousness.