Zara's P.O.V.
At night, Jace and I lie in each other's arms in a peaceful silence. I feel so safe in his warm arms.
He asks, breaking the silence. "Zara, I want you to share your thoughts and feelings about when I spanked you. I want to know your experience."
I raise my head from his chest and look at him, his eyes are filled with curiosity and affection.
"It was... intense. The mixture of pleasure and pain, the vulnerability of being completely exposed to you—it was exhilarating." A soft smile graces my lips as I recall the sensation.
He listens attentively, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on my skin. "And the ribbon binding your wrists? Did you enjoy that part?"
A blush tints my cheeks as I admit, "More than I expected. It was a turn-on, Jace. It was like entering a world where I could surrender completely to your dominance."
He lets out a soft chuckle, his thumb brushing over my cheek. "I'm glad to hear that. Your pleasure is my priority, Zara."
I nestle closer to him. "I appreciate your care, Jace. It's a side of you that makes me like you even more."
I close my eyes as I feel him entering his hand in my jeans. "You took your punishment very well, so it's time to reward you, baby."
As his hand slips into my undies, a shiver of anticipation runs through me. His touch never fails to ignite a fire within me, and I eagerly await the reward he has in store for me.
I can feel the heat between my legs intensify as he caresses me, his touch sending shivers down my spine. I let out a moan, my body craving more of his touch.
His voice is filled with desire as he whispers, "I want to make you feel good, Zara. I want to give you pleasure like you've never experienced before." His words intensify my desire for him.
I arch my back slightly, silently urging him to continue. His fingers expertly explore every inch of my most sensitive areas, driving me closer to the edge of ecstasy. I cling to him, my nails grazing his skin in response to the overwhelming pleasure he's giving me.
As he vigorously jabs his finger into me, my breath quickens and my heart races.
I can feel my body tightening, ready to release the desire that has been building inside me. He feels my impending climax and adjusts his movements accordingly, pushing me closer and closer to the edge.
Finally, with a gasp, I surrender to the overwhelming pleasure that washes over me. My body trembles in blissful release, and he holds me tightly, his arms giving me profound comfort.
Steve's P.O.V.
After a night of trying to sleep off the frustration, I wake up with a plan to reveal Grace's true colours to my father. I can't stand the thought of him siding with her.
With a devious idea in mind, I approach one of the servants, Daniel.
I instruct him in a low voice, "Daniel, I want you to 'accidentally' drop something on my wife during breakfast. Make sure it's something that'll cause a scene."
My plan is to show my father how she treats servants here.
He nods, "Okay, sir."
Grace and my father settle down on the dining table, and I watch them from upstairs, a mischievous smile playing on my lips.
Daniel approaches Grace, pretending to stumble, and deliberately knocks a bowl off the table.
The bowl crashes onto the floor, shattering into pieces, and a few pieces scrape her leg. She winces in pain, clutching her injured leg.
Fuck! My plan wasn't to hurt her. I feel a sudden pang of guilt.
My father, who is sitting at the head of the table, immediately shouts, reprimanding him for the accident. "You clumsy person! Can't you walk properly?"
"I'm sorry, sir," Daniel apologises, bowing his head.
My father rushes to Grace's side, concern etched on his face. "Grace, are you okay? Let me see that leg."
She, holding back tears of pain, reassures him, "It's just a scratch, Dad. I'll be fine."
My heart sinks as I see my plan has backfired, and I've mistakenly caused harm to Grace.
He turns back to Daniel, saying, "Be more careful. Now bring the first aid box."
He nods and rushes to bring the first aid box, and I feel guilty for causing this. As much as I wanted my father to see Grace's true nature, I didn't want her to get hurt in the process.
My father instructs one of the other servants to clean up the broken bowl.
My plan to expose Grace's behaviour has failed, and I realised that I'm changing because of Grace. How can I stoop so low?
***
I call for Daniel after breakfast, and once he's in my study, I let my anger out on him.
"Daniel, what were you thinking? I told you to create a scene, not to hurt her."
He looks genuinely sorry. "I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean to hurt her. It was an accident."
I rub my temples, regret building within me. "Just be more careful next time."
As he leaves my study, Grace, who has been eavesdropping, enters inside, startling me.
Her voice is bitter and accusing as she steps into the room. "So, it was your plan, wasn't it?"
I approach her. "Yes, Grace, it was. But I never intended for you to get hurt."
She scoffs, her eyes filled with disdain. "I must say, it was a good plan. But I'm not stupid, Steve, that I'll react in front of your father."
"Stop playing with his feelings, Grace." I snap at her.
"I got hurt because of you, and instead of feeling sorry, you're yelling at me. I can't believe you." She rebukes me, shaking her head in disbelief.
Even I can't believe what I'm becoming because of her, a heartless person. I'm losing myself because of her. I've allowed this contract marriage to turn me into someone I'm not.
Boiling in anger, I clench my fists. "What are you making? Grace, I wasn't like this. I have never caused harm to anyone until now. I hate you so much."
Her response is filled with bitterness as she throws back my words at me. "I hate you too, Steve." She retorts before leaving the room.
I'm descending into a person I can't recognise—all because of this contract marriage and the woman I share it with.
However, now I'll play no more games. I'll let her do whatever she wants and let both of us leave in peace for the remaining months. I won't let her affect me any longer.
***
I come to my father's room to apologise.
He looks at me from his laptop before again moving his eyes back to the screen, showing his anger.
After taking a seat beside him, I start, "I'm sorry, Dad. I was so frustrated that night because of Grace. I'm trying hard to understand her." As I apologise, he finally turns his gaze toward me with a hint of affection.
"Steve, you're my son. I am aware you would never intentionally harm anyone. Please give a chance to Grace. She is your wife," He explains, placing his hand on my shoulder.
I nod. "Dad, I'll never disappoint you again. I promise." I give him a warm hug.
"I just want to see you happy, my son." He pats my back before moving away from me.
"Dad, tell Grace that she can shift to my room," I say, standing up.
He nods in response, and I leave his room after smiling at him, feeling relieved that things are back to normal between us
I'm not angry with him now because I've realised it isn't his fault; it's Grace's manipulation.
***
At night, as I return home from the office and enter my room, I find Grace wandering around.
As I stroll toward the bathroom, she intercepts my path. "Steve, what's going on? Why did you call me back to your room? What game are you playing now?" She questions me, a hint of suspicion in her tone.
I respond in a calm tone, "Grace, I'm not playing any game now. I can't stand to see my father upset anymore, and I'm tired of arguing with you. So from now on, I won't interfere in your life. Do whatever you want." I express my decision in a firm tone.
"So, no more games and arguments from today?" She raises an eyebrow.
"Yes. We'll spend the remaining period of our contract marriage in peace. Deal?" I extend my hand to her.
"Deal, Mr. Steve," she agrees, shaking my hand, and our gazes lock for a few seconds.