The yard fell completely silent.

Everyone just stared at me in disbelief.

Are you kidding me?

Trying to pull a power move on me at my own wedding?

And what was this nonsense about some special anniversary?

Last time, they had their sweet little day together, and he didn't even bother to explain it to my cousin afterward.

That one day froze their marriage for a lifetime.

Well, I’m not Claire.

She could tolerate it, but I couldn't, not for a second.

He wants to go celebrate his special day?

Fine.

He can go right after I kick his ass, then I'll pack my bags and get off this godforsaken rock.

Did he really think a girl from my family was desperate for a husband?

If it weren't for our grandparents insisting on honoring some old promise, I'd be living my best life right now.

"Jack, are you hurt?"

"Sadie, how could you? He's a grown man, and you just..."

Heather's pale face was flushed with anger, her eyes filled with concern for Jack.

But Jack himself quickly got to his feet, gave me a long, meaningful look, then cleared his throat with a cough.

"I'm fine."

Then, as if nothing had happened, he walked over and took my hand.

"You're coming with me tomorrow."

I stared at him, stunned.

Heather looked even more shocked. "Jack, how could you say that?"

"I'm never speaking to you again!"

She covered her face and ran off, crying.

Just then, I felt a warm breath near my ear.

"Let's just get through the wedding," Jack murmured. "I'll explain everything later. Be good."

With the troublemaker gone and me in a daze, the guests didn't dare cause any more fuss.

The rest of the wedding went by in a blur.

A short while later, I was sitting in our new little bedroom, slapping the mattress in frustration.

What was Jack’s deal?

Was that his idea of a charm offensive back there?

He shouldn't think for a second that it would work on me.

Click.

The door opened, and Jack walked in.

I immediately scowled and let out a sharp "Hmph."

"Let me tell you something. I can't stand men who can't draw a clear line. If you're planning on having a 'special friend' today and a 'soulmate' tomorrow, then let's just end this right now before I waste my time."

Hearing my words, Jack's brow furrowed.

"Our grandfathers arranged this. I married you, and I will take responsibility for you."

I practically snorted at that.

"Jack, what century are you living in? I'm telling you, either we make this work, or we get a divorce. When they made that deal, there was no fine print saying I was yours for life."

"You..."

Jack looked like he was about to explode, pacing back and forth in the small room.

Then he let out a long sigh, sat down on the edge of the bed, and tried to take my hand.

"Sadie, there was never anything between me and Heather, and there never will be. I genuinely want to make this work with you."

He grabbed my hand tightly, ignoring my attempts to pull away.

"I'm not a man of many words. If you're unhappy about something, just tell me directly. If it's something I can change, I will."

Under the soft light of the bedroom lamp, his face was completely serious.

Looking at him like that, I felt an unexpected warmth creep up my face.

I nodded, trying to sound casual. "Fine. But my temper isn't the greatest, so you'll have to deal with it."

As I said it, I saw a flicker of a smile in his eyes, which only annoyed me more.

I leaned in, wrapped my arms around his neck, and kissed him.

Soon, our breathing grew heavy and ragged.

Jack Cole was a Navy SEAL, after all.

It didn't take long for him to take control, his hands moving to the buttons on my shirt.

He paused, his eyes locked on mine, and his voice was husky as he asked, "Is this okay, Sadie?"

I gave him an embarrassed little pinch.

What a stupid question to ask right now.

Seeing my flushed face, Jack let out a low chuckle and buried his face in the crook of my neck.

"My mistake..."

I felt the warmth of his breath on my skin and slowly closed my eyes.

BANG, BANG, BANG!

"Jack, it's bad! Heather left a note! She's gone!"

The frantic pounding on the door made Jack freeze, and he quickly straightened up.

"Honey, you stay here and get some sleep. I'm going to go check this out."

Hearing that, I shot him a furious glare.

"The base is full of people. Does it have to be you? Don't you know it's our wedding night?"