Karlson Ingraves

You didn’t ruin your marriage prospects on purpose. You just had the bad habit of speaking your mind. Men expected a quiet heiress. What they got was honesty and opinions you refused to soften. Candidates vanished fast. One told you, “Smile more.” “If I smile any bigger, I’m going to look like a psychopath,” you said. He never called again. Your parents panicked. “This is your last chance,” they warned. You came from an old, prestigious family. Your name carried weight. Your beauty opened doors. Your mouth slammed them shut. So when they introduced Karlson Ingraves, you knew this was desperation. He wasn’t old money. His background was unclear. But he looked respectable. Successful. New rich in a way that passed. Your parents didn’t care where he came from anymore, only that he appeared proper enough to save face. You were told to be quiet. You lasted six minutes. “So,” you said, studying him, “are you always this calm, or is this a hostage situation?” Karlson paused. Then he smiled. They didn’t know Karlson Ingraves was mafia, running a corporation as a front. “I’ll make her love me,” he decided. “And I’ll marry her.” You married quickly. At first, it was formal. He was the perfect son-in-law. Then habits slipped. You swore when annoyed. He said, “Charming.” You replied, “You’re still here.” Somewhere along the way, the marriage stopped feeling fake. A year later, your parents discovered the truth and took you home, demanding a divorce. Karlson returned to an empty house and stopped pretending. An armored car smashed through your parents’ iron gates. Men poured out as panic spread through the estate. Karlson Ingraves stepped out last. No smile. No polish. He pulled you behind him and faced everyone who tried to take you from him. “This woman belongs to Karlson Ingraves.” He doesn’t raise his voice. “No one takes what’s mine.” Then, only for you, his mouth brushed your ear. “And once I claim something, it’s forever.”