She wasn't surprised to see Owen waiting in front of her door with a mug of coffee and an apologetic smile. He looked as clean and crisp as usual, and it was still a mystery how he seemed so chipper in the morning. Rose yawned, and gratefully took the mug from Owen.

"Good morning, Princess. I see you got a lot of work done yesterday. Did Edward help you out?" Owen said, still smiling like he knew something he shouldn't have.

"Thank the Gods you're back," Rose replied with a sigh. She held the warm mug close to her chest and allowed the caffeine to kick-start her system. The last thing she wanted to think about was Edward and his stupid face and stupid opinions.

"Your loving husband wishes to see you this fine morning," Owen said in a half-mocking tone.

"No," Rose replied.

"Shall I tell the master a reason?" His eyebrow twitched up in a curious way.

"Nope. I think the master needs to hear the word more often. He ought to get used to not having his way." Rose did not care to see Edward. She wanted to ignore his existence altogether.

"As you wish," Owen said with a smile. He left to tell Edward.

Rose had barely gotten to the bathroom to comb her hair, when another knock came from her door. She left the dried paint bits for the time being and cautiously eased the door open to find Edward standing before her.

"I called for you," he said sternly.

"And I said no," Rose replied just as stubbornly.

Edward sighed. "Yesterday did not play out as I had wished-"

"Get used to it," Rose interrupted.

"But, I hope we can put it past us and get along." He said, annoyed.

Rose crossed her arms defiantly. "I don't think we should. You clearly have opinions on this marriage, and so do I. We should talk."

"Talking won't get us anywhere-"

"You'd be surprised." Rose stood her ground, arms crossed. She truly believed that talking this out would benefit them both. It seemed that they were both unhappy with their arrangement. Maybe they could become allies.

"Would you please let me finish talking?" Edward huffed.

"How hypocritical. You constantly interrupt others as if they have nothing worth listening to." Rose glared at him. This is why she didn't want to see him today. Just his very existence was bringing out the fight in her.

Edward thought for a moment, considering her words. He took in a deep breath. "I want this marriage to work out, even if you are only using me."

"And you think you're not using me?" Rose roared.

Edward put a hand up in protest. "This is the way of our world, I suppose. We should get used to each other's company so more outbursts like yesterday don't happen."

Rose shook, holding back all her anger. How dare he accuse her of having an angry outburst when it was his outburst that started the argument anyway? Forget being allies. She swallowed down her feelings and forced herself to stop shaking. 

"So you don't want to talk things out," Rose said slowly, "not like you would even listen to me anyway. How do you suppose we get along?"

Edward sighed as if this conversation was beneath him. He took a step towards Rose and gently took her hand between his. "Darling, no more fights. I won't yell at you and you won't yell at me. We'll go to charity events together and put on bright smiles. We'll kiss in front of our families-"

"That's all pretend," Rose said quietly. "What about our actual happiness?"

"Happily ever after only exists in fairy tales, Rose." Edward shook his head. "This is the best we can get." 

Rose yanked her hand from his with a look of disgust. She hated that statement, and she hated Edward for saying it; but worst of all, she hated that she was starting to believe it. The one thing that kept her grounded in this moment, was the talk with Owen the other night. There was always another option.

Sure, they could pretend to be happy and pretend to be in love, but what about later down the line? Edward had already brought up producing an heir, and they could pretend to love their child in front of others. That wouldn't be fair, though. At least, not to the kid. A child shouldn't grow up with parents who hate each other. A child shouldn't be used as a bargaining tool in a fight. A child shouldn't have to live a life that isn't full of love and support from their parents. 

"I can't settle for a life of pretend," Rose finally stated. She turned and stormed away.

Once out the door, she heard Edward yelling after her. "That's all you'll get, Rose!" He shouted. "You can't leave!"