Marriage is a strange concept, it changes everything in your life yet some aspects remain the same. Daniel's personality seems to have taken a full 360 degree spin ever since we exchanged our vows.

The morning after our wedding was the first example; I woke up in the warm cocoon of two strong arms around me and I startled, before remembering that we had gotten married the night before.

Daniel woke up after me and pulled me against his chest by his arms hugging my waist. He nuzzled my neck and laid small kisses over my nape until I couldn't breathe properly.

Despite my awkward hesitation, I leaned into his touch and allowed him to kiss me as much as he wanted, still thinking that perhaps this is his idea of making us more comfortable with each other. After all, a marriage- even a contract one like ours-, would require such familiarity. 

I was still too nervous to face him, something which got worse when images from last night popped into my mind unbidden and I suppressed the urge to bury myself under the duvet.

Speaking of said duvet, I had the startling realisation that neither of us was dressed under the covers and I shot out of the bed faster than lightning, keeping the sheet tied around my body.

I heard Daniel laughing softly behind me as I frog marched my way into the kitchen while stammering, 'I-I'll make us..uh..some breakfast. So you should..put..uh..wear something.'

In the kitchen, I faced the stove and it felt like my face was on fire. Or at least, up par with the fire in the stove. My hands worked mechanically as I made a spread of scrambled eggs, pancakes and cut fruit. I put the kettle on the stove for tea but panicked when I realised that Daniel would probably prefer coffee. I searched the cupboards frantically but there wasn't any to be found. I was still on the floor searching the lower cabinets when I heard a voice from behind me speak up,

'I do like you in my space.' 

I flushed. Daniel was watching me with a smirk. 

'And wearing my clothes,' he murmured softly before he made his way around the counter and stood over me. I looked up at him, staring as if in a daze, before registering that he had his hand out and grabbed it so he could pull me up. He used more force than necessary and I fell against the broad expanse of his rock hard chest, feeling his muscles tense beneath my palms which I had placed to steady myself. 

I was speechless, apparently my vocal cords decided to leave the room whenever this man was around. His grin was still set in place and he leaned over to brush his lips against mine before straightening and glancing at his watch. 

Right, time to go to work. At least for him, I was still waiting out for my application to be accepted. He ran a finger over the edge of his shirt, which I was currently using as a nightdress because it reached the middle of my thighs, and placed his mouth to my ear to whisper,

'Keep this on all day, sweetheart.' 

I nodded with a visible gulp and after winking at me, he left for his office. I sank onto a chair the moment the door clicked shut and sighed. 

This wasn't supposed to happen; I was bound to get attached if he kept acting like this. I cursed my stupid heart for being so weak and rubbed my temples in small circular motions to stop the pounding there. I had to become stronger to overcome this, had to be able to live without him and everyone else in the Lockwood family. Had to be ready to end this marriage and leave for good once my plan came through. 

After all, it was only a temporary marriage, wasn't it?