We finished eating, and Mika lifted his glass to gulp down the rest of his juice.

Mika.

The name fit him so well that I decided to keep it. Short and cute — just like him.

He picked up the napkin, wiped his lips gently, and even burped into it softly.

He's just… so cute.

"Thanks for the food. I'll head to my room now," he said, pushing his chair back as he stood up.

"Was the food okay? Did you like it?" I asked right before he stepped away.

He paused and turned slightly.

"Yes. It's good," he replied curtly before continuing.

But something in me didn't want the moment to end.

"Mika," I called.

He stopped again, visibly irritated now.

"What?"

His voice had that sharp edge. He was getting angry — and it was adorable.

I clasped my hands and leaned back casually.

"Since we're married now… won't you give me a good night kiss?"

He stared at me like I had just confessed to murder.

His face twisted in disbelief — and disgust.

"The fuck is a good night kiss?" he snapped.

Oh, God. Perfect.

"It's a kiss on the lips," I explained, trying not to laugh. "Your lips. My lips. They meet. Muah. You get it?"

I definitely sounded stupid, but honestly?

I didn't care.

His eyebrows shot up in offense.

"Did you just say muah? What the hell is that supposed to mean? Young man, stay in your lane. Because no such thing will ever happen between us — not now, not tomorrow, not in ten years. NEVER."

His whole face was red — from anger, not embarrassment.

"Oh really?" I smirked. "But it's part of your duty as my spouse."

He scoffed loudly, almost choking on air.

"Duty? To hell with duty," he said, stepping closer. "Let me make something very clear. As long as we're living in this house, under this roof, nothing like that will EVER happen."

He didn't stop there.

"And don't talk to me unless it's necessary. We'll only act like a loving couple outside — in front of your parents, mine, or anyone else. But inside this house? We're nothing more than two strangers. In fact, I'll cook for myself and buy my own food. I don't need your help. I don't need your money."

He inhaled sharply, full of fire.

"If you can't accept that, then send me back to my parents' house."

Wow.

So this is the real Mikael.

And the more he ranted, the more warmth twisted low in my stomach.

I'm pathetic.

He's too cute.

"But you can't do that," I said calmly. "We're married now. It's your duty. I'm even supposed to mate with you tonight."

Oh, the look on his face.

If looks could kill, I'd be buried ten times already.

But I was enjoying every second of this.

Most omegas would already be trying to get into my bed — especially on the first night of marriage. But him?

He'd rather chop off my dick.

"Lucy…" he called.

Oh, wow.

I like that.

"I see you've chosen death," he said, voice dangerously calm. "If you don't want me to poison you or kill you through seduction, leave me alone. Don't talk to me. Don't even show me your face."

And with that, he stormed up the stairs — fully unfiltered now that his parents weren't around to watch him.

My guards and maids were frozen, staring at him like he'd just committed a crime.

They all knew anyone else who spoke to me that way would be buried six feet under by now.

But what they don't know…

Is how much I adore this boy.

How much I love this fire.

I love him.

And I definitely want to see more of this side of him.

A lot more.