Huh? Ivan blinked in confusion.
"What do you mean, you little-"
"Fulfill the first phase of the promise, then I'll gladly go home with you." she was obstinate.
Ivan's face wrinkled into a frown, his left eye twitching in annoyance. "You realize I'm now your husband, right?"
"Of course." Everly smirked, stepping closer to him. "I'm also your wife, sweetheart, so you are also going to listen to me." she nosed him, teasing.
Ivan blinked, Swallowing. If only she realized how that little gesture had affected him and his inner alpha.
What an interesting little wife he'd gotten!
"Fine! I'll make a phone call right now, and a yearly payment will be made. Does that satisfy you, little wife?" he asked.
Everly's eyes lit up like a child who had been given candy. "Absolutely."
"Although, what's with the sudden nickname?" She raised a brow.
Ivan shrugged, flicking her forehand with his finger. "Aren't you my little wife?"
"Am I that little in your eyes?" Everly scrunched her nose, rubbing her forehead.
Ivan chuckled, patting her head. How cute, he thought.
"You can't imagine." He placed the phone on his ear the second the caller answered. It was his personal assistant, Sergei.
Everly watched him as he went ahead with the call, and as soon as the whole transaction was done, a smile spread across her face.
"Thank you," she appreciated.
"Anything for my wife. Now, will you go home with me?" Ivan asked, a mirth on his tongue.
Everly gave a nod. "I wouldn't be a runaway bride." she laughed, getting into the car.
The gate of the massive, sprawling mansion was opened by the gatemen. Ivan drove in through the cobbled way, taking a turn to park.
Everly got out of the car along with him. Her gaze stretched forward, taking in the sight of the massive white mansion that looked too good, better than anything she'd ever laid eyes on.
Nothing less is to be expected from the one and only Ivan Smirnov. Every lady's dream and ideal type. Though this marriage was nothing but a contract, her chest could not help but swell with pride.
Being the lucky one to get the man nearly every woman would die for, now that was something to brag about.
"What are you smirking about?" Ivan asked, genuinely curious. "Do you like this place?"
"I do." Everly was honest. "But, do you live here alone?"
Ivan nodded, grabbing her hand.
Everly furrowed her brows. "Alone? What about your parents? Come to think of it, the media has never made your parents known. Who are they?"
"That is not for you to know, Everly. You shouldn't dig that side," Ivan said without looking at her. There was this distant emotion in his tone, and it didn't sit quite well with her.
Something was wrong, she knew immediately. But it doesn't seem like Ivan would be willing to let her know.
They walked up the few stairs, into the mansion and straight toward the golden-doored elevator. The ride up to the second floor was quiet.
Everly had so much more to ask, but Ivan's mood was no longer the same, and she couldn't seem to understand why.
What had she said wrong? Did he have some kind of ill relationship with his parents? That must be it.
Well, it was none of her business anyway. As he'd said, it'd be best if she didn't dig into that part. Their marriage was contractual, after all, so she couldn't really care that much.
The elevator door chimed open, and Ivan stepped out first. Everly proceeded to follow after him, but Ivan turned, taking hold of her hand without looking at her face.
Everly blinked in surprise and watched as he pulled her along with him, leading her to his room. He pushed open the door, stepped in with her, and shut it behind them.
"Your clothes will be arriving later in the evening. You can wear my shirt while you wait," he said.
Everly moped at the massive bedroom, her eyes fluttering as if she were confused. With a dropped jaw, she turned, meeting his gaze.
"Um, are we supposed to share a bedroom?" she asked.
"Yes." Ivan gave a nod. "Is there a problem?"
Everly shook her head. "Well, not exactly. It's just that I'd prefer a room of my own."
Ivan arched a brow at her. He took a few steps toward her, and Everly began to back away, perplexed. Her back eventually hit the rough wall, and she lifted her eyes to look at him. Lord, he completely towered above her, it made her feel like such a shrimp.
"W-what are you doing?" she asked.
Ivan frowned at her, displeased. "Do you not want to share a room with me? Why? Give me a reason."
"Uh…" Everly's words were stuck in her throat. She averted her gaze to the floor, unwilling to meet his glaring eyes. "It's not like that."
"Then why? Give me a damn reason, Everly." Ivan slammed his hands on the wall on either side of her head.
The way she'd wanted to stay in a different room made him suddenly feel so rejected. She was his mate. Why wouldn't she want to share a room with him? Even if he hadn't marked her yet, she should still be able to feel the bond between them.
Flickering her eyes in confusion, Everly swallowed. He was really angry, and she couldn't understand why. She only wanted a separate room. What was wrong with that?
"I-Ivan, I just-"
Ivan sighed heavily. "Everly, you're my wife. I hate for you to ask for a separate room. You will share the same room with me, and no, I will not allow you a separate room," he completely disagreed.
Everly frowned. "But-"
"Take a shower. Tonight, we'll be consummating our marriage," Ivan said, turning around to leave the room.
"Consuma…what?" Everly raised a brow, and the second what he truly meant clicked in her head, she widened her eyes, quickly hurrying after him.
"Ivan! "What do you mean?"