Chapter 46 Facing Reality
Mason looked at her and spoke calmly. “Do you really think the ordinary world is that safe? A normal girl with no background who happens to be very pretty. Even if she studies hard and gets a good job after graduation, do you honestly think she can live her whole life without trouble?”
He tore away the polite cover of reality. “Without real power, beauty becomes a death sentence for women.
He continued. “On top of that, we are always facing threats from mutants. If an attack happens, a lot of people will die. So what you want is probably not realistic.”
His eyes looked bright, like they were filled with tiny diamonds. His tone stayed sincere. “At least since you matched with us, your personal safety is guaranteed.”
He went on. “And the Morren family is about to hold your coming–of–age party. You understand what that means. You’ll become a target for many people. We’ll block a lot of unwanted attention for you. You see, in this relationship, you’re not getting nothing.”
When he mentioned the coming–of–age party, Ava frowned. In this society, a so–called coming–of–age party was basically a disguised matchmaking event. Many unmarried men would attend that day. Everyone knew what it was really for.
“I think I’m presentable enough. I won’t embarrass you in public. You also won’t need to struggle for money anymore. You can do whatever you want instead of fighting just to survive. Do you really not want to think about it again?”
At that moment, Ava believed he truly was a businessman. He was sharp and very good at hitting weak points during negotiations.
“But I have conditions. I’ll continue my studies. In the future, I’ll keep working too. I know you all have
money and status, but that has nothing to des
With me. What you have belongs to you. It doesn’t belong to me.” Ava didn’t let his words confuse he
“Also, before I sort myself out and truly accept you. Even though we are married by law, I won’t fulfill any marital duties. You need to understand that right now, we are at most married in name only.”
Mason looked into her eyes. Her gaze was firm. Her face was so small it barely filled his palm. She really didn’t look like someone who had just turned eighteen.
When he thought about how she grew up with her grandfather on a remote planet, he wasn’t surprised. She learned to be independent early. She knew how to stay low–key. She stayed calm when things happened. In that way, she was stronger than most girls hér age.
“Of course, Ms. Morren. Forcing a woman is illegal. Even though we’re married, we don’t know each other well. You’re also still young. You don’t need to worry about that.” Mason reached out and lightly touched the finger marks on her face. “I’m sorry. Does it hurt?”
Ava moved away. She wasn’t used to such close contact. She turned her head and looked down at the carpet. “It’s fine. It’s just my body. I bruise easily. Even small bumps leave marks. It looks scary, but it’s not serious.”
“Your skin is delicate then.” Mason pulled his hand back. He could tell she was clearly avoiding him, so he did nothing else that might make her uncomfortable.
Even though she had agreed under pressure, her guard was still up. Mason thought for a moment. “Then,
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Chapter 46 Facing Reality
Ms. Morren, since you no longer deny our relationship. Can we move forward like a normal couple?
Ava froze for a second. “Isn’t that too fast?”
“Is it fast? We’re married by law. If you can’t accept that, how can you accept someone getting close to you? You can try to lower your guard. I can promise you this. Just like you said, before you truly accept me, we won’t have a physical relationship.”
He placed one hand beside her and rested the other on the sofa arm. He leaned slightly, almost enclosing her in his space. “But we can’t avoid even normal couple contact.
Ava looked into his eyes. She understood his request was reasonable. If she were a local girl born into this world, she probably wouldn’t struggle as much as she did.
She tried to ease the mood. “I understand what you mean. I’ll try. It’s just that this kind of marriage and family situation is too complicated for me. I’m not ready to step into it yet. Can you give me some time?”
“Of course.” Mason stopped while he was ahead and stood up. “Do you want to see the garden? If you like anything, I can change or add things for you.”
Ava paused, then spoke. “Okay. Let’s take a look.”
Mason lived alone in a three–story villa. The front yard was a garden. The backyard had a large outdoor pool and a man–made beach volleyball court.
The first floor had a living room and a kitchen. The basement levels held his private garage. The entire second floor was opened up into bedrooms.
This time, Ava stayed alert. No matter what, she refused to step into the master bedroom. The third floor was his office area, along with an ample space for leisure and entertainment. Outside, there was also a
terrace.
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