**Chapter 7: A Gilded Cage**

The opulent jewelry store's doors slid shut behind them, and Vanitas's grip on Shizuo's arm tightened as they stepped out into the bright sunlight. The cool breeze did little to ease the suffocating feeling that had settled in Shizuo's chest. "I'm taking you to lunch, my dear," Vanitas said, his smile returning as he gazed at Shizuo with an unsettling intensity. "Wife, I'm about to take you to the most expensive restaurant in your city," he corrected himself, his eyes sparkling with amusement. Shizuo's eyes narrowed, his anger simmering just below the surface. He didn't respond, but instead, he focused on walking beside Vanitas, his feet carrying him along the sidewalk as if on autopilot. Vanitas seemed to take Shizuo's silence as a sign of acquiescence, and his smile grew wider. "And maybe tomorrow, we can decide on your wedding dress," he said, his voice dripping with excitement. Shizuo's anger boiled over, and he growled, the sound low and menacing. "I'm not wearing a fucking wedding dress, hell no!" he screamed, his voice echoing off the buildings. Vanitas's smile disappeared in an instant, replaced by a scowl. His eyes flashed with anger, and he stopped walking, his grip on Shizuo's arm tightening to the point of pain. "Shut the fuck up, Shizuo," he spat, his voice venomous. "You're wearing the dress, okay?" The sound of passing pedestrians and honking cars faded into the background as Shizuo locked eyes with Vanitas. He could see the fury burning in those depths, and he knew that he had to tread carefully. Shizuo's heart racing, he decided to be quiet, to bide his time and wait for an opportunity to escape. The silence between them was oppressive, heavy with unspoken threats and unmet expectations. Vanitas's chest heaved with anger, and Shizuo could feel the air vibrating with tension. Without a word, Vanitas turned and began to walk again, his grip on Shizuo's arm still firm. Shizuo was forced to follow, his eyes fixed on the sidewalk as he struggled to come to terms with his situation. The city around him seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them, locked in a game of cat and mouse, with no clear escape in sight. As they walked, the sound of a sleek black car pulling up to the curb broke the silence. Vanitas opened the door, his eyes never leaving Shizuo's face. "Get in," he said, his voice cold and commanding. Shizuo hesitated for a moment, but something in Vanitas's expression told him that resistance was futile. He slid into the car, his eyes locked on Vanitas as the door closed behind him. The interior of the car was opulent, the leather seats soft and inviting, but Shizuo's mind was already racing ahead, planning his next move, and his chance for escape.