**Chapter 12: Rebellion**

As soon as the guests left, Kaitlyn shoved Theodore away with all her strength. His eyes widened in surprise as he stumbled backward, his dark gray eyes flashing with anger. "You're not going to get away that easily," he warned, his voice dripping with malice. Kaitlyn smiled, a cold, hard smile. "I'm not trying to get away," she lied. "I just needed some fresh air." Theodore raised an eyebrow, his eyes glinting with skepticism. But he said nothing, simply turned and strode back up the stairs, leaving Kaitlyn to follow him. As she trailed behind him, Kaitlyn couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration. She was tired of being pushed around, tired of being treated like a prize to be won. She was a person, with thoughts and feelings and desires of her own. But every time she tried to assert herself, Theodore seemed to shut her down. Theodore led her to their chambers, the same room where they had stood earlier, surrounded by the opulent decorations and the looming presence of the four-poster bed. Kaitlyn felt a shiver run down her spine as she entered the room, the memories of their earlier encounter still fresh in her mind. Theodore turned to her, his eyes narrowing. "Don't think you can just push me away and expect me to let it go," he said, his voice low and menacing. "I won't be ignored, Kaitlyn. I won't be disrespected." Kaitlyn stood her ground, her blue eyes flashing with defiance. "I'm not trying to disrespect you," she said, her voice steady. "I just need some space." Theodore's face darkened, his silver strands seeming to gleam in the light of the setting sun. "You think you need space?" he repeated, his voice rising in incredulity. "You're my wife, Kaitlyn. You're mine. You don't get to just walk away from me whenever you feel like it." Kaitlyn felt a surge of anger at his words, at the possessiveness and the arrogance that seemed to ooze from every pore. But she bit back her retort, refusing to give him the satisfaction of getting a rise out of her. Instead, she turned and walked away, leaving Theodore to seethe in frustration. She knew she couldn't stay mad at him forever, but for now, she just needed some time to think, to regroup and recharge. As she walked to the window, Kaitlyn caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror that hung on the wall. Her hair was still styled in a half-up ponytail, her blue eyes flashing with defiance. She looked like a woman on the brink of rebellion, and for a moment, she felt a sense of pride and satisfaction. She was a reluctant bride, but she was not a helpless one. She would fight for her rights, for her freedom, and for her happiness. And if that meant going up against Theodore, then so be it. Theodore watched her, his eyes narrowed in thought. He knew Kaitlyn was a firecracker, but he had no idea just how much. He was starting to realize that marrying her might not be as easy as he had thought. But he was determined to make it work, to make her his. And as he stood there, watching her, he knew that this was just the beginning of a long and complicated battle. But he was ready for it. He was ready to fight for Kaitlyn, to claim her as his own. But as he looked into her eyes, he saw something there that gave him pause. He saw a spark of defiance, a spark of rebellion. And for a moment, he wondered if he had underestimated his new bride.