6. Bridget

In the first trial month, Rhys delivers a bulletproof vest for Bridget, insisting on safety. She agrees—then drags him shopping to needle him. In a boutique, Bridget gets trapped in a too-tight dress; with staff unavailable, Rhys enters, frees her carefully, and fits the vest. He reveals the vest demand was a test of her compliance, warning that instant obedience can mean life or death.

Shaken yet thoughtful, Bridget recognizes she doesn’t hate Rhys, only his rules, and his stark line—he’d rather be hated alive than loved dead—lingers.

By the third month, Rhys forbids Bridget from attending the hazardous Rokbury festival. On festival day, Bridget discovers their apartment transformed with pillows, snacks, a lit tent, and the live stream—an “indoor festival.” She coaxes Rhys to join; they banter, and he admits he sometimes draws, a habit from therapy for complex PTSD. The shared moment softens his stoicism; he even laughs, and Bridget feels surprising butterflies.

That night, Jules calls from Rokbury and denies planning the setup. Realizing Rhys arranged everything himself, Bridget’s feelings intensify, recognizing the care behind his severity and the growing, undeniable attraction.