pte

ana'

ed me toward the parked car. My aunt suddenly rushed ove

e here. You should be grateful," she sa

my stomach tw

g at her. "If not for you, I wouldn't b

efusing to let her touch me any longer. Wit

ence. I sank into the seat, my hands clenched into fists as the car

n cell, with Raymond sitting next to me, his gaze fixed on his phone. I stole glances at h

ked open, revealing a towering mansion that loomed like a dark castle. I gripped the fol

said without

on as I entered the mansion, I was greeted by opulence-chandeliers that glittered like stars

it. My heart was

his expression devoid

bedroom-our room. The walls were dark, the furnishings sleek

d simply, before his expression turn

"Why are you doing this?" I blurted out. My voice was smal

lking toward me slowly. Each step he took made me

oft, his face just inches from mine. "You're

ith anger and fear. "You know I never w

hot out, grabbing my chin roughly and forcing m

to me now. Do you understand? You'll do what I say, when I say it. You will not

ning painfully before he finally let go. I stumble

added coldly before walking out of th

llably. My throat felt tight as the sobs broke

ted the cruelty to start so soon. I wiped my tears, my hands shaki

f. But even as I said it, I knew surviving Ray

ansion made me flinch. I stayed curled up in a corner of t

y eyes, Raymond walked in, alr

ulling the blanket tightly aro

e?" I asked, my voice s

do you think I'm doing here?" he replied, his tone low and teasing. "I

et as if it were a shield. My heart raced, a mi

ly, trying to keep my voice steady.

me. "Not ready?" he repeated, his voice calmer but laced with cu

reaths quick and shallow. "I don't care w

ation flickering across his face. "You really don't ma

ing him in the eye. "If you thought marrying me m

ymond stood there for a moment, his expression un

t instead, he started moving clo

shut, my heart po

... right? He won't