No!
He can not possibly know that!
"You're making me anxious," I whispered while my nails pressed into my hand.
He made a low, rumbling sound as he laughed. "Don't worry, doll. I'm not going to hurt you…not yet, anyway." He paused, his eyes twinkling. "Unless you make me".
I stared at him in confusion, not knowing how to respond, was it a threat in a comforting manner?
"But how…?" I stammered, completely lost. "How do you even know my name? I didn't know you existed until tonight."
He raised an eyebrow, his expression now was more serious. "You think I just happen to buy girls at auctions for fun, Lena? No, my dear. I have a reason for everything. And you, you're quite the puzzle. A little too clever for your own good, a little too good at playing the victim. But I see through that, don't I?"
What?
Playing the victim!
His remarks were like a cold slap across my face. They were so hurtful and I was unable to control the tears that fell.
Wow!
After everything I've been through, I'm just playing the victim. My body stilled as I looked down at my laps. I couldn't meet his gaze because I was afraid I would end up breaking down.
"I want…I just want to go home, please."
He leaned forward, tilting his head, his eyes glistening in mischief. "Home? Don't make me laugh. You think you're going back to that? That pathetic excuse of a family? They practically sold you off! You think they love you, Lena? You think they're going to be waiting for you with open arms?"
His words were cruel but true…very true. They struck a nerve, something I couldn't deny.
"No… No one's waiting," I whispered. "I just…"
He smiled, giving off the vibe of a predator "oh, Lena, you're so naive. You think you can just…leave? That I'm going to let you go? You're mine now. Remember that."
Of course I know that I'm now in his disposition after all he spent 20 freaking million on me…stupid move.
"So Lena, let's get straight to business. You answer my questions truthfully and I'll offer you a generous deal that benefits everyone. What do you say?".
His voice was weirdly calm with a hint of deception.
"I'm telling you, I'm not hiding…"
The little smile he had on disappeared, "let's try this again. Tell me your story and maybe, just maybe, I'll let you go"
It was obvious he was bluffing, he wasn't going to let me go. He was playing with me but…why…why does he care?
"You already know everything about me," I said, biting my lips. I think that made him snap because the whole calm facade disappeared as his fist collided with his table making me flinch at the sound.
"You can already guess that I'm not a patient person. You're running from something…from someone?"
No!
"I'm not running from anything"
"Since you're so tight lipped let's just pretend you never hacked into the ghost clan server and have them on your back ever since plus the numerous loan sharks that are on the lookout for you to get their money back. But I can help you. I can help you escape your problems. Make them disappear. All you have to do is make a deal with me".
He knew it all, every single part of my sad pathetic life. I waited for him to elaborate while holding my breath.
"Here's the deal, Thirty four million dollars, a hefty sum, wouldn't you say? And to think, it was all lost in gambling the same night they got it. I can take care of it, make it disappear. All gone. No more worries or threats from anybody. All you have to do is agree to marry me. For two years, a contractual marriage. No love, no feelings and definitely no drama. Just two people with a common goal."
With that he paused, letting it sink in while I stared at him in utter shock.
"Marry you?" I scoffed unintentionally. "You're proposing a marriage for money? You must hold in very low regards".
He chuckled, his eyes showcasing his amusement. "You're a smart girl, Lena. Just agree and in the next 2 years you can start your life anew without looking over your shoulders."
"I don't even know you!" I exclaimed, frustrated.
"So? Not everyone that gets married knows each other, that's the difference between a love marriage and a contractual one".
"Then marry a girl you love or at least know. Why me?"
"That's just a waste of time. Besides, I'm going to be completely upfront with the terms of the marriage."
"Wait…no…"
"You'll be expected to fulfill your wifely duties. My duties, as your husband, will include taking care of your financial needs and protecting you from all those peasants. And of course, I'll be free to…pursue other options".
A smirk appeared on his lips as he paused. "You, as my wife, will be expected to remain faithful. No flings, no nothing. Two years of exclusive fidelity. Understand?"
I couldn't hold down the sarcastic laugh that made its way out of my mouth. The mockery was written in bold. "This is crazy! Marryyou? Someone like you?… who even are you?"
"Someone like me? What's wrong with someone like me, Lena? Someone who can help you? Someone who can offer you a life of freedom?"
There was a subtle menace in his amusing tone. He had the power to control my life.
"Let me be clear. I don't need your help, and I sure as hell won't marry you to get it."
I got up from the chair, my body slightly trembling in anger and fear.
He simply watched me with an unreadable expression, which was frightening. He just leaned back in his chair, his ominous eyes staring at me without trying to stop me, shouting at me, or getting up.
How did I end up in this situation?
"Do not make this more difficult than it needs to be, Lena," he said in a very quiet voice. "Think about it. Think about what I am willing to offer you and what you have to lose".
"Why can't you understand? I want nothing from you–" The unmistakable sound of gunfire cut me off which was followed by others.
There was a grim look on Mr. Castelli's face as he reached for his drawer and opened it, he then brought out something I wasn't expecting…a gun.
I gulped at the sight, my eyes fixed on it in utter fear.
"Security breach, I'll be back, doll. Make your decision by then and stay…put". With that he left the office.
What was going on?
I was about to stand up to go look through the windows but his words, "stay put" rang in my head repeatedly. I sat still digging my fingernails into my palm, the feeling of being watched was overwhelming.
I tried to process how my life turned upside down just a couple hours ago all because of my parents.
I was biting my lips, each chime of the clock made my heart feel uneasy. The seconds were going horribly slow.
Couple minutes later, the door opened ajar and stood there in all his glory. There was a smear of what looked like blood on his cheek. He went back to his desk and got a rag and started cleaning his gun.
"So what's it going to be Lena?"