Chapter 5
Thalia was carried into the house, her weary eyes darting from wall to wall. Though she was overwhelmed by fear, she could not help but notice the magnificence of the home—the polished marble floors, the grand staircase curling upward, the tall chandeliers that glimmered like starlight. She admired it silently in her mind but quickly buried the thought. Beauty could not hide the danger that came with the man who owned it.
Her voice trembled, but she forced herself to speak. "So, what do you want from me? Why did you bring me here?"
Vicious tilted his head, his sharp gaze never leaving her face. "Since you could not pay all the money," he said slowly, his voice dripping with arrogance, "I have the right to do whatever I wish with you."
The words hit her like a knife, but before she could respond, his expression shifted. A mocking smile appeared as he added, "Come with me… to my room." His tone was playful, but his intentions were anything but innocent. He carried her into his room, shutting the door behind them.
Once inside, he tried to seduce her, moving closer, his eyes burning with hunger. Thalia's stomach turned, yet she held her ground.
"If I go to bed with you," she said sharply, her voice both desperate and steady, "will you give me the rest of the money and forget about the debt?"
He smirked, leaning in closer. "That would be a good deal for you. You need the money, don't you?"
Thalia straightened her back. "No. I cannot. I will not. I have my morals. My husband just died—do you understand? I will not betray his memory. I will not dishonour myself. Not for you. Not for anyone."
Her words sliced through the air, heavy with grief and dignity.
Vicious' eyes narrowed, but he still advanced, attempting to press his lips to hers. Before he could, Thalia's hand lashed out, striking him across the face with a sharp slap. Her pulse thundered as she scrambled toward the door, tugging frantically at the handle.
It was locked.
Vicious laughed low and cruel. "I don't force women to come to me. But you…" He leaned against the wall, eyes glinting with menace. "Soon, you'll come on your own. When I make your life miserable enough, you'll beg to be with me."
With deliberate slowness, he unlocked the door. Not out of mercy—but to give her hope he fully intended to crush. He dragged her downstairs into the wide, open hall where his maids stood waiting.
"Listen to me," he announced, his voice echoing. "You are all free to go. Your service ends today. I will reward you generously—cheques signed and sealed, compensation for your time and loyalty."
The maids gasped, exchanging confused glances. One, braver than the rest, finally stepped forward. "Sir… only together can we manage the work in this house. It is impossible for one person alone. You need us."
But Vicious only smiled coldly. "No. I do not need you. She will do everything." His finger pointed directly at Thalia. "This is her punishment."
Whispers rippled through the group, but the promise of money was too strong. One by one, they accepted the cheques he offered. Reluctantly, they departed, their footsteps fading until the house felt colder, emptier, and far more dangerous.
Thalia stood frozen, her heart heavy with dread. Yet she raised her chin and forced strength into her voice. "Fine. I can do it. But let's be clear—how long am I staying here?"
"As long as I like," Vicious replied smoothly.
"That's not fair," she shot back, her anger rising. "I won't stay forever."
Their voices clashed in the grand hall, a battle of willpower. Thalia bargained for one month, he demanded five. She pressed for two, he countered with three. At last, after relentless back-and-forth, they struck a deal—two months.
Thalia forced her breathing to steady. Not joy, not despair—just a fragile calm. As long as he does not try anything more, I can endure this, she told herself, clinging to the thought like a lifeline.
Vicious studied her carefully, a sly grin curling at his lips. In his mind, he whispered a silent promise. Very soon, she will not resist me. Very soon, she will beg to be on my bed. I will make her suffer until her pride shatters.
He left her then, the echo of his footsteps fading into the shadows of the house. Alone, Thalia stood in the grand silence, knowing her battle had only just begun.