We were suddenly interrupted by sharp raps on the door. "Ma'am, please… Sir Mark has requested for Miss Aurora," Tricha's voice came from behind the door.Mom immediately pulled me up from the floor as if nothing had happened, her face calm while mine was still streaked with tears. She dabbed powder and makeup over my now-bruised cheek, concealing the damage like it never existed.
Just be a good girl and go to your husband's house in peace," she said coldly, her eyes never softening. "Don't make this difficult for yourself or for us. Besides… he's rich, and very handsome. What more could you possibly ask for?"
I ignored her as if she hadn't spoken at all. My father's arms came around me again, but I squirmed in his hold. "Let me go. I don't want this. Please…" My voice was broken, my chest tight. Mom was quick to snatch a tissue and wipe away my tears as though they were a stain she didn't want anyone to see.
We arrived in front of the mansion a towering display of wealth that seemed more like a prison in disguise. And there he was. My so-called husband. Mark. Standing tall and intimidating… with a girl around my age beside him.
She had a warm smile, and her eyes shone with a sincerity that was almost disarming. She stepped forward, her perfume light and floral, and pulled me into a hug. "Congratulations, sister," she said softly. "I'm Mark's little sister. I'm sure we're going to become best friends." Something in me eased slightly. At least… maybe I'd have someone to talk to in that place.
Mom came to embrace me next, her face twisted in a performance of tears as if she were sending her beloved daughter off to a fairy-tale marriage. Dad followed, his hug firm. "Remember, dear daughter," he said, his voice lowering like a threat, "don't even think about doing anything stupid when you're in his mansion." He pulled away and cupped my cheeks. Pain shot through me when his fingers pressed against my bruise, and I flinched instinctively.
Mark stepped forward then, his expression unreadable, and ushered me toward his car. He slid in right beside me while his sister took another vehicle. I realized I'd forgotten to even ask her name. I kept my gaze fixed out the window, watching the world blur by through silent tears. No matter what I felt, no matter what I wanted this was my fate. And I'd have to swallow it if I wanted to survive.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Mark glance at me briefly before looking away with a scoff.
"Her sobs are so irritating," he muttered under his breath. "Is it really that painful to leave your parents? She's nothing but a spoiled brat. Now… I'll make sure she learns. She's not going to live like a princess anymore."
"Max, I understand your anger but please, calm down." Angel's voice was pleading.
"How can I, Angel? She went and married Jake's worst enemy!" Max's voice was sharp with fury. "I'm so disappointed in her. She even pretended not to know him when you asked why they were in matching outfits."
"What if she was forced?"
"Forced? She's not a child, Angel. Didn't you see the smile plastered on her face? It's time you accept the truth. I don't want you being friends with her anymore. Jake's soul is weeping right now, I'm sure of it."
"Max, listen to me—"
"Enough!" he barked, storming out before she could finish. "I'm not done talking to you! Come back here!" Angel shouted after him, her voice echoing down the hall.
He didn't return. Angel let out a long, heavy sigh. Maybe you didn't notice… but I saw it clearly, she thought. The fear. The helplessness in her eyes. She's in trouble… and I'm going to do something about it.
The car finally stopped, and we arrived at the mansion. The night was too dark to truly see its grandeur, but I could already feel its looming presence a place built on intimidation more than beauty.
As soon as I stepped out, a hard grip clamped down on my hand. I looked up sharply to see Mark's cold eyes staring back at me. Without a word, he dragged me toward the entrance.
The air inside was heavy, suffocating. We entered a sleek elevator, the metallic walls reflecting my pale face. Neither of us spoke as it ascended to the very last floor.When the doors slid open, Mark all but shoved me into a vast bedroom. I stumbled, crashing onto the bed with a muffled cry."Ouch!" I gasped, flinching from the jolt of pain.
Mark stood there for a moment, his expression still unreadable until the corners of his lips curled into the faintest, most unsettling smirk.