Veronica ran fast through the empty streets at midnight, the streetlights and the pale moon her only guides.
Her heart pounded as fear gripped her chest, yet she could not stop. Every time she stumbled, she forced herself back up, knowing she had no moment to waste if she wanted to escape.
Regret gnawed at her. Why did I ever come back home from abroad?
Her breath grew heavy, her legs weaker with every step. Desperate, she searched for a place to hide. Just when she spotted a narrow corner ahead, rough hands caught her from behind. One of the men had reached her.
She tried to fight, tried to keep running, but his call alerted the others. The sound of their heavy footsteps closed in. Suddenly, she tripped, and before she could rise again, they dragged her down.
A sharp sting pierced her skin—drugs. Darkness swallowed her.
---
Morning came. The soft sound of chirping birds pulled Veronica back into consciousness. Her body felt heavy, the drug still clouding her mind. When her eyes opened, she was no longer in the street. She lay on a large bed in an unfamiliar, elegant room.
A young maid approached, bowing respectfully as she handed her a glass of water.
"My lady," the maid said softly.
Veronica took the glass, drank, and sighed—but when she turned back, shock struck her.
"Who are you?" she asked.
The maid bowed again. "My name is Mary, my lady. I was assigned as your personal maid by Young Master Matthew."
Fear tightened Veronica's chest. "Where… where is the young master?"
"The young master is on his way," Mary replied calmly.
"Then where am I?" Veronica pressed, her voice trembling.
"You are at the Matthew mansion."
Before Veronica could ask more, the door opened. Mr. and Mrs. Matthew entered.
"Oh, my daughter! How are you?" Mrs. Matthew cried, hurrying to her side.
"It's David's fault for not taking proper care of her," Mr. Matthew muttered.
Daughter? Veronica froze, confusion and frustration battling inside her. How had she been brought here? Mrs. Matthew noticed her unease and gently touched her shoulder. Startled, Veronica flinched and leapt from the bed.
"Veronica!" they cried, rushing to her side. Mary quickly fetched another glass of water, which Mrs. Matthew pressed into her hands. After drinking, Veronica's breathing calmed.
Mrs. Matthew was about to speak—when the door opened again. David entered.
"So," he said smoothly, "you're finally awake."
Veronica's eyes met his tall, striking figure. For a brief moment, admiration flickered in her, but it was quickly smothered by the dirty rumors she had heard about him.
"Yes… I am, Young Master," she replied carefully.
Mr. Matthew chuckled. "What's with the formalities? Just call him David—or honey."
Mrs. Matthew stood, smiling. "Darling, please get well soon. Tomorrow we'll go shopping for the wedding."
"Yes, mother," Veronica whispered.
The couple left, leaving only David and Veronica. After a long silence, Mary excused herself as well.
David's voice broke the air. "Don't you have anything to say, young lady?"
Veronica stayed quiet.
In an instant, he crossed the room, his hand closing around her throat. Panic shot through her as he pressed tighter.
"You thought you could run away, didn't you?" he shouted.
Veronica clawed for breath. "Please—mercy—" she gasped.
He released her suddenly, and she fell, coughing. David sat down calmly in a chair beside the bed, watching her struggle for air.
"I had this room prepared for you. From now on, it is yours. But you will obey the rules, or suffer the consequences." He handed her a folded paper.
Veronica's trembling fingers opened it. The list read:
You are not allowed to leave the mansion without my permission.
You are not allowed to bring friends here.
All your activities must be under my control.
You are not to interfere in my business.
You must stay five feet away from my room.
And lastly… you must always fulfill your duty as a wife when required.
Veronica's eyes widened. "What the hell?"
"If you cannot obey," David said coldly, "then remember—the Johnsons are under my control."
Her stomach dropped. "What the—? Threaten me all you want, but leave my family out of this!"
David's expression darkened. "Did you just raise your voice at me?"
Fear surged back. "No… David," she whispered.
"That's better," he said, standing to leave. "Don't call me 'Young Master.' Just call me David."
"Wait," Veronica said, her voice trembling. "If you despise me so much, why force me to act as your wife?"
He smirked, pausing at the door. "Because I can't have such beauty in my house and not use her to my satisfaction."
And then he was gone, leaving Veronica frozen in dread.
To be continued…