The dinner table fell silent as the door swung open, and a tall, imposing figure strode in, carrying several sleek black boxes. Victor's most trusted associate, Liam, flashed a charming smile, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Good evening, everyone," Liam announced, his deep voice commanding attention. "Mr. Blackwood has sent a selection of rings for the future Mrs. Blackwood to choose from."
Ethan's brow furrowed, his voice laced with disapproval. "What's the meaning of this?"
Liam's smile never wavered. "Mr. Blackwood wishes for Ivy to select her engagement ring, a symbol of their commitment."
Julian snorted, his disgust evident. "How romantic, a ring chosen by the groom, how quaint."
Lucas shot Julian a warning glance, but Ivy's voice cut through the tension, firm and resolute.
"Take it all back; I don't want any of it."
Liam's smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "But, Ivy, you haven't even seen the rings."
Ivy's response was icy. "I won't wear a ring chosen by someone else's whim. I'll choose my own when I'm ready."
Lucas's voice was low and even. "Ivy, that someone is your future husband."
Ivy's eyes flashed with defiance. "I don't care. This marriage isn't happening by my choice; at least some things should be mine to decide."
Liam's expression turned neutral, his voice smooth as silk. "Very well, I'll inform Mr. Blackwood of your decision."
As Liam turned to leave, Ivy's voice stopped him. "Wait."
Liam turned back, his eyes questioning.
"Tell Mr. Blackwood...I'll choose my own path, my own way."
The room fell silent, the weight of Ivy's words hanging in the air like a challenge. Liam's smile returned, his eyes glinting with intrigue.
"I'll convey your message, Ivy. This is far from over."
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The next day, Liam appeared at Ivy's doorstep, his expression formal. "Miss Ivy, Mr. Blackwood has arrived to take you to select a ring of your choice."
Ivy's eyes widened in surprise. "What? I didn't agree to this."
Liam's smile was polite. "Sir is waiting for you outside. He wishes to accompany you to the jeweler."
Julian, who was lounging on the couch, suddenly sat up straight. "I'll come too."
Liam's expression turned hesitant. "I'm afraid Mr. Blackwood is expecting Miss Ivy alone."
Julian's eyes narrowed. "What nonsense. I'm not going to send my sister alone with that...Victor."
Lucas, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "Julian, he is Ivy's fiancé. He has this right. And he can't do anything to Ivy; he's under agreement."
Ivy took a deep breath, her mind racing. She didn't want to go alone with Victor, but she also didn't want to cause a scene. "Okay, let's go."
As she stood up, Liam nodded and led her outside. Victor was waiting by the car, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Good morning, Ivy," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I'm glad you could join me."
Ivy's response was curt. "Let's just get this over with."
The drive to the jeweler was a seemingly endless stretch of tension, the silence between them thick with unspoken words. Ivy's hands clenched into fists as she stared out the window, her mind racing with thoughts of escape. Victor's presence beside her was oppressive; his eyes fixed on her with an unnerving intensity.
As they arrived at the jeweler, Victor's chauffeur opened the door, and he stepped out, his movements fluid and confident. Ivy followed, her heart heavy with resignation.
Victor led her to a private room, the door closing behind them with a soft click. The room was dimly lit; the only sound was the soft hum of a security camera. A selection of rings lay spread out before her, each one more ostentatious than the last.
Ivy's eyes widened as she took in the display. Diamonds, rubies, and sapphires sparkled in the dim light, each one a symbol of the prison she was trapped in. Victor's eyes gleamed with excitement as he watched her, his smile a thin, cruel line.
"Choose one," he said, his voice low and husky, sending a shiver down her spine.
Ivy's gaze roamed the selection, her mind racing with thoughts of defiance. She could refuse; she could walk out and leave him standing there. But something held her back—a spark of fear that ignited in her chest.
She reached out, her hand trembling, and picked up a ring. It was a simple gold band, understated and elegant. Victor's eyes narrowed, his face darkening with disapproval.
"Not that one," he growled, his voice low and menacing.
Ivy's heart skipped a beat as she met his gaze, a spark of defiance igniting within her. But she knew better than to cross him—not yet. She put the ring back and picked up another, a diamond solitaire that sparkled with a fierce, cold light.
Victor's face lit up with approval, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Ah, yes. That one."
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Liam opened the door, and Ivy slid into the car, her eyes fixed on some point outside the window. Victor followed, his smile gleaming with satisfaction."Like it, this shopping, little Smith?" he asked, his voice dripping with condescension.
Ivy didn't respond; her silence was a palpable force in the confined space. She sat in the corner, her arms wrapped around herself, her eyes fixed on some distant point.
Victor's smile never wavered. "Looks like your brothers didn't teach you manners," he sneered, his voice low and menacing.
Ivy's eyes flashed with warning, her voice barely above a whisper. "Don't say anything about my brothers. Otherwise."
Victor's laughter was low and husky. "Ohhh, I'm shaking with fear."
Ivy rolled her eyes, her gaze drifting away from him. But Victor's grip on her forearm was like a vice, his fingers digging deep into her skin. He turned her towards him, their faces inches apart.
"I am your future husband, so you have to respect me," he hissed, his breath hot against her face. "I will not tolerate disrespect."
His eyes were cold, unyielding, and his face a mask of stone. Ivy's heart raced, her mind screaming with fear.
"Leave my hand," she whispered, trying to pull away.
But Victor's grip only tightened. "Do you understand what you don't have to do?" he spat, his voice venomous.
Ivy's silence was her only response.
Victor's tongue poked out, his eyes glinting with malice. He grabbed her chin, his fingers rough, and forced her to meet his gaze.
"It will only take me a few seconds to kill your brothers," he whispered, his voice dripping with menace. "But I am bound by the agreement. So don't force me to break it. Because even if the agreement is broken, I will still marry you. And kill your brothers. Understood?"
Tears welled up in Ivy's eyes, her vision blurring. She nodded, her heart heavy with fear.
Victor's grip on her chin tightened. "Do I make myself clear?"
Ivy nodded again, her voice barely audible. "Yes."
Victor's smile returned, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "So, what shouldn't you do?"
Ivy's voice was barely a whisper. "Disrespect you."
Victor's approval was palpable. "Good girl."
He released her, his eyes never leaving hers. Ivy turned away, her tears spilling down her cheeks. The car drove on, the silence between them thick with tension.
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The car pulled up to the house, Liam stepped forward to open the door for Ivy. She didn't wait for him to finish, pushing the door open herself and stepping out onto the pavement. Her eyes were fixed on the front door, her movements swift and decisive.Victor watched her go, his eyes narrowing in frustration. He had expected some spark of defiance, some hint of fear. But Ivy's indifference was a slap in the face.As he sat there, his eyes locked on the front door, he sensed a presence above. He looked up to see Ethan standing on the balcony, his eyes fixed intently on Victor.Victor's smile spread slowly across his face. He knew Ethan was trying to intimidate him, to make him back down. But Victor wasn't afraid. He was never afraid.He stared back at Ethan, his eyes glinting with amusement. He could see the tension in Ethan's shoulders, the tightness in his jaw. Victor's smirk grew wider.For a moment, the two men locked eyes, the air thick with tension. Then Victor broke the spell, h
The function drew to a close. Victor's voice cut through the din of conversation, his words dripping with an air of possessiveness. "So now that Ivy has become half 'Blackwood', her safety is my responsibility."Julian's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in anger. "What do you want to say, Victor?"Victor's smile was smooth and calculated. "Ivy will stay with me from now on."Julian's laughter was incredulous. "What nonsense? She won't live with you; you're not married yet."Victor's eyes glinted with amusement. "Yes, but if not today, then it will happen soon. And I don't trust Smith's securities, so..."Julian's face twisted in rage, his fists clenched at his sides. He took a step forward, but Ethan's hand shot out, grasping his arm."Let her go, Julian," Ethan warned, his voice low and urgent.But Julian shook him off, his eyes blazing with fury. "What the f*vk you, Victor?"Ethan's grip tightened, holding Julian back. "She will go," he said, his voice firm.Julian's face co
Julian's face twisted in anguish as he pleaded with his brothers. "We shouldn't send Ivy there; she's not married yet. It's not right."Lucas's expression turned stern, his voice firm. "That's why we are sending Ivy there. Do you think we don't care about our only sister? I had promised our dying mother that I would take care of her more like a father than a brother. We care about her more than you, Julian."Ethan's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in determination. "Just one mistake from Victor, and it won't take me even a moment to kill him. We agree to let Ivy go there so that we can bring her back forever. Victor is a short-tempered man; surely our little devil will let his temper get high easily."Lucas nodded in agreement. "If he touches our sister even a little bit, we will not let him go easily. It is clearly stated in the agreement that if our sister gets even slightly hurt, then the agreement ends there."Julian's eyes widened in horror. "So you want Victor to hurt Ivy?"
Ivy's smile grew wider as she set her belongings in Victor's bathroom, her mind racing with mischief. "Perfect, mean Victor," she whispered to herself. "Who do you think you are, wanting me to stay with you, then why did we stay in separate rooms? I am your fiancé, after all."As she finished unpacking, Ivy's thoughts turned to Maria's words: "Sir likes to be neat about his things; he doesn't like his things messed up." A sly smile spread across her face as she remembered the warning.After her shower, Ivy made a point to spread Victor's carefully arranged products all over the bathroom. Shampoo, body wash, and skin care products were scattered everywhere, their sleek packaging now cluttering the countertops. Ivy's laughter echoed through the room as she imagined Victor's face when he saw the mess.As she changed into a fresh outfit, Ivy heard the sound of a dog barking. Confused, she wondered when Victor had gotten a pet. She hadn't seen any sign of a dog when she arrived.Curios
The evening sun cast a warm orange glow over the penthouse, and Ivy felt a growing sense of restlessness. She had spent the day cooped up inside, and the confinement was starting to get to her. Max, sensing her boredom, wagged his tail and whined softly, as if urging her to take action.Ivy's eyes sparkled with mischief as she gazed at Max. "You know what, boy? I think we need a walk."She quickly changed into her sneakers and grabbed Max's leash. As they made their way to the main entrance of the building, Ivy felt a thrill of excitement. She had been stuck inside for too long, and the prospect of fresh air and freedom was exhilarating.But as they approached the entrance, Ivy's excitement was short-lived. Two burly guards stepped forward, their arms crossed and their faces stern."Ma'am, you're not allowed to go out," one of them growled.Ivy's eyes narrowed. "What's your problem? I just want to go for a walk."The guard's expression didn't budge. "This is a strict order from the bo
Victor entered his room; he was met with a scene of utter disarray. His belongings were scattered haphazardly across the floor, as if a tornado had swept through, leaving chaos in its wake. A wet towel lay draped across his bed, its soggy presence an affront to his sense of order. With a flick of his wrist, Victor picked up the offending towel, holding it between two fingers as if it might contaminate him.He strode towards the bathroom, shedding his clothes as he went, his movements economical and precise. But as he stepped into the bathroom, his foot skidded on a patch of slippery liquid, sending him stumbling. His hand shot out, grasping the sink with a vice-like grip, preventing him from crashing to the floor."Little Smith," he muttered, his voice low and even, but with a hint of irritation.Victor showered, the water pounding against his skin, washing away the fatigue of the day. As he emerged, he felt refreshed, and his mind sharpened. He padded towards his closet, expecting to
The air was thick with tension as they sat at the dining table, Ivy's eyes blazing with anger as she stared at Victor. His expression remained impassive, but his voice was laced with a subtle warning."It's better to eat something instead of staring at me; otherwise, your brothers will think I don't take proper care of you."Ivy's gaze never wavered, her voice trembling with rage. "I want to go home. I'm bored here, with no one to talk to, and I'm a prisoner. You've taken my mobile, and I can't even leave. Thankfully, Max is here with me."Victor's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in a tight line. "You're not going anywhere from here. This is your home now, and I won't send you back to Smith Mansion. Your mobile is gone because I won't let you plan anything against me with your brothers."Ivy's face contorted in anguish, tears welling up in her eyes. "You don't trust me; that's why you've imprisoned me here."Victor's expression turned glacial, his voice dripping with disdain. "I
In the dimly lit meeting room, three brothers, Ethan, Lucas, and Julian, waited with bated breath for their rival, Victor Blackwood, the leader of the infamous Blackwood mafia family. Ethan's patience was wearing thin, his anger simmering just below the surface."He should have been here by now," Ethan growled, his voice low and menacing. "What does that bastard think of himself? Will we wait for him all day?"Lucas placed a calming hand on Ethan's shoulder. "Calm down, brother. Victor knows the importance of this meeting."Julian nodded in agreement. "He wouldn't dare miss it."Just then, the door swung open and Victor Blackwood strode in, his eyes locked on Ethan with a hint of amusement. The air was electric with tension as the two enemies faced off.Ethan's jaw clenched, his teeth gritted in frustration. "You're late, Blackwood."Victor smirked, taking his seat. "I can do what I want, Ethan. You know that."The mediator, Mr. Jenkins, cleared his throat, his voice stern. "Gentlemen