Chapter 0004

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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