chapter 0003

With Armani by his side, Damien made his way out of the hospital and then got into his car. From the rear mirror, he watched as his men pulled a struggling Scarlett into the car that was behind the one he was occupying and with a smirk, he said, “Let's see how long you can put up the act.” 

“Sir, can I turn on the engine?” Aramni asked, he had taken over from the driver who was handling the steering wheel of the other car. 

“Go ahead.” Came his response. It wasn't up to a minute that the engine roared into life and after scattering dust in the air, the car was sent into motion. 

Scarlett, thinking she could bypass the hefty guards, continued struggling but it was all to no avail. In fact, her struggles came to an end when she became sandwiched between two of the men. 

Bemoaning her fate, she began to tug her hair, not minding the pains she was feeling and at the same time, biting her lips in frustration. 

Yelling was the only viable option but after a second thought, she pinned her lips tightly, suppressing her scream. 

“If you can help now, I swear, I'm going to help you in the future.” She said, breaking the silence in the moving car which was directly behind the one Damien was occupying. 

No one said a word to her as they all maintained their stoic expression. Knowing fully well that she wouldn't be able to escape on her own, she reclined on her seat with a slight frown thinking of enticing words to say to them so she could buy her freedom. 

Snapping her head in the direction of the man on her right hand side, she said, “Sir, you heard me…” 

“Just shut up.” He replied with a hoarse voice, sending the rest of her words back into her throat. 

Though she was feeling sleepy, the fear and tension that was ravaging her body as she thought of what would become of her couldn't let her shut her eyes even for a second. 

About half an hour later, the car pulled up in front of a large building, it was only then she raised her head which she had buried in her palm for a while now. 

“Goodness, this is heaven on earth.” She mumbled, running her eyes around the mansion that stood right in front of her. 

Taking her eyes off the building momentarily, she began to gaze around the vicinity. The trees, flower beds, different sculptures and fountains were so attractive that she couldn't take her eyes off them for a while. 

“If the exterior screams wealth and opulence, the interior will be something else.” She said to herself, still admiring the building. It took her all that was within her not to start running her fingers against the smooth wall. 

“Take her in.” Armani said and within a second, her gaze was fixed on him. 

“What am I doing here?” She managed to ask, her gaze fixed on his head since she was unable to stare back at him. 

“You will find out in a bit.” He replied and with that, strode into the mansion with his hands tucked into a pocket. 

A few minutes later, Scarlett saw herself taking that same path Armani had taken with two men by her side and another at her back just in case she decided to run off. 

Before she could start taking in the beauty the interior screamed, her eyes landed on that of two women who were occupying a couch in the living room. 

“Take her upstairs.” Damien said, swirling the glass of vodka he had been sipping from. 

Where did he come from? — she wondered, staring back at him before the men started pulling her up the stairs. 

The women seated continued staring at the little entourage making their way up stairs, they only took their eyes off them when they finally disappeared into the hallway. 

“Son, what's going on here?” The older woman, Anne Steel, who turns out to be Damien's mom asked, her hands akimbo. 

“My wife is being escorted to her room..” He replied then went ahead to take another sip from his glass. 

“Wife?” The lady repeated after him before she burst into laughter. Damien on the other hand, re-filled his glass and then resumed swirling the content as he watched the little drama she was acting. 

“You're joking right?” She asked after a while, smiling broadly. 

“Why should I joke with such a delicate subject. The lady upstairs is my wife, no pun intended.” He replied, wiping off the smile that was on her face. 

After exchanging glances with the other lady seated who turns out to be Gracia Moore - the lady his mother had wanted him to marry, she returned her gaze to him. 

“Stop toying with my emotions.” She said, almost whispering. 

“I'm too old for that.” He replied and immediately, the neutral look Gracia was wearing changed into a deep frown. 

When Anne told her of her decision to make her daughter in-law, she was all over the moon. She even went ahead to tell all her friends of her upcoming status but right now, it seems that wouldn't be the case anymore. 

Clearing her throat, she propped up herself, her gaze fixed on Anne. 

“Calm down, I will handle the situation.” Anne said before returning her gaze to Damien. 

“Son, I already found a girl who is worthy to be your wife. Trust me when I say she is the perfect match for you. Gracia Moore is the last daughter of Salvatore, you know how loyal he is…” 

Waving her off, he brushed past her and then made his way to where Gracia sat. Feeling uncomfortable with his gaze, she buried her head and began fiddling with her fingers. 

“Do I know you?” He asked. 

“No sir.” Gracia replied, a lump rising in her throat as her eyes burnt with tears. 

Snapping his gaze back to his mother, he asked, “How do you expect me to marry a girl I don't know?” 

“I know her so well. Like I said earlier, she is the perfect match for you. She had been groomed all her life…” 

“I'm not interested. I already have a wife and getting a concubine is not a part of me.” He said the last part with his gaze fixed on Gracia who was already at the point of tears. She was already imagining the mockery she was going to face in the hands of those she had bragged to. 

“Your so-called wife must leave. It is either Gracia or no one else.” Anne snapped, stamping her feet to drive home her point. 

“You don't have the right to order me around anymore. That was a thing of the past.” Damien replied and then gulped the remaining content of his glass in a go. 

Tucking his hand in his pocket, he took one last look at Gracia and with his hands tucked in his pocket, he began to walk towards the stairs. 

“Damien… come back here this instant. We haven't finished talking.” 

“I have important things to handle.” 

“I'm your mother and I have the right to tell you what to do. For the last time, come down here this instant.” Anne yelled, the veins on her neck popping out in protest. 

Damien stopped on his track, snapping his head in her direction and he said, “Get out.”