Kayla's pov
The silence between us feels so loud that I can feel my heart pounding. My father is sitted across from me, his face blank of any expression . One can tell that he is really apprehensive as he keeps sighing and tossing around . I don't even what to say because he was warned not to do what he did. "How much do you owe him exactly dad" I ask,breaking the silence He looks up at me but quickly drops down his gaze. "I owe him a lot, too much"he mutters. "Too much for me to even pay back. Oh God, what have I done"he questions himself I clenched my fists but immediately releases them because I must remain calm.Deep down my heart, I'm so pissed. Of all the people to owe it's Adrian Blackwood?,the man whose name strikes terror in the heart of the people even most powerful and influential men do not want to mess with him or be in his bad book. Before I could say anything else, there's a loud knock on the door, like the other person is deliberately trying to break it. My father jolts in fear."It must be him, he's here for his money", he whispers, his voice shaking. My heart begins to pound so fast and loud. Adrian Blackkwood is behind that door, if what my dad is true then we are in serious trouble. The door breaks open and there he is. Adrian walks in majesticly like he owns the place. Dressed in an expensive black suit adorned with little beads of diamonds, he's aura feels the room. He's steps are like that of a predator. Very calm, calculated and precise. "Mr Marshall", he says calmly,his deep voice echoing in the room." It's safe to say that you know why I'm here" I look at my father and he could barely look at him. "Please" he beguns, clasping his hands together and went on his knees. " I just need more time, I will definitely pay you back, I swear, I just --" Adrian begins to laugh, cutting of my father's pleas. " Time" he arches his brows,and his voice is filled with disdain. " I've given you too much time already, Marshall. I don't remember telling you I run a charity organization." I can see my father shaking under Adrian's stare. My father, who was once a successful man now cowering at the feet of Adrian like a begger. Though the debt might be much but it's more than financial. It's life threatening. "I will pay back.... I can..." My father stammers " but I just need more...." " More??" Adrian's growled, his voice cold. " I'm not here to listen to all ur cock and bull excuses, I just need my money and I will get it today because I always do". His eyes darts to me, I instantly feel chills running through my spine. His eyes linger on me like he's searching for something. " I'll make this simple and fast", he says as he steps closer towards me. " Your father's debt is too much and I doubt he can pay me immediately. And I'm sure you know that I don't show mercy..." He pauses and smirks like a predator. "There's only one option left. I swallow hard, my heart beating and my stomach knotting. " What's the option" Adrian's eyes didn't leave my body. " You. Marry me for two years. During that period you must make sure you pay me back after that you can walk away freely. If not..." He leans in slightly towards my face," I'll have to collect in other ways" I gasped for air. It's a way out but at what cost. My life? "What!!!, marry you?, no I can't do that, there must be some other way please" I plead "There isn't." Adrian syays calmly. " You know your father can't pay me . I need my money now but if I'm willing to let it go on longer then u must accept, if not you either pay me now or die. So this is the only way except you prefer the other way" he grins My father breaks down in tears. Nooo, you can't take my daughter. I'll do anything. She will only become your slave and I can't bear to watch that happen" "Then both of you die?" Adrian asks coldly " But why me?" I ask tearing up " Because you are the only valuable thing he has" "Thing???, I'm not a thing . I'm a person just like you " " Ahh, never , you are not a person like me", he says adjusting his suit " Ohk, so what's it gonna be" It's happening. It's real. Is this how I'm gonna end up? I look at my father, he looks back with guilt written all over his face " I give you twenty four hours to respond else I'll assume you have my money and send my boys. God help you if you don't. You don't want to know what I'll do" he says as he steps out of the door. He stops and takes a good look at me then leaves finally. "I'm doomed"Kayla's pov I don't know how I made it to the cafe . A lot has been going through my mind since Adrian's visit. He gavee twenty four hours to accept his terms of face fire consequences. Well, as of now, I have twenty two hours remaining to either sign off my life to watch or watch my family crumble. Sitting at the front of the café, I look ahead and see my best friend, Clarissa. She is jogging towards me happy and bubbling as usual. One of her many traits is fixing things, but I doubt she can fix this particular one. As she gets closer, she notices something's wrong with me. " Gurl, you look like you had no sleep at night. What's wrong?" Where do I even begin? How do I explain to her that I'm twenty two hours away from being a slave to a ruthless man. But I know that if there's anyone that can understand my plight, it's Rissa. Rissa and I have been friends since childhood. We've been through everything together. From the worst times to the sweetest times, we did it all together.
Kayla's pov Standing outside Adrian's mansion feels like I'm about to walk into an agreed slavery. Here I am paying for my father's debts. But i remind myself that this is a sacrifice that I have to and willing to make in order to save my family. I press the doorbell and after some moments, it opens.Adrian's butler leads me into the house. There he is seated like a cold blooded tyrant. " Kayla, my fiery dove", his voice smooth but predatory. "I knew you'd come"The weight of his words pressing down on me very strongly." Not like I had a choice, did I?", I forced my voice. " I'm here now""So you are ready to agree to my terms?""Yes"But instead of bringing out a contract or something,he swiftly pins me to the wall, his hand brushing my cheek. His hand made its way to my neck, wrapping around it. My heart pounds faster. It's like I can't breathe. "Do you understand what you are agreeing to?", he whispers into my ears. His voice deep and stern. " It's not going to be sweet baby
Kayla's povThe morning light peaks in , touching the windows of Adrian's mansion and reflecting on her face. Everything in this room is so beautiful yet cold, just like the owner. It's quite hard but I'm still trying to adjust to this place, to this life that I'm signed myself into just for the safety of myself and family. I barely hear the knock before Adrian swoops into my room, his movements very commanding,this presence very intimidating. I instantly get a feeling of dread."We are going somewhere now", he says, the tone of his voice sounds commanding. " Dress formally and beautifully. No arguments, you will do exactly as I say without questions."I clench my fist but manage to keep calm, nodding." I'll be ready in ten"I open the closet and find it already filled with clothes, shoes, bags, makeups, literally all feminine stuffs and they are all in my size. How does he know my size? I don't remember telling him.I pull out the outfit I think is appropriate enough, hoping it'l
Kayla's povThe silence in the car is driving me crazy as we drive back to Adrian's mansion. My mind is all over the place, from the extravagant club to the dimly lit rooms and the exotic dancers, to the morally inappropriate activities going on in the rooms. And according to Adrian, it's where I'll be working, for him..I feel his eyes on me but the stare didn't last long. Every nerve in my body is about to burst. I'm full of questions . I keep remembering how he said " you belong to me" like it's some privilege being his.Finally, I can’t keep it in any longer. “What exactly do you stand to gain from this , Adrian?"He glances at me, and a smirk tugs at his lips. “Careful, Isabella. Questioning me isn’t a good behaviour baby girl.""Like I care. I'm really trying to understand this, I'm supposed to work and pay you back but why are you in it?"His gaze sharpens, a glint of intrigue mixed with something darker. “why do you think there's always something to what I do?"he asks, his vo
Kayla's pov A sharp knock awakens me. I groan silently, thinking it will make the person go away, but the person didn't stop knocking rather increasing the tempo of the knocks. Before I can react, the door swings open. “Get your ass up,” Adrian’s commanding voice echoes through the room. My eyes open immediately, and there he is standing casually in my room. He's also dressed casually too..... “What the hell?” I mutter, pulling the covers tighter around me. Adrian strides into the room, his movements predatory. “You don’t get to sleep in, Kayla. Not in my house, and certainly not in my world.” “Ever heard of knocking?” I snap, sitting up. “I did. You ignored it.” His eyes rake over me, and I suddenly feel exposed despite being covered. “What do you want?” I demand, trying to match his intensity. Adrian’s smirk is cold and sharp. “Lesson one starts today.” “Lesson one?” He steps closer and climbs on the bed, the bed goes down slightly under his weight as he leans in towards
Kayla’s breath heightened as Adrian stood before her, his piercing gaze making her feel both vulnerable and trapped in the moment. The air between them felt intense, thick with tension that had been building ever since their last meeting. “You’re late baby girl,” Adrian’s voice was smooth but commanding. His hand rested on the top of the chair , his posture calm and relaxed , but everything about him screamed control. “I'm so sorry" she panicked, her heart racing. “ you know what happens when you break the rules right?” he asked, moving closer to her, the faint scent of his cologne intoxicating her senses. Kayla swallowed, unable to speak. She’d been warned—warned about every lesson, every step she’d need to take to avoid punishment. She knew the stakes. Adrian’s eyes darkened, a flicker of something dangerous crossing his face. “Let me remind you. Lesson three: complete obedience.” He stepped closer until she could feel the heat of his body brushing against hers. His warm breath
Kayla’s POVThe house is quiet—too quiet. Adrian had for work left hours ago, his parting words sharp and commanding: "Stay out of trouble. You don’t want to incur my wrath."Trouble. The word had lingered in the air, constantly reminding me. Adrian had no idea just how much trouble I could stir.Now, standing in the center of his vast living room, I feel the weight of curiosity pressing down on me. Every room in this mansion screams power and secrecy, and I’m determined to peel back the layers of Adrian Blackwood.I take a tentative step toward the hallway leading to his private quarters. The air feels heavier here, as if the house itself is warning me to turn back. But I don’t.I find myself in front of a door—locked, of course. A keypad blinks beside it, and I curse under my breath. Of course, he’d have top-notch security.“Think, Kayla,” I mutter to myself, glancing around. My eyes land on a drawer in a nearby table. With a surge of hope, I pull it open and find exactly what I’m l
Adrian’s POVThe knock at the door is sharp, each sound echoing through the quiet house like a warning bell. I already know who it is. His timing is impeccable—always showing up when I’d rather burn the world than entertain his games.Victor Cane.I glance at the security feed for confirmation and, sure enough, there he is, standing outside in his tailored suit that screams power and danger. His smirk is already in place, a mask he wears as comfortably as his expensive clothes.I let out a slow breath and head to the door, turning my expression into something calm and unreadable. Opening the door, I find him leaning casually against the frame, his dark eyes gleaming with a type of amusement.“Victor,” I say, my tone cold. “To what do I owe this... unexpected pleasure?”Victor pushes himself off the frame and strides inside as if he owns the place. “Oh, come now, Blackwood. No need to be so hostile. I just came to talk.”“Talk?” I close the door and follow him closely into the living r
Adrian sat in his dimly lit study, fingers tapping rhythmically against the surface of his desk. The frustration was obvious on his face as his forehead tightened . It's not that he was scared about his safety, he is scared because of Kayla. They now know that she's his weak point and this is what he has been trying to avoid . Now Kayla is going to be used against him, making her vulnerable and not safe.A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Without waiting for permission, Ethan stepped inside. His usual lovely smirk was absent, replaced by a very serious face. He closed the door behind him and leaned against the wall nearby just staring at Adrian."We have a huge problem Ad," Ethan announced, cutting straight to the point without menacing words.Adrian sighed, rubbing his temples. "Tell me something I don't already know Ethan."Ethan walked over, tossing a file onto Adrian's desk. "Fiona and Victor signed an alliance. They are going to be helping each other from now on. This
Fiona entered into her car and drives away. She so happy that she turned the music up. Confidence dripped from her with her every move. She had won. She had Adrian Lockwood right where she wanted him. And soon, he’d have no choice but to bend to her will and do her biddings.What she didn’t realize was that she was being followed.A car had been following her—silent, precise, always there but never noticed.But Fiona was oblivious.She reached her house, came down and joyfully headed straight for the hallway She reached the heavy steel door at the end of the hallway, punched in a code, and stepped inside the room where Kayla was being held hostage.Kayla's body was weak against the chair, her wrists hurting from the ropes. She was bruised but far from broken. The fire in her eyes burned as hot as ever when she saw Fiona enter.Fiona smirked. "Ah, look at you. A little battered, but still defiant. I admire that. Really, I do."Kayla glared. "Cut the theatrics, Fiona. You’re wasting yo
Adrian barely had time to regroup after the threat video before the storm hit.The study doors slammed open with a force that rattled the walls."Where is she?"Kayla’s father, Mr Marshall, stormed inside, his face twisted in rage. His usual controlled demeanor was nowhere to be found. His eyes were bloodshot, veins bulging in his neck and forehead as he pointed an accusatory finger at Adrian."You arrogant, power-hungry , manipulating bastard! Where the hell is my daughter?"Adrian slowly looked up from his desk, his fingers tightening around the edge of his chair in anger. His patience was already getting to its limitd, and he had no time for misplaced accusations."You think I took her?" Adrian’s voice was low, dangerous. "Think before you speak, old man."Mr Marshall advanced, slamming his fists onto the polished mahogany desk. "Who else would do this? My daughter has been nothing but a pawn in your twisted games! You dragged her into this world—your world—and now she’s paying the
Chapter 18: betrayal of the pastThe silence of Adrian’s mansion can be likened to that of a grave yard but this silence was interrupted by a heavy knock on the door. It was late, and way past visiting hours for him. Uninvited guests always brings trouble.Adrian, seated in his study with a glass of whiskey in hand, frowned at the interruption.His demeanor calm yet cold. He felt greatly irritated by this sudden interruption. A second knock, harder this timeHe set down his glass, rolled his shoulders, and moved toward the door with measured steps. When he pulled the door open, his heart froze.Standing before him, dressed in a sleek black dress that hugged her curves like a second skin, was ......Fiona.The air in the room shifted instantly, heavy with so many emotions.Adrian’s expression darkened, his jaw clenching as he looked at the woman who had once owned his heart—only to shatter it in the most brutal way possible.“Fiona,” he said, voice cold as ice. Quite some nerves you've
The hospital room was dimly lit with sunlight reflecting in through the blinds. Clarissa sat at the edge of her bed, her hand pressed lightly against her side where the bullet wound was healing. Kayla stood beside her, folding Rissa's clothes into a small bag with determined precision and focus.“I swear, you’ve been more of a nurse than the actual staff here,” Clarissa teased, her voice light but tinged with gratitude.Kayla rolled her eyes, smiling. “You’re lucky Its you, if not I would have charged a lot for this care"Before Clarissa could reply, the door opened, and Ethan walked in, his broad shoulders and easy smirk lighting up the room. “Hello ladies,” he greeted, warmly with his deep voice. He held a big bouquet of Roses in one hand and a box of chocolate in the other. “Thought you could use some love& support and sugar.”Clarissa’s cheeks flushed lightly. “Ethan, you didn’t have to—”“Oh, I had to,” he interrupted, stepping closer and placing the flowers on her nightstand. “C
The front gates of her father’s estate creaked open slowly, revealing a sight that Kayla hadn’t expected to see. The once old looking mansion—its walls chipped and its garden overgrown and dried—now stood immaculate and ever green. The freshly painted exterior gleamed in the sunlight, and the hedges were trimmed to perfection .Her breath got caught in her throat as she stared at the beautiful transformation.Kayla dragged her suitcase along the gravel path, her mind curious.. What was happening? Where had this sudden wealth come from? She couldn’t connect the dots between this polished image with the struggling man who had been drowning in debt the last time she saw him.The front door swung open, and her father appeared, his figure leaner but more energetic and better looking than she remembered. His face broke into a wide grin, and for the first time in years, he looked genuinely.... Happy.“Kayla!” he called, arms wide open.Her heart skipped, as she dropped her suitcase, rushing i
Darkness.The tightness of the blindfold press greatly against Kayla’s face, trapping her in an abyss of darkness and fear. Her breathing quickens, sharp and desperate as she struggles to make sense of her where she is The scent of flora and cigarettes makes the air in the place more unbreathable.Her wrists and ankles held with restraint—bound tightly, preventing movement. Panic surges through her veins like wildfire during dry season.“Help!” she screams, her voice filled with terror. “Who the hell is there?! Let me go right now!". No answer. Only silence filled the air.Kayla thrashes against the restraints, the chair beneath her creaking in protest. Her heart slams against her ribs. “Victor, if this is you, I swear to God, I’ll make you regret this! You coward, you pathetic excuse for a man!”Still nothing.Her breath shudders as she fights against the rising hysteria. Then—soft footsteps. A slow, deliberate rhythm echoing against the cold floor.A feminine chuckle slices throu
Adrian pushed the front door open with enough force to rattle the hinges and make it fall to the ground. His jaw was tight, his eyes dark and stormy and rage filled. Kayla followed closely behind, her arms folded across her chest, her glare a silent dare for him to start the argument she knew was brewing.The silence between them snapped like a taut wire as Adrian turned, his voice cutting through the tension. “What the hell were you thinking, Kayla? Leaving the secret houselike that? Do you have any idea what could’ve happened if I was a minute late? You put your life and that of your friend in danger. Oh, I forgot... She was shot!!!, all because of your disobedience!!!!"Kayla’s eyes widened in disbelief and she scoffed. “What I was thinking? Are you serious right now? You don’t get to lecture me about right or wrong decisions,when clearly you’re the reason my life’s been turned upside down!”His hand raked through his dark hair as he paced about, frustration pouring off him in wave
Adrian walked into the hospital with calculated strides, his friend Ethan trailing closely behind him. The strong smell of antiseptic filled the air as the pair navigated their way to the private ward where Kayla and Clarissa were. His jaw tightened as he recalled the chaos from the night before—the gunshots, Kayla’s frantic cries, and the sight of her blood-soaked hands pressing against Clarissa’s wound,defenseless.“I told her it wasn’t safe to step out, but she doesn't listen, she never does.” Adrian muttered under his breath, more to himself than Ethan.“You can’t exactly lock someone in a cage forever, Adrian, she's bound to rebel at some point” Ethan replied. “Even birds try to fly, no matter how gilded their prison.”Adrian’s eyes narrowed. “This isn’t about freedom. This is about survival. If she doesn’t listen, it's only a matter of time before she ends up dead.”Ethan raised his hands in surrender. “Fine. Just don’t make a scene, remember it's a hospital."When they reached