Chapter 5

LILIYA

I have decided not to shed another tear. I've made up my mind—nothing about my parents, Nessa, or Henri will break me down again. Instead, I will ensure that they all regret ever treating me this way.

My sad day began yesterday, but today feels like the worst day of my life, especially since I can't figure out what Dice is planning. Why has he wanted to marry me for three years? "Oh my goodness, I'm so freaking scared," I mumbled, trembling. It was raining heavily and cold outside, but I knew that my shivers were partly due to the anxiety about what Dice might have in store for me.

I never expected to be heading to Dice's house today. It all happened so quickly! I thought I would have some time to prepare myself both mentally and physically, but I was mistaken. As soon as I told Papa that I was going to marry Dice, he informed me that Dice's driver was already waiting outside for me to leave immediately. I was taken aback because...

The driver had been there the entire time, even before I said that I would marry Dice. I couldn't shake the fear of having to live with that monster from now on. Here I was, sitting in the back of the car, lost in my thoughts. We had been on the road for hours, and though it was already night, we still hadn't reached Dice's house.

The ride was silent, with the driver not uttering a word and me lost in my own thoughts. I couldn't shake the anxiety about what awaited me the moment I set foot in Dice's house.

I realized I had made a choice that felt both wrong and right at the same time. On one hand, I would be able to make my parents, Nessa and Henri, regret their actions. But the part that felt wrong was the source of my fear right now.

The atmosphere in the car was growing increasingly uncomfortable, and I felt compelled to speak up. It wasn't that I was impatient to reach Dice's house; rather, I was extremely hungry and weak. I hadn't eaten anything since morning, and I felt like I might faint at any moment.

"Hey, is there a restaurant nearby? I'm starving and really need to eat," I said, knowing I needed food to prepare myself for what awaited me at Dice's house. After all, he was the guy I had mistaken for a stranger last night, and we had ended up sleeping together—he took my virginity. Facing him would be challenging, but I had to do it so I need to...

Tried my best to avoid showing any weakness in front of Dice; it was the only way to protect myself from whatever sinister plans he might have for me. To stay strong, I knew I needed to eat.

I was taken aback when the driver didn’t respond or say a word—he simply kept driving. I was in a daze for a few minutes before I finally regained my composure.

Is that a sign? A glimpse of how I’ll be treated in Dice’s house? Oh no! I’ve really gotten myself into trouble, and I can only hope I’ll manage to get through it.

I resolved not to ask the driver anything else or say another word. Is he mute? The thought crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it.

I hoped I wouldn’t pass out from hunger before we reached Dice's house. Once again, the car fell silent, with only the sound of tires on the road breaking the silence.

I couldn’t shake off the unsettling thoughts about Dice, and before I knew it, my eyelids grew heavy, and I dozed off in the car.

A few hours later...

The massive gate opened automatically, and the driver drove the car inside, coming to a stop in the parking area.

Despite the heavy rain, the beauty of the residence remained undeniable. The house was adorned with exquisite lights and stunning furniture, making it appear even more magnificent than a palace.

The driver stepped out into the rain and opened the back door, then tapped the roof of the car loudly to rouse me from my deep sleep. My eyes flew open in an instant, filled with fear.

I began to glance around nervously. "We're here," he said, handing me an umbrella so I could get out of the car.

I placed a hand on my chest and took a deep breath. He had startled me when he hit the car, and since I was still half-asleep, my mind raced with thoughts of danger. My heart was pounding with fear—not just from the way the driver had hit the car, but also because of Dice. Now that I was in his house, only he knew what he had planned for me.

"Will you get out of the car already?" the driver snapped, irritation evident in his voice. I couldn't help but wonder why he was so cold towards me, especially since he didn't know me. Was it the instructions Dice had given him to treat me harshly? Since he didn't care anyway.

I swallowed hard, contemplating why the driver was speaking to me like this. Nevertheless, I slowly stepped out of the car, holding the umbrella over my head, even though the driver had chosen not to use one.

"What's your name? And let's use this umbrella to—" I was interrupted as the driver abruptly closed the car door and walked straight into the house without a word.

"What the hell is wrong with him? Why is he being so cold?" I muttered to myself, feeling disheartened. It hit me that this was how I would be living for the next three years. Realizing I was the only one left outside, I quickly rushed into the house.

"Wow! I can't believe that monster is this rich," I mumbled, my jaw dropping as I took in the grandeur of the stunning living room. Just then, someone spoke up behind me.

"Follow me," the woman said coldly. At that moment, I realized that this was how everyone in the house would treat me. Still, I hurried to follow her before she disappeared from view.

When we reached the door, she urged me to go inside before rolling her eyes and walking away. I realized I needed to pull myself together; I would have to get used to their behavior. It was disheartening, but for the sake of my plans, I was determined to endure it all, no matter what.

I pushed the door open and gasped in awe as the breathtaking bedroom came into view. Is this really the room I'll be staying in? It's ten times better than the bedroom I had in the house I called home, despite my parent's actions. Overcome with excitement, I leaped onto the bed—until the bathroom door suddenly swung open...

I gasped in shock and fear as Dice emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist and water dripping from his hair down to his chest. He looked like an irresistibly hot devil, and my eyes couldn't stop widening.