Chapter 5

Elizabeth POV

'"The gates are about to be open, Lily." I announce, taking in deep breaths to calm my nervousness.

I was about to enter into the den of my enemy, I needed to be calm and cool otherwise I'd flop off my chance at the very beginning.

I was more nervous since I hadn't been able to get in touch with Lance. It's been two days already and no one has seen or heard from him.

"Does my ponytail still look good? I have a feeling I should let down my hair instead" Lily's voice echoed, interrupting my thoughts.

"You look okay." I respond, barely glancing at her hair. I had my focus on Adam in front.

"Just "Okay"? " She wailed, irritated byy response.

"Ugh. I knew I should've worn the blue dress! Look at these women, they're better dressed!" She whined.

"Trust me, Lily, you look better presentable for the role than they are." I say effortlessly, trying to lift up her spirit.

"Easy for you to say when you effortlessly look like a hot top model even if you had on a baggy jeans and shirt."

“Oh please,-” I started but was cut off by Lily's stare and sign to keep shut.

Just then, two hefty looking men approached us.

"Excuse you, Ma'am," One of them spoke, standing beside me. "But you have to come with us."

What was happening? Had they figured  me out already? I quickly pressed on the five minutes countdown button on the emergency wristwatch Lance had given if I ever needed help or felt threatened.

"Why?" Lily jumped in and spread her arms impoulsively open like a protective barrier.

The men glared at her, "You don't ask silly questions here, Miss, you only have to do as you're told." The man behind chipped in.

“It's okay, Lily, I'll be fine,” I said assuring, betraying the turmoil in my heart.

Not wanting to cause trouble for Lily, I followed them.

The bastard smiled at me as I took the seat in front of him.

"Are you stalking me?" He asked, smirking.

"Well, if you consider being more popular after advertising that your need for a wife as stalking, then yes." I cover up immediately in case he is starting to catch up to something.

He stares deeply at me for a moment. I unsuspectingly turned off the emergency button.

"Why would you want to be married to a sick, dying man?"

'To get my revenge for the life you stole from me' I said inwardly, cringing at my bitterness.

"For the money of course! Why else would I want to be associated with a Mafia?"

He leaned into his seat and whispered something inaudible to one of his men.

I heard a commotion behind me, I turned to see the other women being forced to leave.

"What's happening?" I asked, scanning the crowd for Lily.

"We already found our bride." He grinned at me.

“Wait, what?” I said, but he silenced me by holding me towards an open place.

Following him for a stroll through the garden, I started to feel uncomfortable with the awkward silence.

"Your brother, what is he like?" I ask, trailing my hand on the lilies.

"My brother is... let's just say he's different. You'd get to know more once you move in with us. My men will pick you up as soon as you're packed and ready."

"Already?" I said, blurting out in surprise.

Turning to me, he looked surprised.

"Isn't that what you hoped for?" His tone hinted he was a little suspicious of me.

I hadn't expected to move in immediately. I needed time to come up with a brilliant plan and with Lance's help, I'll stay low on his radar.

"Ouch! Sorry." I bumped into him. I hadn't seen him stop moving.

"Do you have a hobby of bumping into people?" He said with a smirk, a cute smile danced across his lips.

For a moment, I saw him differently. His fine blonde hairstyle gelled to the back made his beautiful eyes and perfectly defined, strong jawline more pronounced.

I lowered my head and blinked, blocking out the thoughts of him ever looking charming to me. I couldn't loose concentration at this point.

"Sorry, I can be silly sometimes." I said, tucking my hair over my ears.

He scoffed. "What's your name?"

Lifting my head up, my face was almost touching his! My eyes widened, I didn't know he'd leaned in.

I cleared my throat and quickly regained my composure.

"Figured your men would've run a background check on me by now, or is that not so?"

He chuckled, lifting his head up.

"Think of it as an official introduction."

I was no fool, I knew he just wanted to verify the information he'd gotten about me. And as planned, I only gave what I wanted him to know.

"I also figured something out. You dared to approach me to get my attention first before any of these women did, didn't you?" He asked daringly.

I smirked.

"Smart, but pretty slow for a man like you."

'Finally catching up to something, huh?' I said in my head.

"Were you not afraid?"

"You were without your bodyguards," I reminded, "Why would I be afraid? I saw an opportunity and took it" I shrugged.

"You were stupid, I wasn't without security." He chuckled, shaking his head.

What did he mean? I clearly didn't see any guard with him that night.

"How so? There was no one by your side last I remembered. Harming you would've been so easy if I had that intentions"

"See, that is the trick. I own the club." He grinned weirdly.

He owned the club? I was stunned. It's little wonder why he was so carefree when I approached him.

Looking up at something, his face stiffened. I want to turn around and investigate, but he dismisses me in a rush.

I went back home angrily at his swift dismissal. I decided to hold in my angry and select my clothes to move in.

Packing my things in a box, I heard a loud knock on my door.

"What took you so long to open?" Lance walked in.

"I've been fine, thanks for asking after you disappeared for two days— where have you been, Lance?!" I fired.

"Work." He raised his hand up in defense

"I've been there, you're lying."

"Ok, just private stuff. I rushed down as soon as I saw your emergency call, what happened?"

"I'm getting married.” I said deadpan.