[WARNING: THIS BOOK IS EXTREMELY DARK] - "Hello there, blonde!" A voice drawled, carrying the same disturbing charm that always sent chills down her spine. Scarlet gasped and her eyes widened in absolute terror to find herself staring at the face that haunted her nightmares. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she desperately prayed this was all some twisted dream, that she had died on the operating table rather than wake up to face this monster again. His piercing gaze troubled her soul as it always did. It was after all, a constant reminder of the profound torment he'd inflicted on her that night. "Oh, you're no longer a blonde?" he mused mockingly, lifting one hand to brush the shortened strands of her hair. Scarlet flinched. The hate rolling off him filled her with a sense of immense dread that sparked an internal plea for salvation. She tried to flee but he pounced with lightning speed, effortlessly pinning her beneath him. "Virginity restoration?" He sneered down at her. "You really want to deceive your poor fiancé like this? Make him think he's getting something pure and untouched?" The words hit their marks. Scarlett's mind reeled with horrible thoughts and crushing doubt. "I bet you thought changing your hair would help you hide your shame, didn't you?" The sarcasm in his voice twisted into something darker and more menacing as his expression morphed into the same angry sneer he'd worn on that terrible day he destroyed her life. His other hand seized her chin in a bruising grip, forcing her to meet his cold stare. "Look at me!" He growled. "What's the point of getting all stitched back up if you're still going to be thinking about me every second!"
View MoreA heavy sense of danger surrounded a sleek black car, followed closely by two similar vehicles until they stopped in front of the grand gates of a tall skyscraper.
Big men in sharp black suits got out of the other cars and lined up behind the lead vehicle like soldiers.
The driver rushed to open the back door for the man inside.
First, a pair of long legs stepped out, wearing shoes so shiny they reflected the city around them. Then, a tall man emerged, dressed in a suit that looked like it was made from gold threads
His hair was jet black and perfectly styled, though a few rebellious strands fell across his forehead.
His eyes were a steely gray, sharp and intense, with brows that arched dramatically against his skin.
He smoothed out his suit as he walked towards the building entrance.
A slight smirk appeared on his lips—hardly noticeable but definitely there.
"Good morning, sir!" His employees greeted him in unison, bowing their heads respectfully.
Some of them were barely able to stand straight without trembling like a leaf as he passed, followed by a group of men who seemed to shadow him.
No one dared to break the tension that suddenly blanketed the entire space.
He moved with confidence and strength, every step radiating a masculinity that made women’s hearts race, even though his aura was extremely cold.
The private elevator doors opened with a soft ding, signaling his arrival on his private floor.
"Good morning, sir," his secretary, Joey, greeted lowering her head to show respect.
He walked by without acknowledging her or even looking her way.
Joey was used to his indifference, so she straightened up and adjusted her outfit.
She undid the top two buttons of her blouse, revealing a hint of her creamy skin.
Then she hiked up her skirt just enough to showcase her toned legs and retouched her makeup.
Her hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders as she sauntered towards his office door with newfound confidence.
She knocked gently on the polished wood before entering with a seductive sway of her hips. "Sir, I have brought the paperwork you requested," Joey announced, placing the files before him and bending over slightly to accentuate her feminine allure.
Yet, the man before her didn't spare her a glance.
"Perhaps you've forgotten, but I have no interest in cheap thrills," he stated icily without raising his gaze from the documents spread before him.
Joey felt a flush of embarrassment creep up her neck at his blunt dismissal.
She bowed her head in shame and quickly made to retreat from the room.
The realization that she had overstepped the boundaries of propriety hit her like a winter chill, but the depth of her love for him was such that she was ready to gamble away her decorum for just one night in his arms.
"Hold it!" His deep and resonant voice suddenly sliced through the tension-filled air, causing her to halt abruptly in her tracks.
"Are you a virgin?" His question hung heavily in the room.
"Yes Mr. Creighton, I am a virgin," Joey responded swiftly, her voice barely above a whisper.
He nodded slowly, his gaze steady on hers.
The room once again fell into a weighted silence that seemed to stretch out endlessly.
"Be at my place when the clock strikes twelve! You know the drill. Now get out!" He finally spoke flatly.
Joey could feel her heart hammering against her ribcage like a wild bird desperate to escape its cage.
She knew precisely what he meant by 'you know the drill.' It was an unspoken directive for her to arrive clad in a provocative red dress that left little to the imagination.
A wave of exhilaration washed over her entire being at his words. "Yes sir, I will be punctual," she murmured softly before turning on her heel to exit his office.
Her legs wobbled slightly under the weight of anticipation as she kept picturing herself spending an intimate night with him.
'I have finally managed to capture his attention.' Joey screamed internally. This was a feat that felt akin to scaling Mount Everest.
—-
As Joey completed the last bit of paperwork for the day, an involuntary smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.
A ball of nerves all day long, she had been counting down the hours until dusk so she could surrender herself fully on his plush bed.
A glance at her wristwatch showed 6:15 p.m., prompting Joey to rise from behind the desk and make her way toward the CEO's office.
Her nerves were stretched taut as a violin string from the adrenaline rush.
Her hand trembled slightly as she reached out to knock gently on the imposing glass door before pulling it open and stepping inside.
She treaded softly until she was just a few paces behind him.
He stood tall by the expansive glass window, his silhouette framed against the cityscape below.
His hands were nonchalantly tucked into his pockets while he stared at the bustling metropolis beneath him.
His eyes held a distant, icy quality that hinted at a mind teeming with thoughts - thoughts that usually occupied him whenever he found himself alone.
"Sir," Joey began with flirtation that was as much a part of her as the curls cascading down her back. "I've completed my tasks for today, and if it's not too much trouble, I'd like to leave a bit earlier so I can prepare myself for our rendezvous tonight."
He didn't even swivel around to acknowledge her request. Instead, he nonchalantly raised his wrist, the glinting diamond watch catching the afternoon sunlight streaming through the blinds.
Then a low hum of agreement rumbled deep in his chest.
A triumphant grin bloomed across Joey's face, lighting up her eyes. "Thank you ever so much, sir," she replied gracefully. "I'll be ready at the stroke of midnight," she promised before spinning on her heel and exiting the room with an air of satisfaction.
The shrill ring of his phone shattered the silence left in Joey's wake.
His jaw tightened instinctively, thinking it was an unwelcome interruption from someone whose life he wouldn't think twice about ending. However, as he pulled out his phone and saw the caller ID, his stern expression melted into one of soft affection.
"Hey babe," he greeted warmly.
A soft chuckle echoed from the other end of the line. "How was your day, my darling Dane? Why haven't you come home yet? When you're away for so long, love, you should know it has me fretting."
"There's no need to worry yourself over me, mama," Dane reassured her gently.
His voice was laced with exhaustion but also a hint of fondness. "I'm just buried under work right now." He paused before adding softly, "Get some rest, Mom; I'll be coming home late, so don't stay awake waiting."
Mrs Creighton sighed heavily on the other end, her heart heavy with worry and resignation. She was no stranger to his nocturnal activities, but it didn't make it any easier to accept.
"Alright, son. Just...be careful," she implored, her voice trembling slightly.
"Sleep well, mom."
With that final sentiment, Dane ended the call.
Dane's gaze locked onto her as he finished reciting his commandments."I'm not really one for negotiations or suggestions. These aren't guidelines we're discussing. They're absolute requirements. If you choose to be rebellious, disrespectful, or disobedient, the consequences won't fall on you alone. Your family, your friends, and anyone you care about will share in whatever punishment I deem appropriate." His tone shifted to something almost friendly as he took a step closer."Betrayal is the one thing I cannot and will not forgive. Cross me, attempt to deceive me, or even think about working against my interests, and it's over. Not just for you, but for everyone connected to you." Scarlett understood that her compliance wasn't just about her own survival anymore. It was about protecting everyone she'd ever cared about from his wrath."I may add new rules at any time as circumstances require. Each one is designed to ensure your wellbeing and our mutual happiness." The way he said "hap
The car wound through Hartland's affluent neighborhoods before finally approaching the imposing gates of the Creighton estate.The mansion that came into view was breathtaking in its grandeur, easily twice the size of her family's home and infinitely more intimidating."Your overly brave brother had the audacity to attack this place," Dane said conversationally as they passed through the inner gates. "That's why you never got the chance to visit before. But this is your permanent residence now. Your prison, and I'm your warden. There are guards everywhere, security systems monitoring every inch of the grounds. Don't try anything foolish."The car came to a stop in the circular drive, and Dane made no move to help her exit the vehicle. Instead, he sat back and watched as she struggled once again with her elaborate dress, his expression one of detached amusement."Tonight will be different from any other night you've experienced," his words carrying promises she didn't want to contempla
Dane's words were delivered with chilling calm, as if he were discussing the weather rather than threatening murder.Scarlett brought her hand to her mouth and let out a soft sniffle as tears welled up despite her best efforts to contain them."Don't cry." The words were whispered in a thoroughly irritated tone.She lifted her head and blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears as she waited for him to continue his warnings and threats."You'll smile and behave exactly as a bride should. Deeply in love with her groom, and completely happy with this marriage." He turned from the window to face her, a sarcastic smile playing on his lips. "You already have experience in that, don't you? Playing the loving wife?"The barb hit its mark, and Scarlett lowered her head, breathing softly as she tried to steady her trembling form."You'll do exactly as I command to ensure your brother's survival. You'll appear to be the most radiant, proud bride anyone has ever seen. Do you understand?" Dan
A scream tore from Scarlett's throat, ending the nightmare.She bolted upright in bed, her body shaking with terror as the nightmare clung to her mind.Tears streamed down her face as she struggled to separate dream from reality.She hadn't slept since coming here. Last night she had managed to sleep only to be haunted by nightmares.Fear gripped her senses as she realized what the dream meant.The woman in the nightmare wasn't who she wanted to become. A killer capable of taking Lincoln's life, someone who could find pleasure in violence and blood.Her sobs echoed through the room until Mrs. Creighton gently pulled her from the grip of panic, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "My dear! It was just a dream. Please stop crying."Scarlett blinked and saw the frail form and gentle soul of her mother-in-law, the only source of kindness in this nightmare."Please don't leave me alone. I'm so scared," she whispered, breathing hard.Mrs. Creighton nodded, running her fingers through
Dane entered Scarlett's room without knocking.She sat on the edge of the bed, staring out the window, not even acknowledging his presence.He tossed the folder onto the bed beside her.Scarlett's stomach clenched when she saw it, instinct telling her that whatever was inside would change everything."Put your fingerprint here and sign your name." He commanded.Scarlett's hands shook as she opened the folder, revealing two documents that made her blood run cold.The first was a divorce decree bearing Lincoln Blake's name, complete with what appeared to be his signature, which she could swear was definitely forged.The second was a marriage certificate with Dane Creighton's bold signature already in place, waiting for hers."I won't sign this." She wavered between fear and defiance. "You can't make me do this. I love my husband. I will never leave him for a psychotic beast."She threw the papers aside, her eyes blazing with fury as she met his cold stare.Dane let out a slow breath, hi
Dane's word had left no doubt. This wasn't just a threat anymore. He was making it real.He stormed out with that declaration, his men following behind him.The door slammed shut, leaving Scarlett staring at the wooden barrier that separated her from the outside world.Mrs. Creighton moved closer carefully."Don't worry, child. His words can't control your destiny. There's always hope, always another way." She wrapped Scarlett in a comforting embrace."I wish I could believe that." She wiped her tears fiercely, still staring at the door.The older woman tightened her embrace, offering what comfort she could.Dane slid into the driver's seat of his black sedan.Two cars flanked him, carrying his security team. Behind them, a van carried those who'd once stood with his mother, Chris among them.Dane pushed thoughts of revenge aside. His mind was consumed by something more important.The hospital was his destination. Mr. Wovers held keys to doors Dane needed opened, and he wouldn't leave
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