Chapter 5: Weaknesses

The days which followed the business dinner settled into an uncomfortableness. Victor insisted on controlling nearly every aspect of Olivia’s new life, from what she wore to who she could speak to. His possessiveness was becoming suffocating, yet there was a warmth in his eyes that made her heart race. She found herself walking on a tightrope between defiance and submission, testing his limits while unwillingly surrendering small parts of herself to his will.

The house became her prison. Each morning, she woke to find Victor already dressed, his mind was in phone calls and meetings, planning each day. Despite her attempts to establish some independence, it became clear that Victor's impact touched every corner of her world. She had nowhere to run, no safe place outside his eyes.

One evening, as she sat on the balcony looking the city, she heard his footsteps approaching. She straightened and braced herself for another one of their tension-filled conversations.

“You seem deep in thought,” he remarked, leaning against the door with a drink in his hand. He had a way of observing her that made her feel exposed.

Olivia wrapped her arms around herself, seeing with his cool expression. “I was just thinking about how different my life has become,” she replied with bitterness. “I used to have control over my own choices.”

Victor’s eyes darkened. “Control is an illusion, Olivia. No one has true control. Especially not when they are at the mercy of situations.”

She scoffed, refusing to let him pull her. “That’s just an excuse to justify the way you treat people,” “You manipulate, dominate and force others into submission. But that doesn’t make you strong, it only makes you a tyrant.”

His expression changed to something dangerous, but instead of reacting in anger, he took a step closer. “You are very bold to speak to me like that,” he said, his voice was soft yet loaded with threat. “Do you think I won’t remind you of your place?”

Olivia looked in his eyes. “I’m not afraid of you, Mr. Victor.”

For a brief moment, silence hung between them. Then, Victor reached out, grabbing her chin firmly. “Perhaps you should be,” he whispered. His grip was unyielding.

As his eyes goes on her, something shifted in his expression which was quickly masked by his usual exterior. He released her, turning away as though he had revealed himself too much.

“Get ready,” he said shortly. “We’re going out.” “Out? Where?” she asked with confusion.

Victor didn’t respond, instead he gestured her to follow. She wanted to resist but curiosity got on her. She followed him down to the private elevator. The car ride was silent, Victor stares out the window as if he was lost in thought.

They arrived at an exclusive art gallery, and Olivia was surprised. The modern building was full with soft lights, and as they entered, she was greeted by the beautiful paintings and sculptures from famous artists. She felt her heart beating fast, the familiar comfort of art reminding her of the life she had left behind.

“Why are we here?” she asked, glancing at Victor suspiciously.

He looked at her. “I thought you’d appreciate a change of scenery.”

It was a rare moment and for a few second, Olivia wondered if there was more to him than the cold, like a domineering behavior that he shows. But then Victor’s hand found the small part of her back, guiding her through the gallery with a possessive grip that reminded her of her place in his life.

As they moved from one exhibition to another, Olivia found herself drawn to a painting like a haunting illustration of a lonely woman standing on the edge of a cliff, her face was covered but her posture straight. The brushstrokes were dark and the colors were soft, yet there was a power in the image that resembles with Olivia’s own struggles.

“You like it?” Victor’s voice broke her thoughts, his eyes were fixed on her face as she studied the painting.

She gave a nod unable to take her eyes away. “It’s… haunting. But beautiful.”

Without a word, Victor signaled to a nearby gallery assistant. Within moments, he purchased the painting, his wealth and power was secured with a single gesture. Olivia stared at him in shock.

“You didn’t have to do that,” she protested. “I didn’t ask for it.”

“I know,” he replied in low voice. “But I wanted you to have something that reflects your spirit.”

As they continued through the gallery, Olivia couldn’t shake the feeling that Victor was peeling away layers of her shield, exposing her fears and desires. She didn’t know how much longer she could resist him.

Later that night, back at the house, she was unable to sleep. The painting he had bought for her had been hung on the wall, its haunting image was a constant reminder of the power he held over her life. She wandered into the living room, staring at it, lost in thought, when she heard footsteps approaching.

Victor appeared in the doorway, his eyes go to the painting and then back to her. “You are up late,” he said crossing his arms as he leaned against the wall.

Olivia heart pounded. “I couldn’t sleep.”

He studied her for a moment before gesturing for her to sit. “You think I’m a monster,” he said, his voice was calm but dark. “And perhaps I am. But I’ve never hidden who I am, Olivia. You are the one who has chosen to step into my world.”

She swallows hard. He was right, in a way. She had agreed to this arrangement, knowing full well what kind of man he was. But she hadn’t knew he would control her life.

“I don’t think you’re a monster,” she said quietly. “I just think you’re just… damaged. And maybe that’s why you try so hard to control everything around you.”

Victor’s expression hardens. “Careful, Olivia,” he warned, his voice falling to a dangerous whisper. “You’re walking on thin ice.”

“Maybe I like the risk,” she replied.

Victor leaned forward; his face was few inches away. “Is that so?” he whispers, while challenging. “Then perhaps it’s time to test just how much risk you are willing to take.”

Before she could react, he closed the distance between them, his lips were on hers in a kiss that was both possessive and punishing. She feels like her body was reacting to his raw and warm touch. It was a kiss filled with anger and frustration, that left her breathless and shaken.

When he finally pulled back, his eyes were dark and he was gasping. “Remember, Olivia,” he gave a warning. “You belong to me now. And I don’t take kindly to disobedience.”

She stared at him, her heart was pounding hard with the weight of his words and actions. She knew she was playing with fire, but part of her craved the burn and the danger that came with being attached to a man as powerful and ruthless as Victor Husley.

But as she sat there, still catching her breath, she knew the line was blurring between them and there would be no escape.

Suddenly, Victor’s phone ring. He glanced at his phone’s screen as he stood up.

“Stay here,” he ordered her and walk out of the room.

As the door shut, Olivia sensed that something was happening and it was only the beginning and that her life was about to take a darker and more dangerous turn.

To be continued…