Chapter 6: The Invite

Olivia sat alone in the living room; her thoughts were racing as she tried to picture the image of kiss exchange with Victor. His kiss warmth still feels on her lips like a dangerous blend of passion and control that terrifies her. She knew she was playing with fire, yet every time she pushed back, Victor only seemed to draw her in deeper, as if her resistance was fueling his obsession more and more.

Minutes passed, and then hours, but Victor didn’t return. Olivia feels anxiety building in her, mind wandering to the possibilities of what could have called him away so urgently. She tried to brush it off, convincing herself it was just another one of his business matters. But she couldn’t.

Unable to sleep, she goes back to her room and collapsed onto the bed, all day exhaustion was pulling her.

Morning came, and Olivia wakes up by light voices outside her room. She slipped out of bed and open the door. She found Victor in the hallway, speaking with a man she didn’t recognize; a tall, broad-shouldered man with sharp features and sharp eyes. They spoke in low voices, and Olivia heard their conversation.

“…keeping her under control?” the strange man asked, his voice full with doubt.

Victor’s jaw clenched, but he nodded. “She is adjusting. It takes time, but she’ll come to understand her place.”

The words hit like a hammer on Olivia’s head. She quickly pulled back from the door; her heart was pounding hardly. The realization that Victor was discussing her like some sort of possession burns a fire of anger and fear. She had to find a way to reclaim control of her life but she couldn’t let him trap her in his twisted arrangement forever.

But how? Victor’s influence seems to extend far beyond the line.

Later that evening, Victor approached her in the living room, where she was reading a book to distract herself. He was dressed in a black suit; his presence was commanding as always.

“We’re going to a party tonight,” he said.

Olivia’s eyebrow raised. “A party?”

He nodded with a light smile. “It’s a gathering of… associates. You’ll be at my side, as my wife. Consider it as a test of your loyalty.”

She bit her tongue, knowing any protest would be meaningless. “Fine,” she replied. Victor’s eyes go over her body. “Wear something appropriate. I will have a dress sent to your room.”

As he turned to leave, she asked. “Why do you even need me there, Victor? You’ve made it clear I am just another pawn in your game.”

He paused, glancing over his shoulder with a smirk. “Maybe I enjoy showing off my possessions,” he replied smoothly. “Or maybe I just want to see how far you will go before you break.”

With that, he walked away. She knew he was baiting her. If he wanted her to play the role of the obedient wife, she would; but on her own terms.

As the evening comes, a black dress arrived in her room, wrapped across the bed. It was elegant, seductive, and designed to highlight her every curve.

Olivia wore the dress; its silky fabric was clinging to her body. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror, hardly recognizing her. With a touch of makeup and her hair brushed into an elegant style, she looked every bit the part of Victor’s trophy wife.

Victor was waiting for her at the entrance, his eyes go over her with a satisfied glow. He offered his arm, and with a sigh, she took it, allowing him to lead her to the car.

They arrived at lavish mansion on the borders of the city, the grand building illuminated by hundreds of lights that cast a golden glow over the grounds. Olivia’s heart raced as they entered, the crowd of elegantly dressed guests whispering and glancing in their direction. She was fully aware of Victor’s grip on her arm, a light reminder of his control.

As they moved through the crowd, Victor introduced her to various guests like businessmen, politicians, powerful people she had only seen on the news. Each introduction feels like another chain locking her to his world, each handshake was a reminder of how deeply his power survive.

At one point, she found herself alone, Victor have stepped away to speak with a group of men in dark suits. She sees around, searching for an exit, a window or anything that might offer a chance of escape. But before she could act, a voice broke through her thoughts.

“Feeling out of place?” the man asked, his voice was soft and almost sympathetic.

Olivia turned. A tall, well-dressed man with light blue eyes watching her closely. He was older, with a touch of gray in his hair, and there was a kindness in his eyes that put her at ease.

“I suppose I am,” she replied cautiously yet unsure of his intentions.

He chuckles softly, extending a hand. “Alexander Reed. I’m an old friend of Victor’s.”

She shook his hand, feeling a hope. “Olivia,” she replied, hesitating before adding, “his… wife.”

A look of surprise crossed Alexander’s face, followed by something else like pity or perhaps understanding. “Victor has always been… intense,” he said carefully, glancing over at where Victor was standing, busy in conversations. “But I didn’t expect him to settle down.”

Olivia forced a smile, unwilling to reveal the truth of their arrangement. “It is… complicated.”

Alexander gave a nod, as if he understood more than she was saying. “If you ever need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out.” He slipped a card into her hand, and she quickly hid it in her clutch, her heart was racing at the prospect of an ally.

Before she could respond, Victor returned, his eyes darkens as he noticed Alexander’s presence. “Is there a problem?” he asked, his voice was cold.

Alexander smiled; his expression was calm. “Just getting to know your lovely wife, Victor. She is quite charming.”

Victor’s arm tightens around her waist, his possessiveness burning. “Indeed. She’s very… loyal.”

The tension between the two men was tangible, and Olivia sensed rivalry between them, something deeper than a mere associate. But before she could analyze it further, Victor guided take away, his grip was firm.

They spent the rest of the evening. Victor’s behavior was growing colder and more controlling with each passing hour. Olivia feels like a pawn in his game. But the card hidden in her clutch was a reminder that she might not be as alone as she thought.

As the night goes on, Victor finally lead her back to the car. She could tell his inner part was boiling, though he masked it with his usual exterior.

Once they were back in the house, he rounded her, his eyes were full with anger. “What did Alexander say to you?” he asked.

Olivia looked in his eyes, without showing any fear. “He was just being polite,” she replied. “Something you could learn from.”

His expression darkens, and he took a step closer. “I don’t need you to make friends,” he whispered. “Especially not with men like Alexander.”

“Why? Are you afraid I might find someone who treats me with respect?” she shot back at him.

Victor’s eyes get dark, and for a moment, she thought he might lose control. But instead, he took a step back. “Remember your place, Olivia. I own you. And I don’t take kindly to betrayal.”

Before she could respond, he turned and walk out of the room, leaving her alone. As she stands there, breathing heavily, she realized that Victor’s jealousy and obsession might be her way out. If she could find a way to exploit his weaknesses and turn his possessiveness against him, she might regain the control she so desperately craved for.

But she knew it was hard to play, one that could easily end in disaster. And as she held Alexander’s card in her hand, she felt a little hope and fear.

To be continued…