|Raven’s POV|
Whoever invented the idea of that spotlight thingy should be jailed.
My eyes widened and my jaw dropped, what sort of ridiculous request did he make? DId he realize that it might cause me a few bruises? And how the hell did he even know my name because I could have sworn that we had never met before.
“Excuse me?” Raphael chuckled, hoping he didn't hear that well.
“I am sure you saw the huge ring on her finger so please clarify your request,” Raphael growled.
“Yes, I would love to go on a date with her. I'm intrigued,”
The crowd erupted into mild whispers and murmurings:
‘Why was he fussing over her and why would the Greek god be interested in a skank like her?’
I guess drama goes everywhere I go.
Raphael scanned the crowd, seeing that they were interested in whether he would keep his words or not. “Fine. I can't exactly go back on my words,”
“Good. I will pick her up tomorrow evening.” He gave a curt nod. His gaze met mine and his lips tugged into a promising smirk that made the hairs on my body stand at their end.
“Let's enjoy the rest of the evening.” The host informed and the guests resumed their businesses. My eyes met Raphael and my legs almost gave up at how angry he looked. He snatched me by the wrist and dragged me to the exit.
I guess the party is over for us.
He pushed me into the car and joined me, immediately the driver rolled up the window, I felt a force hit my face. My head smacked the window and my cheek stung badly. A whimper escaped my lips and I scooted away from him. He yanked my hair so tight that my eyes watered and he gritted out. “Who the fuck is that person to you? And why do you always attract problems?”
“I-I don’t know him. I have never seen him in my life.” I stuttered.
He shoved the face at mine, hoping he would detect if I was telling lies or not, but when he found nothing, he released my hair and went black to his phone like he didn't just hurt me.
“I don’t have any other choice than to let you go on the date. But if I find out that you are behind this stunt, you’d regret knowing me.” He promised.
As if I don’t regret that already.
The ride passed in a blur and before long, we were driving into the hideous mansion that was slowly becoming my house. I swiped my eyes with my thumb as reality slapped me in the face, the possibility that I might end up dying in this marriage and no one would care about what happened.
Raphael stormed into the mansion, and I trailed behind, careful not to upset him or be in his rage path. He stopped mid-track and I froze.
“Go to your room. I don’t want to see your face.” He huffed out. A puff of breath left my lips and my racing heart came to a halt, as I was already calculating how much bruises I would have, especially after the stunt pulled.
We entered the mansion and I skipped to my room, but a booming voice stopped me in my tracks. “Raphael, what bullshit am I hearing about you getting married?” She yelled.
“So you don’t have mistresses anymore, but you want to get married to another person after putting a ring on my finger?”
My heart dropped into the pit of my stomach and my legs almost gave out. So he had a wife? My uncle knew he was married and still gave me away to him?
Tears streamed down my face and my heart clenched painfully as I laid on the bed and curled up like a foetus, the last thing on my mind as I slipped into darkness was when would this be all over? And if this was a nightmare then I hope by the time I wake up again, it would be in the hands of my papa.
~~~
It was finally the most anticipated day for me! My date with Mr powerful aura.
My heart wouldn’t stop going crazy in my chest, the subtle smiles and grins I gave the house workers would have been tagged suspicious if Raphael was around. But luckily, after his episode with Mrs Lau, he’s made himself scarce and had been sending his staff if he wanted to deliver a message.
Or maybe he was controlling himself so he wouldn’t give me bruises. Whatever his reasons were, it worked for me.
I knew I shouldn’t be this happy because at the end of the week which was in two days time, I would still be getting married to Raphael but the excitement of having a taste of another predator who was interested in me excited me a lot more than I would love to admit.
“Signora, we are done!” The team lead chirped.
“It’s signorina. Not Signora Lau yet,” I snapped, my mood souring immediately.
She tipped her head in apology and twirled the strands of her hair around her finger. My heart pounded in my chest as I realized that my slip-up could cause me bruises, especially with me going on a date with a mysterious stranger. However, I had a feeling that he was keeping his hands off me because my wedding was in two days,
It’s hard to believe that I would be marrying that monster but I knew there was no way I could get out of it. The universe was not that kind to me.
Before long, I was done dressing and ready to go on a date with a man I didn't even know. Although, I wasn’t scared that I would be kidnapped because my dearest husband had made sure that I would be going with his scariest guards.
My jaw dropped when I saw the ride waiting for me. It was a freaking limousine. How rich could this person be?
“Miss Raven, please have your seat so we can go. The boss doesn't tolerate tardiness.” The driver’s gravelly voice snapped me out of my head.
I walked graciously to the car and we started moving afterwards. So many things filtered in my head.
‘What does he want from me?’
‘Is he doing this to spite Raphael or does he like me?’
After a while, the drive stopped and I was standing at the front of an Italian restaurant. I rubbed my hands on my thigh repeatedly before taking seductive strides inside. I was ushered to the private booth and my heart stopped for three fucking seconds when I saw him.
Sharp jawline that can cut through glass, curly short black hair, grey piercing eyes, thin kissable lips and bushy brows with a clean shave.
His face was otherworldly, That was the only description I had for him. His lips tugged into a smile as I ogled at him unashamedly.
‘Life would have been so good if I was getting married to him instead of Raphael.’
A deep rich chuckle filled the room and butterflies appeared in my stomach. But they all disappeared when I realized he laughed because I said that out loud.
‘Can this ground just open up and swallow me?’
My face grew hot and I quickly averted my gaze. He towered over me and his rich cologne filtered into my nose.
‘Is it too late to elope with this man? He's literally the reality of my dream man.’
The meals were piled on the table but my appetite wasn't on the food. It was on the man sitting across from me who had barely said a word.
Although, whenever his clinical gaze accessed me, I felt uneasy and nervous because I was being accessed like a lab project but I could see the attraction swimming in his eyes for me.
“What is your name?” I questioned.
He dropped his silverware and wiped his mouth with a napkin while staring at me.
‘How could such an innocent act be so hot and dirty in my mind?’
“Alessio Ferrari.” He answered.
“Hmm, I've never heard of that name before.”
“I would've introduced myself but I know you know I am. However, I would love to cut straight to the point. What do you want from me? Do you realize that your actions this night can make my life miserable especially if his guards report back to Raphael?”
“Do you want them killed? All you need to do is say the word.”
“Are you freaking insane… oh my gosh, are you a psychopath?” I asked genuinely because he looked like he would do it. “You haven’t answered my question.”
His lips tugged into a cruel smirk, and he shrugged, “Like I said, I was just intrigued.”
All of a sudden, my appetite disappeared into thin air.
‘WHO does this man think he is? Did he think he can just trigger my emotions because he is intrigued?’
The chairs squeaked lightly as I stood up abruptly. “Well, I hope you’ve gotten what you wanted. Bye, I hope I never see you again.”
“Still as feisty as ever.” He grinned.
“What?” I paused, “Nevermind… I don’t know you, Mr. Ferrari and my wedding is coming up soon so this can't happen again.”
“When is the wedding?” he asked and I was quite confused.
“Do you want to get married to him? Or do you want out of the wedding?” he asked and the dangerous glint in his eyes made me fidget in my seat, what does he mean? He sounded like he was about to murder someone if I picked the latter of the questions he asked and by the dangerous smirk dancing on his lips I knew he would do it in a heartbeat and that scared the daylights out of me.
|Raven’s POV|Isn't it ironic that exactly one week ago, I was wearing a black dress and today, I'm wearing a white dress that should signify happiness but the question that lingered in my mind was still the same—-Why did my father have to leave me?I stared at the ticking clock on the wall and wished it stopped because that would mean that my life wouldn't get as worse as it would be. I didn't know whether to cry or laugh or wallow in self-pity. I don't know what to do, my heart felt heavy, but I couldn't cry. I couldn't even bring myself to feel any emotions.Every woman has at least once dreamt of their happiest day—becoming a bride and being married to the man they loved. But as for me, I lived for that fantasy because I had always imagined how breathtaking it would be. I never imagined I would be standing in front of a mirror, my hair adorned with pearls and my wedding gown laced with beautiful crystals—just the way I wanted it. But the vision was scary because I was getting marr
|Raven’s POV|The black-drenched cocktail dress was almost the same colour and state of my heart. My heart reeled with only one question--Why did my father leave me now?Just when I was going to tell him my darkest secret, I did not doubt that he would hate me for that, but most especially he would be pissed that I didn’t tell him when he was alive.I had revealed the secret to his lifeless body instead.My eyelids were heavy and my throat was hoarse from crying. I had buried my father a few hours ago and just found it in me to leave the burial ground. However, not seeing my father again made me want to return to the place again.But I needed to comfort my mother, she couldn’t even bear to watch her beloved husband being lowered to the ground. She had left earlier, to protect the rest of her sanity.I stared back at my reflection in the two-way full-length mirror at the entrance that served as a door to the mansion. My sunken yet puffy eyes looked lifeless, my long black hair had lost
If I initially thought I was doomed, I was wrong. Raphael Lau was going to make my life hell.“No-no. You can’t marry me to that monster.” I stuttered,I thought I had exhausted the tears, but the fresh wave of hot tears that rolled down my cheek at the knowledge of being married to that woman beater was worse.“My love, that is not how to talk about your future husband.” His voice interrupted our conversation.I didn’t even hear him walking in.My blood ran cold and bile rose in my throat at his endearment. I suddenly wished my father didn’t die. The middle-aged man had asked my father for my hands in marriage but my father had thrown him out of his mansion that day.“She will learn. I know you will make her submissive.” My uncle assured him.“In no time, trust me. She will learn all the manners her father had failed to teach her and she would become that timid little rabbit you want.” Raphael promised.The first glimpse I saw through my blurry eyes was my husband-to-be’s sleek, shin
|Raven’s POV|‘I shouldn’t be here’ That was what I thought as I stepped outside the hell I was temporarily kept in. My jaw ticked in annoyance as I took in the entourage and display of wealth lined up for the auction party.It’s been three days since my father’s demise and my stay with Raphael. A part of my face hurt from where he had smacked me because I refused to consummate the marriage and the arson attempt on one of his jewelry stores only added to my misery because he took the anger on me, claiming I was cursed.But unfortunately, he refused to let me go.A loud honk resounded in the silent estate snapping me out of my thoughts. With my heart pounding in my chest, I took a deep steadying breath and walked towards the white SUV which Raphael was inside.The driver gave me a curt nod, opening the door for me. I was met with the familiar scent and a tightened jaw. He barely glanced at me before ordering the driver to move.I could feel his heated stare on my body but I loathed be
|Raven’s POV|Isn't it ironic that exactly one week ago, I was wearing a black dress and today, I'm wearing a white dress that should signify happiness but the question that lingered in my mind was still the same—-Why did my father have to leave me?I stared at the ticking clock on the wall and wished it stopped because that would mean that my life wouldn't get as worse as it would be. I didn't know whether to cry or laugh or wallow in self-pity. I don't know what to do, my heart felt heavy, but I couldn't cry. I couldn't even bring myself to feel any emotions.Every woman has at least once dreamt of their happiest day—becoming a bride and being married to the man they loved. But as for me, I lived for that fantasy because I had always imagined how breathtaking it would be. I never imagined I would be standing in front of a mirror, my hair adorned with pearls and my wedding gown laced with beautiful crystals—just the way I wanted it. But the vision was scary because I was getting marr
|Raven’s POV|Whoever invented the idea of that spotlight thingy should be jailed.My eyes widened and my jaw dropped, what sort of ridiculous request did he make? DId he realize that it might cause me a few bruises? And how the hell did he even know my name because I could have sworn that we had never met before.“Excuse me?” Raphael chuckled, hoping he didn't hear that well.“I am sure you saw the huge ring on her finger so please clarify your request,” Raphael growled.“Yes, I would love to go on a date with her. I'm intrigued,” The crowd erupted into mild whispers and murmurings: ‘Why was he fussing over her and why would the Greek god be interested in a skank like her?’ I guess drama goes everywhere I go.Raphael scanned the crowd, seeing that they were interested in whether he would keep his words or not. “Fine. I can't exactly go back on my words,”“Good. I will pick her up tomorrow evening.” He gave a curt nod. His gaze met mine and his lips tugged into a promising smirk th
|Raven’s POV|‘I shouldn’t be here’ That was what I thought as I stepped outside the hell I was temporarily kept in. My jaw ticked in annoyance as I took in the entourage and display of wealth lined up for the auction party.It’s been three days since my father’s demise and my stay with Raphael. A part of my face hurt from where he had smacked me because I refused to consummate the marriage and the arson attempt on one of his jewelry stores only added to my misery because he took the anger on me, claiming I was cursed.But unfortunately, he refused to let me go.A loud honk resounded in the silent estate snapping me out of my thoughts. With my heart pounding in my chest, I took a deep steadying breath and walked towards the white SUV which Raphael was inside.The driver gave me a curt nod, opening the door for me. I was met with the familiar scent and a tightened jaw. He barely glanced at me before ordering the driver to move.I could feel his heated stare on my body but I loathed be
If I initially thought I was doomed, I was wrong. Raphael Lau was going to make my life hell.“No-no. You can’t marry me to that monster.” I stuttered,I thought I had exhausted the tears, but the fresh wave of hot tears that rolled down my cheek at the knowledge of being married to that woman beater was worse.“My love, that is not how to talk about your future husband.” His voice interrupted our conversation.I didn’t even hear him walking in.My blood ran cold and bile rose in my throat at his endearment. I suddenly wished my father didn’t die. The middle-aged man had asked my father for my hands in marriage but my father had thrown him out of his mansion that day.“She will learn. I know you will make her submissive.” My uncle assured him.“In no time, trust me. She will learn all the manners her father had failed to teach her and she would become that timid little rabbit you want.” Raphael promised.The first glimpse I saw through my blurry eyes was my husband-to-be’s sleek, shin
|Raven’s POV|The black-drenched cocktail dress was almost the same colour and state of my heart. My heart reeled with only one question--Why did my father leave me now?Just when I was going to tell him my darkest secret, I did not doubt that he would hate me for that, but most especially he would be pissed that I didn’t tell him when he was alive.I had revealed the secret to his lifeless body instead.My eyelids were heavy and my throat was hoarse from crying. I had buried my father a few hours ago and just found it in me to leave the burial ground. However, not seeing my father again made me want to return to the place again.But I needed to comfort my mother, she couldn’t even bear to watch her beloved husband being lowered to the ground. She had left earlier, to protect the rest of her sanity.I stared back at my reflection in the two-way full-length mirror at the entrance that served as a door to the mansion. My sunken yet puffy eyes looked lifeless, my long black hair had lost