Chapter 6

ERICA

I sat in tense silence, gripping the fabric of my dress, now stained with dirt and sand. My heart pounded so loudly in my chest, it felt as if the whole world could hear its frantic beat.

I tried to ignore the incessant thumping of my heart and focus on the world outside the car, the bustling streets that overflowed with life, a blend of movement, color, and sound at every corner. But it was of no use as long as that monster sat next to me.

I took side glances of him, trying so hard not to make it obvious.

Raffael sat a few seats away, his cold presence suffocating the space between us. He looked utterly formidable—maniacal and ruthless, exuding a terrifying sense of control.

How could my father do this to me? To Lilibeth? Now I’ve been sold off to this man against my will to clear up a debt I never knew off.

It all felt like a terrible nightmare to me, one I badly wanted to wake up from. My fingernails sank into my skin, leaving behind marks and cuts as we drove further