Trapped

Lily's POV

Willy's head slumped, unconscious.

Kael's voice was cold and detached. "Keep him alive. I want answers."

I stood frozen, my eyes fixed on Willy's limp body as the guards dragged him away. Gabi nodded and followed.

Kael turned to me, his eyes narrowing. "You better pray your friend isn't connected to who Willy mentioned. If I find out you're connected in any way, trust me, Lily, you'll beg for death, but you won't find it."

I swallowed hard, trying to process the horror before me. How can my day go from bad to worse?

"S-sir, my Timothy isn't..." I stammered. But it was like what I said angered him because nails dug deep into my skin.

"Tonight, you sleep with me." He dragged me to his room and threw one of his shirts at me. "Behaviour that."

I hesitated, my hands trembling. "Sir, I—" I stammered, but he cut me off.

"You should know better than to argue with me," he interrupted.

I swallowed hard and took the shirt, my hands trembling. As I changed, Kael watched my every move. I felt exposed. When I finished, he nodded and turned off the light.

"Sleep," he ordered.

I climbed into bed, shaking like a leaf as he lay beside me; even in the dark, I could sense his eyes on me. As I drifted into an uneasy sleep, I felt Kael's large arm around my waist.

---

The next morning came quickly. Memories of the previous night hit me like a bullet to the chest, but today, I'd be free.

I quickly got dressed, eager to escape Kael's mansion and focus on the reason I was in Milan in the first place. The competition.

But my happiness died down when I saw Kael waiting impatiently with my phone inside his car. Defeated, I followed him. I couldn't leave my phone with him, my invitation card for the competition was there.

As we arrived at the venue, I spotted a familiar face among the crowd: Mr Bernard, the man who advised me to apply for the competition. For a moment, I felt very safe.

The safest I've been since I landed.

But Kael's grip on my arm tightened, his fingers digging into my skin like a vice.

"Don't think for a moment that you're free to go about your business," he whispered, his breath tickling my ear.

His words sent a shiver down my spine.

Shortly after, the competition's esteemed host, Leonardo Bianchi, welcomed the crowd, and the competition began.

As I painted, I was surprised to see Timothy amongst the crowd, watching me. His smile made my heart skip a beat, distracting me from the fear that had taken over me earlier.

Finally, after painting, the judges announced the winners of the first round, and I couldn't believe my ears when they declared me one of the winners who would move to the next.

"Congratulations, Lily," Mr Bernard said, smiling warmly as he handed me the documents. "Your talent is undeniable, and your unique perspective is a breath of fresh air in the art world."

I happily signed the contract and took the cheque. Finally, Nana will be safe.

I scanned the crowd, searching for Timothy; luckily, I spotted him near the exit and hurried toward him.

"Hey, sorry I couldn't text back last night. I was busy,” I apologized.

“It's fine. Are you okay? You look…. troubled, is there anything I can help with?" Timothy asked.

Just as he was about to place his hand on my forehead, Kael appeared and pulled me to his side.

"Nobody touches her," he growled, the sound sending a chill through the air.

Mr Bernard approached, "Ah, Kael, I see you've found your protégée," he said. "Allow me to formally introduce Lily to her benefactor."

Benefactor?

Oh, no, I hope it's not what I'm thinking.

"Lily, this is Mr Kael, the main sponsor of this competition," Mr Bernard continued. "He has graciously offered to support our winners, providing them with the resources and network."

Kael's gaze locked onto mine.

"It would be best if you stayed with Mr. Kael," He advised, "You have no accommodation, and Kael has taken it upon himself to take you in. Also, his influence will undoubtedly open doors for you."

My heart sank, trapped once more in Kael's web of control

"I think we've discussed the arrangements, Mr. Kael," Judge Bernard said. "I'll leave you two."

With that, he turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving me alone with Kael and Timothy.

"I have somewhere I can stay, Mr Kael. Thanks for the offer," I said, moving away from his side.

There is no way I'll stay with Kael. No way.

Kael's gaze never wavered from mine, his eyes burning with an intense possessiveness that made all the hairs on my body stand.

"Why will I let my wife stay away from me?" Kael said, his voice low and deliberate.

“What wife?” I stared at him confused,

Kael handed me a contract, and as I read it, it seemed like the air around me vanished.

“Slave contract?” I muttered.

I was a property of Kael?

His slave? His wife? Whatever he tells me to be.

"This is sick and false. I never gave consent, especially to someone like you.” I said, angrily ripping the contract into shreds.

“You did earlier when you happily signed what Bernard gave you. I still have copies of that.” Kael said, a playful smirk tugging on his lip.

“You can't be serious, you set me up?!” I was beyond pissed, but Kael seemed to be enjoying my outrage, and I felt like slapping that smirk off his face.

But, I knew better. I needed my hand.

Just then, Timothy spoke. “I can handle it….”

"And you are?" Kael interrupted.

"Timothy," Timothy replied, his gaze never leaving Kael. "Timothy Malcom, CEO of Elixir Inc."

Kael's eyes narrowed. "Timothy, Elixir Inc," he murmured, "How interesting."

Kael's gaze locked onto mine, and my eyes widened in shock when I realized what it meant.

Timothy's company was the one where Kael's unreleased products were sold.

And he might as well be the one who sent Willy to blow up Kael's warehouse.

I swallowed hard.

Shit, Kael is going to skin me alive.