Chapter 2

"Are you trying to command me?" he asked, furrowing his brows and shaking his head. Followed by Magnus's laughter, as if amused by what I said.

Damn! This guy is really stubborn!

Before long, he pulled me closer and stared into my eyes. Like, what does he want? I can't figure him out, I can't make him submit!

"Don't dare to provoke me, honey. I'm not easy to control," he smiled.

I forcefully pushed him away. I really dislike guys like him.

I scanned him from his well-groomed hair and black suit down to his black pointed shoes.

I couldn't find anything wrong with him, except for his attitude, of course.

"So, what's the plan?" I asked, crossing my arms.

He grinned, then sat on the marble garden bench, even before we entered, he was already teasing me outside.

His guards surrounded us, as if blind before. They didn't even move, like robots just staring into the distance.

"Listen, Vanna. I am Magnus, and as your parents have proposed..." I raised my eyebrow.

"They want us to come together for the benefit of the relationship between Russia that I represent and Spain where, obviously, you are currently residing."

He ran his hand through his hair like it was charming, I didn't pay much attention but... he's a charmer.

"Your focus is elsewhere, Vanna," he pointed out when he saw I wasn't paying attention.

"So, what's the plan? Just get to the point, Magnus." His smile widened, revealing his white teeth.

"You have no patience, do you?"

"Better to be direct, I don't like shortcuts," I rolled my eyes. It was clear I wanted to finish our conversation.

"Vanna." The way he said my name sounded sexy and masculine. His husky baritone voice made my skin tremble. His voice was cold.

I didn't reply.

"I will not only take you as my wife..." he said, giving me a reason to wait for what he had to say.

"I am also doing this to give you your freedom." His words caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting to hear that.

Who is this man really?

"What did you say?"

"Just like you don't need shortcuts, I don't need to repeat myself. Once is enough, and I know you heard me clearly," he said, then stood up.

"Come on, the food is ready. I think you need to eat more, you're so thin," he remarked about my waist.

Was he staring at me earlier? Am I the only one with a dirty mind?

He took my hand and led me inside his mansion. In this case, I had to be with him, he was the only one I could rely on if I wanted to break free from the world I had.

I returned to the present, now ready to confront that idiot again. He left my questions unanswered, that mysterious Magnus.

I slowly walked out of my room and descended the grand staircase.

I saw him in his grey tailored suit with his fancy shoes. I knew his figure very well. Just by his stance, it was like I was seeing one of the Mafia lords I usually met in the office. But, of course…it was impossible for him to be one of them, he was just a wealthy heir from a wealthy family. My big catch!

Wearing my nude bodycon dress, red stilettos, a high bun, and light makeup, I knew I was the reason his face looked astonished.

As I descended the stairs, I saw him extend his hand, offering to help me walk, even though I didn't need it. I am capable on my own, thank you!

He was taken aback because I didn't accept his offer. I stood my ground, knowing that I can support myself.

He shook his head, smiling, and remarked, "Beautiful yet hard to get as always..."

I glanced into his black eyes and replied, "You must impress me, Magnus. I'm not your average."

"Of course, you're special," he replied, handing me a bouquet that I accepted graciously.

"And what about the plans?"

Placing his hand on my waist, he whispered into my left ear, "We have to leave, I've already arranged it."

I distanced myself slightly, wearing my skeptical expression.

"And?"

"They've agreed," he responded.

"Where are we going then?"

"Guess," Magnus said, holding my fingers.

I had no idea what was going on in this man's mind.

"What? Where?" I was starting to get irritated, although truth be told, I was excited about what he said.

As we began to walk, upon seeing the exit, I noticed his luxurious car parked there - his expensive Ferrari that everyone always turns heads.

"Go ahead," he opened the passenger's seat for me. He swung the door, which was obviously pulled up.

Once I was seated, he moved to the driver's seat. As soon as he was inside, he started the engine and checked the mirror.

"Seatbelts," I heard him say.

I immediately complied.

"Ready?" he asked, looking at my face.

"Yes," I replied.

He started the engine, and we were filled with excitement and anticipation. I knew it wouldn't be long before something happened, but all I knew was that from now on, I would trust this man, even though he acted foolishly, knowing that he would keep his promises.

My freedom.

I gazed at the road ahead of us.

All I could see was the road leading to a seaside atmosphere. I wasn't familiar with this place, especially since I hadn't been home to the Philippines in a long time.

I don't know why, but my heart was fluttering with butterflies, and my heartbeat skipped a beat when Magnus held my left hand.

"Vanna," he said without meeting my eyes.

"It's been a long time since I made promises I couldn't keep. I've fulfilled everything." I looked at his face.

Even though he was focused on the road ahead, I knew he was telling the truth. His warm hand and deep voice were enough to assure me of his sincerity.

I kept a smile on my face and said, "Great. That's great!" I don't know why those words came out, but for the first time, I was going to trust a man like him.