Chapter 8: Playing With Fire

As soon as the call connected, Kourtney couldn't help but overhear snippets of his conversation. The man was even speaking aloud on purpose.

"Yes, Governor Anderson. It's me," Sebastian said, his voice oozing with self-importance. "I'm outside the Civil Affairs office at City Hall, and it seems they've closed early. I need you to intervene and have them reopen for my business. Right now!!!"

Kourtney's eyes widened in disbelief as she gaped at the man.

‘No, he can't be real. That has to be a joke!’ She thought.

She watched him with a mixture of horror and fascination as he continued his conversation, his tone reeked of authority and a hint of threat.

“I understand it's after work hours, but I'm pretty sure you can make an exception for me. I'll be expecting you to handle this promptly, so better don't waste my time,” Sebastian continued to dictate as if he was speaking to a mere servant.

He spoke in a tone that brooked no argument as if his word alone could move mountains. Kourtney couldn't believe it. She snickered inwardly as numerous questions popped into her head. How could he possibly be talking to the governor with such an intimidating aura? Was it really Thomas Anderson, the highly-esteemed and feared governor of Melbourne, this man is speaking to like that?

"Ah! Yes, I appreciate your quick action, Governor. I expect them to reopen within the next five minutes," his tone dripped with satisfaction.

With a smug expression, Sebastian ended the call and slipped his phone back into his pocket. He turned to Kourtney who was staring blankly at him, with a self-satisfied smirk on his handsome face.

"It's done! The bureau will reopen just for us in a few minutes,” he declared.

"You're bluffing, aren’t you? Tell me you're bluffing! Who are you exactly? How can you just... order the Governor around like that? It's impossible.”

Kourtney’s mind was in turmoil. Who was this man that could call up the governor and have him bend to his will? It was as if he held the world on a string, manipulating it to suit his desires. 

Sebastian chuckled darkly, enjoying Kourtney’s disbelief. He was still a little surprised that she had no idea who he was because he was a big shot. The biggest there is in Melbourne. Regardless, he has always kept a low profile, and his public appearances were minimal, so it was understandable if she couldn't recognize him at first glance.

A glint of sadistic amusement danced in his deep blue eyes. "Bluffing? I assure you, I never bluff.”

Governor Anderson was like his personal chess piece, ready to be moved at his command. The man was like a marionette, dancing to his whims. Sebastian was the major sponsor of his governorship campaign, and he held a huge influence over the political landscape of Melbourne. His financial support had propelled Thomas Anderson into power, and in return, Sebastian had gained a position of considerable authority behind the scenes.

Kourtney's heart sank even further as she watched him brag with even more confidence. She realized the man's twisted intentions were far from thwarted. He saw this setback as an opportunity to assert his power and dominance over her.

She watched in a mix of disbelief and horror as a few staff started running back toward the entrance of the building less than three minutes after his phone call with the “Governor.”

As the doors of the City Hall swung open, the officials started scampering to attend to him. The man turned to her, his eyes gleaming with triumph. Her frustration grew to new heights while her shoulders slumped, her last strand of hope slowly fading away.

One of the startled officials emerged before them as if waiting for instructions. The middle-aged man was clearly caught off guard by their unexpected arrival and eager to please them. Sebastian wasted no time strutting towards the bewildered employee, his steps filled with an air of entitlement.

"You will attend to us immediately," he demanded, his voice sharp and commanding. "I trust you understand the importance of prompt service, especially when dealing with someone of my status."

The official nodded frantically, stuttering apologies and scrambling to retrieve the necessary documents. Kourtney stood frozen, watching the man flex his power and authority. It was a chilling display of his ruthless nature.

She was speechless as they made their way into one of the offices, and the weight of the situation hung heavily in the air. She could hardly believe what she had just witnessed. The man had effortlessly summoned the governor, who, in turn, had ordered them to reopen the office just for them.

Her mind raced with a mix of anxiety and frustration. She couldn't believe that her life had taken such an unexpected turn. She was being forced into a marriage as a means of settling a debt. She felt trapped as the man had maneuvered the situation to his advantage, and there seemed to be no escape from his clutches.

Soon enough, the paperwork for their marriage was being processed. The atmosphere was solemn, filled with hushed conversations and the occasional shuffle of papers. Kourtney's palms grew clammy as they approached the counter, ready to begin the legal process of their union.

As they sat at the desk of one of the bewildered officials, the man's impatience grew palpable. His deep voice was laced with a menacing tone as he spoke threateningly, "Make sure you process the documents swiftly and accurately. We wouldn't want any 'mistakes' to occur that could make you lose your job, now would we?"

The official, visibly intimidated, nodded hastily and began the paperwork with trembling hands. Kourtney watched the scene unfold, her heart filled with anger and irritation. She refused to let this man's ruthless arrogance dictate her future. The odds were stacked against her, but deep down, she knew she had more fights left.

Gathering her courage, she spoke loudly and firmly for all ears, "Please pause the proceedings. I need a moment to consider my options and seek legal advice. This man here is forcing me to marry him, and I will not be coerced or blackmailed into a decision that goes against my will."

"Go ahead, waste your time seeking advice. In the end, you'll realize there's no escape from me. I always get what I want." Sebastian mocked while he leaned back lazily on his seat.

There was a flicker of admiration in his eyes, but it quickly vanished, replaced by his trademark smugness.

The officials present blinked blankly at the supposed couple and proceeded to exchange confused glances. They hesitated for a moment, caught between the man's influence and Kourtney's plea for justice.

However, the spark of viciousness and cruelty in Sebastian’s eyes was enough to tell them which side to take. Every single one of them has heard about his ruthless nature as Melbourne’s top big shot. Going against him was like playing with fire. It meant losing their jobs and hard-earned income. They could also get blacklisted and be unable to get employed by other reputable organizations.

“We shall proceed with the marriage formalities.” the senior official spoke first.

”But... But Sir... I don't think I can do this. Please help me. I just told you this... This man is forcing me!” Kourtney stammered, only to be ignored by all the staff members who kept busy processing the papers like she didn't exist.

Her pleading voice was drowned out amidst the staff’s hurried movements and the echoing sounds of documents being shuffled and signed.

"Your resistance is useless, my dear. You really have no idea who you're up against, do you?” She heard the man say.

Kourtney stood up, her blood boiling with resentment and irritation. The man was using his connections, his influence, to bend the world to his will and make things happen, even against the odds. He enjoyed showcasing his superiority over her and everyone else. 

She was caught in a web of this man's narcissistic and ruthless machinations, and there seemed to be no escape. The very thought of marrying him now felt like a prison sentence, a life filled with his dominance and manipulation. He even looked like a dangerous man that could harm her whenever he pleased.

"I may not know who you are, but I know what you are," Kourtney said, her voice tinged with bitterness. "A man who resorts to manipulation, coercion, and abuse of power to get what he wants. Well, I won't be a victim of your games. I will fight for my freedom, tooth and nail." 

"You have guts and spirit. I'll give you that," Sebastian replied with a twisted sense of admiration. "But mark my words. You’ll soon learn that defying me comes at a cost."

He liked that she had guts and wasn't afraid of being oppressed mainly because she'd need it to deal with his family, The Woods. Her brashness and the fire in her were good enough to serve as a protective shield in times he might not be available to safeguard her from their wrath. The Woods family surely did not need a weak woman as the senior daughter-in-law and first Young Mistress.

Her fiery spirit and her refusal to be swayed by his influence spoke volumes. In her, he saw a partner who could stand by his side, unyielding through thick and thin, someone who could challenge him and keep him on his toes.

‘She is just perfect for me,’ he thought.