Emma Watson
“Get a grip on yourself, Emma.” My mother, Eliana, spat out in annoyance as she gave me a dirty glare.
I retreated my stares from her, scanning the room as the air turned suffocating, heavy with perfume, whiskey, and all you could call that was filled with Wealth.
I tugged at the edges of my too-tight dress, a red number that she had insisted I wear. Likewise, I hated it. It felt like a costume for a role I hadn't agreed to play.
“Stand up straight,” she hissed in my ear again, her manicured nails digging into my arm and causing me nothing but pain. “And for God's sake, try not to look pathetic.”
I held in the urge to snap at her. To tell her, I am not the cause of the accident and I would never do that to my sister, but no, would she even listen? Even when it is darn obvious the accident was a mistake.
The room suddenly felt silent. A man in black suit stepped onto the stage at the front of the room, holding a microphone. With a smooth voice, he started.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining this little event. As always, discretion is appreciated.” He announced, and loud murmurs filled the air.
Discretion?
Just the word alone sent chills down my spine. I wasn't naive to the extent that I wouldn't know what that meant. I had heard rumors of places like this. …where the rich and powerful traded not just money, but in people.
But then my mother's grip on my hand jolted me back to reality as I raised my brows at her. “Smile,” She said through gritted teeth.
I didn't. I couldn't.
What was there to fake? I was leaving my life behind. I had an interview today about my paintings, but she didn't let me go. She deprived me of my rights and made her beloved daughter stay back home, giving her attention, and she expected me to smile?
The man on stage gestured, and a series of young women were led onto the stage. Each was made like a prized possession, their eyes empty, their bodies stuff. My stomach twisted.
And then it was my turn.
“Next,” the man announced, his voice echoing in the room.
Tears from nowhere started to gather from my eyes as I shook my head.
“No,” I whispered, pulling back from the grip of my mother. “I'm not doing this.”
But she was stronger than she looked. She shoved me forward, her nails leaving bruises on my hand.
“Don't embarrass me, Emma, you fool! Your sister needs the operation that you caused.” She hissed, and I sighed, silently cursing underneath my breath.
As I went to the stage, my heels made a loud sound on the floor, making me feel uncomfortable. The lights were blinding eyes, and I could feel dozens of eyes on me, assessing and judging me. I don't know, but their eyes made me feel unwanted.
“Lot twenty-seven,” the man said, reading out my information. “Emma Watson . Twenty Three. Unmarried. Educated.”
I clenched my fist, finding it challenging to keep calm because I wanted to scream so loud for my freedom. How dare they reduce me to a list of attributes? He even reduced my age?
The bidding then started.
It was surreal, hearing the numbers climb higher and higher, as if I were nothing more than a painting or a piece of jewelry.
“Three million.”
“Four.”
“Four-point-five.”
My eyes scanned the crowd, desperate to find a face that might offer some kind of help, some kind of escape. Praying silently not to get sold to an ugly fat man with a stinking breath.
And then, a voice cut through the room. Deep, calm, and commanding.
“Ten million.”
Murmurs filled everyone, and my legs wavered as I stepped backwards with a gasp.
The man stepped forward, and for the first time, I saw him. He took away my breath. He was talkative, impeccably dressed in a black suit that fitted him perfectly. His face is sharp, angular, like a carved stone. But his eyes- it was amusing. He wore dark glasses, hiding his eyes away from the people.
“That concludes the bidding.” The announcer said, his voice entering the whole room. “Congratulations, Mr. Maverick .”
My breath seized as the man approached the stage with confidence. Two men in black suits followed him with a stone-cold face.
“Emma,” he called, his voice wasn't cool, nor was it cold. “Come.” He instructed but I didn't make a move.
Come?
One of the men stepped forward, reaching out for my hand, but the Maverick guy raised his hand up to stop him.
“She'll come on her own,” he said, and I sighed.
His voice sounded like I had nothing to do anyway because he bought me already. It was an order and I had no right to defile it. I turned towards my mother, hoping to see her say at least something, but she only rolled her eyes at me.
Lena's operation wasn't even up to Ten million and she still stood there?
It was all a terrible one time mistake that I regret with every minute of my life. The night party, the loud bang from the car, the explosion, it was all a nightmare dream and to think I never instigated the party yet, my mother blames me for all their predicament. How to serve?
My legs trembled, and I reluctantly stepped down from the stage.
“Good,” he murmured, almost to himself.
For the rest of the moment, I was escorted out of the building and into a black car, the tears I was holding slowly dropping in my eyes.
All of this was supposed to be a dream, but it was coming to reality.
The Maverick man sat beside me, silent and still. I sniffed, notwithstanding the pain anymore.
“Why?” I blurted out with a breaking voice. “Why did you buy me? You…you could have just left me back there, but you choose to show yourself. How heartless can you be!” I yelled, and he raised his head to my direction, a dark chuckle coming out from his lips.
“Because I can.”
His words hit me like a slap right hard across my face.
“You’re a monster,” I whispered.
“Perhaps,” he said, unbothered by my words. “But I am your monster now.”
This man! He was getting on my nerves just at our first start.
When we arrived at his mansion, I was struck by its beauty. The estate was all sharp angles and glass, placed on the cliff and overlooking the city. It was the kind of place that screamed power and authority.
Inside the house was as cold as the man himself. I just couldn't continue to make out the beautiful things I had seen.
Was it the beautiful adorned art? Oh, my love for art.
“Follow me,” He said, his voice cutting deep into the place and I noticed his bodyguards had left us.
I trailed behind him, staring at every little thing I saw. He kept me in a room… more like a bedroom.
“There it is. This is where you'll stay,” he said, gesturing with his hand. “You'll find a dress in the wardrobe and anything else you might need in the drawer. I will go to the mall to pack some clothes tomorrow. Dinner is at seven. Don't be late.” He instructed, and I opened my mouth in disbelief as he turned to leave.
“Wait,” I called out, stopping him in his tracks. “What do you really want from me?” I asked with arms crossed.
He paused in the doorway, his back still turned to me.
“Obedience,” he curtly said, and before I could say another word, he was gone, leaving me in my truancy.
Ray Maverick I patiently waited at the dining table, hearing the ticking of the clock and the clicking of plates made by my maid, Belinda.“What did you make today?” I asked, and I heard a deep silence followed before a reply was given.“Your favorite dish, Sir. Caviar topped blinis” She replied and I sighed. “The lady?” “Dainty sandwiches, for her.” She responded, making me nod my head.“What is the time now, Belinda?” I asked, smacking my lips. The lady was testing me if the time had passed.“Two minutes past Seven, Sir.” She replied curtly, and before I could say something, I heard a rough walk from behind me, making a loud thud.Clumsiness. That's one thing I hated about women…“You're late.” I said, my voice cold as ice.“I'm” she started, but I interrupted her.“I despise tardiness, Emma. You had one instruction, and you failed to follow it.” I leaned back in my chair, my expression unreadable behind my dark glasses. “Do not let it happen again. It hasn't even passed a day, a
Emma Watson A light knock on the door made me jolt up from my sleep and I raised my eyes towards the door, standing up on my feet to open it.As I opened the door, maids from different angles started to appear with different designers on their hands.My eyes widened, and I gasped, unable to believe what I was seeing.“W….who are those for?” I asked when they settled inside.“Ma am. Sir. Ray, asked for these to be sent to your room.” One of the maids replied, making me furrow my brows.“For what?”They all raised their heads at me. “We are not in question to know that, ma'am.”After dropping off the accessories, I couldn't help but wonder who this man was.Who was Maverick ?I picked up my phone, turned on the internet and did some research on who Maverick was. Then it all appeared, giving me a shock on my bones.Ray Maverick ? I mean, I am auctioned to Ray Maverick . The billionaire bachelor that got everyone tripping for him. I finally have him in my abode? But then, one thing struc
Emma Watson “Ray Maverick ! Answer me!” He yelled again as I gulped in nothing.“Good evening, Grandpa Ezra. How are you doing.” Ray greeted once he was in their midst. We were now facing the whole family.A woman in her 50s and a man in his 60s were definitely his parents because I have seen them more often on TV. Then the elder version of Ray and a lady.I quietly followed him, feeling uneasy with different eyes plugging their balls at me like I was an outcast. “Emma, come have a seat.” Ray must have sensed my uneasiness as he asked me to join him…Why was I even here? Clearly Ray couldn't stand up for me at this point.“Good evening, Rayian. How's my grandson coping with his health? I am sorry I am just checking up on you. You know we have almost the same issue here.” Grandpa Ezra said, and that was when I noticed that he was also in a wheelchair.Shit!“Good evening, sir and ma'am.” I greeted, trying to release tension that was clearly in the room, but I instantly regretted it.
Emma Watson All eyes flew to me, and though Ray was blind, he looked my way. I was surprised at my own bravery. "I mean, who calls his son useless?" I said to release the tension, but it had little to no effect. "Watch your tone, girl," his father's voice cut through the air. "You are a nobody to speak to me," he added. The faces of Lucas and Bella were still unreadable as they watched their father. "I don't know what gutter Ray found you in, but if you try that ever again, you will return there." His voice was calm, but his facial expressions gave meaning to his words. "Father!" Ray hit the table loudly, making my heart skip out of my body. "I will not have you insult my wife in the presence of everyone." "We are done here. Let's get going, Emma. It seems we weren’t welcomed here," Ray emphasized as he stretched his hands, searching for me, then dragged me towards the door. He really had a great sixth sense as he led me perfectly away. "Rayian!" his grandfathe
Ray MaverickI remember it clearly—the moment she stood up for me, her voice echoing in defiance against my father’s sharp words, the memory still lingers in my mind like a distant, bittersweet melody, each note filled with both gratitude and unresolved pain.Her voice was bold and unwavering, in that moment, I knew I had made the right choice. Lucas’ small but provocative display set my blood on fire, yet despite it all, she continued to stand by my side, proudly calling me her husband. I couldn’t help but wonder—was she simply playing her role to perfection, or did she truly mean every word? My heart thudded loudly, a relentless reminder of the vulnerability that came with love and loyalty. We found ourselves trapped in this web of emotions and circumstances, all thanks to Grandpa’s meddling.The alarm buzzed insistently, and I glanced at the clock—7 AM. "It’s time to say goodbye to Grandpa," I murmured to myself as I stepped out of the room, the cool morning air brushing agains
Lucas Maverick "Come on, man, that's your sixth bottle," Norman, my best friend, said, trying to stop me from gulping my liquor down. "Slow down!" he added. I ran my hand through my hair. "He has everything, Norman. Despite being disabled." "Now he's married." My laughter echoed. Despite the fact that the bar was filled with music, it couldn't tame it. "And to top it off, Grandpa favors him." "Don't let that get to you, man. Let's get you home." The strippers kept dancing around, flaunting their bodies on me. "Await my next move, Ray." ...The Next DayIt was a brand-new day, and I had to get to work. Styling the latest Louis Vuitton outfit, I gave myself one final look before setting out. "Can this car go a little faster?" I questioned after noticing the funny movements of my newly purchased Bugatti."Yes, sir. Let me quickly check it," my driver said before stepping out to inspect the car. "All good, sir," he returned, moving the car into motion. Our company w
Emma WatsonThe way Ray had told me to meet him after his dinner made me excited. Despite the fact that he was rude just a few hours ago, I had been doing as I was told—avoiding him when necessary. But he was insistent on making me miserable. "I mean, now I can't even eat until he says so..." Present "What special skills are you talking about, sir?" He was still seated on the bed, his dark shades on. "Don't act stupid, Emma. You know what I mean!" His words pierced my heart. What does he mean, I know what he meant? "With all due respect, sir, I don't know what you mean. You called me in here talking about a special skill. I told you I could draw, and you asked if I knew what special skills I spoke of." He only smiled as he threw a dress at me. "Take it. Wear this." I picked up the dress to get a proper look at it. It was a see-through lace underwear. "What's this, sir?" "I'm the blind one here. Why are you asking me? Or can't you see?" I was taken aback by hi
Emma Watson"What happened to Lena?" "Wasn't she getting the treatment..." A lot of thoughts kept swirling around in my head. I needed a way out of here, but how? "Mrs. Ray..." A small voice cut through the air. "Yes..." I tried to say, but my voice was stuck in my throat. "Mr. Ray is out. He said you should let me know if you needed something." Ray was out? That meant I could find a way out. I thought as I leaned near the bed, towards the door.I opened the door and let her in. "Ma'am, can I quickly visit my sister? She's kinda sick in the hospital." I didn't want to lie, so as not to get into a bigger problem. "Mr. Ray wouldn’t like that." She threw her face to the floor. "Please, please!" I begged as I took her hands in mine. "I will be back before you know it." "I'm sorry, but I can't, Mrs. Ray," she shook her head. "Sir Ray will have my head for breakfast if anything happens to you. Worst case, you don’t return." "Please, ma’am. I will return, and nothing ba
Emma WatsonMy heart pounded as I pushed through the crowded streets, searching desperately for Ray.Something wasn’t right.The way his phone kept ringing with no answer. The way my stomach twisted with a growing sense of dread.Celeste’s warning echoed in my mind.Benita isn’t working alone. She never was.She wants to take Ray down. Completely.And she knows the best way to do that… is through you.I felt sick.If Benita was planning something, Ray was already in danger. And if he didn’t pick up his phone, it could only mean one thing—He was already caught in the middle of whatever she had planned.I pulled out my phone and called Lucas.He picked up on the first ring.“Where is he?” I asked, breathless.Lucas cursed under his breath. “I tried stopping him. I swear, I did.”A cold wave of fear washed over me. “Stopping him from what?”“Going after Vincent.”My blood ran cold.“Where?” I demanded.Lucas hesitated. “Emma—”“Where, Lucas?” I snapped.A pause. Then—“The old warehouse
Chapter 49A New Player on Board Emma WatsonI gripped the edge of the door, my knuckles turning white.Celeste DeLuca.The name alone sent a jolt of fear through me. I didn’t know much about the DeLuca family, but what I did know was enough to make my stomach twist.And now one of them was standing at my doorstep.Her sharp green eyes flickered with amusement, as if she could see every thought running through my mind. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?”Every instinct screamed at me to slam the door in her face.But something about her made me pause.She didn’t look threatening—at least, not in the obvious way. There was no gun, no knife. No sign that she meant me immediate harm.And yet…I didn’t trust her.I forced myself to speak. “Why are you here?”Celeste’s smile didn’t falter. “Like I said—I came to talk.”I swallowed hard. “About Ray?”Her eyes gleamed. “Yes. And Benita.”That name was enough to send another shiver down my spine.I hesitated, my heart pounding. I shouldn’t l
Emma WatsonI woke up to the steady rhythm of Ray’s heartbeat beneath my ear. His arms were wrapped tightly around me, as if he was afraid I’d disappear if he let go. I didn’t move. I didn’t want to. For the first time in days, I felt safe. Secure. Like the storm raging around us couldn’t touch me—not while I was here, in his arms. But reality was waiting. And we couldn’t ignore it forever. I shifted slightly, tilting my head to look at him. His face was relaxed in sleep, but even now, I could see the tension in his features. The weight of everything he had been through still lingered. I reached up, running my fingers lightly over his jaw. His eyes fluttered open. For a second, he just looked at me. Then his lips curved into a slow, lazy smile. “Morning, trouble.” I rolled my eyes, but my heart did a little flip. “Morning.” His arms tightened around me, pulling me closer. “Can we stay like this forever?” I sighed. “I wish.” Ray’s expression darkened slight
Emma WatsonThe weight of Ray’s confession still sat heavy on my chest as I walked back to our Mansion. The night air did little to clear my head; if anything, the wind only intensified the storm of emotions swirling inside me.I had asked for the truth. And I had gotten it.But now… I didn’t know what to do with it.I wrapped my arms around myself as I climbed the stairs to my room. My fingers trembled as I unlocked the door. The second I stepped inside, I let out a shaky breath, pressing my back against the door for support.Ray had been betrayed. Nearly killed. And the woman who had done it wasn’t just some forgotten ghost from his past.Benita was still here.Still haunting him.And she wasn’t done.I thought back to the way Ray had looked at me when I said we’d fight this together. The doubt in his eyes. The fear.He didn’t believe we could win.That terrified me more than anything.I forced myself to move, shedding my coat as I stepped into the dimly lit living room. My head had
Emma WatsonI barely remembered the walk back to my apartment. My mind was a storm of emotions—anger, confusion, heartbreak. Ray had admitted it. He’d loved Benita once. He’d been with her.And he’d kept it from me. The city was alive around me, yet I felt disconnected, my body moving on autopilot. Cars rushed past, their headlights painting streaks of light against wet pavement. Somewhere in the distance, a siren wailed. My hands trembled as I unlocked the door. Mira passed me a glance, but her ignored her walking to my room.Rayian had said I could stay there if I didn't want to share a room with him.The room was dark and still, the silence pressing down on me. It felt colder than usual, as if the walls themselves sensed my turmoil. I dropped my coat onto the couch, rubbing my arms. I needed air.Grabbing my keys, I stepped onto the balcony. The city stretched before me, buildings towering under the moonlight. The cold breeze bit at my skin, but I welcomed it. I gripped the r
Emma Watson I stared at the photograph in my hands, my fingers trembling. Ray’s face stared back at me, younger but unmistakably him. His jaw was sharp, his eyes held the same intensity—but there was something different. A darkness. A cold, calculated expression that sent chills down my spine. And next to him? Benita.Their hands were clasped, their gazes locked like the world around them didn’t exist. My stomach twisted. “You’re lying,” I whispered, shoving the picture back at her. “This doesn’t mean anything.” Benita chuckled, a slow, deliberate sound that sent a shiver down my spine. “Oh, Emma. You’re in denial. That’s adorable.” I clenched my fists. “I don’t believe you.” Her smile widened. “You don’t have to. But the truth doesn’t change just because you refuse to see it.” My heart pounded. “Why are you doing this?” Benita’s eyes gleamed. “Because you deserve to know who you’re really in love with.” I wanted to throw her out. To scream at her. But the wors
Emma Watson The moment Benita walked away, silence stretched between Ray and me like a fragile thread waiting to snap. My pulse pounded in my ears, drowning out everything but the echo of her parting words. _"Does she even know who you really are?"_ I swallowed hard, staring at Ray, searching his face for something—anything—that would prove her wrong. But all I saw was hesitation. And that hesitation shattered me. “Ray,” I whispered, my voice barely holding steady. “What did she mean by that?” He ran a hand over his face, exhaling sharply. “Emma, don’t—” “Don’t what?” My voice rose, shaking with frustration. “Don’t ask questions? Don’t demand the truth?” His jaw tightened, but he didn’t answer. And that silence? It spoke louder than anything he could’ve said.A bitter laugh escaped me. “You can’t even deny it, can you?” Ray closed his eyes for a brief second before stepping toward me. “It’s not what you think.” “Then tell me what it is,” I shot back, stepping aw
Emma WatsonThe night air was thick with silence. Even with the curtains drawn, I could sense the vast emptiness outside, the weight of the estate pressing in around me. I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the untouched dinner tray that Mira had brought in hours ago. My appetite had vanished the moment I saw her downstairs. Benita. Ray’s ex. The woman he once shared something with. I didn’t know what made me angrier—the fact that she was here, under this roof, or the fact that Ray had kept it from me. I exhaled slowly, willing my thoughts to settle. He said it wasn’t about meBut how could I believe that when the woman who had once held his heart was now walking through our home like she belonged here? A sharp knock at the door made me tense. I knew it was him. I debated ignoring it, but I wasn’t a coward. I wouldn’t hide from this. I walked over and pulled the door open. Ray stood there, one hand in his pocket, the other braced against the doorframe. His
Death Itself Emma Watson I slammed the door shut behind me, my breath coming in sharp, uneven gasps. My chest ached, but it wasn’t from exhaustion—it was from the overwhelming surge of emotions clawing at my insides. Benita.The name alone sent a wave of anger through me. I should have known something was off the second Ray drove me home in silence. He never stayed that quiet unless something was weighing on him. But this? Her? My hands curled into fists as I pushed off the door, pacing the length of the room. Why was she here? I had barely processed the fact that she and Ray shared a history, let alone the kind that involved a past relationship. But it wasn’t just that. He knew she was here before we walked in. He didn’t tell me. He let me walk in blind—again.A bitter laugh bubbled in my throat. Of course, he did. Why would Ray Maverick think I deserved to know anything? A soft knock at the door made me freeze. I knew who it was before he even spoke. “