She's not even your mother

Rena’s POV

He rose from the water, displaying his full glory as he walked up to me, not even bothering to throw the towels around his waist.

I turned my face away to avoid staring at him too much, otherwise, I might forget why I was here.

"I believe you came here, knowing fully well what I want in exchange," Roland said. Sitting on the top of the jacuzzi, he continued, "You know me, Rena, I don't do businesses that fail. You and I will benefit, it's a win-win."

He paused, studying me before speaking again. "You might think I'm wicked, but trust me, you'll need these skills I'm teaching you once we're married."

I lowered my gaze. He said that before but I fail to understand why there's a need to put price tags on kindness.

"With your background, you can't fit into my family," he said bluntly. "No one would want you. But with business skills like mine, you'll create a place for yourself in the Harrington family." His words cut deep, but I saw a glimmer of sincerity in his eyes.

"Trust me on this, love," Roland whispered, taking my hand, he kissed the back of my hand, his voice wearing a spell of temptation. "I'll show you how to navigate our world.” he brushed my chin with a finger.

The way he said, ‘our world’ sounded dark and weird.

I still wonder why he chose me though, since he knows I don't fit into his world.

I have none of the qualities that typically drew someone like Roland. I have no fashion sense, no prestigious education, and no notable background. Yet, he sought me out.

The only explanation I could fathom was my physical appearance. I'm gorgeous, and my body’s the kind that turn heads. Any man with a pulse would desire me.

But despite my beauty, I couldn't shake the feeling that I don't belong in Roland's world. His wealth, influence, and high-society lifestyle overwhelm me.

His finger brushed my lips, drawing my attention to him. "Your mom has a few more days to live. Your answer can only be now or never."

His reminder jolted me, and before I could change my mind, I blurted out, "Deal."

Roland's face lit up with a triumphant smile. "That's so lovely of you," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction.

"This needs to be celebrated," he declared, handing me his glass of wine.

I took it, feeling a sense of dread as the weight of what I'd agreed on pressed my conscience.

Forgetting I don't like alcohol, I downed the whole glass in one swift motion, but I regretted the next second. The liquid burned my throat, and I choked, coughing as I tried to catch my breath.

"Hey, take it easy. You want to die?" Roland exclaimed, his brow furrowed in annoyance as he soothed my back.

The alcohol was too strong, and my eyes began to water.

As I regained composure, Roland's expression softened, and he leaned in to kiss my tears. "You've been with me for a year, and you're still not used to this?" he asked, his voice tinged with amusement.

I blushed, feeling embarrassed. I tried to hide my face but he cupped my face and kissed my lips.

“It's our anniversary, give me something to last until tonight.” He wasn't asking me, he was taking it, because, as he said those words, he was pushing me down.

What he wanted was obvious, my body.

He didn't give me the time to adjust before he got on top of me. Lifting my skirt, he shifted my panties and thrust hard into me.

I gasped, my core burning but he didn't stop. Tears pricked my eyes. This was not new. He's always done this. I balled my fists, wanting it to end as soon as possible. I wasn't in the mood for this…

But he knew his way around my body. Soon, my loud moans and his heavy groans filled the balcony.

Just before his juice burst forth, he pulled out and shoved his rod in my mouth, making me suck him off.

He'd never released his juice inside me. He said he didn't want to get me pregnant before marriage.

Once he let his load into my mouth, he nodded with satisfaction. “You've improved considerably, your body can now adjust in seconds. You make me happy, Rena.”

He planted a soft kiss on my lips and returned to the Jacuzzi. As he entered to wash himself, his expression suddenly changed.

"Now that you've agreed to the deal, there's a contract waiting foe for you on my bed, read and sign it," he said, as if discussing a boring business transaction, shocking me into stupor.

"Meanwhile, I've got a dress made for you in my closet. Go get ready, you're coming with me tonight." His words snapped me out of my daze.

I felt a surge of confusion. "Why a contract?" I was suddenly having strange feelings about this.

He arched a brow, his expression serious. "This is a big deal, surely. Signing a contract is to save us both from future headaches."

My heart sank. What was he talking about? Why was he sounding devous and detached?

"What kind of contract?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Pouring himself a drink, he replied with a hint of impatience. "You'll find out after reading it.”

His words sent a shiver down my spine. What exactly have I agreed to?

I mean, I know what he wanted me to do. I know the deal I made, but with how mysterious and strange he was acting, was making me nervous.

"And where are we going?" I pressed, trying to keep my tone steady.

He looked at me and smiled though a bit forced. "Isn't it our anniversary? Now, go get ready. We don't want to be late to our own party. The earlier we get this over with, the faster your mom's operation.”

The way he said that, it felt like the deal would take place tonight, at our anniversary party.

I gritted my teeth and rose to my feet, feeling frustrated. I hate when I was being threatened. As I was about to leave, Roland's voice stopped me.

"She's not even your mother, why are you risking it all for her?"

I paused, casting him a once-over look, over my shoulder, my eyes blazing with indignation and hurt.

Then, without a word, I walked away, leaving him and his callous question behind.