Chapter 3: Hunting for the devil's heart

AMAYA’S POV

The next morning, my eyes flickered open. Sleep had defeated me last night, and thanks to that, I am feeling better; the cold and body ache are gone. Nova gave me some pills yesterday. I am grateful there’s still one person that cares about me in this strange house.

I sighed, thinking how my life changed drastically, with my future crumbling. I wasn’t married to a handsome rich man. He was a demon!

I pushed myself upright; his emotionless question echoed in my ears, a cruel reminder that I had made the wrong choice. A lump formed in my throat as his devilish smile flashed in my mind. My eyes welled up with tears, but I forced myself to stay composed. Crying wouldn’t help.

Pressing my lips together, I silenced the sobs threatening to break free. Grabbing my phone, I fought the impulse to call my dad and tell him everything.

What would I even say? That my boss fired me over a sudden letter, delivered without a shred of decency? That my so-called husband is hell-bent on making my life miserable?

But I needed to tell him. He was the only one who could put an end to this mess. I dialed his number, he picked up seconds later. I smiled as I heard my father's voice.

I suddenly get the feeling that everything would be fine; as long as my father is still alive, he’d do anything that’d bring me comfort.

“Amaya! How are you doing?” My father’s cheerful voice filled my ears. “Dad…” I began, my resolve faltering.

Before I could continue, he cut me off. “You should be grateful to your husband. He’s been a tremendous help to my business. I’ve landed so many contracts because of him. Amaya, I made the right choice choosing you for Logan. If anyone else had married him, I’d be so mad!”

His words pierced my chest, leaving a painful hollowness. I gripped my chest as tears slipped down my cheeks. How could I tell him the truth now? How could I destroy his happiness? He has always done nothing but make me happy, even after the death of my mother. He concentrated on raising me; I felt how devastated he was when he explained that I had to get married to save his company. That’s the only reward I could give to him; he has always been the best, and I thought I should be useful for once. The only thing I can do now is endure all this, which I consider impossible.

“It’s okay, Dad. I’m doing good too,” I lied, forcing a cheerful tone.

“That’s my girl! I have a meeting with a client. I’ll call you later.” He hung up, leaving me alone with the weight of my secrets.

I sighed, walking to the mirror opposite my bed. Staring at myself in the full-length reflection, I saw a face that looked fine on the surface but hid scars beneath.

Why is Logan acting this way? I wondered. His cold demeanor at the hall had been unsettling, but I hadn’t realized how cruel he could be. A shiver ran through me as I considered the future. What if he hurts me? What if I die here?

I moved away from the mirror, trying to control myself. I found my way to the bathroom to have my bath.

After bathing, I quickly dressed in a short denim dress and let my hair fall over my shoulders, ensuring to use the pills Nova gave to me. I can’t keep on going like this; I have to see my best friend, Erica; she’d know what to do. I really doubt there’s a way out of this, but I have to try.

I grabbed my phone, walking out of the room. He’s probably at work; thanks to that, I did not get to see a handsome face sculptured with evil features.

As I descend the stairs, my moves are deliberate and calculating, preventing myself from falling.

“Good morning, madam,” Nova greeted.

“How was your night, Nova?” I asked, approaching the door.

“Thanks for the pill; I’m feeling much better,”

Nova responded, “You’re welcome.”

I twisted the doorknob as I opened the door. Nova rushed to me, quivering. “Madam… I…I…”I stared at her, trying to comprehend why she was suddenly shaking.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, furrowing my brows.

“Madam, the boss… he said… you shouldn't leave the house,” Nova finally expressed.

I suddenly burst into laughter. What was she insinuating? That I will listen to Logan, I will obey his orders? Absolutely not. I smiled, placing my palm on Nova’s shoulder. She gazed at me, and I could see the desperation in her eyes, hoping I would obey her boss’s order.

From the way Nova was trembling, I already knew how ruthless Logan was. But I was determined to go out, and nothing was going to stop me, not even the self-made tyrant.

I released a smile. “Nova, I have to go now… see you later.” I muttered, then I left.

I boarded a bus to Erica’s house, thankfully, I had my credit card with me, which I used to settle my travelling expenses.

I knocked on the door, patiently waiting for a loud scream in a few seconds.

“Amaya!” Erica shrieked as she opened the door. She pounced on me, embracing me tightly. I didn’t even reciprocate the hug; I was trying to free myself from the suffocating grasp.

Eventually, she released me from the hug. She cupped my cheeks in her palms, her eyes full of admiration as she stared at me.

“You look stunning; married life agrees with you…”

I interrupted, saving myself from hearing her say marriage was a good aspect of life. “Aren’t you going to invite me in? Your manners suck!” I rolled my eyes, pretending to be angry.

“Come on!” She laughed, dragging me into the apartment. Oh goodness, I had my own legs! I complained inwardly, what was the point in saying it aloud when she wouldn’t even listen to me.

We both sat on the couch, Erica in front of me, scrutinizing me as if I had transformed into a different person in a few days. I allowed her to say everything she wanted to say before explaining why I was there, narrating everything Logan had done to me.

Erica’s tone shifted from admiration to outrage. “That scoundrel! Who does he think he is?” She cursed, her eyes blazing with fury.

I smiled at her defiance. “What do you want me to do?” I asked, my tone shifting to one of desperation.

I really wished she had a great plan that would save me from this predicament. I wanted to go back to work; I couldn’t imagine my life without editing graphics.

I wanted to become the best graphic designer in the whole world, but how was that possible? My boss had sacked me, my father thought I was fine, and my husband was the abyssal descendant.

Erica held my hands, staring into my eyes. “What if you report him to the police?” she asked.

“What do you mean? He’ll find out I reported him, which will affect my dad’s business,” I explained.

“I think I have to deal with this without interfering with my dad’s business.” Erica sighed, resting her back against the couch, thinking of a way out of this mess.

Finally, she leaned closer to me, her eyes sparkling with amusement. I frowned, suspecting she wanted to say something witty. “You know… it happens in movies,” she winked.

I rolled my eyes, uninterested in the suspense she was building.

“What?”

She masked her grin with a serious look. “Maybe… you should try to captivate his heart.”

My eyes flashed with anger. “Make him fall for me? Are you serious? That monster?”

Erica grasped my shoulder, her sudden sharp gaze piercing through me like a blade. “Listen, I know it sounds crazy, but I just want you to think about it. The only way you can save yourself is to reach his heart. Right now, he dominates everything—your life, your freedom. But if he falls deeply in love with you, the tables will turn. He’ll lose control, and you’ll gain it. Come on!” She snapped.

I stared at her, lost for words; she sounded absurd yet logical. I didn't even know whether to say yes or no; I just stayed there gazing at Erica, who noticed my blank state and snapped me out of it; her voice softened.

“You don’t have to love him, Amaya. You just need to make him believe he can’t live without you. Once you have his heart, you’ll have your freedom. And when that happens, you can decide what to do next.”

I looked down, her words swirling in my mind. She was right; there was no other way out of this nightmare.

“How do I do it? I’m confused,” I muttered.

“That’s a long lesson; you’ll have to stay till evening. Is that okay?” Erica asked.

“Okay, I’m spending six hours with you!” I winked, and Erica hugged me; I embraced her back, my lips curved into a smile.

For some reason, I did not want to return to that house, not when I'm planning on deceiving the devil. I am scared of him… terrified. But what if, in trying to win his heart, I end up losing myself instead?