Chapter 2

Like A Cage

Abby's Pov

I felt like I was in a cage , that was how I felt staying here in Nathaniel's mansion as if I was a caged bird of some sort.

 Every polished surface and magnificent chandelier seemed to make fun of my situation. 

But my heart was absen, even though I had signed the contract.

My heart beat for Fred, my boyfriend I had loved him for years and whose calls now made me feel both hopeful and afraid. 

 Sitting on the edge of the luxurious bed in my beautiful room, I gripped my phone firmly, my palms so sweaty.

My phone rang jolting me from my thoughts.

Freds name shone brightly on the screen as it showed another call from him.

 After hesitating, I picked it and muttered in a whisper ."Fred. "

His voice was urgent almost desperate as he as he called y name. " Abby,

 You've been avoiding me, where are you? 

"I haven't been avoiding you ."I answered but my voice was tainted by guilt." Its just that things have been difficult. "

 "Difficult? he asked his voice rising with rage. How does that even make sense ,Abby? You vanished and now youre married—or soon to be married—to some wealthy stranger?"

His words made me wince, the reality of my predicament piercing my heart more deeply than I wanted to . 

" Fred it wasn't my choice. My parents made the arrangements. They left me with no other option. " I said ,my voice cracked 

"No option?" he sneered. We've been together for two years Abby. I thought that we had a future."

"We did ."I said in a whisper my eyes threatening to well up with tears. But everything was different. I needed this arrangement for my family. Its about survival, not love."

 Fred was silent for a second and his voice was icy when he spoke. 

"That's it? You gave yourself away to the highest bidder?

"Please don't say that Fred." I begged. "That isn't the case. "

"So Abby tell me about it. "he insisted. "Because it appears that you put money before us . You no longer love me is it because I was begging you to help me because I was in financial debt ? You were tired of me ?

  The burden of his accusation bearing down on me I closed my eyes as my chest tightened.

" I'll explain everything." I said my voice beginning to sound desperate. "Just allow me a moment to explain please. "

"When?" He questioned sharply .

"Tonight. We'll talk when I visit you tonight. I promise, you know how much I love you, Fred."I said hardly thinking

  "Fine." He said an after a brief moment he asked. " I need some money ,babe. I have —"

"I'll do it." I said before he could finish." I'll make the transfer."

"Thanks , babe." He said and then hung up

I experienced an odd mixture of relief and anxiety as I hung up the phone. 

I hoped that seeing Fred again would make everything fall back into place.

I really do love him and couldn't wait to see him tonight.

After making the transfer and as I got up to go I was startled by a deep voice behind me.

 "And where exactly do you think you're going?"

With his arms crossed and a knowing smirk on his lips, Nathaniel was leaning casually against the doorframe when I turned around. My purse fell from my hands.

The room felt suddenly cold and I tried to avoid his dark gaze on me. I swallowed hard.

"Its none of your concern. " I said 

pretending to sound more confident than I actually was  

 "None of my concern? he repeated with that smirk never leaving his face

"Abby, you're under *my* roof in *my* house and you're obligated to *me* by a contract. So I would say that it is my damn business."

I scowled at him my chest exploding with rage. 

"I hate this. This arrangement ,you and being here are all things I hate. "

I said my voice shaking with repressed emotion 

As if my remarks were merely a minor irritation Nathaniels grin grew wider.

 " Hate me all you want, sweetheart .But you are staying put. " He said and tucked his hands in his pocket.

 "Im not your child that you order around. I'm an adult ."I yelled sweeping past him. 

 His hand sprang out catching my wrist forcefully and squeezed it. 

"Abby don't test me. " He said, his voice was low and menacing 

 My heart was racing as I wrenched my hand free. "Nathaniel you don't own me." I said raising my voice. "Even though this is your house I am not yours. "

"No? he asked raising an eyebrow in response." So why does it seem like youre already attempting to violate our agreement? Or is it not a breach of contract to sneak off to see your *boyfriend*?"

 I felt a mixture of guilt and defiance as his words struck a chord with me. I gritted my teeth " Fred is none of your business. " I said

 " On the contrary." He said in a haughty tone. " You are my business, Abby. And you'll follow my rules as long as you 

live here.

“Rules?” I sneered. Nathaniel this isn't a marriage. Its a jail. "

" Call it what you want ."he shrugged. "You're not leaving through that door ,Abby ."

I looked at him with tears in my eyes.

" I'm sorry ."I said my voice cracking. I'm sorry I signed that contract. I'm sorry I accepted your proposal of marriage. Nathaniel you don't have my heart. Its Fred. I love him . "

 Something briefly flashed in his eyes an emotion I couldn't quite understand.

 But it vanished as quickly as it appeared to be replaced by his typical smirk. 

With an almost amused tone he asked "Is that so? Well maybe your heart ought to have thought about the repercussions before making unfulfillable promises. I didn't cast a spell on you so you can sign the contract, did I? I'm about to fulfill my own end of the bargain by helping your father's company and he fulfilled his by us getting married." He grinned and I wondered why someone so wicked would be this handsome." Cut me some slack, please."

My chest ached with frustration and rage as I gazed at him. 

With a rough brush , pushing him aside I said ."You're unbearable. "

With a note of caution in his voice he called after me." Be careful , Abby. You are always welcome if you get a heartbreak. "

I was slapped by the cool night air as soon as I left the mansion. 

I walked quickly driven by a mix of desperation and rage. I needed to see Fred in order to clarify everything between us and to remind myself of who I was before this nightmare started. 

Nathaniel's words continued to haunt me as I jumped into my car. 

He was just conceited, annoying and everything I hated.

 I didn't understand why but there was something about him that made me uneasy.

 I shook my head thinking. No. He's not important. 

Fred is the most important person. The one I want to be with and if there's any chance to go back on the contract, I would .

Still a persistent doubt snuck into my mind asking questions I wasnt prepared to respond to.

What did he mean if I get a heartbreak? Silly, conceited fool 

I forced the thoughts out of my mind and concentrated on the drive to Fred's apartment.