I watched as he walked further, taking a seat and opening up his food. His eyes landed on mine, still fixed on him, and I quickly retracted them, returning my gaze to my food."You must be Sierra, right?" he asked, causing my gaze to raise and meet his. It seemed he knew me; maybe Adrian had told him. But wait did he also tell him about the contract agreement and my current role here?"Yeah, I am," I managed to whisper, my voice barely audible."Hey! Be careful with that!" Adrian yelled at one of the maids who was holding a painting. His snap almost caused me to jolt in an instant."Just let it be, Adrian. We are in the dining room. And please learn not to shout at one of those maids again," the man uttered. "Alright, Uncle Gavin," Adrian responded as he continued his food, leaving a slight stun on me. I guessed he was the only one Adrian stood to listen to, maybe..."Sorry about that, dear," Uncle Gavin said, his eyes meeting mine."And why are you apologizing to her? I mean, shouldn
"Did you forget something, dear?" A voice caught my attention as I turned to witness Uncle Gavin waiting for me."No," I replied, walking out of the mansion. I was led to one of the cars, entering the back seat as I watched a man enter the front seat, whom I presumed was the Driver."Good day, ma'am," he uttered with a nod. I had little idea of his words; my eyes were still fixed on the mansion, hoping I could just catch a glimpse of Aunt Malisa.The driver started the engine as he drove off. Adrian and his uncle were seated in another car, which the driver maintained trailing.My eyes remained fixed outside the car windows, gazing at the city as the car moved through the streets. My eyes caught sight of my old apartment, and a reminder of my mom echoed through my thoughts, a recollection of a time before she had fallen ill when she would come out, turn to me with a smile. We would come out when the sun cast down with the stars bright and shining.I remember when I made a promise to h
Adrian stepped out of the car, calm and unbothered, as though the armed men were no more alarming than a doorman. Of course, this was his world, where violence was normal.The driver opened my door, jolting me back to reality. "Ma'am?" he prompted. My legs felt heavy and reluctant to move, but I forced myself to step out. The air felt thicker here, the tension palpable.The men didn't say a word, but I felt their eyes on me, assessing, judging. I wrapped my arms around myself instinctively, trying to shield against their scrutiny. My heart was racing, but I kept my face neutral, my head held high.I had to play the part, no matter how badly I wanted to turn and run.As I walked inside, entering the mansion and taking in the interior of the surrounding, which evolved with more men, a discomforting feeling washed over me.My feet screeched a bit as I almost stumbled, only to feel a steady hand helping me back to my feet. My eyes landed on Adrian."Watch your feet next time, and when we
[Demonic POV]I left a half-bow, as my legs came to a halt near Uncle Marc. I had no idea why he had called me up here. I had many things to fix, but he had interrupted them, informing me that I had to be here."Welcome, Demonic. I have been expecting your arrival," he uttered. I felt him leave a pat on my back. I raised my gaze afterward as my eyes landed on Adrian standing on the other side. His eyes darkened as they narrowed, staying glued at me.Really, I had little idea of why he held so many grudges against me. I had never seen him as an enemy or so. My only aim was to carry out my family's legacies and ensure some things were put in place. I had always wanted to protect him, ensure he was alright, and so I trained so hard. But yet, it all ended up as a waste, as I received his hatred instead.But yet, I hoped that one day, just one day, that anger would vanish, and he would understand that all my actions, which I had made lately, were for his benefit and nothing else."I had to
[Sierra POV]Adrian led me to one of the rooms, helping me sit on the bed.Dominic was here. Why? My mind raced, spiraling with questions. Shouldn’t he be back in the city? The entire reason I agreed to this trip was to escape his reach, but now he was here too.And yet, I couldn’t shake the nagging thought—if Dominic recognized me, I should already be dead. Did he not know who I was, or was he playing some twisted game?“What are you thinking?” Adrian’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. His eyes scanned the passage behind him before narrowing on me, dark and sharp.“What was that downstairs? Didn’t I tell you not to try anything?” he said, his tone dripping with frustration.“What do you mean? Is it my fault I stumbled?” I snapped, watching him scoff. "And why were you trembling anyway? It must be new for you, right? Well, you better get used to it and fast also 'cause now it seems we are going to be stuck here for a while." He said, standing up as he turned to leave."This wasn't pa
[Dominic POV]"Release!" I uttered as the bird flew out of the cage, flying up into the sky. I reloaded my shotgun, aiming with my right eye. "And dead," I pulled the trigger; the loud sound echoed as the bird fell down. I retreated the gun.I've always found hunting quite fun and a way to train my aim even more. Since I needed some air anyway, I decided to head out to the courtyard, nestled at the edge of the forest, just beyond the mansion's backyard."I see you still haven't given up on your typical hunting," a voice caught my attention. My eyes landed on Uncle Gavin."Well, it's just an old habit I find quite enjoyable," I said, gesturing as Uncle Gavin approached me, taking up one of the guns laid there. "Why don't I give it a shot also?"He uttered, as another bird was released. He aimed at it, pulled the trigger, and scraped through the air, missing the bird. "Seems my old age is getting to me," he said, retracting the gun and dropping it back on the ground."I'm sure you still
I returned to the mansion with Uncle Gavin by my side. My eyes immediately caught sight of Uncle Marc seated at the dining table. His eyes landed on me instantly."Good, you're here," he uttered."You called for me, Uncle Marc?" I said, giving a half bow."Yeah, you must be hungry." He questioned as I raised my gaze, thinking it was something important, but it was just about the food being ready.My gaze shifted to Adrian, who was already seated. I watched his presumed wife come out with some of the maids, bringing some food."Wait, she cooked?" I thought, my mind trying to make sense of what was taking place."Come, sit, Dominic. I had your brother's wife prepare lunch," Uncle Marc uttered.
[Sierra's POV]Taking the dishes into the kitchen, I laid them down and leaned against the wall for a moment. I let out a sigh, thinking about what had occurred back at the dining table with Marc and Adrain. Really, was staying here such a good idea? These people stood by their names, their eyes and actions sending shivers down my spine. Even though the blow wasn't meant for me, I couldn't deny the fear that coursed through me with his footsteps growing nearer. And I had also bumped into Dominic. What if he had recognized me? I was really in a death trap, never expecting to be trapped with no way out like this. All I wanted was justice for my mother and to make them pay, not to be bound and trapped in another lie.I couldn't run away, nor could I say anything. It seemed I just had to act up, not showing much attention, at least until he was gone. Then I would plot my way and destroy him to the very inch. But for now, I just had to keep low and hidden, even though he was here too. All
[Dominic's POV]"Why did you make her the new Sohoe, Uncle Marc? Why?" I questioned, but all I received from him were those darkening glares. I couldn't deny the fear that coursed through me. Yet, should I say I was disappointed in the same person I considered a powerful man who still left terror in his wake? Someone I wanted to surpass in power and reach greater heights than he ever did. How could he make Adrian's wife the new head of the De Santos family? How could he take such a drastic step without informing me, Adrian, or any of the other families? This was a matter that held every one of our concerns."I owe you no explanation, Dominic. She is the new Sohoe, and that's final. Understand?" he declared, yet my gaze remained unwavering. This was a death wish, I knew. He could have me killed at any moment. Even though I had the power and connections, I was in his territory, and that was something I couldn't deny. This was something I couldn't just take lightly. I held some suspicion
"It's okay, Dominic. Let's go out and have a talk," Uncle Gavin interjected, standing up. As Marc turned and left the room, followed by Uncle Gavin. I noticed Dominic's gaze still fixed on me, with raised brows before finally leaving.As I found myself alone in the room, I released a sigh. Even with all that Uncle Gavin had said, I had no idea what this was all about and why I was chosen as the new Sohoe. I wasn't even a daughter-in-law of their blood-stained family. This was just a contract, and I would never be such in the first place. This place had always been hell for me, with every single day passing by, and it seemed this hell was increasing even more.I was quite sure Adrian would have heard of it and was possibly on his way back. A reminder of the questions he had thrown at me when I came back this morning.But honestly, what should I do now? Even though I had no idea about this Sohoe thing, I could tell it was a big issue and one that would draw many eyes to me. Nate turned
[Sierra's POV]"Is she going to be alright?" whispers reached my ears as my eyes sprung open, only to find myself lying on the bed. I tried to stand up and give the room a proper scan. Pain shot through me, coursing through my veins, leaving me numb. My gaze landed on my already bandaged right hand. It hit me then - the scene with that crazy old man, his actions. Why did he do that? And what was he blubbering on about?A 'Sohoe'... I cared less about what he meant by that, but I found myself curious nonetheless.I had thought maybe he had found out my true identity and the fact that I wanted to bring down Dominic. The feeling that washed over me at the mere thought, but now I found myself in a new story, one that I had no idea about.A creak from the door caught my attention, and my eyes scanned the room, witnessing Uncle Gavin as he walked in. A flicker of a smile painted his lips, though I couldn't deny the paled look in his eyes."You're awake, dear." I heard him mutter, and before
[Adrian’s POV]"Doesn't this feel so amazing, Adrian?" A voice snapped my attention to Elena, a smile lighting up her lips."Yeah, it does," I managed a reply, only to watch her gaze still fixed on me."What's wrong, Adrian? Are you not happy with all this? Don't you want us to spend more time...or--" she questioned, her gaze dropping immediately, the smile wavering away."It's not that, Elena," I replied. It wasn't really about any of this. I just found it hard shaking off the questions that swirled my mind, which were left unanswered by Sierra. I mean, where did she go to last night? She never returned to the mansion. What if, just what if, Uncle Marc was to find out? Now, that would be a fault in my plans, every single one of them, and the wealth I wished to attain, my father's property and everything. I just can't imagine those dreams crumbling down into ashes. I had picked her for this agreement because I found her usefulness and someone who wouldn't cause me more trouble further,
"Sophie. It still feels so clear in my head, those days," Marc whispered, his gaze shifting and fixing on me.What was this old man planning, and why did he bring me here? Adrian's mother?My gaze raised to meet the image again, only to find them dropping down after as I shivered in fear, from the eyes of the decapitated bodies surrounding her.This? I knew that everyone in this family was bloodstained and crazy, but yet, why did this image of witnessing those two brothers' mother leave a shocking sight to me?"Are you scared?" A voice snapped me as my eyes were on Marc. His steps grew closer; I found mine retreating only to stumble as beside me gazed upon a bone—wait, they were real! I jolted up immediately, colliding with Marc."What...?" I wanted to utter, only to watch him retreat a bit from my side. His eyes scanned the wall back as I watched a smirk lit from that crazy old man's lips."She was one of a kind, I would say, but really, I thought by now you must have been used to ou
"Alright..." I replied, managing a few steps as I followed the maid who led me through the passage. We arrived at a room, well, I guessed maybe that was his room."Please wait here," I heard the maid utter. Her words caused a halt. I watched her enter Marc's room after as I waited for some minutes before I caught a sight of her stepping out."He will see you now," she said, making her way as she left. My legs lingered a bit, as though they felt glued to the ground, my hands trembling as they approached the door handle."Why did he call me now again, all of a sudden?" I questioned in my thoughts. Finally, managing a breath, I opened the room door, walking in as my eyes landed on him seated on the couch, his gaze rising as they met mine."Come, sit, dear," he requested, pointing his hands to the couch beside him. I gently made my way, seating, my gaze still fixed on his.As I heard those silence break in after:"So, how is it?" he questioned. "Have you gotten Adrian to give up on this w
"You?" I questioned, watching him get to his feet as he stood up from the bed, approaching me. "What are you doing here in my room?" he asked, raising a brow.His room? What does he mean by his room?"This is my room, and what are you doing here?" I retorted, my mind still reeling from the fact that he was here and had entered my room without a proper knock."Wait—" I watched his voice trail off as he took a scan around the room. "Oh my!" he blurted. "I am really sorry. I thought this was my room. I mean, the room looks much alike, don't you think so?" he uttered. But really, he thought?"Please leave now," I said, my hands pointed at the room door, urging him to leave my room. But instead, I noticed his glued heels, with his eyes glaring at me, as he took a scan, leaving me uncomfortable at his sight as I tried adjusting the towel, my gaze rising to meet his."Didn't you hear me? Please leave my room now." I said again, but this time, he brought out a lighter and a pack of cigarettes
[Sierra's POV] Arriving back at the mansion, I found myself releasing a breath after finding it hard to get my mind off Nate's words and actions. So he was an enemy—one of the De Santos' enemies—who was also here to take down Dominic. Honestly, this all felt hard to take, more like believing if it was true and he was right about his words of seeking revenge. Back at the club, remembering clearly, Nate had always trembled in fear at the mere mention of Dominic's name or, as I had heard, trembled right in his presence. But now he was here claiming this. Should I believe each and every word he had spoken out of that mouth, or was I just seeing myself fall into another mess? Was he planning something?" I questioned in a whisper, but if he was truly faking it, I should have been dead. So should I just accept that everything he had said was the truth, and he wanted to bring Dominic down? Taking the stairs up, my only hope was getting some rest, as I couldn't deny the sharp pain that
"Wait? Her? What is she doing here? I hope she isn't..." I approached her, helping her up, and then I led her to the back seat of my car. "No, no, no," I heard her as she kept on mumbling. I felt relief washing over, taking in the fact that she was still alive, and there were no bruises either. But even so, I found it hard ignoring those words that kept on mumbling out of her mouth. As her hands attempted to raise, she only crumbled back down. But wait, how did she end up here in the first place? I mean, what was she doing roaming around at night on such a street? Yet judging from her staggering and muttering state, I could tell she was high. So she takes pills now? Really, what was wrong with Adrian? How many more of his flaws do I have to keep on fixing? I entered the car's front seat, starting the engine. I can't take her back to the mansion, well, not with her looking like this. That would surely raise questions from Uncle Marc, and that I would want to avoid, and most especi