Chapter Three

Ruby's POV

My eyes opened slowly to a very, very beautiful room painted in soft pink. The scent of flowers filled my nostrils as I regained consciousness. Was I dreaming?

I felt a headache as I let out a weak sneeze. Now, my eyes were wide open. Where was I? How did I get here? Thoughts ravaged my mind as I lifted an arm, to be sure this was real, because this place was too beautiful. I had never imagined sleeping on a bed like this, or waking up to a bright morning in this room.

Masked man. Fat dude. Ugh. I sat up slowly as my palm met my forehead, glancing around as I squinted at the ray of light passing through the window. The door creaked open, and I flinched as the masked man walked into the room.

“You’re awake, Freckles.” His husky voice sent a chill down my spine as he approached the bed.

He loomed over me, his presence dominating the room. The mask made him even more intimidating, and I couldn't read his expression.

“Why am I here?” I asked nervously, staring into his mask as if I could see his face. He leaned in closer to touch my face. I instinctively slapped his hand, putting on a cold expression.

“Oh, tough as I predicted,” He scoffed, grabbing my jaw instantly. “You're my property now, Freckles.” His lips almost touched mine.

He can't be serious. Property? “My name is Ruby, not Freckles.” Even as I spoke, I wondered if I had just signed my death sentence, my insides were churning and my heart was beating so fast. What if he pulled a trigger on me? He looked so dangerous, yet I was curious to see his face.

Maybe he was ugly. Could it be the reason he's wearing a mask even in his house?

“Ruby. Hm, sweet name,” He released my chin, snapping his fingers twice and a young girl walked in, bowing curtly before him.

“Get her ready, we're heading to the ball in two hours.” He commanded and the girl nodded as I walked out the door.

I was so confused. A ball? What was happening?

“My name is Delilah, and I'm your maid from now on. Please, have your bath while I arrange your ball gown, ma'am.”

I rolled my eyes, feeling my stomach churn. I was so hungry. Everything felt so unreal. Was I still in Chicago? My mother was still in the hospital bed! How could I save her when I'm stuck with a masked man I know nothing about?

I blinked back my tears as I got out of the bed. Delilah looked two years younger than I was. She was so young, why was she even working in a place like this?

“Who's he?” I asked her, but she only avoided my gaze and shook her head. I guessed she wasn't ready to speak, so I walked into the bathroom and slammed the door with fury boiling inside me.

I took a shower and got out.

Delilah dressed me up and I sat in front of the mirror, watching her do my make-up. Silence hung in the air as I clenched my fists, looking at my reflection in the mirror.

After she was done, she grinned at me, and told me I looked so beautiful. My brown hair flowed through my back and my lips were crimson red, perfectly aligning with my red dress.

“You're not going to tell me anything, are you?” I snapped, crossing my arms. Her silence only made my anger rise. Then she spoke.

“The boss is waiting for you in the car, ma'am.” Delilah smiled again, gesturing me out of the room. I hesitated, and opened my mouth to speak, but words couldn't leave.

I kept a cold demeanor as I stepped out the room, following Delilah's lead through the hallway. This can't be happening.

The main door opened, revealing the exterior of this mansion, and there he was, perfectly dressed in a black suit. His presence was overwhelming as usual. I felt my heart beat out of my chest as I walked up to him, tears welling in my eyes.

“Please,” I looked up at him, tears were starting to stream down my cheeks. “I don't know what is happening, or why I'm here. Just let me go home, I have a sick mother waiting for me.”

“Wipe your tears, Ruby. They don't move me. You're ruining your makeup and I don't like it. Understand?” He growled, and grabbed my arm, commanding me to enter the car.

“Move, Luca.” He ordered. The car's engine roared to life and we were out of the mansion, driving through the city.

I saw a familiar restaurant and it was safe to say that we were still in Chicago. I looked out the window, my fingers wet with tears that wouldn't stop leaving my eyes.

We soon got to a destination, and Luca exited the car, opened the back door and the masked man stepped out. He stretched out his hand, but even as I tried to avoid him helping me out, his mask scared me. Then I placed my palm on his, gently stepping out of the car.

Chatters and the sound of music filled the air, as we met security guards at the entrance of the hall. “Mr. Massimo Morano. It's an honor to have you.” One of them said, smiling at him.

His name was Massimo. It sounded like a mafia name. Was he a mafia boss? Oh, no. No way.

He held my hand as we entered the hall, Luca was behind us. “Massimo is here!” Someone screamed from the crowd.

“Mama!” That same voice called again. His hands wouldn't leave mine even though I felt so uncomfortable.

“You're about to meet my family, Freckles. You are my wife now. Your mother's bills are sorted already. Just act normal.” He leaned down to whisper these disgusting words into my ears. I couldn't comprehend what I had just heard.

“What do you mean? I'm your wife? How?” My voice was shaking as I quietly retorted.

“You'd fucking obey me, okay? Do as I say.” His grip on my hand became firmer as an old, rich lady approached us.

“Is this her? She's so beautiful! Oh my.” The woman said, pulling me into an abrupt hug. She could have felt the way my heart was racing so fast, but I guessed not.

“Mom, you fall for Massimo's tricks so fast. She doesn't even look happy. Don't you think he hired a fake wife?” A tall, muscular guy with a tattoo on his left arm smirked, walking into the conversation.

I was starting to understand what was happening. Massimo brought me here to be his fake wife for a night, and afterwards he'd release me and pay my mom's bills as promised.

A wave of relief flushed into me and I pushed myself to act well. It was just one night. Just one. I breathed in and out.

“I'm not a fake wife. I've always loved Massimo ever since we met.” I smiled widely at the guy, glancing at Massimo.

“Oh, dear,” Massimo's mom placed her palm on her chest, smiling before turning to the guy. “Alessandro, you see, your brother would never fool me unlike you! Let's seal this deal at once.”

She gestured to all of us to follow her, but a gunshot rang out, and the hall plunged into chaos. Screamed erupted as Massimo yanked me close, his voice low and firm. “Don't move.”