chapter 3

The room was still dark, the early morning light barely peeking through the heavy curtains. I opened my eyes slowly, blinking at the sight of Anna’s face close to mine. Her small hand was resting against my arm, and her big brown eyes—still puffy from crying—gazed up at me.

"Vanessa…" Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper.

I turned to her, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "What is it, sweetheart?"

She hesitated for a moment, her lips trembling. "Are you sure about this? The man… he’s scary." Her voice broke slightly, and I could feel the fear in her words.

I took her hand in mine, squeezing it gently. "I know he’s scary, Anna. But I need you to trust me, okay? We’re going to be fine as long as we’re together." 

"But… what if he hurts you? Or Dad? Or me?" Her voice cracked, and tears welled up in her eyes again.

I pulled her closer, wrapping my arms around her small frame. "Hey, hey… don’t cry. You’re safe with me. I promise you, nothing bad is going to happen to you. I’ll take care of everything, like I always do." I tried to keep my voice steady, but inside, I was terrified. I had no idea how I was going to make it through this day. 

Anna sniffled, burying her face in my chest. "I’m scared, Vanessa."

"I know, baby. I know. But you’re so brave, and you’re so strong. You’re going to be okay." I kissed the top of her head, trying to push down the lump that had formed in my throat.

Before I could say anything else, there was a sharp knock at the door. It opened without waiting for my response, and two maids walked in, their expressions blank and professional.

"It’s time," one of them said simply, her voice clipped and efficient. 

Anna looked up at me with wide eyes, clutching my hand tighter. "Vanessa…"

I smiled at her, though my heart felt like it was breaking into a million pieces. "It’s okay, Anna. I’ll be right back, okay?" 

The maids walked over, one of them carrying a garment bag and the other holding a tray of jewelry and makeup. I reluctantly let go of Anna and stood, feeling like I was walking into an execution. 

The maids worked silently, dressing me in a white silk dress that clung to my body like a second skin. The fabric was soft and smooth, falling to the floor in a gentle, flowing train. The neckline was simple—modest, but elegant. They slipped glass-like slippers onto my feet, the kind of shoes I’d only ever seen in magazines. 

When they started on my hair, I stared at myself in the mirror, barely recognizing the woman looking back at me. My red hair was curled and styled into soft waves that framed my face perfectly, and the makeup they applied brought out the green in my eyes, making them look brighter and sharper than usual. 

For a moment, I forgot where I was. I looked beautiful, like I belonged in a fairy tale. But then I remembered that this wasn’t a dream. It was a nightmare. 

"You look beautiful, miss," one of the maids said softly as she stepped back.

"Thanks," I muttered, my voice hollow.

The ceremony was held in the grand hall of the Moretti mansion. The room was massive, with high ceilings and walls lined with gold accents. A crystal chandelier hung overhead, casting a soft glow over everything. It was beautiful, but it felt cold and unwelcoming, just like everything else in this house. 

Alaric stood at the end of the aisle, waiting for me. His black tuxedo fit him perfectly, the tailored fabric hugging his broad shoulders and lean frame. His hair was slicked back, and his sharp features looked even more defined under the soft light. He was impossibly handsome, and it pissed me off. How could someone so cruel look so perfect? 

His silver-gray eyes met mine as I walked down the aisle, and I couldn’t read the expression on his face. It wasn’t anger, but it wasn’t kindness either. It was something else—something I couldn’t place. 

When I reached him, I avoided looking directly at him. My hands trembled as I handed Anna off to one of the maids who had promised to keep her nearby. 

The officiant began speaking, his voice a dull buzz in my ears. I barely registered the words, my mind racing. When it came time for us to say our vows, I kept mine short and emotionless, refusing to let him see how scared I was. 

Alaric’s voice, on the other hand, was calm and steady as he repeated his vows. His tone was cold, detached, as if this was just another business deal to him. 

When the officiant finally pronounced us husband and wife, I braced myself. Alaric didn’t kiss me. He didn’t even touch me. He just turned and walked away, leaving me standing there alone. 

After the ceremony, they handed me another contract. It was thick, filled with legal jargon I didn’t understand. But I knew what it was for. 

"Sign it," Alaric said, his voice low and commanding.

I looked up at him, my hands trembling as I held the pen. "What if I don’t?" I asked, my voice shaking. 

His silver eyes narrowed. "Then your father doesn’t get treatment. And your sister stays here." 

That was all he said. That was all he needed to say. I signed the papers without another word. 

As soon as I was done, I heard the sound of a car pulling up outside. My father was being loaded into a vehicle that would take him to the clinic for treatment. Relief flooded through me, but it was short-lived. 

Another car appeared, and I watched in horror as they began loading Anna’s belongings into it. 

"Wait," I said, my voice rising in panic. "What’s happening? Where are they taking her?" 

"London," Alaric said simply, his tone emotionless. 

"What?" I screamed, stepping toward him. "That wasn’t part of the deal!" 

Alaric didn’t flinch. "Your sister is being sent to a boarding school. One of the best in the world. Her education is covered through university. She’ll be taken care of." 

"You can’t just—" 

"Enough," he said, his voice cutting through mine like a blade. "You wanted her future secured. This is how I’ve done it. She’ll be safe, and she’ll have every opportunity she could ever want." 

I wanted to hit him. I wanted to scream at him. But deep down, I knew he was right. I could never have given Anna this kind of life. 

I knelt in front of Anna, holding her hands tightly. "Hey, listen to me. You’re going to be okay, Anna. You’re going to make so many new friends, and you’ll get to go on trips and play sports, and… and your future is going to be so bright." My voice cracked, but I forced myself to smile. 

"I don’t want to go!" Anna sobbed, throwing her arms around my neck. "I want to stay with you!" 

"I know, baby. I know. But this is a good thing. You’ll see. You’re going to be so happy." 

Tears streamed down both our faces as I hugged her tightly, whispering promises that everything would be okay. When they finally pulled her away from me, it felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest. 

I stood on the steps of the mansion, watching as the car drove away. My vision blurred with tears, and my throat burned as I choked back a sob. 

When I turned back to Alaric, he was standing there, watching me with an unreadable expression. 

"You took everything from me," I said, my voice shaking with anger. 

"You still have your life," he said coldly, his silver eyes piercing mine. "That’s more than most people get from me." 

I glared at him, tears streaming down my face. I was all alone now, trapped in the devil’s lair.