chapter 1

Rora POV.

I stood outside the banquet hall for a long moment before pushing the door open.

This was supposed to be my engagement.

Mine!

I told myself that again and again as I adjusted my dress, forcing my shoulders back, lifting my chin. No matter how bad things had become, no matter how much my family had fallen, today was still meant to be special. Today was supposed to be the day I officially became Liam Walker’s fiancée.

I am the Grayson's daughter and the future Mrs. Walker.

I took a breath and stepped inside.

Laughter exploded around me.

Not the warm kind. Not the kind that welcomes you. It was loud, sharp, almost mocking. My steps slowed as my eyes searched the room and then I saw them.

Liam and Malice, my adopted younger sister. My family adopted her as a young child after visiting the orphanage house, and since then we have been together like a family.

They stood together at the center of the hall.

Too close, that I felt something strange awaking inside me.

Malice wore a bright, eye-catching gown that shimmered under the lights, far more glamorous than mine. Her arm was hooked through Liam’s, her head tilted toward him as she laughed. People surrounded them, congratulating them, smiling at them, raising glasses in their direction.

My heart dropped and I stopped walking.

For a second, I truly thought my eyes were lying to me.

What are they doing together?

Why is she standing there?

Why is he smiling like that?

This was my engagement.

My legs felt weak as I finally moved forward. I kept asking myself that question, hoping someone will give me the response that I deserve.

Just then, I heard whisper.

“Isn’t she the one getting engaged?”

“I heard her family is bankrupt.”

“One billion in debt.”

“How embarrassing.”

I clenched my fists.

When Malice finally noticed me, her lips curved into a slow, satisfied smile.

“Oh,” she said loudly, drawing attention. “You’re here.”

I stared at her, my chest tight. “Malice… what are you doing?” My voice shook despite my effort to stay calm. “Why are you standing with him like that?”

She blinked at me innocently. “Standing with him? I’m just helping Liam greet the guests.”

I turned to Liam. “Liam?” My voice cracked. “Am I not the one you’re getting engaged to?”

The room went quiet.

Then Malice laughed. It wasn’t soft. It wasn’t kind.

It was cruel.

“Engaged?” she repeated. “Rora, are you serious right now?”

Liam’s expression hardened. He didn’t even try to deny it. “Let’s not pretend,” he said calmly. “Everyone knows the Grayson family is finished.”

The words hit me like a slap.

“You think I will still marry a poor man's daughter?” he continued. “One billion in debt? Do you know how ridiculous that sounds?”

My ears rang.

Malice crossed her arms, her eyes full of mockery. “Who would want to marry you now? You should be grateful we even invited you.”

Invited? Like seriously? To my own engagement?

I almost laugh repeating those words in my ears as if they were new. Who will be invited to their own encouragement? They are the owner of the event.

My chest burned. “This is my engagement,” I said, my voice trembling. “This was supposed to be my day.”

She tilted her head. “Was it?” Then she smiled wider. “Or did you really think someone like you still deserved that?”

People started whispering again. Some laughed quietly.

I felt like I was shrinking.

Liam leaned closer, his voice low but sharp. “Let’s be clear, Rora. The marriage can't work. I'm calling off this engagement with you ”

My breath caught. “Then why bring me here?”

Malice answered for him. “Because you still owe people's money and I'm trying to help you”

My stomach dropped.

“One billion,” she continued lightly. “And since your father is in prison and your mother is...” she paused deliberately, smiling, “drop dead you know, you’re the only one left.”

My vision blurred on the spot.

“Don’t,” I whispered. “Don’t talk about my parents.”

She ignored me. “There’s a man willing to help,” Malice said. "Don't mind his old age. Very rich. Sleep with him, and a part of the debt disappears.”

"She has no choice even if she mind" Liam mocked.

The room spun.

“What?” My voice came out hoarse.

“You heard me,” Liam said coldly. “It’s your only option.”

I shook my head violently. “No. I won’t do that.”

Malice laughed again. “Then enjoy watching your family’s name disappear forever.”

Tears burned my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I turned away, my heart pounding painfully.

A waiter passed by with a drink tray. Without thinking, I grabbed a glass. My hands were shaking so badly I didn’t even notice the strange taste when I took a sip.

Seconds later, the floor tilted. My head spun. My stomach twisted.

Something was wrong.

I pushed through the crowd, breathing hard, searching for the restroom. My vision blurred as I reached a door and stumbled inside.

I barely made it to the sink before coughing.

I gripped the counter, trying to steady myself, then I froze.

Someone else was there.

A man.Tall. Broad. Silent.

His dark eyes met mine.

I sucked in a breath. “I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I think I went into the wrong restroom.”

He didn’t answer.The air felt heavy. Too heavy.

Slowly I found my body reacting to his, my hands trace his chest down and our eyes met in the most hot way ever.

"I'm sorry but I can't control myself" I muttered, trying to bring him closer.

"I think you are drugged." He grabbed my waist and look at me. "Is this your first time?" He asked, his voice is deep and makes my body react in a burning way.

I bit my lips and nodded. "Yes, can you be gentle please?"

And with that, he claimed my lips and his hand perform wonder on my body. I grabbed the cabinet once again as he bang me gently from behind until the pain faded.

Minutes later, the drug effect was down and we are done. I fumbled for my purse, pulled out some cash, and placed it on the counter without thinking. My hands were trembling.

“I’m sorry,” I repeated, then turned and ran out of the restroom.

I didn’t look back.

I left the hall.

I left the engagement. I must find a way to sort my parents debt

The next day, I stood in the lobby of a large company building, clutching my resume like it was my last lifeline.

I needed a job. Any job.

My family’s debt was suffocating me, pressing on my chest every second I breathed.

When I stepped forward to enter the elevator, a familiar voice stopped me.

“Well, well.”

I froze.

It's Liam's voice.

Malice stood beside him, arms crossed, smiling.

“You won’t get hired here,” Liam said confidently. “My uncle owns this company.”

My heart sank. After putting all hope in getting this job, I ended up in the enemy's den. If Liam’s uncle own the building, then I'm not getting any chance.

“I will make sure no one gives you a job,” he continued. “Unless you kneel. Unless you beg.”

Malice laughed. “Look at her. Still pretending she has dignity.”

Something inside me snapped.

“Don’t you dare,” I said shakily, tears streaming now. “Don’t you dare talk about my family. My mother is dead. My father is in prison. Haven’t you done enough?”

My heart break so much, seeing the person my parents treated like their real daughter, someone that called their own even tho she was adopted. They made me look after her, give her everything she want and she has the gut to change all because of her greediness over Liam’s money.

Malice clapped slowly. “Pathetic. So pathetic ”

My legs gave out. I fell to the floor, sobbing, broken and helpless. My Dad has never allow me to feel cheated in any way, he is always providing for me and make sure I get what I want. Now, I'm trying to work hard for what I want but no one is there to encourage me.

Then a deep voice spoke.

“That’s enough.”

The room went silent.

I looked up.

And my breath stopped.

It was him. The man from the restroom.

Our eyes met.

Shock crashed through me.

"What is he doing?”