Interesting offer [Chapter 4]

A night had passed since Akiko officially became Glen Xander McKenzie's possession. The apartment he brought her to was as cold and pristine as expected — all expensive surfaces, glass, and marble. But the fridge? Completely empty, aside from canned drinks and alcohol.

Typical.

By morning, Glen finally handed her card and ordered her to buy groceries. It wasn’t a request — it was a command, laced with the usual arrogance in his voice.

Now, with Kouma left safely in the apartment, Akiko made her way to the store. She bought the essentials with Glen's money — just enough to avoid complaints. The rest, the little things for herself, she paid for with what was left of her savings. It wasn’t about the money — it was about control. And she refused to let him buy every piece of her life.

As she was placing items into her shopping bag, a hand suddenly grabbed her face.

Startled, Akiko turned, her heart stalling as her gaze locked onto the woman standing before her.

“You…” The girl’s voice trembled, her short hair framing familiar features Akiko never thought she’d see again.

“Keinara?” Akiko’s voice barely rose above a whisper before her sister engulfed her in a tight embrace.

“How long?” Keinara’s voice cracked. “How long have you ignored me?” She held Akiko as if afraid she'd vanish.

“I’m sorry,” Akiko whispered, her guard faltering for the first time in what felt like years. She fixed Akiko’s hair with trembling fingers. 

Keinara sobbed. “I finally found you…”

Akiko's chest tightened. “We shouldn’t have met again. Dad… he’ll be furious.”

“I don’t care about him. I care about you” Keinara’s voice cracked with emotion.

Akiko looked away. The answer was obvious.

“He always hurt you, didn’t he? I can see it.” Keinara’s voice shook, memories flashing between them — the bruises, the cold floor, the lies Akiko told to protect her.

Akiko whispered. “I don't want you to get hurt.”

Keinara’s arms tightened around her. “We could’ve faced it together. I should’ve protected you.”

“It’s not your fault,” Akiko replied softly. “You’re the only one who ever loved me.”

“I need to go,” Akiko said, pulling back. “We can’t be seen together. “Dad will lose his mind if he finds out,”

Keinara’s face fell. “Then, let me come with you. We can figure this out—”

Akiko shook her head. “I moved. It’s better this way. If you really care… don’t ever pull me back into that family."

Her grip slipped away, and for a second, it felt like history repeating—their fingers pulling apart, just like the day they were torn from each other years ago. Keinara froze in the street—her sister’s longing stare burning into her back as she walked away.

On her way back, fate seemed to mock her. Akiko ran into Dr. Vian. He didn’t ask—he insisted she come to the hospital to collect the remaining medication. 

At first, she refused. But then, the dull ache in her chest, the sharp, gnawing pain in her back… it was always there, always reminding her how weak her body had become. 

So, she agreed.

It wasn’t hope that made her say yes. It was the quiet, exhausted realization that maybe… This would be her last bottle of pills. And after that, there’d be nothing left to fight for. 

With her groceries in hand, Akiko returned to the apartment. Glen was waiting, as expected.

“Why did you go to the hospital?” His voice greeted her. 

Akiko narrowed her eyes. Of course, he knew.

“You’re the one who hurt me — why do you care?” she snapped.

Glen chuckled, slipping an arm around her waist. 

“So arrogant,” he muttered, amused. "That attitude… I guess arrogance comes naturally to everyone in your family.”

Akiko didn’t react, even as his hand brushed dangerously low along her waist.

“You met your boyfriend, didn’t you?” Glen’s voice sharpened, jealousy creeping in.

“No,” Akiko replied curtly.

“Then who was he? You looked… comfortable.”

“Just a doctor,” she replied, washing her hands after they entered the apartment.

Glen only nodded, unconvinced.

“Help me with this. It’s part of your new… responsibilities.” He added, gesturing to his tie.

Akiko nodded, ignoring his lingering gaze.

Every second, Glen’s eyes roamed over Akiko’s face — sweet, delicate, deceptively innocent. But her gaze… empty. Cold. As if nothing in this world could touch her.

Not even him.

Mr. Eloise was a fool, Glen thought. With that face and those eyes, Akiko could’ve bought her father out of debt with charm alone — but her exhaustion dulled her beauty. A wasted treasure.

“Who’s this for?” He held up a pack of candy.

“I bought it myself.”

Glen held it high, teasing, then kissed her briefly. “I don’t know why, but I really like kissing you.”

“Because you’re a pervert,” Akiko shot back.

He smirked, pulling her onto the back of the sofa. “Open your mouth.”

Expressionless, Akiko obeyed. He fed her the candy with his mouth, his lips lingering for a moment longer than necessary. His eyes searched her blank face, as if expecting… something. But as always, nothing came. 

Afterward, he chuckled softly at her lack of reaction. 

“Tonight, come with me to meet an important guest. Dress up to make an impression,” Glen said while she cooked. 

“Why me? That guest came to see you,” Akiko asked, confused. She had only just started living with him and didn’t know his routines. 

“Why? Because you’re supposed to follow my orders. Isn’t that right, Aiko?” he said with a sly smile. 

“Okay,” Akiko replied flatly. Her apathy irritated and intrigued him at the same time. 

“I hate that arrogant attitude, Aiko,” Glen hissed, taking another drink before heading over to her. 

“Sorry,” Akiko muttered. 

“Drink,” he said, offering his glass. 

“No, I don’t drink alcohol,” she replied firmly. 

“Oh… You’re such a pure girl, huh? Makes me want to devour you,” he whispered sensually, then let her go. 

In her room, Akiko showered and quietly prepared for the day ahead. The cold water did little to wash away the heaviness in her chest. Every movement felt mechanical — pulling on her clothes, fixing her hair — all while knowing she was about to face another exhausting day under Glen’s control.

The thought alone made her stomach twist. Working for him… living in the same space… being watched, ordered around, treated like some possession he could move and command at will.

“Aiko,” Glen’s voice snapped back. He entered her room, uninvited. 

“What?” she asked, irritated.

His eyes swept over her in the black dress. “Let’s go. Time to show off that arrogance of yours.”

The moment they arrived at the office, Akiko's eyes immediately landed on a woman waiting near the entrance. Yelena, a business associate who had been conveniently showing up at the office these past few days. Her intentions were obvious — getting close to Glen. After all, securing any kind of personal relationship with him wasn’t just about charm — it was a shortcut to power and wealth.

"Who is she, Glen?" Yelena asked, her voice low but steady. "I thought… I was the only one close to you now."

“Don’t act like we’re close,” Glen said coolly, his sharp gaze flicking to Yelena. 

“You still tremble every time I get near you.” He let his hand glide over Akiko’s waist as he spoke, his tone darkly amused.

“Now, let me show you who she really is,” Glen added, his eyes never leaving Yelena's face.

With that, he guided Akiko onto his lap with ease. She complied without resistance, her expression as empty and indifferent as ever. No blush. No hesitation. Just cold obedience.

Glen's lips curled into a satisfied smirk as he watched Yelena’s face tighten with envy and disbelief.

“See?” Glen whispered, his hand resting possessively on Akiko’s thigh. “She doesn’t even flinch with what I’ve got going on down there.”

Akiko tensed, her body instinctively rising from where she'd been seated.

“How many men have already enjoyed that body of yours?” His question sliced through the air casually, laced with quiet arrogance.

Akiko froze. Her stomach twisted, her pulse quickened. She’d never been touched by a man — except by Glen himself, with his cruel kisses and lingering hands.

Anger simmered beneath her cold facade. Instead of answering, she turned her face away. 

Furious, Glen threw wine in her face. “Your arrogance pisses me off.”

Disgusted, Akiko left to clean up. By luck, a female employee approached cautiously, her eyes flicking over Akiko’s soaked dress. 

“Here… take this,” the woman offered, holding out a clean dress. “You’ll catch a cold walking around like that.”

For a moment, Akiko hesitated. But practicality won over pride. She slipped on the jacket with a quiet nod.

Before she could thank the woman, a deep, familiar voice echoed from the restroom doorway.

“Aiko.”

Akiko stepped out of the restroom. Without a word, he straightened and walked ahead, his steps slow but purposeful — expecting her to follow. They entered a quiet room tucked at the end of the corridor. 

Glen stopped in front of the glass, hands in his pockets, his eyes fixed on the world far below.

“Come here,” he commanded, his voice calm, but carrying that usual quiet threat. “Look who came looking for you.”

Akiko approached cautiously, standing beside him. The view from the tenth floor sprawled beneath them — busy streets, rushing people, distant headlights… and there, standing by the building’s entrance—Her Father. 

Her breath caught in her throat.

"I knew it," Glen whispered, brushing her cheek. "He regrets throwing away such a rare diamond like you."

Mr. Eloise stormed into the room, his steps heavy with purpose. “I’ve come to take my daughter back,” he declared, his eyes locking onto Akiko.

Take her back? 

The idea almost made her laugh. He never wanted her. Not when she was a child crying herself to sleep. Not when her body was covered in bruises from his rage. Not when he signed her away like she was worthless.

So why now?

Her eyes narrowed, studying the man who shared her blood but never her love. The forced sincerity in his voice, the stiff lines of his jaw — it didn’t add up. There was no sudden regret. No fatherly concern.

There was something else. What does he want?

Glen tilted his head, amusement flickering in his sharp gaze. “Is that so?” His voice oozed mockery. 

“And what exactly do I get in return for giving her up?”

Mr. Eloise’s jaw tensed. “You can have my first daughters.”

Akiko’s heart stopped. Keinara… Her sister. Her only light in that twisted family. Horror twisted in her chest. No… He wouldn’t… He wouldn’t dare trade Keinara like that.

Glen chuckled under his breath, eyes never leaving Akiko’s face. “Interesting offer.” He took a slow step toward her, his voice dropping to a quiet, dangerous murmur. 

“Well then,” his voice dropped to a slow, dangerous drawl. “Let me ask my little lamb myself.”

His fingers brushed her chin, tilting her face toward him with practiced ease. His gaze locked onto hers, sharp and unreadable.

“Tell me, sweetheart… Do you want to stay with me…” Glen’s thumb traced along her lower lip, his voice dripping with quiet threat, “or go home… with your Father?”