Chapter 3

There was no way she would think of marrying a total stranger.

"I don't have the money you asked for," Rose said.

"But aunty...i mean madam, you have way more than I asked for," Laura said, getting up.

"I can't just give you that amount, no way," Rose shook her head.

"He'll be the one giving you the money if you agree to marry him. But if you don't need the money, you might as well just leave my mansion," Rose said, turning to leave.

"Wait!" Laura called out.

She really wanted to save George, even if it meant risking her own freedom.

"I agree, but how long is the marriage ? Because I know $7,000 isn't worth my entire life," she asked.

"Six months," Rose turned to her with a smirk.

"You're doing this because you'll also gain from it, but I don't care. As long as George is safe, I'm fine with it," Laura said.

"Smart girl," Rose chuckled.

"I need the money now," Laura demanded.

"The hospital's bank details," Rose said, picking up her phone.

Laura showed it to her, and she made the transfer.

"Done," she showed Laura the transaction receipt on her phone.

Laura turned to leave, but Rose called her back.

"And where do you think you're going?" She asked.

"To the hospital. I need to see George," Laura replied.

"You're not allowed to leave this premises till you sign on our agreement. The papers will be brought in tomorrow morning. I'm sure George's treatment has commenced. Spend the night here." Rose said before walking away.

Laura sighed, feeling scared. She regretted agreeing so soon, but she was left with no choice.

A slight relief washed over her as the thought of George getting treated crossed her mind.

A maid soon walked over to her and led her to the room she would be spending the night in.

NEXT DAY, MORNING

Aurora eyelids twitched as the ray of sunlight streaming through her window reflected on her face.

She turned to the other side and was confused by the unfamiliar softness she was lying on.

She quickly jerked up and realized she was still at Rose's mansion. Memories of yesterday's event came playing back in her head, and fear gripped her.

A knock sounded on the door. She stared at the door, wondering who it was.

"Come in," she managed to say.

A maid walked in with a wedding dress, and her eyes widened.

They were joking, right? She just agreed yesterday, and the marriage was already set for today?

"What's the meaning of this?" She asked.

"Madam Rose requested I bring this dress to you. She strictly ordered me to get you prepared in 30 minutes. Your groom is waiting for you." The maid replied.

"Marry today? I thought I'll be giving a little time first," Laura said, getting off the bed.

Just then, Rose walked in.

"You said I'll sign papers not get married," Rose sneered.

Rose walked up to her and gave her a hard slap across the cheek.

"Is that how your useless mother brought you up? You saw your elder in the morning and forgot about greeting them," Rose scolded.

Laura balled her fist as a surge of adrenaline washed over her.

"Apologize now, or else I'll ask for a refund and see how you'll pay?" Rose threatened.

A tear rolled down Laura'scheek as she forced herself to apologize.

"I'm sorry," she muttered.

Rose smirked.

"Now get dressed." She said, exiting the room.

Laura sat at the edge of the bed, sobbing as she placed her palm on the spot Rose slapped her

"I'm so sorry, but you need to start getting ready," the maid said.

Laura nodded slowly, trying to compose herself. She went into the bathroom and did a quick shower.

The maid helped her into the wedding dress when she was done.

She couldn't help but feel like she was trapped in a nightmare. The dress was beautiful, but it felt like a prison.

As the maid finished styling her hair and applying makeup, Laura caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. She looked like a completely different person, a person she didn't recognize.

The maid handed her a bouquet of flowers, and Aurora took a deep breath. She had to get through this. For George's sake.

With a heavy heart, she followed the maid out of the room and down the stairs, leading to the living room.

Rose was sitting legs cross, chatting with Mr Smith. She wondered what kind of wedding ceremony would be held.

"Finally," Rose smiled as she sighted Laura.

"God Job Naomi," Rose said to the maid as they got to where she sat.

Naomi bowed with a forced smile before walking away.

"It's a small ceremony. Let's get going," Rose said as if she read Laura's thought.

They made their way out of the mansion and to the driveway, where their ride was waiting.

They got in, and the driver ignited the engines and soon drove off.

****

* SCOTT'S MANSION*

The car drove into the mansion that looked like a paradise. It had huge walls that shone like gold in the sunlight. The roof was made of sparkling glass that reflected the colors of the rainbow.

A beautiful garden surrounded the mansion, filled with rare flowers and trees that smelled sweet. A clear blue pool glimmered in the center of the garden, surrounded by comfortable chairs and umbrellas.

A small crowd was gathered outside.

Laura sighted Scott, but he wasn't looking at their direction.

The driver put the car to a halt, and they all stepped down, making their way towards Scott and the few guests.

Scott immediately turned to them, and Laura's heart skipped a beat as their eyes met. For a moment, time seemed to stand still.

Laura quickly looked away, her eyes scanning the small crowd, trying to avoid Scott's piercing gaze. Rose nudged her forward, and she reluctantly took a step closer to Scott.

The ceremony began, and Laura's mind went blank as the officiant spoke. She couldn't believe she was actually marrying a stranger.

As the officiant asked her to sign the marriage certificate, Laura's hands trembled. She tried to read the document, but Rose snatched it away.

"No time for that, dear," Rosee said with a sly smile.

"Just sign."

Laura hesitated, but Rose's grip on her arm tightened. She reluctantly signed the document.

Scott signed next, his eyes never leaving Laura's face. The officiant pronounced them husband and wife afterward.

Mr Smith left with Scott to discuss, and soon, the guests all left, including Mr Smith and Rose.

Laura stood like a lost puppy when a guard approached her with papers in hand.

"Master asked me to give this to you. He said it's the agreement you signed, and you should read the rules thoroughly," the guard said.

Laura nodded, collecting the papers from him.

She read through it, and her eyes widened.

She was not allowed to leave the mansion. She is to obey Scott's every rule. She is to come to Scott's room only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for them to have sex.

"I didn't agree to this," she shook her head.

"Mr Williams is waiting for you inside," the guard said.

Her heart raced as she followed him into the mansion.

She was led to Scott's bedroom, and her heart raced even more as she stepped inside alone.

The bedroom was a lavish space that reflected its owner's wealth and power. The walls were a cold, dark gray, and the carpet was black and flawlessly clean.

A massive bed with four solid steel posts dominated the room. The bed was draped in expensive, black silk sheets. Two sleek, modern nightstands with silver lamps sat on either side of the bed.

A single leather armchair stood in the corner, facing a floor to ceiling window that offered a stunning view of the city skyline.

A chandelier made of sharp, crystal shards hung from the ceiling, casting a cold, unforgiving light over the room.

Scott stood at the center of the room, staring at Laura with his piercing green eyes.

"I...I.. didn't...ag...agree to have sex with you," Laura stuttered.

Scott walked over to her and stopped an inch away. His frame towering over her.

She lowered her gaze, unable to stand those alluring eyes of his.

He placed a finger beneath her chin, lifting her head and her gaze to meet with his.

"Too late. You signed. You're mine little dove," Scott said, his deep voice low and menacing.