Chapter 6

Ivan

“Fuck.” I cursed under my breath, staggering back as my father’s fist connected with my jaw. He was pissed, I could tell.

“I have tolerated your excesses, Ivan, but fighting your sister’s husband in public?” He barked, puffing out air, “That’s more than I can take.”

I wanted to defended myself, but I couldn’t dare utter a word. I did fight that bastard at the wedding, in front of everyone, however I didn’t succeed in landing a punch. He was good at dodging my punches, and I was better at landing on the ground with each fail attempt. My knuckles were covered with bruises, but my dad wouldn’t care less.

“I’m sure he didn’t mean it, uncle.” Carlos defended with a smile, shielding me from his attacks.

But I meant it, Carlos.

My blood boiled thinking of the bastard’s cocky smile, and his confidence I wished to break. I wasn’t into hurting others, but I wanted nothing more than to inflict pain on Cristiano Vito for touching me.

“Don’t defend him, Carlos.” My stepmother snarled, pushing him aside roughly, and hitting me on the face.

“Margaret!” My dad yelled with a clenched jaw, shooting her a murderous stare. I chuckled, fixing my jaw that burned with pain.

“You better warn your wife, Dad.” I said in a low tone, “Cause the next time she lays a finger on me, I’ll have Carlos beat her up.” I added with an innocent smile.

“You imbecile!“ she lunged forward, but Carlos shielded me this time, shaking his head in disapproval. I smirked in triumph, winking at her mocking.

“Are you going to let your son insult me?” She turned to my father with flushed face, “You are spoiling him too much.”

It was the same complain as always, and she was right.

“You started this, Margaret. You shouldn’t have hit him.” My dad reprimanded, his voice stern as his eyes flickered between us. My lips curled up in a smug smile.

“If there’s nothing more, I’m leaving.” I announced, spinning on my heels.

“No, you are not going anywhere!” My stepmother yelled in frustration, halting my steps.

I turned back, arching my brows in question, “And you what right do you have to stop me?”

“Enough, Ivan!” My dad growled, shaking his head in disappointment, “You have no business with clubs anymore.” He declared coldly, sitting on the sofa.

“What the fuck does that mean?” I snapped with a tight smile. “You know I can’t do without partying, Dad.” I pointed out, shooting my stepmother a cold stare.

She brainwashed him. He would never say such a thing no matter the gravity of my crimes.

“You spoilt brat.” He cursed, his eyes darkened in fury, but my stepmother calmed him down, rubbing his chest with a pretentious smile.

“You plan on spending my money on women again?” He added mockingly.

“You’re not a child anymore, Ivan. You will start up your own family someday, but how exactly will you do that when you’re this reckless?” He spat out bitterly, his chests heaving in anger.

“And who says I wanted to get married?” I shot back, and his body vibrates violently.

“You’re my successor.” He said through clenched teeth, “You don’t have a say in your marriage.”

That was exactly why I don’t plan on getting married. Marriage in this world was merely a business contract.

“Mr Vito is right.” He muttered under his breath, catching my attention. What did that fucking bastard say to him?

“Right about what?” I demanded stiffly, my eyes fixed on him. Right on cue, the bastard’s assistant walked into the room with a stoic expression.

“Good evening, Mr Hernandez.” He said with a curt smile, adjusting his suit tie.

“You’re here already.” My stepmother beamed with mischief twinkling in her eyes as she stared at him. I narrowed my eyes in suspicion. She was way too excited.

“I came to pick him up.” He explained, arching his head towards me. He can’t possibly be talking to me, right?

“Care to explain what’s going on, dad?” My voice was icy cold.

“You’re going to live with Cristiano.” My dad announced with no expression on his face.

I chuckled, shaking my head in denial, but his stoic expression said it all. He wasn’t joking.

“I’m not going anywhere!” I growled in defiance, balling my fist.

“You are, Ivan.” My stepmother countered with sly smile, “The decision has already been made, and you can’t do anything about it.”

“You need discipline, and Cristiano will teach you how to behave.” My dad stated, leaving no room for argument.

“Whose fucking idea was this, huh?” I demanded through clenched teeth.

“Mr Vito—“

“And you fucking accepted?” I snarled in disbelief, cutting my dad off. He was so blinded by Cristiano’s perfect image that he couldn’t possibly sense the twisted truth behind his ‘kind gesture’.

“Go pack your stuff right now!” My dad barked in command, pointing to my room.

“Uncle…” Carlos tried to say, but I stopped him, shaking my head. His mind was already made up. There’s was no point trying to convince him otherwise.

“Carlos is coming with me.” It wasn’t a question, and didn’t need a response.

“No, he’s not. We can protect you.” His assistant countered, sizing Carlos up with his eyes.

“But—“

“There are no buts, Ivan. You’re better off without Carlos.” My stepmother echoed in agreement, flashing me an innocent smile.

I walked upstairs to my room with Carlos trailing behind me. “Are you okay?”

“Do I look okay?” I snapped back, folding my clothes into my bag. I was on the verge of losing my mind. Never have I thought that fucker would convince my dad to let me live with him in order to have me in his bed.

“I can try convincing—“

“Shut up already.” I roared in frustration, “I’m going to live with that bastard, but I won’t let him break me.” I reassured with a mischievous smile.

If he thinks having me close meant he can fuck me as he wished, then he’s fucking wrong.