CHAPTER 7: FIGHT TO WIN

ENID’S POV

David and I stood shoulder-to-shoulder, the silence between us thick enough to choke on. He kept calling Alex name, but the arrogant Alex didn't reply, just the echo of his own voice in the hallway.

Then came the growl of a car engine, tires screeching against gravel, and the brutal roar of a car tearing away from the mansion.

Alex was gone.

Disappointment flashed in David’s eyes like lightning, followed by a flicker of raw embarrassment. I saw his fist balled together, and his his jaw clenched. I could tell he hated this—hated losing control in front of a stranger.

“Enid,” he said, his voice always thick but suddenly felt smaller, cracked by the frustration boiling inside him. “Let’s talk.”

“Of course, sir.” I kept my tone soft, almost humble, swallowing the knot in my throat as I followed him. My gaze lingered on the wrecked room—furniture overturned, papers scattered like fallen soldiers—before I pulled the door shut with a quiet click.

We moved downstairs, my palm soft on the marble floor. He led me to the first-floor balcony, where the morning light spilled over the landscape. I couldn’t help but pause—trees stretched wide, flowers bloomed in defiant color, birds chirped like nothing in the world was broken. My chest loosened for a heartbeat.

“Sit,” David commanded, dropping into a chair. I took the one beside him, close enough to feel the tension radiating off him.

“You holding up?” he asked, eyes locked on mine, searching for cracks.

“I’m fine,” I lied, forcing a casual shrug. But his stare didn’t waver.

“No, you’re not.” His voice dropped, heavy with warning. “And that’s why I’m telling you everything you need to survive this house.”

Not again!?

I rolled my eyes desecretly at him. How many people are gonna tell me the rules in this prison of a house? “Tell me.” I said, my eyes not leaving him.

He leaned forward, elbows on chair arm. “No one wants you here, Ethan. Not even a single one soul. So you have to be careful.”

I nodded, slow and deliberate, letting the words sink in like stones.

“Your fiancé?” He gave a bitter chuckle. “Alex is a live grenade. Try as much as possible to avoid anything that would cause scenes. I can’t let you get hurt.”He began

My stomach twisted I disgust. Who the hell does this Alex think he is for putting everyone in panic. “That bad?”I asked an obvious question.

“Worse. He doesn’t even respect me—his own father. He does whatever the hell he wants.” David’s fingers drummed the armrest, betraying the calm he tried to project. “Can you handle that?”

“I can,” I said, meeting his gaze. But his eyes flickered with doubt.

I'm gonna loose my inheritance if I don't.

“This is survival, Enid. A war you didn’t sign up for.” He exhaled sharply. “There’s more you need to know about Alex.”

“Like?”

“He’s got a boyfriend. Raymond. They were days from getting engaged before you showed up.”

The pieces clicked, as I re-arranged everything. “So that’s why he hates me.”I asked.

“Obsessed,” David added. “They’re obsessed. Even after the wedding, anything could happen. So I'm preparing your mind now.”

I stared at him, heat rising in my chest. “They’ll still be together? After we’re married?”

“Supposed to cut ties. But Alex doesn’t follow rules.” He rubbed his temples. “Just… watch your back.”

I swallowed hard. “Anyone else?”

“Those two you met last night—the arrogant teens? They are Ross’s neice and nephew. Their mother’s dead, father’s a wreck. They’re staying here for the time being. So Ignore them. Everything they say, everything they do—it’s for attention. Don’t give it.”He explained

I remembered their sneers, the way they sized me up like prey. And that arrogant girl.

"What if they disrespect me?"I asked curious.

"Then you can deal with them the right way."David explained, while I only nodded.

“And Ross,” David continued, voice dropping. “Alex’s mother. She’s poison. Ignore her too.”

I nodded again, slower this time. “Got it.”

And now that I've seen it. David doesn't seem like the ruthless man they called him. He's... different.

“You and Ross have nothing personal with each other,” he said, standing. “Once you’re married, you and Alex will move to the other penthouse, where you both get to live separate lives, and separate rules.”

Relief and dread twisted inside me. “Thank you, sir. I’ll put all what you said in good use use.” I said , as I also stood up.

“If you need anything—money, help—tell the maids. Or come to me.” He grunted, already turning. “I’ll handle it.”

“Thank you,” I murmured, bowing slightly as he walked away without another word.

The door clicked shut behind him.

I exhaled, long and shaky, gripping the balcony rail until my knuckles whitened.

This was only the beginning.

My inheritance, my life—everything hung on this twisted game of horror.

I couldn’t fail. Not now.

Not when the hook was already in my throat.

I straightened, jaw tight, resolve burning through the fear.

I would fight, and I would win.