Chapter 00005

Mia

I didn’t see it coming. In one swift movement, I was pinned against the wall, his hand clamped tightly around my neck. Panic surged through me as I clawed at his hand, gasping for air.

“Please,” I rasped, my voice hoarse and weak. “Please, I can’t breathe.”

His grip didn’t falter. His eyes bore into mine, dark and merciless, as if he was toying with the idea of crushing the life out of me. My chest burned, my vision blurred, and I could feel the tears streaming down my face.

I couldn’t think straight.

Was this it? Was he really going to kill me for slapping him? Why did I even have to slap him in the first place? I’m just so dumb and annoying! I shouldn’t have done it!

My strength waned, and I was on the verge of passing out when the sharp sound of a ringing phone broke through the suffocating silence. His hold loosened just enough for me to drag in a ragged breath, my lungs greedily gulping the air.

He glanced at the phone, but his attention quickly returned to me. His gaze was cold, calculating, like a predator deciding whether its prey was worth sparing.

“Listen to me carefully,” he said, his voice low and venomous. “The next time you dare to lay your filthy hands on me, I’ll make sure you never use them again. Understand?”

I nodded frantically, my entire body trembling.

“I don’t care about you,” he continued, his tone as sharp as a blade. “I could end your life right now, and no one would bat an eye. You mean nothing to me.”

With that, he released me. I collapsed to the floor, coughing violently and clutching my neck. My entire body shook as I tried to catch my breath.

He turned away from me, casually walking to the bed to answer his phone as if nothing had happened. I sat there, still gasping, my mind racing.

Who was this man? How could someone be so cruel, so unfeeling? I didn’t understand any of this. Why had my father brought me here? Why had he handed me over to a monster?

I glanced at him as he spoke on the phone, his back turned to me. He looked completely calm, detached, like choking someone was just another part of his day.

I needed to get out of here, but how? I was sure those men at the door wouldn’t let me leave. And even if I could, where would I go? My father had abandoned me to this… this beast.

Tears blurred my vision again as the weight of my situation pressed down on me.

Bryan

I stared at the phone in my hand, frowning when I saw the caller ID. Mom. What could she possibly want now? Hope this isn’t one of her annoying games…

With a sigh, I reluctantly answered the call. “Yes, Mom?”

“Bryan, where are you?” she demanded, her tone sharp and impatient.

“At one of my properties,” I replied, keeping my voice flat. I didn’t have the patience for her dramas and most especially, her wanting to probably see me.

“You need to come home immediately. There’s something important we need to discuss,” she said.

“Important?” I asked, arching a brow even though she couldn’t see me. “What’s this about?” I asked, knowing my mom something important was never important.

“It’s about your future,” she said cryptically.

I sighed again, already annoyed. Mom had a way of making everything seem urgent, even when it wasn’t. Still, I knew better than to ignore her completely.

“Fine. I’ll be there soon,” I said, ending the call before she could respond.

I slipped the phone into my pocket and turned back to the girl. Mia. She was still here, sitting on the floor with tears streaking her face. She looked terrified and small, like a bird with broken wings.

“Rex!” I called out, and the door opened almost immediately. My men were always close, always ready.

“Yes, Lord Bryan?” Rex said, bowing slightly as he stepped into the room.

“Take her to the room next to mine,” I ordered, gesturing toward Mia. “Have the maids clean her up and bring her something to eat. Make sure she doesn’t leave.”

“Yes, sir,” Rex said with a nod.

I turned to leave, but her voice stopped me.

“I’m not going anywhere until you tell me why I’m here,” she said, her voice trembling but defiant. “You can’t just treat me like this! I’m not some… some thing you can order around!”

I slowly turned back to her, my expression hardening. Did she have any idea who she was talking to?

“Don’t test me,” I said, my voice low and dangerous. “If you value your life, you’ll do as you’re told. I don’t tolerate disobedience, and I have no problem making an example out of you.”

Her defiance wavered, and I saw the fear return to her eyes. She bit her lip, tears spilling over as she looked away.

“Now, go,” I said firmly.

Rex stepped forward, motioning for her to follow him. This time, she didn’t resist.

I didn’t wait to see them leave. My patience was already wearing thin, and I had more important matters to deal with.

As I walked through the hallway, my men fell into step behind me. The staff bowed their heads as I passed, but I ignored them. I wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries.

I handed the keys to my Bugatti to my driver and slid into the back seat. The car roared to life, and I leaned back, letting the smooth hum of the engine calm my nerves.

“To the Chap mansion,” I said curtly.

The driver nodded, and the car sped off. Whatever my mother wanted, it had better be worth the interruption.