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AVERY'S POV 

 "Are you okay?" Mr Armstrong asked as I stared at him in disbelief. I just couldn't believe my eyes. Mr. Armstrong was angry because my Stepmom hit me? And he was worried if I was okay? no way.

 He seems to be battling his anger and something else in his head. Shaking his head a bit, he touched my cheek, but I involuntarily pulled away from his touch.

 "I am fine... Thank you." Why does he care?

 "Good. Now, back to what you were saying. You have no interest in whatever is going on, but sadly, you can't get out of it."

 "But—"

 "No buts. We have five minutes to get this over with and leave here. You can get whatever you feel is important. As for clothes, you'll get new ones."

 "You can't win me over with money, and I'm not marrying you." I don't know how I was able to object after everything I just witnessed.

 "I take that as an insult, winning you over?" He looked pissed. Maybe I shouldn't have said that. "Your acceptance of this marriage doesn't matter. The five minutes starts now." He slipped his hand into his suit pocket and pulled out a lighter for his cigarette. I caught a glimpse of his gun. It made me a bit more scared. One more reason why I should not marry him. "I'm feeling kind today; I'll give you a few minutes to come to your senses."

 The air in the room changed. It screamed danger, and I wished this was all a dream and I'd awaken soon. I saw my dad step forward.

 "Mr Armstrong, if you don't mind, I would love to speak to my daughter for a second." I don't want to hear whatever my father has to say. He pulled me to the corner of the room to talk about god knows what.

 "Look, Avery, this wasn't my idea."

 "But you agreed to it."

 "I have raised you all these years; just help me this once. I'm going bankrupt; Celia suggested all of this as a way out. But now, if you don't accept, we will all be doomed. You must marry him." Stated as an order.

 "I will not marry him." Shouted back immediately.

 "You will marry him willingly or not. You have no choice."

 “I will not marry him! You cannot force me.” My father looked at me with a wicked smile and said, “I can and I will. We have raised you; it’s time for you to pay us back or all of your mother's belongings, the inheritance she left you – consider them all gone." 

I felt a heavy weight hit my chest when I heard these words. He doesn't mean that, does he?

 “You can't do that! How can you expect me to marry someone I’ve never met? Did you stop and think if I would want any of this?" He said nothing. "Of course not, you never cared. You let your wife and daughter treat me however they want, and you never say or do anything to help me, but you join hands with them to make my life a living hell."

 "Let's put everything behind us and start afresh. I could be the father you have always wanted if you help me this once. I meant every word I said." I stopped trying to argue I turned to look at the man I was expected to marry. Why can't I just wake up from this horrid dream?

 AIDEN'S POV 

 It's time to be as brutal as possible and teach these Kingston's never to mess with me, Aiden, the black boss. I gave the signal to Steve; more men came in, ready to act on my command. 

"Your time's up!" I turned to the marriage officiant. "Let the marriage begin." I heard that brat that had been trying to get my attention shout 

"Stop being stupid, you swine! Marry already, or do you want them to hurt Father?" I'll deal with her later.

 I signalled for Avery to come to me. I watched as she scanned the room, noticing the change, she knew her father's security team could do nothing. Looking resigned, like there was no more fight left in her, she came over to me. We were married in seconds. I figured a smile would make her calm a bit, but she looked at me like I had grown horns.

 "It's time to go home, wife."

 "I have to get my mother's things." I knew she wasn't talking about Mrs Kingston. I had got info on them before coming here.

 "Alright, Steve would go with you." To my surprise, she didn't argue. We were out of the house in like thirty minutes.

 AVERY'S POV 

 I watched him get into the other car. I don't really care; I want to be far away from everyone right now. This guy that seems to be my husband's right hand held the door open for me. 

 "Boss loves his privacy," he said as a way to explain the need for a different car.

 "Okay." I could not think of a better response.

 “Mrs Armstrong, Is there anything you’d like to get on our way to the Mansion?” 

 “No, thanks." I couldn't help but wonder aloud, “What’s your boss like? He seems normal and dangerous at the same time.”

 “With time you will get to know him, Mrs Armstrong.” Of course they won't tell me anything. “I see.”

 Minutes passed; I couldn't wait to get out of the car and rest my head a bit. I saw a beautiful mansion; it was magnificent. I've never seen anything like it.

 “Wow! This place is beautiful.” To my surprise, the car drove through the front gate.

 “We’re glad you like it. This is your home now.”

 “This has to be a dream; my parents’ home doesn’t come close to this. Mr Armstrong sure has good taste and loads of money.” 

 “Indeed your husband does.” 

 “Yes…My husband.” I almost forgot I was married to him. I wonder what life with him will be like. We got inside the house. It felt like heaven. The expensive-looking furniture, art, tall glasses and unstained white paint all screamed luxury and power. I caught a glimpse of a gold gun on the wall, displayed as art. I noticed everyone here looked at me in a strange way, like I was walking on glass. What is it about my husband that I'm yet to find out?

 “Let me show you to your room.” That was my husband's voice.

 “Thank you.” I was happy we wouldn't have to share the same room, but a part of me was disappointed. This wasn't a real marriage after all.

 "I've contacted Sky Fashion; she needs to know the kind of dresses you'll like, your style and your size." He handed me the tablet. "Just fill it out here. You'll get some of your order today."

 "Done." I handed him the tablet. "I would like to be left alone if you don't mind." He looked at me with raised brows.

 "Of course, rest as much as you want. Food would be sent up soon. I'll be back later."

 "Thank you. Back for what?" He gave me a weird smile and walked out. I wonder what goes on in his head. 

 After my nap, I decided to explore the mansion. I saw a door; it looked weird. Other doors were painted white, but this one was black with a red X in the middle. I was curious to know what was in there, so I twisted the doorknob.

 "I wouldn't do that if I were you. The room is off limits." I heard a female voice say. I was startled, so I turned to look at who the voice came from. She was beautiful with dark brown hair and green eyes.

 "I was just curious. I'm sorry, who are you?" 

 "You will find out soon." 

She looked at me from head to toe and walked away. It felt strange. 

 Just then I got a call from Keisha. 

"Avery! Avery, I'm so sorry. How are you? What did they do to you? I couldn't get help because your stepmom had me tied up. I'm so sorry."

 "Kiesha, I'm so sorry too. I should have known she wouldn't let you go. I'm alright; I'm married."

"Married?"

 I could sense people's movement, like I was being watched. "Yeah, I'll fill you in tomorrow. Take care of yourself for me."

 "Alright. Good night, Avery."

 "Good night, Kiki." I ended the call and headed straight to my room to force myself back into bed. Where the hell was my husband, and why are everything and everyone here so strange?