Chapter 5

AVERY WINTERS

Right now, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions as I followed Mr. Theodore into the mansion.

I had left everything about the Brooks family behind— for good.

I was so eager to escape the painful memories of my ex-husband’s betrayal. He had not only cheated on me with my stepsister, but also accused me of being unfaithful to him.

I thought it would hurt that much, but it never did.

Paisley not only believed I was innocent, but also tried to convince me to stay, but I declined.

It was already over between her son and I.

Though, I couldn’t summon the courage to tell her that I'm getting married and starting a new life with someone else.

I couldn't bear to her the truth. It would be too much for her to handle.

I am more determined to move on with my life, to leave any heartache behind and finally do something meaningful with my life.

Her son has already made his choice. He's decided to choose my stepsister over me and there's nothing I could do. Even though I love him, I don't think I would be able to stand his disrespect and disregard for me.

As we walk inside, my gaze immediately fell upon this beautiful portrait of a young man hung on the wall. He had a radiant smile and a piercing eyes that seemed to sparkle even in the painting- that's how good-looking he is.

"Who is he?" I asked Mr. Theodore, pointing at the picture.

I just got here, but my curiosity is already getting the better of me.

He seemed to be in her late 30's, that's if I'm correct with my assumption, and his look was definitely undeniable.

And the fact that his picture was hung here prominently at the entrance of the house means that she held a significant position in this house.

"Our boss’s late father," he answered, his tone firm and dismissive. As if he didn't want to talk about it.

He walked into house, while I trailed behind him, closely.

I just got here, and I don’t want to get lost. This place is huge and complicated as it seems. Not only are there different routes, but the guards on standby are enough to secure an entire city.

This place isn’t a war zone, is it?

"Mr. Theodore."

A guard out of nowhere suddenly appeared, and then handed him an envelope. Lucas took it and dismissed him.

Just then, my gaze landed on the most stunning hazel eyes I had ever seen. I had no idea he had such a beautiful eyes until now. Maybe, yesterday's encounter had been too overwhelming, but right now, I couldn't help but keep staring.

His eyes sparkled with an intensity that left me breathless.

He was dressed in a black pants and matching singlet, his sweat drenched body revealing his chiseled, well toned muscles.

I immediately felt a flutter in my chest, my body reacting in a way I didn’t understand.

As soon as our eyes met, his expression hardened, and I tensed, fearing his sudden reaction.

I had no idea what he had been doing before Lucas and I arrived, but I could guess he was in some form of intense physical activity, judging from the sweat dripping from his body.

"Follow me" was all he said, in an authoritative tone, after sizing me up from head to toe.

I turned to Lucas with a confused look— was he really talking to me? It can’t be me, right?

However, Lucas gentle nudge encouraged me to follow his boss.

I nodded, took a deep breath, and slowly trailed behind him, with Lucas following closely behind me.

As we walked inside, the maids and guards we passed bowed their heads, no one daring to look up until we had passed.

I couldn't help but wonder— had he always been this strict and intimidating to his workers?

I know... I mean, I had heard a lot about him, even though I had never met him before. I never thought I would cross paths with him, let alone find myself in this position.

Bernard Reed- not only is a business tycoon but also a notorious powerful mafia. He was known as the leader of ‘THE COSA NOSTRA’ group. His group is the largest and most powerful mafia group in the East America.

His name alone commanded respect and inspired fear. I've also heard that he's the most dangerous and powerful mafia leader.

He was known for his tendency to sleep around with different girls, and whatever he set his mind on, he get it.

Apparently, I'm getting married to a Casanova who doesn't glance at a woman once without making sure he gets her in bed, no matter what.

But what made him different was his reputation for being ruthless, has incredibly strength and cunning behavior.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I followed him, unsure of what lay ahead of me and what kind of life I would lead in this new environment.

As we climbed the stairs, a few minutes passed, and he stopped abruptly in front of a white and golden furnished door.

The guards stationed there hurriedly bowed their heads, opening the door for him.

He stepped in, while Lucas and I followed behind into the room.

A few seconds later, I was sitting in front of him in his study room, he was leaning against the edge of the table, his piercing eyes fixed intently on me, while Lucas stood beside me.

Five minutes passed, and none of us uttered a word to each other. Instead, I decided to just go straight to the point.

I took a deep breath, my voice barely above a whisper. "I-I need a favor from you..." I began, gently.  

He poured himself a drink, raised his glass, and sipped his drink without breaking an eye contact with me. His gaze was piercing, yet unreadable.

“I know this was supposed to be a fake, loving marriage, but can I still have a room of my own?"

Of course, there's no way I'm sharing same bed with a man who sleeps around with different women every day. After all, the marriage is only for a year and I will be out of this bondage.

I’m determined to maintain my distance and dignity.

His expression suddenly changed, he tilted his head to one side. and a sly smirk spread across his lips. "Little kitten, you’re forgetting something. I's not your place to make the rules,"

"I make the rules here, and you will follow them like the obedient little kitten that you are," he said, extending his index finger, pointing it at me.

"I-I know but still, I should be able to-" I tried to protest, but he cut me off, calling out to Lucas instead.

"Lucas?" He called, his voice firm.

"Yes, Mr. Reed."

"Do your job" Bernard ordered, his gaze never leaving mine.

Lucas nodded, and then placed a stack of papers in front of me. "As promised to your late uncle, Mr. Reed will provide for your needs and ensure you're well taken care of. Not only that, he will merge the Reed Empire with the LS Group and make sure the two companies runs smoothly,”

“In return, you're expected to fulfill your duties as a loving, caring and benevolent wife to your husband and everyone surrounding him."

My body shivered as he listed everything.

The weight of this new responsibility settled upon me, still sounds foreign to me.

Just then, Bernard rose from his seat and walked towards to me, his movement graceful and deliberate.

I got up and craned my neck to meet his eyes. He leaned closer to my face, and I shivered.

His scent was deep and smoky, like a fireplace on a cold night. So intoxicating and making my head spin.

“Your job... is to act like a perfect wife in front of the world. But, between us…” he paused, pointing between himself and I. “This ‘marriage’ of ours means nothing. If you behave well, I can consider playing the role of a good husband too,” he said, his eyes moving between my eyes and lips.

I stared at him shocked, my mouth dropped open.

I can’t believe he’s bringing his playboy charm into our conversation like it was nothing.

But, do I have a choice?

No!

"I-I'm ready" I muttered softly, my voice low.

"Good. Now, sign the papers" he said, gesturing to the documents in front of me.

“But didn’t I sign the papers yesterday evening?” I pointed out, a hint of uncertainty creeping into my voice.

His expression remained unreadable, yet his voice took on a slightly menacing tone. “This is our original marriage contract, the one outlining all the rules written by me and expected to be followed by you” he said, his words tinged with authority.

"Am I not allowed to at least... read them?" I asked.

However, his response sent a chill down my spine.

“No. You have no right to do that.”

I tried to protest, but his gaze pinned me in place.

“You now belong to me. I own you, your body and soul,” he said, his voice low, yet laced with an undeniable threat. “You will do whatever I ask, without questioning or disobeying me.”

His tone was gentle, so was his expression, yet it made my heart race like a trapped bird.

I felt a flutter in my chest as he leaned in, his breath whispering against my skin.”Now, sign the papers so we can get down to business.”

I swallowed hard, taking the pen from Lucas. My hands shook as I signed the papers, including the ones my late uncle had left in my name.

He slowly stepped back, his intense gaze still fixed on me, arms folded across his chest.

After I finished signing, Lucas excused us, bowing to us before walking out of the room and leaving me alone with this dangerous man.