CHAPTER 4

Soren guides a shivering Violet into the backseat of his ultra-luxurious limousine, keeping her close.

"Turn the heat all the way up," Soren commands sharply. Violet lets out a sneeze and raises her hand to clean her nose. But she freezes midway because Soren attends to her quickly. He dries her hair with an extra towel. This makes Violet's face turn red. She can't understand why someone like Soren was helping a complete stranger like her. Soren takes off the soaking blanket on Violet and wraps her in a thicker towel that was arranged and kept in the car by his guards.

"Are you experiencing any pain? Do you feel weak anywhere in your body, Violet?" he asks softly. The softness and care in his voice affects Violet deeply. She can't hold it in anymore. "Why are you doing all this for me?" Violet asks, her voice trembling with emotion. "I am a complete stranger to you. Why did you jump into that freezing river to save me? Why did you stand up to my family and fight for my freedom back there?"

Soren lets out the most breathtaking smile that makes Violet's cheek glow. Then he reaches for her chin, caresses it gently, and says in a low alluring voice, "You call yourself a stranger, but memories says otherwise."

Violet is confused by his words but picks a hint from it. "Have we... have we ever met before tonight?" she asks breathlessly. That question makes Soren's smile more attractive, as he trails his thumb over Violet's lips, making her shiver. "I'm sorry... I really don't remember ever meeting you," she whispers shyly, looking away.

Soren turns her face over to his side and tells her, "You don't need to remember yet, but soon. And when you do, everything will make sense." His gentle touch on her cheek makes Violet feel safe, like she has felt it somewhere before but can't remember. As the two are getting lost in this moment, Soren uses this opportunity to reveal the reason why he came to Derek's party.

"I didn't step foot into that penthouse tonight for a business partnership or to honor Derek's pathetic invite," Soren murmurs intensely. "I came to that party strictly for you, Violet."

"For me?" She asks, her eyes widening in astonishment. "What could a powerful man like you possibly want from someone like me?"

Soren smirks and leans closer. "Marry me," He states clearly, without beating around the bush.

Violet gasps and refuses, "What?! No! I can't marry you!" She draws away toward the car door, but she gets pulled back, falling into Soren's tight hold. She struggles to push him off, only to get pinned down on the leather seat by Soren, staring into his cold eyes.

"Think about it, Violet. You know I'm no ordinary man. I can provide you with absolute protection and care," Soren whispers deeply, his face inches from hers. "I will help you execute a perfect revenge on every single person who hurt you, if you agree to marry me for just three months. Once the time is up, you're free to divorce me and leave a free lady."

"So, what's your answer, Violet?" Soren asks, staring into her eyes. Violet is troubled and doesn't know what to say.