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Where are you taking me?” I asked, turning to look out the tinted window as the driver steered through a vast driveway lined with marble statues and trimmed hedges.

He looked at me but said nothing.

“You ask too many questions,” he muttered.

Of course, I thought bitterly. First, I was sold against my will, and now I’m being taken to a place I don’t even know, with a man whose name I barely know.

But somehow, he seemed familiar. I didn’t watch the news, but he had that kind of presence the kind that screamed power and danger.

I wanted to ask again Where am I going? What happens next? What did Zita get me into? But before I could speak—

“Get down,” he ordered.

I stepped out of the car, my eyes widening. Before me stood a mansion massive, intimidating, like something out of a movie. Several men in black stood at the entrance, their posture rigid, guns glinting under the light. Bodyguards, I realized instantly.

Inside, the room I was led into looked like something for royalty a spacious suite with a massive king-sized bed, plush couches, and gold-trimmed artwork decorating the walls.

“Hope the room is up to your taste?” he asked.

My taste? This room was bigger than my entire house.

“Why am I here?” I demanded, ignoring his question. His expression darkened, irritation flashing in his eyes.

“Leave,” he said sharply to the maids who had followed us upstairs. They bowed and exited quietly.

“I don’t want to be here. I had no idea I was sold to—”

He cut me off, his voice deep and sharp. “Let me make this clear to you, princess. I own you. I f*cking bought you. Whatever order I give, you obey.”

“You don’t own me, Mr. Whatever-your-name-is! I have no business with you. I’m leaving!” I snapped, moving past him — but his hand shot out, gripping my wrist.

“It’s Luca. Luca Stone,” he said, his voice low and final. “And from today onward, this is where you live. Don’t make me repeat myself twice.”

He released my hand and walked out, leaving me frozen in place.

My jaw dropped. Did he just say Luca Stone? The billionaire Luca Stone the man known for his good looks, his ruthlessness, his empire. I wasn’t just sold to anyone. I was sold to him.

I snatched my phone, quickly dialing Zita’s number, pacing nervously.

“Come on, Zita, pick up,” I muttered. The phone rang endlessly. No answer.

My heart pounded. What the hell has she dragged me into?

I had to get out. I had a sick mother. A cat. A life outside this nightmare.

A knock came at the door.

“Come in,” I said hesitantly.

A girl, a little younger than me, stepped in. “Miss, the master calls for you.”

Great. Just when I was planning my escape.

“Okay,” I sighed, following her.

When I entered the living room, Luca was seated, scrolling through his phone.

“You’ll be accompanying me to the D&T Gala tonight,” he said smoothly. “You’ll be posing as my fiancée.”

I blinked. “Oh, so that’s why you bought me? To use me to deceive the world?”

He laughed the first time I’d heard him do so. It wasn’t kind. It was mocking.

“I see you’re fiery. I like that. But deceive the world? Angel, I could have any woman I want with a snap of my fingers.”

“Then go get one!” I fired back. “Look, Luca, I don’t know what your deal is with Zita, but I have a life outside this. My mother’s sick. She’s in the hospital—”

His eyes softened for a moment.

“You can call Zita,” I continued desperately. “I’ll beg her to wire you your money back. Just let me go.”

“Who is Zita?” he asked suddenly, confusion flashing in his eyes.

“What?” My breath caught. He doesn’t know Zita? But she said she sold me to him.

“I—I don’t understand—”

“Don’t make this harder on yourself,” he interrupted. “Your mother has been transferred to a better hospital. She’s receiving proper care.”

“What?” My world tilted. My head spun. Everything was happening too fast.

“I don’t want this! I never asked for any of this! Just let me go!” I yelled, my voice cracking.

He moved so fast I barely saw it his hand wrapped around my throat. Not tight enough to hurt, but enough to send fear pulsing through me.

“My house. My woman. My rules,” he said darkly, each word slow and deliberate, his dominance sinking deep into my bones. “Now, you’ll be a good girl and follow them if you want to live peacefully. At the gala, you won’t speak unless spoken to. I’ll do the talking. Am I clear?”

I nodded quickly, trembling.

“Words, princess. Use those pretty lips.”

“Yes…” I whispered.

“Good girl.” He released me, his eyes gleaming. “Now go get ready.”

As I turned to leave, he smacked my ass. I gasped, hearing him murmur under his breath, “Nice ass.”

I stormed out, my face burning. My mind was spinning with questions. He doesn’t know Zita. My mother’s in another hospital. I have to leave tonight.

If the gala was my only chance, I’d take it.

Camera flashes blinded me as we stepped onto the red carpet. Questions came from every direction.

“Mr. Stone! Who’s the lady?”

Bodyguards pushed reporters aside.

“Welcome, Mr. Stone,” an older man greeted, his voice warm but curious. “And this must be your fiancée?”

“Yes,” Luca said smoothly, his hand tightening around mine.

“Oh, never knew sweet Luca planned to settle down,” a woman’s voice purred.

I turned a gorgeous woman in a burgundy gown, her eyes sharp as they sized me up. “Hi, I’m Anita,” she said, her tone dripping with fake sweetness.

“Excuse me,” I muttered, forcing a smile.

“Where to?” Luca asked.

“Just need to use the restroom,” I said quickly, not waiting for his reply.

The restroom was large and empty the perfect chance. My heart pounded as I slipped off my heels. I bent down, ready to drop my purse and sneak out—

The door creaked open.

“Trying to escape?” a low voice said behind me. “I can help.”

I froze.