CHAPTER 2

THE DANGEROUS ENCOUNTER...

Abigail's heel scratched against the marble floor as she was pushed forward. The sharp hold on her arm was fierce, her breath became fast and her heart raced against her ribs.

The hallway had very little light, the air thick with expensive perfume and something darker and suffocating.

She resisted wrestling against the iron hold of the guard escorting her.

Let me go! she hissed.

A groan came, then a rough push that nearly sent her falling. Keep walking.

Ahead, the hallway opened.

The room was filled with many men in well- fitting suits. They sat on luxury leather seats, holding drinks in their hands. The chandelier’s golden light shone brightly as whispered conversations and laughter filled the air. The moment she was pushed across the threshold, silence descended on the room.

Abigail froze, chills going down her spine. Every set of eyes turned towards her.

Madam Celestina, the brothel’s owner, walked in confidently dressed in a rose-red gown that clung to her curves. A slow smile spread across her painted lips.

“Gentlemen”she murmured, our final prize of the evening is here. A rare find, untouched by our world, a true gem.

Abigail felt a knot formed in her stomach.

“She's not trained” a voice whispered from the crowd.

That makes it better, another chuckled darkly.

Heat rushed up her neck. A mix of humiliation and anger. She wasn't some item to be sold. Her nails dug into her palm as she turned, ready to run when hand blocked her path.

The guard who pulled her in, shook his head.

“I will make you regret it if you try it”. Her heart raced.There was no way out.

Shall we start bidding? Celestina’s voice rang out, breaking through Abigail's panic.

Figures were thrown into the air one after the other. Abigail barely heard them, her vision fading at the edge.

$500,000!!

A murmur broke through the room. Abigail's breath seized at the commanding voice that had delivered the bid. It was deep, smooth, and laced with authority.

She turned her head slowly.

There, a man stood far from the other bidders at the back of the room. He was tall and broad-shouldered with phoenix eyes. He was dressed in a perfectly fitted black suit. He wasn't drinking or smirking in amusement, unlike the others.

His gaze was fixed onto her, steady, indifferent and dangerous.

Celestina quickly recovered. A generous bid from Mr. Vandell. Do we have….

$1 million. He cut in again.

A sharp gasp escaped through the room. No one else spoke.

Abigail's pulse pounded in her ears.

Vandell?

The name rang in her memory tangled with her father's debt, and with the nightmare she was trying to escape.

The gavel struck and Abigail's fate was sealed.

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Abigail's wrist ached from fighting against the guard’s hold. When they dragged her down the lavishly decorated hallway, the scent of expensive cologne and polished wood filled the air, but it did nothing to calm the storm inside her. They stopped at a finely curved door. One of the men knocked once, then pushed it open. Abigail was pushed inside without warning.

She caught herself against a shiny leather couch, her heart pounding as the door shut behind her.

“You can stop shaking” I'm not here to touch you. Abigail turned around.

Luke Jargon Vandell leaned against the bar, holding a crystal glass in his hand. His suit jacket was unbuttoned now; the top of his firm white shirt was loosened just enough to make him look effortlessly powerful. His gaze swept over her; his look was indifferent.

“You bought me” she said, her voice raw.

Like a property?

Luke set his drink down, stepping towards her.

I didn't buy you, Abigail. I bought you debt. The air left her lungs. I own every penny your father owed, he continued, his tone calm and controlling, and now I own you."

Abigail's fist clenched. This is not how things works.

His lips curved in a humorless smirk. Oh! but it is. You are not meant for those men out there. Clara knew exactly what she was doing when she handed you over.

A sharp chill ran through her.

Then why am I here? she murmured. Luke studied her for a long time before answering.

“Because I am offering you a choice” Stay here and let them break you or leave with me.

Abigail swallowed hard, and if I leave? Luke’s gaze darkened.

“You'll be my wife, under my terms.”

Abigail's pulse pounded as Luke's words settled over her: "You'll be my wife.

The statement was too casual, as if he was offering her a job, not a fate she couldn't escape.

She forced a hollow laugh. You must be insane if you think I would agree to that.

Luke exhaled slowly. He reached into his jacket, pulling out a black folder. With a flip of his hand, he opened it, revealing paged lines with sharp, unreadable text.

“Read it, he said, sliding it towards her.

Everything is in here.

Abigail's hand stayed firmly in her lap, she wasn't touching anything that belonged to him.

Luke didn't seem surprised. You'll have security, protection, a lifestyle you can't even imagine. His gaze swept over her cheap dress, the bruises hidden under the fabric. In return, you will play the role I need.

Her stomach twisted, and if I refused? He didn't hesitate. Then you stay here; we both know what that means.

The air in the room seized; a faint scream echoed from the hallway. Abigail froze, her fingers digging into the chair.

Luke leaned in, his voice falsely soft.

Clara has no problem selling you off piece by piece. He bent his head watching her.

How long do you think you would last?

Abigail felt her throat boil.

You planned this. She whispered, This is not some coincidence. " You wanted me."

Luke smiled slowly and thoughtfully. I do believe in coincidence but not in this case.

She dug her nails into her hands. Why me?

For the first time, something flashed in his eyes, something indifferent.

“Because you're mine”.

The possessiveness in his tone sent chills down her spine.

He pushed the contract closer. One year, you marry me, follow my rules, and when it's done, you'll be free.

Her gaze moved to the contract. One year, one impossible year.

She lifted her chin, and if I don't? Luke rose from his seat, straightening his sleeve buttons as if the. conversation bored him —then you belong to them.

A heavy knock startled the door

The guards.

Luke smiled. “They are waiting”. Abigail's breath became fast and shallow. One hour. Luke whispered, heading towards the door. Decide wisely.

The lock clicked behind him.

She was alone, alone with a contract that would change everything.