Chapter Five: Ivan's Mansion

Ivan’s mansion was located in the heart of Century Center, one of the most expensive residential areas in the United States. The black SUV entered through a tall black gate and came to a halt as it entered the garage. Ellen stepped out, surprise etched across her face as she stared at the massive mansion.

Ivan noticed her expression and smirked. Without bothering to say anything, he walked through the grand doors. 

Ellen slowly followed, her gaze moving around the mansion. 

Inside, the air was cold, clean, and expensive. The floors were obsidian-polished stone that reflected low, ambient lighting. The walls were matte charcoal with deep mahogany accens, while every piece of furniture was handpicked, dark leather with sharp angles and custom built designs.

Everything looked carefully chosen.

The mansion contained six bedrooms, ten bathrooms, a private gym, an indoor shooting range, and a wine cellar hidden behind a false wall. But Ivan rarely entertained. The massive lounge, with its low-slung Italian sofas and glass fireplace, was mostly silent. Behind the mansion was a courtyard and a swimming pool beside it. Armed guards were stationed discretely at every corner of the mansion.

It was magnificent.

But Ellen couldn't help thinking about one thing. 

She wouldn't be able to escape this mansion easily and she would probably be caught before she even made it outside.

Ellen gave a bitter smile.

As she ventured deeper into the mansion, she noticed several maids satring at her with curiosity as their master had never brought a woman home before.

As she continued walking, a woman in her sixties approached her. Her head was covered with grey hair, and she gave Ellen a kind smile.

“Miss, master asked me to show you your room.”

Sarah’s eyes lingered on her face. 

Such a beauty!

She smiled warmly.

“Lead the way ma’am.” Ellen replied, her gaze filled with curiosity.

Noticing her apprehension, the woman chuckled and introduced herself briefly.

“My name is Sarah, and I am the caretaker of this mansion. You can call me Sarah.”

“Okay Sarah.”

Ellen followed behind her until they reached a bedroom. Sarah left her alone, and Ellen opened the door, immediately surveying the room.

Unllike the monochrome colors throughout the mansion, her room was decorated beautifully. She opened the walk-in closet and gasped. It was filled with different types of clothes, ranging from formal wear to casual outfits. Even her underwear was included.

She blushed. 

How did he know her sizes?

She entered the bathroom and was marveled. Almost everything was made of gold, and the bathtub was large enough to fit five people.

When she came back out, her gaze landed on the king sized bed. Beside it was a table filled with different skincare products from expensive brands. 

Ellen rolled her eyes.  

They were not cheap.

Was he trying to show off his wealth? 

She slowly walked to the bed and lay down. For a moment, her thoghts returned to her parents and before long, she drifted into sleep. 

A series of knocks woke her.

Ellen opened her eyes and rubbed her temples. 

“Who is it?” 

“Miss, are you asleep?” Sarah’s voice was heard at the other end of the door.

Ellen stood up and opened it.

“No, I just woke up.” 

“Miss, master wants to have dinner with you,” Sarah said.

Ellen's eyes widened with anger, “No. I’m not having dinner with that bastard.”

Sarah’s voice quivered as she continued again, “M…Master said your parents will be killed if you don’t come to have dinner with him.”

“What?!”

Ellen anger surged as she made a beeline for the door.

Before she could get out of the room, Sarah called after her.

“Miss, master, asked you to put on some lingerie before coming to meet him.”

Lingerie?

Great.

Ellen had never felt so ashamed in her life.

She had been raised with good values and morals. Rose had always made sure those values were instilled in her, often reminding her that the beauty of a woman was in her character. 

Ivan has just made her feel cheap.

She has been proud all her life, and right now…

Ellen dug her fingers into her palm, her breathing becoming rapid.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, muttering softly under her breath.

“Ellen, just this once.” 

Knowing her parents' lives were on the line, she walked into the closet, picked out the lingerie, and put it on.

Sarah led the way to the dining hall, with Ellen following behind.

Ivan sat at the head of the dining table, looking like a king in hell. The moment he saw Ellen approaching, a smirk appered on his face.

He already knew she wouldn't willingly come to dinner with him. That was why he had thteatened her with her parents, making sure Sarah delivered the message exactly as he instructed.  

And as such, she complied.

When his eyes landed on the lingerie, his expression darkened.

“Master, Miss is here.” Sarah annouced before taking her leave.

Ellen glared at Ivan and sat as far away from him as possible. 

“Should I come to you instead?”  Ivan's cold voice echoed through the dining hall.

Ellen immediately stood up and moved to a seat beside him as the maids served the food before returning to their positions, their heads lowered. They could only raise their head when they were tasked to do something.

Ellen picked up her spoon and began eating without a care in the world. She noticed Ivan’s gaze on her and rolled her eyes at him.

“What are you looking at?”

“You.”

Ivan smirked.

She pressed a hand to her chest.

Oh my gosh. He is so direct.

Ellen cleared her throat and fiddled with the spoon on her plate, pretending she hadn't heard him.

Ivan chuckled, his gaze still lingering on her and making her uncomfortable.

As his gaze stayed on her, heat stirred behind his eyes.

Ellen noticed and her hands around the utensils quivered slightly. She acted oblivious and continued eating.  

“Ellen, you are interesting.”

Ivan ran his hand through his hair,  a smirk playing on his lips.

“You are the only woman who won't throw hersellf at me.”

His eyes darkened as he looked at her, clearly determined to conquer her haughty attitude.

Ellen swallowed, refusing to look away while Ivan leaned back in his chair.

“We will see who will save you.”

His cold voice rang through the dining hall, making her shudder.