Chapter 4 - Amelia

I screamed at the top of my lungs, the sound echoing off the walls of my room. Lily was the first to rush in, her expression a mix of concern and urgency.

“What happened? Are you okay?” she asked, her voice laced with anxiety.

“Nothing, just a nightmare. I just… I just thought about how…” Tears streamed down my cheeks, hot and relentless. “About how Lorenzo killed that man at the restaurant.”

“I’m sure whatever reason he had for killing was to assert his dominance. He has to ensure everyone respects him,” she replied, her tone attempting to reassure me.

“I’m so scared, Lily.” I hugged her tightly, burying my head in her chest, seeking comfort in her warmth. “He’s going to kill me.”

“Lorenzo is not going to kill you unless… you betray him. You wouldn’t betray him, though.”

“Yes, I would.”

Lily’s body went tense, her eyes widening in disbelief. “What do you mean?”

“I’m going to betray him, Lily. He’s a monster. He kills without even blinking!”

“Please, stop shouting. Lorenzo might hear you.”

“I don’t care anymore! Why do I have to live with this?” My voice cracked, the weight of my fear and despair crashing down on me.

Just then, the chiming of my phone distracted us both. I grabbed it, and as I read the message, my face brightened with unexpected joy.

“What’s that?” Lily asked, curiosity piqued.

“Help me choose formal wear. I’m going for an interview.”

“Interview?” Lily’s eyes widened in surprise. “Your wedding is in two days. We have to go shopping today. Does Lorenzo know about this?”

“He doesn’t have the right to stop me, and yes, we’ll still be shopping today. It’s 6 a.m.; I have to be there before 7.”

“I’m just looking out for you,” Lily said, exhaling deeply. “Please be safe.” She stood, concern etched on her face, and I nodded in agreement.

Lily helped me choose a form-fitting dark sheath dress that clung to my body like a second skin, accentuating my hourglass figure without any visible seams. As I stepped into the shower, the warm water cascaded over me, washing away the remnants of my fear. It didn’t take long before I was fully dressed, my heart racing at the thought of the interview at Berg Oil, where I had submitted my résumé some time ago.

I shut the door behind me and stepped into the hallway, feeling a mix of excitement and dread.

“Where are you going?” Lorenzo’s deep voice boomed from the end of the corridor. I spun around to find him standing there, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. Lily bowed her head and slipped away.

“I’m going for an interview at Berg Oil. I submitted my application some time ago.” Anger surged within me; I hated having to explain myself to him.

“And you didn’t think to tell me?” He scoffed, his gaze raking over my dress. “Dressed like that?”

I glanced down, bewildered. “What’s wrong with my dress?” I asked, my voice sharp.

“Everything, Amelia. You belong to me now, and I will make decisions for you. My decision now is—you are going nowhere.”

“You promised…” I swallowed hard, struggling to keep my composure. “You promised not to protest while I pursue my dreams.”

“A promise with a condition that you are not compromised.” He strode toward me, closing the distance between us.

“Am I? Do I look compromised?” I shot back defiantly.

“You are not going for that interview dressed like a cheap slut.” Before I could react, he pulled me back to my room, rummaging through my wardrobe with an urgency that sent my heart racing.

“What are you doing?” I demanded, a mix of confusion and anger bubbling inside me.

“Finding a better dress for you.”

“There is nothing wrong with my dress!” I protested.

He tossed a long cream jacket to me. “I won’t let someone else point out your curves. It’s either you wear that jacket or change the dress entirely—or forget the interview. I can take care of us. I have the money.”

“Fine!” I snapped, sliding the jacket over my shoulders and turning to leave.

“Leo will go with you, too.”

“What? I’m going for an interview, not a club. Why is he going with me?”

“I won’t repeat myself, Amelia. Don’t force me to, and be back before 9 a.m. for the shopping, or you’ll lose all chances of stepping out of this house.” He turned on his heel and walked out.

I sighed, a tear slipping down my cheek. Stop it, I told myself. You’ll ruin your makeup. I quickly wiped away the tear, steeling myself for what lay ahead.

As I walked out of the room, a wave of anger washed over me when I noticed Leo following closely behind. “Why don’t you find something else to do instead of trailing me like a lost puppy?”

“It’s my duty to the boss,” Leo replied, his tone flat.

“I’m only being a gentleman because we are not legally married yet. I’ll cease to be a gentleman after our wedding night. So you better watch out.”

I heard Lorenzo’s voice drifting down the stairs, a low rumble that sent a shiver down my spine.

I took that as a threat—something I knew I couldn’t avoid.