Chapter 4

I woke up in a jolt feeling very disoriented . I sat up yawning in satisfaction as I just woke up from one of the best naps ever but always one of the worst as my brain was awake all night thinking of various scenarios and ways I could escape this weird dream. I ran my fingers through my hair as I processed what happened yesterday.

It still feels so surreal, like a dream. How did I end up with a choice - a contractual marriage with a man that was likely dangerous who bought me at an auction. In exchange, my problem would disappear.

He was a scary man with manipulative charms but…but he was also my only hope.

I needed to think clearly. A chance to start anew, to escape from the grasps of my past. But that also came with a price. It was a gamble but it might be my only choice.

I got up and walked towards still deep in thoughts. Upon reaching the door, I heard a knock which made me jump.

The door opened and I saw a middle aged lady in an apron. “Good morning, Lena”. Her gentle voice caught me off guard. She must be the housekeeper. She still stood in the hallway, her expression looked concerned, “I brought breakfast. Would you like to have it in here or in the dining room?”

“Breakfast? For me?” I asked, surprised.

“Yes, darling.”

“In here. If you don't mind”

She entered the room carrying a tray of pancakes and a glass of orange juice.

“I know this must be very difficult for you.” she said after dropping the tray on the table next to the window, coming up to me. She came closer to me and as she raised her hand, I couldn't help but flinch unconsciously, “I'm always around so, come look for me if you need anything” she said with a small smile as she gently stroked my arm in a caring way.

Her actions caught me off guard leaving me speechless. She was a stranger but she was here offering me comfort in this strange situation. I nodded, a single tear rolling down.

“Thank you” I whispered.

She then left me alone, leaving me alone with my thoughts and breakfast. I stared at the pancakes in disbelief before picking up the fork and taking a bite. A wide smile spread across my face, this was much better than the ones I had from the diner I worked at.

It practically melted in my mouth leaving a creamy aftertaste. The fruits were so fresh, I always had this love for apples and grapes.

When I was done, I looked around the room I was in, it was indeed pretty and sophisticated. My eyes caught sight of a phone on the bedside table, mine was long gone. I looked at the time, it was 9:00 a.m.

I went into the hallway, hoping to see the lady that brought me breakfast and luckily I saw coming out of a room.

“Where can I find Mr. Castelli?” I asked her.

“He's in his office, dear.”

I nodded before going to his office. Following the same route the guard showed me yesterday.

I took a deep breath before knocking.

I opened it and saw him sitting behind his desk. His expression was unreadable as he stared at his laptop, typing away. He looked handsome. He was wearing what looked like a custom made suite because of how tailored and fitting it looked on him. And his hair looked like he just got back from the salon because no strand of hair was out of place but I don't think that's the case.

There was a man sitting next to him with a sharp jawline and piercing grey eyes. He was scanning through a pile of documents thoroughly.

I was so lost in checking them out that I didn't notice, Mr. Castelli was now aware of my presence.

“Lena” he called out, his blue eyes staring directly at me. “Have a seat. Marcello, Lena. Lena, Marcello.” he said offering the most basic introduction.

I nodded, feeling the overwhelming tension in the air. “I wanted to see you…before the contract was signed”, I hated myself for how my voice trembled.

For someone who had a blank expression when I came in, he did change it quite fast. “Trust you slept well and gave some thoughts to my offer .” He said leaning back in his chair, his gaze never leaving mine.

“Yes…I have”

He nodded. “And”

“I'm not sure what to do.” I said, swallowing hard, feeling the immersive pressure of his gaze.

Marcello leaned for, his gaze was sharp and intense. “You understand what you're dealing with, right? The Ghost Clan… the loan sharks… they're not going to just disappear.”

Marcello was far worse than Mr. Castelli. He gave off the vibes of ‘mess with me and you'll be sorry’.

“Lena, I don't have time for games. What's it going to be?”

I guess they're in a bad mood.

I clenched my fists, “Okay, fine. Yes, I'm hiding from them. But how? How can you make them just… go away?”

He gave me a chilling smile that didn't reach his eyes. “I have my ways, Lena. You'll see”.

“And the marriage thing? The contract?”

“The marriage..is a small price to pay for freedom.”

“Freedom? I feel like I'm going to be a prisoner.”

“You're not a prisoner. You're my wife. And as my wife, you'll have everything you could ever want.”

“Everything?” I asked, I couldn't bite back the sarcasm that followed after.

“This is a business transaction” his tone was getting hard. “A deal that benefits both of us”

I honestly wanted to protest more but I know I might end up being disposed of in a ditch in the middle of nowhere after I'm shot to death.

“What if I agree?” I whispered.

His eyes narrowed with a hint of amusement, “then you'll become my wife. And you'll be free.”

“I don't even know your name.”

“Right, I'm Leonardo Castelli. Leo.”

Marcello cleared his throat, his harsh gaze on me. “The contract is ready. We just need your signature, Lena”.

He handed me the pen and the contract, its pages were full with terms and clauses that I couldn't comprehend.

I looked at Leo, his gaze unwavering, his face was back to being blank. I looked at Marcello who wore the same expression.

The choice was mine but…

What is their gain?