Chapter 3

Rylie stared at the servants carrying her boxes inside a car. Her eye bags were visible and her skin was pale. It had been four days since her mother died but she hadn't gotten a wink of sleep. The past three days were horrible. Her step-sisters kept mocking her late mother. But Anita took it too far. She called a late mother a whore. Rylie lost it and slapped her, making sure her five fingers showed on Anita's jaw. Dragged her hair and her body to filth. She made sure the bad-mouthed girl swallowed sand and rubbed mud all over her face.

It was the guards that separated the two of them or else, Rylie would have ended her life.

Bethany made sure that no food or water was given to her in those four days. She was locked up in the confinement room until the day she was departing. She felt sorry for herself and her late mother. Her father had no idea what was going on as he was still at war. Not that he ever cared about them.

To her right, she saw Anita glaring daggers at her. It seemed she had still not recovered from the uneventful beating. The stench of defeat still tasted fresh in her mouth.

After her bags had been packed, she was dragged downstairs. Her stepmother stood by the door, waiting. The moment Rylie was brought before her, she smiled and patted her shoulder.

"Don't die too quickly, dear. At least, mourn the loss of your mother to the fullest."

If looks could kill, Bethany would have been dead. The driver started the car and Rylie entered inside. She left that compound with one thing in her heart; revenge. She vowed to take her revenge both on her father and her stepmother. The only family she had was gone. She had nothing to lose.

While in the car, several thoughts ran through her head. What was she going to meet? What did her stepmother gain in marrying her off? She knew there was a catch to it. At some point, she gave up thinking as she wasn't getting any answer. All she knew was that she wasn't dying anytime soon.

The drive down to her husband's place was long. She slept and woke up severely. She was hungry but didn't know how to tell the driver. Speaking of the devil, who was this driver? She tried to peep into his face but his face was too straightforward. She could only see the back of his head. Her stomach growled loudly as she tried to look in the mirror.

Killian turned back to look at her. When their eyes met, she bowed her head in embarrassment.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. He turned to the front, minding his business. Much to her surprise, he stopped in front of a restaurant.

"Do not think of running away," He warned sternly before going out. His gaze on her was cold. She could feel the icy stare through the window. He was in a queue to get food but his eyes were still on her.

"Not that I have anywhere to go," she pouted and frowned her face. Why was he looking at her like a criminal?

He soon got his order and headed back into the car. He handed the food to her and started the car.

"Thank you very much." She said with a salivated mouth. The aroma of the food was more than welcoming and she began to dig into the food immediately. When she choked a bit, he handed her a can of water.

"Thank you." She bowed her head this time. Killian just looked at her through the rearview mirror. He watched her place the food package on the floor of the car and lay down on the seat. Even though she was dressed beautifully, he still felt she was unkept.

"What is your name?" He asked her.

"Rylie." She replied, her eyes getting too heavy to stay awake. When he didn't reply, she shut her eyes and let sleep take over her.

"Do you know where you're headed to?" Killian asked. When he didn't get a response, he looked in the rearview mirror. He found her fast asleep. Some strands of her raven black hair fell over her face. He felt the urge to remove them and also watch her sleep. He thought she was too innocent for the kind of entanglement she had gotten herself into.

"What is your story, Rylie?" He whispered as he stared into her face.

*****

Rylie felt light taps on her leg which forced her to sit up. She wiped her face and looked at the person who has tapped her with sleepy eyes.

"We're here," Killian said and exited the car. She wiped her face and rubbed her itching eyes until she was satisfied. She opened the door and in awe, she stepped down. She almost fell if not for the strong grip she had on the car. She was standing before a palace that towered hundreds of feet over her. Her mouth was stuck open in amazement at the size of the building.

"Let's go." Killian rolled his eyes. He thought she was pretending. He took her two bags and jogged them toward the house. Rylie trailed behind him, still looking around the wide space. There were four more buildings as big as the one she was entering.

"What is this place?" She questioned herself. It was as though she had stepped into an entirely different world.

Killian led Rylie to the main building where only the master resided. The first person he saw when he opened the door was Elina. A frown crept unto his face. She also frowned and ignored him. In utter disgust, she watched him walk inside and as she turned, she saw a girl walking in sloppily.

She scoffed and folded her hands.

"Are you supposed to be the new wife?" She asked, jealousy written all over her face.

Rylie nodded affirmatively.

"Just so you know, being his wife won't make you come between the two of us. We share a very special bond which no one can break." She snapped, making Rylie flinch. Elina smiled when she saw the effect she had on her. With a daggering glare, she walked out on Rylie.

"Who is she?" Rylie asked Killian who appeared at the door.

"No one that you should be worried about. Come on," He beckoned on her to follow him. She was taken to a room which had already been arranged. It looked beautiful with a large window that allowed the passage of fresh air and sun waves, and a large area dedicated to different variety of flowers. To her left was a king-sized bed with transparent curtains surrounding it. A large chandelier hung above the room and a mini tray of snacks stood right beside the bed.

Ever since her father remarried, she had never seen such luxury. Except for the manor in which they stayed. Her stepmother made sure all her beautiful belongings were taken away and replaced with worn-out things.

"Dinner will be ready in two hours. After dinner, it's light out. On no account should you be caught wandering about at night." Killian cautioned.

"I repeat, no movement after light out."

"How will I know when it's light out?"

"We have the notification bell for that. And as for dinner, a maid will come to call you. Also, you won't be meeting the master anytime soon. So please, stay put and await further orders. Understood?"

"Yes, sir." She nodded quickly.

He was at the door when he heard her voice. He growled and turned back. He hated being asked too many questions but when he saw her face, his anger disappeared.

"What is it?" His voice came out softer than before.

"What is your name?" She asked politely.

"Killian." He replied and walked out of the room.