Chapter 5: The ten feet rule

Ariel opened her eyes with much difficulty. She was wondering where she was, and why the bed in the afterlife was this soft. Smiling, she flapped her legs on the bed. She may have been stupid and died a careless death, but at least she was glad she had made it to heaven.

She rolled on the comfy king sized bed and giggled in excitement. She was in heaven. The immaculate white sheets and the big white shirt she had on was proof. Axel emerged shortly with a cup of hot coffee. Ariel sat up in shock. Why was the man from her dream in heaven? And why was he looking at her like she was the dumbest thing he had ever seen.

She looked at the shirt she had on, and touched her body. Her eyes widened in panic, the red dress she had on prior to now had been replaced by this sexy spicy smelling shirt with big sleeves.

Had he changed her clothes. She crossed her arm over her chest, feeling violated. There was a pervert in heaven as well. “My servant changed your clothes if that makes you feel any better.” He informed her as he handed her a cup of coffee. She took it politely. Ariel was surprised she was not dead, and she was not in a hospital, despite being beaten up with a bat by several thugs. She tucked away the painful memory at the back of her mind and aggressively gulped down the tea. “I'm not surprised you were a wild dog in your past life.” He scoffed, taking a look at his tab. His stocks had skyrocket by thirty percent. The wealth he had accumulated his entire life time was spreading, and he had got the girl who could lift his curse and aid his return to the sky. He just had to get rid of her, what other bond could be stronger than marriage. “You'll marry me.” He quickly offered the shocked Ariel. “I'll protect you, and I'll give you a lot of money beyond your wildest dreams. That's all I'll be taking from you in return for saving your life. If the marriage works you can take your leave, I won't be needing your services anymore.”

Ariel scoffed, what on earth did he mean by if the marriage works? The marriage would not need to end if it works.

Ariel wondered if he was nuts, who on earth proposed marriage like that? He dropped a strange quill and paper on the bed. "Sign on the paper if you accept."

“I'll be back for your response in two hours. Think hard, and consider everyone you need to.” He purposely added and left the room. He knew she had someone she was fond of. He left her to ponder on his offer.

He was right, Khan, her little orphanage friend turned brother, needed a kidney transplant. She would also need money and power to get back at a popular singer like Beatrice, and her wealthy fiance Damien.

Ariel lost both parents before she turned seven years old. She had a harsh childhood, she was forced to grow up so fast that she could not afford to be a child. She worked two shifts in a night club and a bar, and sang for Bianca in her spare time during Bianca's concerts. But one thing she never lacked were fashionable clothes and gifts. Bianca loaded her with so much gifts to divert her attention from the fact she was being cheated. What started off as a singing trial between two best friends hand woven itself into a deal between a celebrity and a ghost singer. Bianca took her on fancy vacations and restaurants. Ariel who had received the bare minimum all her life felt like taking her place would be betraying Bianca. All Bianca’s gestures seemed so huge to her. She knew Bianca was not earning much, she was doing the little she could to compensate her. But even that was a lie, Bianca kept her real income carefully hidden while she fucked her boyfriend (Damian). The thought of both of them and the nights she spent singing love songs for Damian upset her stomach.

If she left this man, she had no idea where else she could go. Bianca and Damian were going to finish what they started. Ariel was confused, her life was crazy right now. A handsome stranger who looks like a representation of the word “sexy” pops out of nowhere and offers to solve all her problems. Accepting his offer would be crazier, but that was what she was going to do. She had to survive first and plot her revenge later.

By the time his tall intimidating frame walked back into the room, she already had her answer. He scared her senseless, he had a very powerful aura she had never felt before. His eyes sparkled with mischief, he could seduce anyone without even trying. His deep voice was like brown rich honey and warm milk. He looked like a representation of a Greek god from mount Olympus. His clothes latched unto his sexy muscles and broad shoulders. His amber eyes were staring deep into her soul. He was one fine ass man. Ariel swallowed hard, he was insanely hot, she was losing her mind. Her cheeks flushed, they were bright red. What was this man doing to her?

“I accept your offer.” But on the condition you won't touch me.” She replied proudly, trying to gather what was left of her dignity. She had just agreed to marry a man she had never met. Hands in both pockets of his black pants, Axel slowly walked up to where she was sitting on the bed. “Why are you coming close, go back.” Ariel asked in fear, slowly shifting back on the bed, she was panicking. But he won't budge. Afraid, she launched a pillow in his direction, but it missed.

He was already close. He grabbed her throat violently and slammed her on the duvet. He leaned against her body and whispered in her ear. “I hate your kind, you're nothing but a measly human. Don't feel so special. If you're going to be my wife, I also have my rule. “Never come 10 feet close to me, or your head will roll.”

He let go of her and stood straight. Ariel's breath hitched, she was panting hard. She was terrified.

“If you ever think of running away from me, I'll tear down the earth to find you.” Ariel confirmed her hunch was right, the man standing before her was no ordinary man, she was too stunned to speak.

“Happy married life to both of us Ariel, welcome to hell.” He smirked.