ERIKA"You'll stay here from now on," he ordered, strict with his decision just like the eye he was giving her, "In my bedroom."That was enough to shake her world, disorient her brain for a long time till she was hit with a million questions, the answers to which she couldn't fine even if she looked hard into his eyes. He wore the kind of expression like he was forced to make this decision and like it was all her fault.But Erika knew her fate was in his hands, then why didn't he change it? Why did he choose to keep blaming her even though he could've avoided it?"I won't be here and neither will I let you do this!" She let out, the confusion turning into anger. "Bold of you to say that while being cuffed on my bed," he smirked as she tried to rattle the cuffs or slip her hand out but it was all in vain. She glared back at his smiling face and it was just infuriating. "We'll see if you can give me the look after you spend the whole night like this.""Why?" She asked when Nigel was s
ERIKA"You're coming with me, get dressed quick. And remember, no one can know about this, not even the servants. You can't tell anyone you will be living here as well," he said, picking up their hand as a warning. Erika was doomed already but this just took it to another level. Not only were they locked up together but now they needed to hide that fact for at least an hour or so."But- okay," she nodded, knowing asking that question would lead her nowhere. It was better to just let it be. Then he called someone and arranged a drop off of clothes outside his bedroom not to not expose Erika who was inside with him too. "Freshen up and get dressed, quick," he commanded."How?" Erika said, starting to panic as she raised his hand to remind him of the cuffs. He sighed loudly with realisation and started pulling her to the washroom."I am not looking, be quick," he commanded like it was so easy. Erika froze, the new clothes in her hand. She stood in front of the mirror, freshening up as q
ERIKAShe took a little bit of chocolate on her finger and smeared it on his cheek. Then, all at once, she leaned in and kissed it off his cheek. It happened so fast that she didn't even have enough time to process it. She only wanted to disgust them and what could be more disgusting than open PDA. That's what she went for.Nigel froze when he realised and not in the nicest ways, in a more unpredictable way that was scarier. Mr. and Mrs. Rossi's smiles faded. Erika had done the damage."You're just so sweet, I couldn't resist," Erika said, giggling, no way to hide the fear in her voice. That's when Nigel's hand that was cuffed with Erika's, slipped into her hand. His locked hand grabbed her locked hand and he squeezed it till she winced and he smiled at her pleasingly. He wanted to make her stop immediately but she was gone too far to stop. He knew he had to make up for it so he turned to the Rossi's to diffuse their confusion."She's just trying to get this meeting over as soon as po
ERIKA"W-what?""I can help you get what you want and I need you alive for this," he said, his expression mysterious but giving way to one more hopeless effort. Or was it? She didn't even know him and yet he was looking at her like he knew a lot about her. That was suspicious but it was also unnerving, making her feel like she was finally calming down.Erika was saved from making a decision that would stop all of these issues forever but just before that, a new way appeared itself in front of her. She really didn't know how to even believe that."I don't understand, who are you? What issues do you think I have?""Really, Ms. Erika? I wouldn't expect a woman almost committing suicide to ask me that question. As I said, I am here to help you get out of here and get a new beginning," He said, as if it was that easy, like her issues were only exaggerated by her. But then he paused for a moment and looked up as if remembering something. "Oh, I didn't introduce myself. I am Metin Divit, Mr.
ERIKAHer eyes opened to the bright sun pooling in from the window. She stretched a little and sat up, looking around to see she was alone in that room. Erika took a deep breath and freshened up, preparing herself already to be locked up in that room until afternoon when she would actually slip out and meet Metin.She was just about to change when she noticed a note set on the bedside table and she picked it up."Go back to the room you used to live in, you can't enter my bedroom anymore. You'll continue working as a servant," the note said and it was clearly written by Nigel. Even though that was for the best but she was confused. What could've happened last night after she slept that had brought a complete 180 in his decision? Why would he send her away out of nowhere?But this made Erika's job easier, she wouldn't have to sneak out anymore. A little enthusiastically, she put on her uniform and left the room once and for all, leaving to start her shift. She ran and finally reached t
ERIKA"Is this..?""Yes," Metin nodded, confirming her fears. "He's going to trick your father into signing 100% of the company rights and transfer it to himself. Not just that, Mr. Matthew will also lose all his money. Nigel Asher is planning something truly unfathomable. And once he does it, it's over."Erika's mouth dropped open and she felt warm all of a sudden, the kind that made her sweat. Her head almost hurt with the spiralling thoughts, he was about to destroy her whole lineage and her dad's empire that he built for decades. She just couldn't take that information in without freaking out."No.. he can't do that..""That was his plan all along. But I feel like there's still enough time to stop him as he wants to increase the value of the company as much as he could before taking over it wrongfully. And we.. have to stop it. Do you understand what I am saying?" Metin asked and she nodded instantly. This just proved she needed Metin's help more than she realised and could finally
ERIKA"They're not looking at you because they know who you are," he said, making Erika finally look into his reassuring eyes. But her breath of relief instantly got caught as he completed his sentence. "They're all looking because you look gorgeous."She kept looking at him like the voices around her was drowning out. She opened her mouth but nothing came out and he didn't wait for it. He turned away from her and started walking away, further into the party. This was the third time she was caught off guard like that, to think that he had come up with a compliment for her was off putting itself. She didn't know why but it felt like the calm before the wind.Erika still tried to keep her head low as she followed both of them around. She actually knew some of the people there, even acquaintances. She couldn't even imagine how scandalous it would be if she accidentally took off her mask, it would be unbelievable.Nigel was actually social in parties because he seemed to attract all the at
ERIKA"Okay," she said decisively, placing her hand on his and watching his lips curve to a more satisfied smile. He looked like he actually wanted a dance with her but also deep down knew it was difficult to make it possible. But he had it now, manipulation or not.If Erika didn't want to do it after looking at Nigel at a distance, she wouldn't have done it. It felt like this was a way of getting back at him even though she'd get in trouble for this. But who cared anymore? If he pressed her to answer why, she'd just say this stranger was blackmailing us."But before that," Erika said before climbing down. "I still don't know who you are but you know me, it's only fair you tell me.""I mean you agreed for a dance, I don't have much to hide anymore. I'm Ryan Desmond, CEO of Iris private limited, also technically your dad's rival," he introduced himself and she nodded because she recognized the name. She got off the barstool, ready to enter the dance floor even if her heart felt like it