Chapter 3:- Taken against my will

                            Anna's POV

I slept through the night in a room he’d prepared for me in his mansion, but it felt more like a prison than a sanctuary. 

The memory of my father’s lifeless body, drenched in his own blood, haunted me. What about my sister? My mother? Were they safe? Did they even know I was gone?

A fierce anger bubbled within me, directed at the man who had taken me against my will, my so-called “savior.” He was nothing but a demon in disguise, dragging me into a world I wanted no part of.

A sharp knock on the door jolted me from my thoughts. 

Before I could even gather my rage, it swung open, and two young maids stepped in, their heads bowed.

“Good morning, miss,” one of them said softly. “We’ve brought breakfast. Master requests that you put this on and join him in the main hall when you’re ready.”

“Requests?” I spat, “More like demands. Why should I even think about doing anything he says?”

They exchanged worried glances, but I didn’t care. 

I crossed my arms, glaring at them. “I’m not a prisoner, and I won’t be treated like one. I won’t wear whatever ridiculous thing he picked out for me.”

The first maid set a tray of food down, but I ignored it, my eyes locked on the second maid as she unfolded a garment bag that caught my attention. 

Inside lay a wedding gown, elegant and extravagant, clearly meant for some twisted purpose.

“Master wants you to wear this,” the second maid said, her voice trembling slightly.

“This is for the wedding,” she explained.

I couldn’t help but laugh, “You’re all crazy in this damn house!" I hissed, "Go tell your fucking master that I am not his fucking slave! Over my dead body will I marry a cruel creature like him.”

The maids flinched at my outburst, their eyes wide with shock. I didn’t care. 

My heart raced, fueled by a mixture of anger and desperation. “I’m not playing his stupid game. I refuse to be a pawn in whatever sick plan he has!”

The first maid opened her mouth to respond, but I cut her off. “I don’t want your pity or your damn food. You can’t force me to wear that dress or marry him. I’d rather die than submit to that monster!”

With a heavy sigh, they backed away slowly, leaving the gown and the tray of food behind. 

I was alone, but my anger blazed brightly. I wouldn’t let this man break me. I would fight back with every ounce of strength I had.

The door swung open again, and he stepped in, wearing a fitted black shirt and matching trousers instead of the suit from the night before.

 He was tall and handsome, his muscular build reminiscent of Captain America. The sight of him stirred a conflicting mix of admiration and fear within me.

I met his gaze, trying to keep my face composed despite the quiver in my chest. “I’m not afraid of you,” I said quietly, my voice steady, though it revealed a fleeting slip in confidence. “And I’m not wearing that wedding gown.”

He raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “I see you’re still full of fire. I like that.” His voice was smooth, almost teasing, as he stepped closer. “But You know you don’t have a choice.”

I forced my body to remain still despite the fear that threatened to betray me. I had to keep my composure. I couldn’t show him how much he scared me.

“Choice?” I forced a laugh, but it sounded hollow, even to me. “ You’re delusional if you think I’d ever willingly marry you! You’re nothing but a monster in a pretty package!”

His eyebrows furrowed in anger, and the playful smirk vanished from his face. “Watch what you say. I don’t want to have to force you. Just do as you’re told and put on the wedding gown.”

I bit my lip, the sudden fear almost making my knees buckle. But I fought it back, pushing it down, focusing on staying composed. “I don’t care. You can’t make me.”

His eyes flashed with something darker, and for a moment, I feared he would lash out. 

My heart hammered in my chest, and I held my breath, bracing myself for whatever would come next.

He slid his hand into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. Leaning closer, he handed it to me, and my heart raced as I unfolded it.

Confusion washed over me as I stared at the image—it was a picture of my mother. My breath caught in my throat.

He nodded slightly, a cruel glint in his eyes. “I suppose the woman in this picture is your mother. Refuse to marry me, and she dies.”

My chest tightened as the reality of his words sank in, a cold dread wrapping around my heart. How could he wield my mother’s life as a weapon against me?

He casually checked his wristwatch, “You have five minutes to decide. Meet me downstairs when you’re ready. But remember this: whatever choice you make, you won’t be leaving this mansion.”

With that, he turned on his heel and opened the door, leaving me alone with my thoughts. How could he be so heartless?

                          Author's POV

As Anna sat in stunned silence, the door clicked shut behind the man, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

He stepped into the big parlor.

His right-hand man looked up from his spot on a leather armchair, concern etched across his face.

“Master,” his right-hand man greeted, rising from a leather armchair. "

He hesitated, “Mr Damon, are you really serious about this? Why marry her? She’s not worth it. You have options far better than her.”

Damon sank into his chair, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow. “The tattoo on her arm belongs to a very powerful rival. My guess is she’s the daughter of the Don.”

Tiger’s eyes widened in surprise, the weight of the revelation settling in. “That’s a big jackpot, boss. What do you want me to do?”

Damon leaned back, rubbing his temples. “Run a background check on her. DNA test, anything that confirms she’s the daughter of Kane Blackwood.”