Chapter 2

I woke up with unbearable pain on my lower body. I shifted in the bed, groaning as I opened my eyes. I looked at the fancy ceiling above and realized it was not my bedroom. “Shit,” I murmured, remembering the impulsive decision I made the night before. I slowly looked to the other side of the bed and saw the sleeping man who saw my most vulnerable state.

“Even asleep he’s hot,” I said with a laugh. I tried to get out of bed but my legs almost gave out, and I sat back down on the bed. Still without clothes, I covered myself using the blankets. It was a long night, I could still vividly imagine it.

“You’re trying to sneak out so soon?” I almost jumped from my seat and I turned around and saw him wide awake, enjoying the view of my bare back. I fully covered myself with blankets and ignored him.

He stood up from the bed and walked away before coming back a few minutes later with a whole feast on a tray. I already put my clothes back on before he returned. I eyed him curiously and he placed the food down on the bed. “Eat so you regain some energy,” he said and I looked at him with suspicion.

“I don’t even know you,” I remarked, making him laugh loudly. His face is more charming now compared to last night where I was intimidated.

“Yet here you are,” he said with a laugh. My stomach growled loudly and I closed her eyes in embarrassment. Why did my stomach have to betray me at a time like this? Defeated, I started eating the delicious meals while he watched me intently. After the long tiring night we had, food was the best recovery.

“Tell me how you’re going to avoid marriage,” he suddenly said, making me stop eating. He looked me up and down, waiting for an answer. “Did I do a great job aiding you?” he asked with a sly smirk and I rolled my eyes.

“I’m arranged to marry someone and let’s just say I have no intentions of marrying him,” I said with bitterness in my voice. He nodded his head and sat down closer to me. Xavier lifted my head and examined my face. “It would be a shame for just any man to marry this pretty face,” he commented and I pushed his hand away.

This sly man!

“My mother said he wanted a virgin. Out of all my siblings, I was the only one left. And any more of that is none of your business,” I muttered with annoyance and only continued eating since I was starving. He stayed silent and laid down on the soft bed.

I finally breathed a sigh of relief after he stopped pestering me with questions. I barely even know the guy yet I already revealed my intentions of approaching him. I’m only glad he’s not offended of some sort.

After regaining my strength, I grabbed my purse and pulled out a blank cheque and handed it to him. “Let’s never see each other again,” I declared before standing up, still struggling to keep my body from falling. He looked at the cheque and back to me with a menacing stare. I almost flinched.

“That’s it?” he asked and I nodded my head.

I looked at my phone buzzing from all the calls from my family. “You’re exactly my type but we can never cross paths again,” I said in disappointment while he only stared at me looking down on him while he was sitting on the bed.

“Put any amount on that and it’s all yours,” I said, pointing to the blank cheque he had on his hand. I thought he would protest but he only watched me leave. Better, I guess. Only after I was gone, he let out a loud chuckle, looking at the paper I left.

The moment I returned to our family villa, I was met with harsh scolding from my mother. “Where have you been? You’re going to meet your future husband today and you’ve been gone all day!” my mother looked like her blood was boiling with anger and I only rolled her eyes in response.

“Listen—” I was cut off.

“Go and take a shower. You look like a ragged racoon with that hair,” my mom said in annoyance.

“Listen—” I grabbed my mother’s shoulder to get her to pay attention. “I can’t marry him,” I declared and my mother was already tired hearing that from me over and over again. The maids in the villa were already preparing everything for his visit yet I was about to announce the most diabolical thing.

“I’m no longer a virgin,” I said with a wide smirk. My mother’s mouth dropped to the floor before pulling me away from the people around. “We’re about to go bankrupt! How dare you go against our wishes?!” she freaked out and I almost scoffed. As if that’s my problem.

“Rhea! Your marriage will be the only thing that can salvage our family!” she shouted in anger; her face twisted from so much stress. I only looked at her, unimpressed.

“Go to your room and get ready. You’re meeting him whether you like it or not.” With my mother’s unwavering spirit, I was forced to return to my room and take a shower.

“Fine, I’ll tell that man myself.” I am determined to stop the engagement from happening, and I would do anything. After getting ready, I wore a loose shirt and pants and headed downstairs.

Her mother, who saw her walk inside the living room, stood up in anger. I looked at my three older sisters who were sat obediently on the couch. “What? Don’t I look dazzling?” I asked sarcastically and spun around.

“Change RIGHT NOW!” my mother shouted. Her voice echoed in the villa but I stood firm.

Moments later, a maid walked in the room. “Mr. Ackres has arrived.” There was a cold silence among all of us. It felt as if cold water was thrown above my head. I gritted my teeth but smiled slightly.

“I told you. I am not marrying that man!” I snapped in anger while my mom walked up to me and grabbed my arm. I tried to get away but her grip was firm.

“I’m no longer a virgin so he could go ahead and shove that idea up his ass!” My sisters’ eyes widened and their jaws dropped, they all looked at each other in confusion. One thing about me, I was never interested in relationships to begin with. They only left me with no choice.

“There’s no need to fret.” They all froze in place as they heard a man’s voice a few feet behind me. My brows furrowed, that deep voice seemed familiar.

His heavy footsteps slowly approached us. My mother’s grip loosened from my arm and stepped aside. The moment the footsteps stopped, everyone was already looking above my head. “There would be no problem marrying your daughter,” he said as his voice rumbled.

I slowly turned around before her eyes looked up to see his face. My face went through emotions from confusion, anger, and betrayal. I took small steps back as I looked at him from head to toe. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Rhea…” He grabbed my hand and kissed the back of it. His eyes never leaving mine.

His stare, dangerous like a wolf with insatiable hunger. I knew he was trouble yet I walked right into his trap. I could see the cunning smirk on his face. “I’m Xavier Ackres, your fiancé,” he whispered in a low yet sultry tone.