All Chapters of CAGED BY HIM: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Ivory's PovI stood before the old mirror in my small room. It was antique, silvering around the edges. Checking my outfit, I felt a thrill of anticipation, Simple yet neat, it had to be. This was the day. A wave of happiness washed over me, as I thought about starting my new job at “Le Clair de Lune,” my dream restaurant. A good paycheck awaited, and with it, a chance at a new life. Most importantly, I was free. Free from Tristan, that cruel, ruthless man.I checked my reflection one last time, good to go. I grabbed my files and other essentials, but my heart sank as I remembered my phone and bank card vanished the night I was taken. Luckily, I had some cash hidden away at home. I needed a new phone and other necessities. My first paycheck would fix that.I smiled at my reflection again, but worry crept in. What if they turned me away? It had been almost a month since I was told to resume. "No!" I spoke aloud, shaking off the doubt, I had to stay positive. I stared into the old mirr

Tristan’s POVSomeone was shaking me, pulling me out of a deep sleep. I ripped my tired eyes open, a snarl forming on my lips. Ivory stood there. She visibly flinched under my stare. My icy blue eyes fixated on her. "What the hell?" I growled.Her voice came out as a tiny squeak. "Your phone," she stammered. "It's… it's ringing." Fear flickered in her wide eyes and her whole body trembled.I peeled my gaze away from her and reached for the buzzing phone on the nightstand. I looked at the screen and saw that it was my father-Mr. Black.He's a man of few words. He doesn't like to be messed around with. He molded me into who I am today—a ruthless, mafia leader. At six, he started training me how to fight. How to hit targets. "You need to be strong," he’d bark. "Even stronger. "One day, you'll run the 'Black's Empire'." He made it clear. And Weakness meant failure.Unlike Isaac and Ashley, my childhood was devoid of memories. All I had was hours of endless training to become. This leade

Ivory's POVI found myself in Ashley's room, and since the girl never stopped talking. Honestly? She was funny. And a lot of fun. This afternoon, I was reading a book when she burst in and hauled me out of the room, pulling me into hers. "Everyone here is so serious," she grumbled, faking annoyance. Tristan had left for work, and I heard Isaac went to the Empire as well. Joan and Mr. Black were out too. So, it was just Ashley and me alone in the house. I managed a small smile at her."I hate to say it," she pouted, "but I miss that blockhead twin brother of mine.""Who?" I asked, completely lost."Isaac, of course," she replied."O-ohh," I stuttered, "so you're twins?""Yeah," she said, beaming, and we dove into conversation For about an hour, we talked. Well, Ashley talked. I mostly just smiled and listened. She was fun to be around. She told me about Tristan, when they were kids and how much fun they used to have. Before their father clamped down on him enforcing strict rules. H

Ivory's POV"IVORY!" Tristan’s sharp voice cut through my sleep. I jolted awake, my eyes snapped open. He stood by the tall mirror, adjusting his work clothes. "W...what is it?" My words tripped out."Ashley said you'll both go shopping today." His voice was cold."S..hopping?"My mind felt fuzzy"Yes. For the wedding," he replied, still examining himself in the mirror."O..hh. But isn't that too early?" My voice was still shaky, catching a hint of panic. "Nope. It's happening next week.""Next week." My whole body stiffened, and a cold dread washed over me. This can't be happening.He turned from the mirror then, started walking towards me. My body shivering in fear, my breath caught in my throatWhen he reached me, his hand shot out. It grabbed my jaw so tightly, forcing my eyes to meet his piercing gaze."You'll go out with Ashley," he said, his voice like chipped ice. "And if you dare mess it up, or try to run..." His grip tightened on my jaw, It hurt. Tears started springing to

Ivory's POVTHE WEDDING DAYToday was the day. I was marrying Tristan, the powerful and ruthless mafia leader I never wanted. My stomach churned, a knot of anxiety tightening within me. I sat in front of a grand mirror, dressed in a simple top and tight shorts, my hands trembling.Clara, the ever-cheerful girl, filled the room with her bright energy as she worked on my hair and makeup a stark contrast to my inner turmoil.Ashley and Joan handled everything for the wedding preparation. Joan insisted I stay locked inside, not since the last incident. I couldn't help out. I couldn't do anything.I tried to offer help, but Joan would brush me off. "Don't worry, dear," she'd say with a smile. "Ashley and I have it covered."If I pushed harder, her tone would turn serious. "Tristan would freak out if you ever stepped outside the house," she'd warn. He wouldn't care. To him, I was just a pawn in his game that he'll throw away when he's done with it. For a while now, Clara and I had grown cl