Corrupted by Sin

CHAPTER FIVE

"Okay," I say, nodding slowly. "Let's say that I'll marry you. What exactly will be my benefits?"

Linus's face breaks into a broad smile, and he steps forward. "You'll have everything you have ever wanted. You'll have access to my wealth, my connections, and my power. You'll be able to live a life of luxury with anything you could ever need or want at your fingertips."

I raise an eyebrow, "What about my career? What about my job as a lawyer?"

"You won't need to work if you don't want to. You'll have everything you need without lifting a finger. And if you do want to work, I'll make sure you have the best clients, the best cases, and the best opportunities. You'll be able to make a name for yourself in the legal world with the full support of my resources behind you."

I never asked for this, but the idea of never having to worry about money or job security again is incredibly tempting.

"And what about us?" I feel a knot form in my stomach. "What happens after we get married? "

"What do you mean?"

"What about love? Don't you think that's important?" I ask.

"What tells you we won't fall in love, Eve?"

He is kidding me, right?

"Eve... you weren't selected to work at Kline & Kline by accident. I reviewed everything fully and ensured you were someone I could live with long-term."

I stop in my tracks, my eyes widening in shock. "What do you mean? Are you saying that you didn't hire me for my skills as a lawyer?"

"Of course, I hired you for your skills, Eve. But I also considered... other things. Your personality, your values, your background. I wanted to ensure that whoever I brought into my life would fit in seamlessly."

Was this all planned from the beginning? Did he know who I was before I started working at Kline & Kline?

"Do you know why I left my previous life?" My voice trembles slightly.

Linus nods, "Yes, Eve. I know everything about you."

I let out a bitter chuckle, feeling a sense of betrayal. "So, this was all planned. You knew who I was. You knew why I left my old life. Did you plan to use it against me all along? To blackmail me into marrying you?"

"I never used it against you."

"You knew I couldn't refuse your proposal because I can't go back, Linus! That's using it against me."

I pull away from him.

"And what about my looks? Did that play a factor in your decision to choose me?"

"Of course, it did, Eve. You are a beautiful woman."

That's all I will ever be to him.

A pretty face to show off to his friends and business associates.

But I know that I don't have a choice.

I have to go through with this marriage, no matter what Linus's reasons for choosing me were.

I look into Linus's eyes and nod slowly, making Linus smile at me.

"I'm glad you see things my way, Eve. I'll have someone go with you to your apartment to bring in your belongings. After all, if we're going to get married, we must live together."

"What do you mean? We're not married yet."

Linus steps closer to me, his eyes locking onto mine.

He licks his lip. "This is also non-negotiable."

I scoff and throw my head back, "And what about tomorrow? Are we getting married tomorrow too?"

Linus lifts an eyebrow at me, his lips twitching in amusement. "No, Eve. We'll be getting married in about a month."

What the fuck?

I stare at him in disbelief.

"What? Are you kidding me?"

Linus shakes his head, "No, Eve. Do I look like I'm kidding? We'll be getting married in a month. I will be making the arrangements."

"I hate you right now, Linus Kline."

Linus smiles at me.

"That's not a problem. You'll have about a month to stop hating me."

ª

The following day, I stand in my empty apartment, watching as two men sent by Linus pack up my belongings.

The men are packing up my books, my clothes...

I'm not sure how I will be able to live with Linus.

He's a man who is used to getting what he wants when he wants it.

So, here I am, about to become his wife.

How will I be able to handle him?

How will I be able to live with him, day in and day out, for the rest of my life?

As the men finish packing my belongings and head out the door, I take a deep breath and try to steady myself.

This is my new reality now.

I have to accept it and make the best of it.

The car ride back to Linus's apartment is silent. We pull up to the driveway, and this is it.

This is where I'll be living for the rest of my life.

I step out of the car, and Linus is already waiting by the door with a smug grin.

I grit my teeth.

This man thinks he can control me.

The men start unloading my things, and I feel Linus's eyes on me as I open the boxes.

"Where am I supposed to put my things?" I ask him.

"Wherever you feel like," he replies casually.

"Anywhere?"

"Anywhere but in the middle of my living room,"

"Our living room, Linus. It's ours now, remember?" I give him a fake smile.

I start unpacking and organizing my things.

I take my clothes to the room to put them in the drawers. I can feel Linus's presence behind me.

I try to ignore him, but his voice cuts through the silence.

"You have some empty drawers for your clothes. You also have space in the wardrobe,"

I don't reply.

I can't even look at him.

The ridiculousness of the situation is that I can't look at him because if I do, there's a possibility I will even forget I'm mad.

He is so gorgeous.

Everything about him is so perfect.

But I can't let myself be swayed by his charm.

"Tonight, we are going out to dinner," he informs me.

"I don't want to,"

"Once again, Eve. I didn't ask,"

Who does he think he is, ordering me around like this?

"Am I going to sign anything? Like a contract or something? I want to read the fine print of this fucking contract before I dive in," I tell him sarcastically.

"Language, Eve. And you already did. You already dived in."

And this is only the beginning...

"I know you're not happy with how I did all of this. And I admit it was not the best way, Eve. But give me a chance."

I don't reply.

I can't.

"I will change your mind. You won't regret this. I can promise you that."