BOUND BY BETRAYAL

Chapter Twenty-five

The drive was something else. I mean, I was a nervous wreck the whole time. Every now and then, I couldn't resist sneaking a peek at him. And I swear I am sure the front driver noticed from the rear mirror. It was like my eyes were magnetically drawn to him. I was just so infatuated! He looked so relaxed, leaning his head back against the car seat with his eyes closed. I couldn't help but notice his index finger tapping gently on his thigh. It was such a calm and peaceful sight.

But remembering how much of a monster he was, a surge of anger wells up inside me which makes me want to strangle him to death instantly. But at the same time, I couldn't help but be captivated by his well-shaped peaceful face. It's like he has this Greek god vibe that's just so tempting and alluring, making it so difficult to resist. 

    He looks so calm and gentle with his eyes closed, making me have a second thought if there was an actual reason behind his dark facade. Because how on earth can a good-looking handsome man be so cruel and inhumane? 

My mind was still wallowing in thoughts when suddenly the car stopped, pulling me back to my senses. And instantly I felt a slight movement beside me. Turning to the side I noticed an indistinct frown settled between his eyebrows and without opening his eyes, he asked in a deep terrifying voice. "Are we there?" 

"Yes, boss," the driver was quick to reply. 

And that's when an evil smirk slowly crept across his face as he opened his eyes. But then, the smirk vanished and his face turned into a cold stare as he glanced in my direction. "Leave the car," His voice was so cold that it echoed through the air, and my body couldn't help but respond nervously. 

My heart was racing faster, trying to reach for the door. But then, his voice stopped me dead in my tracks. It was like I couldn't move! "Not you……" My heart skipped a beat when I felt his warm hand on top of mine, stopping me from opening the car. The little action strangely sent electrifying sparks at the area. I nervously peeped from the corner of my eyes and noticed his cold stare was fixed on his men that were in front. It was like he was plotting something with them. They got the information and quietly nodded their heads before stepping out of the car. 

The car fell into a sudden silence, we were alone now. He cleared his throat after some minutes, breaking the once quiet atmosphere as he turned to eye me up. It was like he was trying to read me or figure something out. "We are here and I need you to comply," his voice was calm but there was a hint of seriousness in it, sending shivers down my spine. 

"Huh," I scratched my neck nervously, sounding confused. My action seemed to have annoyed him, his eyebrow twitched up slightly. It was like I had fueled his anger, "Don't play dumb," 

"You're going to see tons of well-to-do men there though not as rich as me," he brags before his tone changes back to cold. "But……." He paused, scanning my face. It felt like he was trying to decipher something from my expression.

"I know that as a slut that you are, you might not help sliding into their rooms to warm their beds…. But look carefully, don't you dare leave my side or misbehave," He warned sternly, and I couldn't help but feel a sharp pang in my heart. His words crashed over me like a powerful, dangerous wave, shattering my insides in an instant. Biting hard on my lips to control my emotions, I looked away from him. It was a struggle to keep the tears from rushing down.

He probably noticed the tears that had already welled up in my eyes, so he glanced at me with a slight frown. "Look at me," he commanded in a voice void of emotions. 

I obediently turned around to face him, fighting back the tears. I instantly felt his gaze piercing deep inside my eyes. It was like he could see right through me, the amount of effect his words had on me. "I believe you know how much I hate disobedience," he said, and I nodded, not wanting to prolong the conversation any further. 

"Good, throughout this party, you have to stick by my side, we have to act all lovely," my eyes were quick to snap forward and gaze surprisingly at him. 

       What is he talking about? Act lovely as in playing love with him……. No way!! He gets to be joking, right?

He gave me a fierce glare before continuing his statement, making it clear that he was serious.

"Less talk, just follow my lead," despite how he says the love word his voice was filled with irritation and hostility. 

"Wh…… why?" The question mistakenly slipped out of my trembling lips. 

"Less question…… just follow my lead, remember disobedience is among my third rules. I bet you don't want to break that," his gaze lustfully ran quickly at my exposed thigh before it refocused back on my face sending me a quick dangerous message. 

Which made me nervously gulp and nod in response to him, trying to hide my fear. "What's your name?" The question left me once again in a daze. What's my name? This should be the third or fourth time he has asked me that. He got to be kidding, right? Was the company so important that he never got to check the name of his bride-to-be in the contract?

"I asked a question?" His cold voice snapped me back to reality, jolting my senses awake once again. 

"Ashley Abrec….. Harl…. Hmmm, sorry Ashley," I let out a deep cough, confused about the surname to use. I couldn't use Albrecht since he never considered me worthy to be addressed as his wife since I am married off based on a mere contract and Harlow is no longer my surname. I am married now.

"Ashley," There was something with the way he called the name that sent butterflies to my tummy…… Damn it!! He nodded and eyed me up, his eyes twinkling with a tinge of mystery. 

However, Just as I tried to open the door, he intervened once again, preventing me from moving forward. "Wait in here," He said and opened his side of the door, confidently stepping out of the vehicle.

    "Ahhh!!!!!" Immediately he stepped down, I heard the crowd going wild, with screams filling the air and camera flashes illuminating the scene. It seems like the paparazzi are here too!

"Wow!!!! Is Damien Albrecht…… Oh! My," I sighed at the feminine voices, screaming as if they'd never laid eyes on a handsome, wealthy man before. 

     I bet they didn't know he is a motherfucking scumbag monster! Yeks…….. Looks can quite be deceiving. 

And out of nowhere, I suddenly noticed my side door swung open, and the flashes of light gleaming toward my direction were so intense that they almost practically blinded me. I don't like being in the spotlight. My confusion grew even wider when Damien extended his hand towards me, a smile playing on his lips. But his gaze... it held a stern warning as if he was silently telling me to comply. 

I suddenly get the hint, and hold onto his hand matching his smile. Fuck it…….. As I stepped out of the car, there was this crazy loud scream in the air! I thought it was the end, but little did I know, it was just the beginning of something even more confusing! And just then as Damien stepped forward, he gently tucked my hair behind my ear, his palms slowly brushing against my skin. I swallowed the huge lump that had suddenly formed in my throat but then again, in a slow and unexpected moment, he placed a sensual kiss on my forehead. Sending shivers down my spine and leaving me speechless.

Okay, that's it!!!........ I don't think I can pull through with this.