UNWANTED DEVOTION

LET'S TALK ABOUT CRYSTAL

Kian's POV

"I HAVE NO OBJECTION. I CANCEL THIS MARRIAGE HERE AND WITH MY FULL WILL..."

This sentence echoed in my mind, relentless, each repetition stirring a deeper fury. The anger boiled inside me, a wave of hot rage that I could barely control. I could almost feel the urge to yank her hair harshly, dragging her across the room, forcing her to scream in pain. My mind conjured up cruel images of slamming her small, fragile head against the wall over and over, her blood staining the pristine surface. She would say sorry, again and again, begging for mercy.

I stared at her, my eyes cold and devoid of any warmth. Rose's hand was wrapped around my clenched fist, but the tension in my body was palpable. My thoughts were clouded with anger and a twisted desire for control. Crystal, the woman who had caused this fire within me, was sitting there, her gaze fixed downward, refusing to meet my eyes. I could feel the pull of her beauty, and the ache to make her look at me—just once, with those eyes that had so easily captured my attention.

"You can go to your room, Crystal. I will meet you later," my mother spoke, her voice calm and measured, though I knew she could sense the storm within me. Crystal stood up quickly, her intoxicating scent lingering in the air as she made her exit. It was maddening how she still managed to affect me even in her retreat.

"As you like, son. We accept your choice," my father's voice was smooth, unbothered. I didn't acknowledge him, simply staring blankly as my mind continued to swirl with violent thoughts.

We all moved to our respective rooms, the tension thick in the air. Ella led Rose away, but I didn't care. My mind was fixated on that closed white door just a few steps away—the one where she was. I whispered her name softly, "Velvet." The words tasted like poison on my tongue. And yet, they were the only thing that seemed to matter as I entered my room.

Third Person's POV

Mr. and Mrs. Well sat on their bed, the atmosphere thick with unspoken plans.

Mrs. Well turned to her husband, her eyes narrowing. "Why didn't you say anything to him, dear? And what about Crystal?" She couldn't help but ask, her voice laced with concern, but Mr. Well simply smirked, his eyes dark and calculating.

"Let him choose, love," he said, his tone dripping with amusement. "Crystal is our property, the Blackwells', and there is no way we are going to lose her. Trust me, your son is already regretting his choice."

Mrs. Well chuckled at his response, her lips curling into a smile. "Yes, I noticed it too."

They both shared a quiet, knowing look. This game was far from over.

Crystal's POV

Ella called for me, her voice cold and indifferent. She told me to remove my mask, and though every fiber of my being screamed to rebel, I did as I was told. Step by step, I walked toward my fate, my mind swirling with escape plans that never seemed to work. I couldn't afford to make a mistake now.

We descended the stairs together. Ella remained near the staircase, silent and watchful, as I approached Mr. Well. His eyes were hard, unreadable. He motioned for me to sit.

As I lowered myself onto the chair, I caught the sound of heavy breathing. Kian. My gaze flickered towards him instinctively, and I saw him sniffing the air, like a dog . The disgust that washed over me was immediate. His behavior was unsettling, unnatural. His presence, suffocating.

I sat stiffly, my legs pressed together, my posture as straight as I could manage. I tried not to look at him. I forced my attention on the woman next to him—Rose. She was beautiful in a way that made me feel insignificant, with pale skin, red lips, and a dress that was as dark as the night.