MEETING THE DARKNESS

17

The next day, Dia found herself once again heading to the Dexter estate, her mind still reeling from the proposal Rhys had laid out the previous night. She had spent hours weighing her options, torn between her personal feelings and the cold logic of the situation. Joining forces with the Dexter family would give her the power she needed to fight OCTI, but the price—marrying Viktor—was something she hadn't anticipated.

As Dia approached the grand estate, her thoughts drifted to Viktor. She had clashed with him from the moment they met, their interactions always marked by tension and subtle hostility. He was arrogant, stubborn, and too used to getting his way. And now, she was about to walk into a meeting where Rhys expected her to agree to spend her life bound to him.

When she entered the elegant dining room, she was surprised to see Viktor already seated, dressed sharply in a tailored suit. He looked up from his phone as she walked in, his expression shifting from mild curiosity to his usual smug demeanor.

"Well, if it isn't the mighty Dia Yadav," Viktor drawled, leaning back in his chair. "Let me guess—this meeting is because you realized you couldn't resist being around me?"

Dia rolled her eyes, not in the mood for his banter. "Trust me, Viktor, you're the last person I want to be around."

Viktor smirked, clearly enjoying their usual back-and-forth. "You keep saying that, but you're here, aren't you?"

Before Dia could retort, Rhys Dexter entered the room, his commanding presence immediately silencing both of them. He greeted Dia with a nod and gestured for her to take a seat across from Viktor.

"Thank you for coming, Dia," Rhys said as he sat at the head of the table. "I trust you've had time to think about my proposal?"

Viktor glanced between them, his brow furrowing slightly. "Proposal? What proposal?"

Rhys ignored Viktor's question for the moment and turned his attention back to Dia. "Have you come to a decision?"

Dia hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering toward Viktor, who was now looking at her with open curiosity. She took a deep breath, realizing that there was no easy way to approach this. "Before I answer, Viktor should probably know what's going on."

Rhys leaned back in his chair, his expression calm and collected. "Very well."

Viktor's eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. "Would someone please tell me what the hell is happening?"

Dia met his gaze, deciding there was no point in delaying any further. "Your father made me an offer. He's willing to help me take down OCTI, but only on one condition—he wants us to get married."

Viktor blinked, taken aback. For a moment, he seemed at a loss for words. Then, with a sardonic laugh, he leaned back in his chair. "Married? You and me?" He glanced at his father, as if waiting for him to reveal this was all some elaborate joke. But when Rhys remained silent, Viktor's expression shifted, becoming more serious.

"Why would he want us to get married?" Viktor asked, his voice low.

Rhys spoke calmly, as if this were simply another business arrangement. "A marriage between the two of you would solidify the most powerful mafia alliance the world has ever seen. Dia is not just any woman, Viktor. She is The Scarlett Ghost, the Mafia Queen of Asia and Europe. Her organization, the Bloodmoon Triad, is formidable. Together, the two of you would rule both the East and the West."

Viktor's eyes widened at Rhys's words. He turned to Dia, his expression one of surprise and—amusement? "You? You're The Scarlett Ghost?" A slow smile crept across his face. "No wonder you've always intrigued me."

Dia met his gaze evenly, her chin lifting in defiance. "Yes, I'm the Mafia Queen. And I've kept it hidden for a reason."

Viktor chuckled, clearly enjoying this revelation far more than she had anticipated. "I have to admit, this explains a lot. You always acted like you were more than you seemed."

Dia narrowed her eyes. "This isn't a joke, Viktor. Your father is offering to help me against OCTI, but only if I agree to this... arrangement."

Viktor's amusement faded as the seriousness of the situation sank in. He looked at Rhys, then back at Dia. "So, let me get this straight—you need our family's support to deal with OCTI, and in exchange, we get married?"

"That's right," Rhys confirmed. "This is about securing power, Viktor. I've seen enough bloodshed in my time to know that alliances like this are invaluable. You and Dia would be unstoppable together."

Viktor was silent for a moment, clearly thinking it over. Then, after what felt like an eternity, he sighed and nodded. "Fine. I'll agree to the marriage."

Dia felt a strange mix of relief and frustration at his easy acceptance. But before she could say anything, Viktor added, "But let's get one thing straight, Dia." He leaned forward, his gaze hardening. "This is strictly business. I'll help you with OCTI, and we'll play the part of the happy couple, but you stay in your lane. I'm not interested in anything beyond that."

Dia's jaw clenched, irritation flashing through her. "Don't worry, Viktor. I'm not interested in playing house with you either. This is about power, nothing more."

Viktor smirked. "Good. As long as we understand each other."

Rhys watched the exchange with a satisfied gleam in his eyes. "Then it's settled. We'll proceed with the arrangement. Together, you'll be stronger than ever, and our families will be untouchable."

Dia remained silent, the weight of her decision settling over her. She had agreed to Rhys's terms, and now there was no going back. She was bound to Viktor, whether she liked it or not.

As she left the Dexter estate that afternoon, Dia couldn't help but feel a sense of dread mixed with determination. This marriage might be nothing more than a business deal, but it would change everything.

And no matter what, she wasn't going to let Viktor—or anyone else—control her. She was still The Scarlett Ghost, and this was her game to win.

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Have a great day everyone!

With loads of love,

CARA