TRUST at gunpoint

Chapter 3

Christian's men moved with a sense of urgency as they moved to lock the doors , effectively sealing Stella's fate.

"Grab her phone and laptop," he instructed, his voice devoid of warmth, echoing the chilling atmosphere that surrounded them.

The air felt heavy with unspoken threats and silent promises of danger. Stella stood frozen, her mind racing with disbelief and fear.

"What are you doing?" she asked, her voice trembling, but her question was met with indifference.

Christian's cold gaze remained fixed on her, as if she were nothing more than a tool to achieve his ends.

"You don't need these. You're coming with us now," he replied, emotionless, his tone final.

As they made their way to the car, Stella felt a shiver run down her spine.

The opulence of the mansion loomed ahead like a dark sentinel, its grandeur overshadowed by the weight of the secrets it held within its walls.

The mansion was a sprawling estate, surrounded by high iron gates and towering hedges that obscured it from the outside world. The architecture was a blend of modern luxury and classic elegance, with marble columns and intricate carvings adorning the façade.

It looked beautiful, but there was an underlying menace in its beauty-this was a place where shadows thrived, where trust was a rare commodity.

Upon reaching the mansion, Liam led Stella inside, his expression serious.

"This is your new home for now," he said, gesturing toward the grand foyer filled with dark wood and dim lighting.

"You'll stay in this room," he continued, pointing to a door adjacent to Christian's. "But there are rules you need to follow."

Stella's heart raced as she listened.

"Avoid certain areas of the mansion, especially Christian's room," Liam instructed, his tone stern.

"Never enter his room. You will be given your phone once a week to talk with your family, so they don't suspect anything. But always be aware-there are eyes everywhere."

The weight of his words sank in, and she nodded slowly, feeling trapped in this gilded cage.

"Just keep your head down and follow the rules," Liam added, his voice softer now, perhaps sensing her fear.

"It'll be easier for you." Stella could only manage a weak smile, her mind reeling with the reality of her situation.

Ava was tasked with helping Stella adjust to her new role as Christian's faux girlfriend.

"Don't worry, Stella," Ava said with a reassuring smile. "I'll teach you everything you need to know." But as Stella looked into Ava's eyes, she saw a flicker of concern that did little to soothe her anxieties.

After a brief conversation about the preparations, Ava decided to confront Christian about his earlier behavior.

She found him in the expensive living room, surrounded by a few of his friends-Nick, Theo, and MJ.

The atmosphere was casual, but Christian's demeanor remained rigid, his face a mask of indifference.

"Christian," Ava began, her tone hesitant, "you can't just hold her throat like that. She was already frightened by us also She's my favorite writer.You could have been polite a bit."

Christian let out a laugh, one that sent a chill down her spine.

"She's nothing important to me, Ava. Just a means to an end," he replied dismissively, his eyes cold and devoid of any empathy.