TRUST at gunpoint

Chapter 8

I was still in shock may be I heard the words wrong.

Christian turned to his father, looking as if he were about to argue. “Dad, I don’t think that’s necessary—”

But Mr. Knight’s expression was unwavering. “If you’re serious about her, you’ll show it.”

Christian let out a frustrated sigh, then turned to me, his expression hardening. I felt every muscle in my body tense. I didn’t want this—certainly not in front of his entire family and friends. But there was no escaping it. I could see the frustration in his eyes.

He leaned in close, one hand sliding to my waist while the other reached up to the side of my neck, his thumb gently resting against my jaw. I held my breath, feeling my heart pound not from excitement, but from a deep-rooted dread. His face was close, his eyes narrowing as if studying me, before he pressed his lips to mine.

The kiss was quick, mechanical, but it was still far too close. I felt every fiber in my body tense, resisting the urge to pull away, while my heart raced with a mix of fear and frustration. His hand on my waist felt like it was holding me in place, but there was no gentleness to it. Just an obligation—another cold move in his game.

Finally, he pulled back, his face now as emotionless as ever. Turning to his father, he raised an eyebrow. “Is that proof enough?”

Mr. Knight chuckled, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. “Yes, yes, it is.” He nodded approvingly. “It’s good to see my son happy.”

Everyone around the table was shocked , most of them wearing awkward smiles. Ava shot me a sympathetic glance as if to silently reassure me that she was on my side. I forced a smile, barely managing to hold myself together.

“Why don’t I take Stella back to her room? I think it's awkward for her, here.” Ava suggested, trying to cut the tension.

Mr. Knight nodded in approval. “Suit yourself.  ”

Christian’s hand slipped from my waist as he nodded, allowing Ava to take my arm and guide me away from the table. The moment we stepped out of sight, I exhaled, feeling like a weight had been lifted.

Ava leaned close and whispered, “Are you okay?”

I shook my head, barely able to hold back the frustration. “Not really,” I admitted, voice shaky.

As soon as we returned to Christian’s room, I went straight to the bathroom, needing a moment to compose myself. I scrubbed my face with water, hoping to wash away the discomfort of that forced kiss. There was a bottle of mouthwash on the counter, and I poured a generous amount, rinsing out my mouth until the taste faded. I didn’t want to dwell on it, but the memory of that moment lingered.

When I came back, Ava was waiting with a sympathetic expression. She lightly retouched my makeup and gave me a reassuring smile. “You’re handling this better than most people would,” she said softly.

“Thank you,” I muttered, trying to hold back the emotions swirling inside me.

I wanted to cry, but I wouldn’t let myself break down. Not now.

Ava gave me a pat on the shoulder and left, leaving me alone to gather myself. I wasn’t sure how much time had passed when Christian returned. The moment he stepped in, I felt the air tense. He didn’t meet my gaze, and I didn’t look at him either. Everything from earlier flooded back, and all I wanted was to get out of this place and never see him .

Atleast he should say SORRY. But no he is Christian Knight. How can he?

Without a word, he walked over and grabbed my arm, leading me out. “My parents are leaving,” he said, his tone as neutral as ever.

We walked to the hall to find Mr. and Mrs. Knight waiting. His mother approached me, a kind smile on her face. “It was lovely to meet you, Stella. I’ll be looking forward to seeing you again.” She hesitated, then added, “Could I get your number?”

Before I could respond, Christian interjected. “She doesn’t have a phone here. I don't trust her enough ... Till now.”

His mother gave a polite nod, though there was a hint of awkwardness in her smile. She patted my arm and wished me well before they finally departed, leaving the house eerily quiet.

---

Back in my room, I changed out of the gown, slipping into another outfit . The gown that had felt elegant now only reminded me of that humiliating kiss in front of everyone. I took a deep breath, trying to let go of the frustration, the discomfort, and the lingering irritation toward Christian.

The door fly open ,  pulled me from my thoughts. Christian entered, holding out an envelope. “Ava, get her things,” he called without looking at me.

Ava came in with a small bag, which held my phone, laptop, house keys, and the outfit I’d worn the first day. She gave me a gentle hug. “You did well, Stella. Take care.”

Christian thrust the envelope at me . “Your payment,” he said curtly.

I looked at him, eyebrows raised. “For what?”

He crossed his arms, his gaze hard. “For playing the part. Take it.”

I pushed it back. “I didn’t do this for money, and it wasn’t my choice. You forced me into this.” I could feel my frustration boiling over. “I’m not taking your money.”

He let out a bitter laugh, dropping the envelope at my feet. “I’m disgusted enough that I had to kiss you. Don’t make this harder. Take the damn check and go.”

Something snapped inside me. “I hated every second of it too. But I’m not taking your money. I never agreed to any of this.”

He rolled his eyes, stepping closer. “Then consider it a payment for your inconvenience. Take it voluntarily, or I’ll make sure you do.” His tone was hard, almost threatening.

In that moment, all I wanted was to get out of there. I forced myself to pick up the envelope, shoving it into my bag. If I was going to start over somewhere else because of this nightmare, he might as well contribute to that.

The next few moments were a blur of rushed goodbyes.

Ava gave me one last hug, murmuring, “Take care of yourself.” Liam and Nick gave me nods, their faces filled with sympathy, while MJ just gave me a smile. I barely registered their farewells as ava led me out to the waiting car.

Finally, I was heading home.

The way to home felt so nice. I was happy it's over as well as sad that it shouldn't be a dream.

As the car pulled away from the house, I felt relief wash over me. I was done with this charade.

Finally it's over. The act is over. The nightmare is over.

I can have my normal life back. May be. I hope.