Bound by Betrayal (The Mafia King Captive Bride)

It was a sunny day outside, and I found myself sitting in the back seat, gazing out of the car window. Emily’s words echoed in my mind, reminding me that Damien wanted to see me in his office. Which one of his offices could it be? I let out a sigh and quickly glanced at the driver, who seemed completely focused on the road as if he had been given specific instructions on where to take me.

The driver took what felt like an eternity to reach our destination. Eventually, the car came to a sudden halt in front of a towering building. There was something oddly familiar about the road leading up to it. Lost in my own thoughts, I was jolted back to reality when the driver opened my door. Stepping out of the car, I looked ahead and nearly stumbled as my eyes locked onto the banner proudly displayed in front of the building.

“POWERTECH INNOVATION COMPANY,” the name was boldly written, and my heart sank at the sight. Did he bring me here just to taunt me? Tears welled up in my eyes, and I struggled to hold back the sobs threatening to escape my trembling lips. As I stood there, lost in my emotions, the driver approached me. “Please, ma’am, Master instructed me to remind you to behave and follow the instructions he gave you last night,” the driver said.

Instructions! And that’s when I saw the camera flashes coming from the corner, diverting my attention from the banner. I noticed a group of paparazzi standing a few meters away. Do these people ever sleep? It feels like they’re always everywhere. And speaking of instructions, I couldn’t help but remember the conversation we had in his car last night… Hmmm! What a narcissistic person he can be.

“Mrs. Ashley, what do you have to say about last night,” I was snapped back from my dazed state by the question from the paparazzi woman.

“Have to say?” I murmured. “Don’t say anything…” The driver whispered into my ear, his words filled with caution. I nodded in agreement, understanding that I didn’t need to mess up with that monstrous husband of mine…… and that made me swallow up the rest of my unsaid words.

“Mrs. Ashley, Damien seemed all over you at the party. Are you two actually in love?” another young lady asked, her voice dripping with disgust. But her judgment went completely unnoticed by me.

Does she love him so much that she has this immense hatred towards me? I didn’t say anything, but I responded with a small smile. Only if she knows that her crush is a ruthless monster behind that facade.

“So how long have you been dating Damien before the marriage? What pushed you two into getting married?” a male voice came from the crowded paparazzi. I held my breath at his question, feeling a shocking wave down my spine. It was as if his words were a painful reminder of the emotions swirling in my heart.

I opened my lips, but tears slowly welled in my gaze. “We can sense the crazy bond between you two. Love is indeed a beautiful thing,”

I smiled bitterly, giving them a wry smile. If only they knew that we’re married based on a mere contract and that this marriage is a living hell… I bet they wouldn’t utter those last words.

And at that very moment, a group of formidable-looking men emerged from the building, who I recognized to be his men. With a determined stance, they formed a protective barrier, shielding me from the prying paparazzi and guiding me safely inside the building. It was as if they had been instructed to ensure my safety in this chaotic moment.

My heart sank, burdened by the weight of emotions, as I gazed upon the company that had once been my father’s legacy, now in the clutches of this monstrous husband. The sight tore at my soul, leaving me broken and disheartened. “Please, ma’am, this way,” one of the guards respectfully directed, their words met with a solemn nod from me, acknowledging their guidance.

The staff members bowed their heads in greeting as they passed by me, their familiarity apparent. It seemed that many of them recognized me from the media, as my name had been making headlines for the past few weeks. However, this was my first time stepping foot into my father’s company, and the mixture of emotions and curiosity swirled within me…… what were my reasons for coming here?

As we made our way up the stairs, a gentleman in his early forties approached us, coming to a stop right in front. “Hello, ma’am,” he greeted with a friendly smile. “I’m Michael, the manager,” he introduced himself, reaching out his hand for a handshake.

I nodded, a flicker of recognition crossing my face. I had heard my father mention Michael’s name on several occasions, so it wasn’t difficult to connect the dots and realize that he was my father’s trusted manager. The fact that he was still here gave me a glimmer of hope. If I could establish a rapport with him and gain insight into how the company operated, it would undoubtedly make my next move much smoother. This was a crucial part of my plan, as I needed to familiarize myself with the inner workings of the company in order to navigate it successfully.

I stretched out my hand, and shook his hand firmly, feeling a sense of relief seeing him and I am sure he recognized me. “Please do me the favor of taking you to your office, ma’am,” he said but before I could reply I was abruptly interrupted by a deep voice echoing through the hallway. “Mr. Michael, have you finished compiling the files I sent you? Or did she inform you that she’s physically challenged or visually impaired and unable to find her own way to her office?” the voice boomed, filled with impatience and skepticism.

“Uh, no, sir,” Michael stammered, his voice barely audible as he quickly withdrew his hand and avoided eye contact.

I watched as Damien’s face turned blank, his voice audibly cold as he mumbled, “Good.” The atmosphere in the hallway suddenly grew tense as his deep voice continued to ridicule Micheal. “Get to work, I hate laziness,” he sneered, his words dripping with disdain. The intensity of his fierce gaze caused Michael to scramble away, his movements resembling that of a nervous wreck. I couldn’t help but feel a surge of empathy for him, understanding the pressure he was under in this demanding work environment by this monstrous husband of mine.

The co-workers passing by gave Damien a confused look though they were quick to pull their faces away but the lingering confusion swirling in their eyes was enough to read what was actually going through their minds……. And that act makes one thing clear, it was evident that none of them were aware that our company had fallen into the hands of this ruthless individual here.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“And you…” he said, giving me a scrutinizing look. But before he could say anything else, he glanced at our co-workers, who quickly disappeared from view. “Meet me in my office,” he glared at me, his eyes filled with so much resentment, before striding away.

Feeling a nervous knot in my stomach, I obediently trailed behind him. I needed to uncover the motives behind my presence here. While my instincts were whispering something, I craved confirmation before drawing any conclusions. As I reached a grand glass door, shimmering with a golden hue, I took a deep breath before summoning the courage to knock.

“Come in,” he finally said after my persistent knocking. I couldn’t help but wonder why it took him so long to respond. I mean, he just entered his office, so he must have known I was the one at the door. It felt like an eternity standing here!

Clearing my throat, I mustered up the courage to push the door open and step inside. “You… You called,” I stammered, my voice trembling slightly. The uneasiness settled in as I realized that this particular office was once my father’s space.

“Have a seat,” he commanded in a clipped tone. I nodded and took a step forward, but before I could sit down, he interrupted me. “No need to sit… Stand,” he said abruptly.

I nodded again, maintaining my composure. “From today onwards, you will be working for me as my personal secretary,” he informed me. His words hung in the air as he asked, “I am sure you know what that means?”

“What… What the heck!” I gasped, my voice filled with surprise. “I can’t work here,” I exclaimed, shaking my head in disapproval.

“I don’t give a damn if this used to be your father’s company. It’s mine now… ALL MINE!” He emphasized the last word, making his intentions crystal clear. “Hey, listen up. You better cooperate with me if you ever want to live to see the next day. After all, I’m doing you a favor by letting you be with me. When we’re outside, we’re like lovers… LOVERS! So you better behave and cooperate, got it?” He finished with an emotionless tone.

“Da….. Damien,”

“Now get to work,” he scoffed. “But… But…” I stammered, trying to find the rightful words to protest, but he cut me off with a scowl on his face.

“Now!!” He shrieked, sending me a murderous glare that made me instinctively flee from his sight.