s suffocating, his towering frame casting a shadow over the dimly lit room. The rich scent of expens

cess what had just happened. One moment, she had been in the safety of Bu Si

t a st

man she had been told t

w claimed she

ng her voice to steady. "

corner of the room, pouring himself a glass of whiskey with practiced ease. The s

o be," he finally said, taking a

ed into fists. "You

, setting his glass down. "Kidnapp

u think you own me? That I'm j

h twist. "That's exactly what you are. Your father's debts were astronomical. The only way to clea

veins, hotter than fear.

alm, cruel in its indifference. "He gambled and

fall. She wouldn't give him that satisfaction. "So, what now?"

er? No. You'll have everything you need. Clothes, food, comfort... but freedom?"

can't do this. I'll

ry. But I promise you, the moment you step out of this hous

fr

the world will welcome you back? Your father's debts ruined your name. Your so-called fiancé has al

stomach

shaking her head in d

You really thought she took you in out of kindness? She

down, she knew the truth. The way Bu Siska had held her just a littl

nothing but

fused to let them fall. "Why?" she choked

d. Ardian's smirk faded, r

is voice was dangerously soft.

owed in confusion.

resentment. "Your father wasn't just a businessman, Nayara. He was a thief. He d

her mind spinning.

been brewing for years. "My father lost everything because of yours. He died

eath h

out a business deal

ant to own her. He w

a forced herself to stand taller, meeting his gaze with d

mile. "Because keeping you here, watchin

words settled ov

as tr

t in a game she didn't eve

Nayara was given everything she could ever need-silk dresse

of it m

still a

guarded at all times, the windows locked, the doors requiring

He was always ther

an never hurt her, but his presence alone was a rem

her one evening as she sat across from him at

ound her fork. "I wil

ng the wine in his

hate

her world, the way he spoke to h

ing, she hated the

there was something in his eyes t

her chest tighten in

didn't

Ardian was playing, Nayara w

y... she w