A Love So Dark

Chapter Four

---Indie POV

I groaned upon hearing another knock on the door. It was probably the maid again, coming to tell me that Kaius was waiting. I’d barely managed to fall asleep around 4 a.m., and my head was pounding with a dull ache. The bags under my eyes, already a permanent feature, seemed more pronounced today. Sleep had evaded me because of the growing dread of marrying someone I barely knew. Not just that—marriage itself brought back recurring memories I had buried deep, memories that always left me trembling and gasping for air.

My heart hammered in my chest, and my breathing turned erratic. No, I couldn’t run away. Making the wrong decision could get me killed, and while I didn’t fear death itself, I couldn’t allow myself to die before fulfilling my revenge. Marrying Kaius was my best option—or rather, my only option. But the scarred and broken girl within me refused to yield easily, the same side of me I despised, the side that had cost me the only person I’d ever loved.

With shaky hands, I traced my neckline and grasped the necklace hidden beneath my nightwear. For you, I’ll do this. I’ll put my fears aside, the same thing I should’ve done ten years ago.

Taking a deep breath, I reached for the door handle, only for it to swing open, revealing an annoyed Kaius.

“Never let this happen again,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “I hate waiting. You don’t want to know what I’ll do if you keep me waiting again.”

I rolled my eyes, the faintest smirk pulling at my lips. “It’s not like you can do anything to me. You need me.

Kaius smirked, his sharp features seeming more devilishly handsome. It made my stomach twist in a way I hated. “Don’t flatter yourself. You’re not as indispensable as you think. I can dispose of you anytime.

He pushed the door wider and came inside the room,the thing I hated most is not having my own personal space

Geez, ever heard of personal space? I asked with a scoff

“You don’t have personal space in my house,” he replied, stepping further inside. My heart trembled slightly at his words. Instinctively, I moved back, creating distance between us. He scanned me from head to toe, his expression turning to one of clear displeasure.

“Do you always look this ugly?” he asked bluntly.

“I’m not ugly,” I snapped, glaring at him.

“You look it,” he shot back, his calm arrogance only fueling my anger.

“You have no right to comment on my looks!” I fired back, stepping further away as he stepped forward.

“I think I do. We’re about to get married, aren’t we?” he said coolly.

“I haven’t agreed yet,” I said, exasperation leaking into my voice.

“You have no reason to decline,” he replied, his tone firm and commanding. “I’m your best option if you want to keep your father off your back.”

“Is that all I get out of this marriage?” I countered.

Kaius stared at me, his gaze unwavering. “What else do you want? Nothing matters to you more than your life and some sense of security, right? I can provide both. And remember—I’m not begging you. Decline, and I’ll have my men call your father. You know what happens then.”

I clenched my fists tightly. “Fine,” I hissed through gritted teeth.

“Smart choice.” He smirked, his smug expression almost too much to bear. My blood boiled as I stared at his face, hating how weak and helpless I felt. This wasn’t the life I wanted, and yet here I was, forced to bow to another’s demands once again.

“Meet me downstairs in five minutes,” he added before leaving. “Don’t be late.”

When I arrived downstairs 15 minutes later, freshly showered and dressed in jeans and a crop top, Kaius was already seated. His eyes flickered to the clock, and an annoyed look crossed his face.

“I see you enjoy testing my patience,” he remarked.

“I do what I can,” I replied, shrugging as I sat across from him.

“Don’t push me too far, Indie,” he warned. “I’m a man with little patience, and it’s already wearing thin.”

Feigning a scared expression, I replied, “Oh no, I’m so terrified.” I couldn’t help the small smirk tugging at my lips.

He slid a file across the table toward me. “Sign it.”

“What’s this?” I asked, frowning.

“The contract,” he said simply.

“Don’t I get to read through it first?”

“Nothing in it is up for debate. You should know that.”

I opened the file, skimming through the first page, which outlined the basics. But the second page? That’s where things got ridiculous.

“Rule No. 1: Party B cannot fall in love with Party A?” I scoffed. “As if I could ever fall in love with you.”

Kaius ignored me, waiting silently as I read further. The rules only got worse. One stated I couldn’t speak to anyone at events unless spoken to. Another demanded I obey him at all times.

“This is absurd,” I said, snapping the file shut. “I’m not following these. I’m acting as your wife, not your servant.”

You have no say Marcella He said and my heart skipped making my stomach act all funny and strange, everyone has always addressed me as indie or Miss Alviso no one has ever called me Marcella and the way it sounded nice coming from his mouth,Does Marcella sound like this in everyone's mouth

Ugh,No distracting yourself Marcella I said to myself but cringed at the name,That didn't sound good

“No one gets to restrict my rights like this,” I said, pushing down the unsettling thoughts. “And what’s this about me not being allowed to go out? What am I supposed to do, sit and stare at the walls?”

Kaius leaned back, placing a hand on his chin as he studied me. His gaze was unnervingly intense. “Your only job is to act like my wife for a year. During that time, you’ll live by my rules. If I tell you to go left, you don’t go right. Remember, you’re trading your freedom for your life and safety.”

“And if I don’t?” I challenged, though my voice was quieter now.

He smiled coldly. “Then leave. But you won’t get far. There’s nowhere in this world you can hide from me, Marcella. I’ll find you, and when I do, I’ll make sure your father gets you back.”

I gulped, not from fear but from the sheer intensity of his words—and how maddeningly attractive he looked saying them. Focus, Indie. This man isn’t your ally. He’s your enemy.

My hand trembled as I grabbed the pen. It’s just for a year, I reminded myself. I could follow the rules—or at least pretend to. Taking a deep breath, I signed the contract, sealing my fate.

Kaius’s smirk returned as he extended his hand. “Happy cooperation.”

I slapped the file into his hand instead and scoffed. “Don’t push your luck.”