The Bridegroom's Addiction

Chapter.2

Amelia's PovThe atmosphere sizzled with a dense tension that made me feel like I could suffocate from it. Beside me, my father uncomfortably moved, completely devoid of his usual confidence. Enzo Hernandez, the man who appeared to control even the shadows, gazed at me with such intensity that it gave me chills."Amelia," he eventually said slowly, his voice a deep, resonant rumble that reverberated within me. Every single word seemed like a calculated move, a strategic maneuver in the strange game that had become my reality."Mr. Hernandez." My phone, which observed Liam's betrayal without a sound, felt weighty as I held it.Disregarding the formalities, he looked at me like a predator sizing up its prey. "Interesting," he eventually commented, a faint smile forming on his lips. "This is not what I anticipated."His tone carried a sting of arrogance. "What were you expecting?" I dared, a spark of rebellion starting inside me.Moving closer, he emitted an unseen electric energy in the air surrounding him. "Someone...more... delicate," he uttered, squinting as his gaze followed the contours of my face.I involuntarily balled my hand into a fist. "Delicate? You have no idea who I am.""Maybe not," he admitted, his grin becoming predatory. "However, my intention is to understand it all."My father awkwardly coughed to clear his throat. "Mr. Hernandez, maybe we should talk about the conditions of the…"Enzo interrupted him abruptly with a decisive gesture. "That will be later, Mr. Thompson. This has to do with only Amelia and me."My father hesitated with a worried expression on his face, but there was a newfound respect in his eyes as he nodded abruptly and left the room. The solid oak door closing after him seemed like the end of a chapter that I couldn't influence.All of a sudden, the room appeared to decrease in size drastically, as the air became heavy with a stifling quietness. Every gaze was fixed on me, or more accurately, on him.I began by breaking the oppressive silence and asked, "What should we do next?"His response was delayed as he scanned the room, eventually focusing his attention back on me. "How well do you know the man you're marrying?" His voice getting quieter and huskier.My chest felt my heart pounding. "The sting of Liam's betrayal more significant than you realize."An eyebrow was raised by him while a sardonic smile appeared on his lips. "Share your knowledge with me."I hesitated, torn between the urge to react angrily and the need to keep a hold of my composure. At last, I took out my phone, the screen showing the damning text. Sufficient knowledge to realize I wasn't the sole person Liam was longing for at all.Enzo's smile disappeared. His once playful grey eyes transformed into icy obsidian chips. He grabbed the phone out of my hand with a strong grip like iron.I took a sudden gasp. "That is my phone!"He paid no attention to me, completely engrossed in reading the message on the screen. The quietness extended, heavy and strained. My heart thumped loudly in my ears, like a drum in the eerie silence.He flicked his wrist dismissively, tossing the phone back onto the soft sofa. "So, it turns out the ideal boyfriend wasn't as flawless as believed." His statement, infused with a bitter sense of humor that made me shudder."I said, no," I muttered, experiencing a unique combination of rage and relief.He sat back in the chair, interlocking his fingers in front of him. "Amelia," he inquired, his voice returning to its previous predatory charm, "are you consistently this intriguing?""Intriguing?" I sneered, irritated by how he was analyzing me like a specimen in a science experiment."Yes, that's intriguing," he acknowledged, his gaze steady. His eyes had a sparkle that both unsettled and fascinated me."Why intriguing?" I said again, not knowing how to respond. Despite his arrogance bordering on rudeness, there was an undeniable magnetism surrounding him.His face gradually lit up with a gentle smile. "Do not be concerned, Amelia," he assured, his voice a soft purr, "I believe you will still find me attractive."I felt a sudden drop in my stomach. Did he try to flirt with me? With the man who, only a few hours earlier, had been a stranger, representing my family's sense of hopelessness?"I wouldn't think that if I were you." I countered doubtfully, attempting to sound more confident than I actually was.Enzo c****d his head, his eyes piercing. "I doubt that," he muttered, his voice a subtle dare. "Many women crumble under my gaze." "Perhaps they just haven't found the perfect woman yet." I replied, maintaining eye contact, suggesting. The more I gazed at him, the deeper I noticed beyond the arrogance. The intensity in his eyes, a touch of cunning that made me shiver.He emitted a loud laugh. Well played, Amelia. You really know how to express yourself effectively."Enough talking," my father interrupted from the doorway, returning quickly like an anxious rabbit. "Let's get to business."Enzo sat up in his chair, his playful attitude disappearing suddenly. "Indeed," he stated, his tone shifting to a chilly and impersonal manner. "Maybe you can provide me with more details about this...deal, Mr. Thompson."My father quickly started explaining the company's serious situation, his voice filled with desperation. Enzo remained expressionless as he listened, asking insightful questions that demonstrated a deep grasp of business intricacies.While they conversed, I started to feel more and more disconnected. This was a realm of intense risks and cutthroat strategies, a realm for which I was wholly unready. However, despite feeling scared in my stomach, I was still attracted to Enzo's passionate demeanor. He had an irresistible charm, a force that hummed in the atmosphere nearby.Enzo relaxed in his chair, a satisfied smile appearing on his face. "Mr. Thompson, that's an intriguing proposal," he remarked, briefly glancing in my direction. "Before committing to anything, I must understand the situation I am entering."I felt a surge of anger after hearing his words. "Pardon me?" I interrupted, unable to restrain myself any further. "I am not a commodity to be judged!"He arched his eyebrow, a touch of amusement evident in his gaze. "Are you not, Amelia? In this small game we're playing, you're crucial for closing the deal.""Wanna play?" I stammered, feeling invaded by his harsh words. "Mr. Hernandez, this is not a game! The stakes are high for me."His face briefly showed an unreadable emotion before he returned to his usual indifferent expression. "Life, or a possible future that you didn't particularly desire?"His words struck me. He was unfamiliar with me, yet he had somehow connected with the growing anger I had been holding onto about the direction my life appeared to be heading towards."I guess," I admitted, even surprising myself. "However, it doesn't imply that I am mere pawn in your scheme."He flashed a calculated grin, taking his time. "Maybe so," he concurred, his eyes fixating on mine. "But in this game, Amelia, there is only a single player who establishes the rules. "That player," he whispered hoarsely, "is me," he said.There was unspoken tension in the air between us, causing it to crackle. My heart throbbed frantically against my chest. Against my will, I found myself trapped in his trap, like a helpless insect lured by a perilous fire.All of a sudden, my father coughed, ending the tension. "Mr. Hernandez, have you made up your mind?"We looked at Enzo, anticipating his decision. He maintained eye contact with us for an extended period before he eventually spoke."I will think about it," he replied, his voice a deep growl. "However, on one condition." He looked at me quickly, a sparkle in his eyes. "I wish to become more acquainted with my… future spouse."I gasped for air. Future spouse? We hadn't talked about getting married at all, not to mention using the term "future spouse." However, it didn't feel inappropriate when he said it. A risky thrill mixed with fear churned in my stomach."What does that involve?" I inquired.Leaning in, his eyes locked onto mine, unable to look away. "Imagine, Amelia," he stated with a gradual grin forming on his face, "your life is going to become even more interesting.""Fascinating, isn't it?" I chuckled, attempting to hide the anxious butterflies in my stomach. "I don't need any more 'excitement' in my life at the moment."Enzo laughed quietly, creating a deep vibration that made me shiver. "Believe me, Amelia, in comparison to my ideas, this whole arranged marriage situation is as boring as observing paint dry."My father coughed, his voice sounding strained. "Mr. Hernandez, maybe we should talk about the details of this 'getting to know each other' before—"Enzo raised his hand, quieting him. "Be patient, Mr. Thompson. This is about Amelia and myself. Do you believe it is reasonable for us to talk about the terms?He looked back at me with a strong, focused stare. "Amelia, are you ready for a small adventure? Could it be something completely unforeseen?"His phrasing and the glimmer in his eyes sparked electricity within me. It was wild, daring perhaps, but a small flame of rebellion sparked inside me."Taking risks, right?" I dared, a hint of playfulness entering my tone. "Strike me. What type of adventure are we referring to?"His face lit up with a gradual smile, causing a chill to run down my back. "Simply put," he whispered, moving nearer, "it includes a private jet, a remote island, and…well, Amelia, that's all part of the secret."