Chapter 3: Black Castle
1335 Words
POV: Rihito
Just a few minutes later, she came downstairs looking stunning. She had a perfect figure, pretty lips, a pointed nose, and beautiful blue eyes that looked dangerously attractive. Everything about her seemed flawless.
But why was he hiding such a beautiful daughter?
I had to admit she was even prettier than their other daughter, but something about her felt off. Her eyes were slightly red. Had she been crying? Was she afraid of me too?
I didn't know why, but deep inside, I suddenly felt the urge to protect her.
She slowly walked downstairs and stopped in front of me.
“Hey...” she said softly.
That was all I heard from her.
I ignored her greeting and turned to face her father.
“I’m taking her with me, and she doesn’t need to pack anything from this house.”
Without waiting for a reply, I pressed the control on my wheelchair and moved toward the door while she quietly followed behind me.
POV: Aaliya
After my so-called father left, I entered through the back door leading to the lobby and went straight to my room.
I changed into simple clothes without wearing any makeup. I wanted him to hate me at first sight.
When I finished dressing, I went downstairs and saw him sitting in his wheelchair.
I had to admit it—he looked incredibly handsome.
Even though he wore a mask, his beautiful brown eyes were enough to make anyone stare.
When I got close to him, all I could say was, “Hey.”
But he completely ignored me.
Rude.
Then again, what was I expecting from a forced marriage?
Still, this marriage could be useful.
I would make them all suffer for the years of pain I endured… and for my mother’s death.
“We’re leaving now. You don’t need to pack anything.”
Honestly, I was relieved. I didn’t have any good clothes in that house anyway. Everything I owned was old and worn out.
Outside, several expensive cars were waiting for us. I didn’t even know the name of the car we entered, but I was certain it cost millions.
I helped him into the car while one of his guards carried his wheelchair into another vehicle.
POV: Aaliya
The ride to the marriage registry was painfully silent.
I sat beside Rihito, keeping my eyes fixed on the car window while the city lights passed by one after another. The luxurious car smelled faintly of leather and expensive perfume, making me feel even more uncomfortable.
No one spoke.
Not even the guards sitting in front.
The silence between us felt heavy… almost suffocating.
I slowly glanced toward him.
Rihito sat beside me. His expression remained unreadable behind the black mask covering part of his face, but his sharp brown eyes were fixed outside the window.
Cold.
Distant.
Untouchable.
I quickly looked away before he could notice me staring.
How did my life suddenly turn into this?
Just this morning, I was still living in that horrible house.
Now I was on my way to marry a dangerous man I barely knew.
My fingers tightened nervously around my dress.
A few minutes later, the car finally stopped in front of a massive building guarded by several security officers.
My heartbeat instantly increased.
This was really happening.
One of the guards stepped out quickly and opened the car door for us.
I carefully helped Rihito out while another guard unfolded his wheelchair beside him.
For a brief moment, our eyes met.
Something strange passed through his gaze before he looked away again.
Without saying a word, he pressed the control button on his wheelchair and moved toward the entrance while I silently followed behind him.
Inside the registry office, everything felt cold and official.
The sound of heels clicking against the marble floor echoed through the hallway while workers secretly stared at us in curiosity.
Of course they would stare.
One of the most feared businessmen in the country was getting married unexpectedly.
And unfortunately for me…
I was the bride.
The woman at the front desk nervously handed us the marriage documents with slightly shaking hands.
“P-please sign here,” she said quietly.
I stared at the papers in front of me.
Marriage.
One signature and my life would completely change forever.
Suddenly, memories of my mother flashed through my mind.
Her smile.
Her suffering.
Her death.
Pain tightened inside my chest.
For a second, I hesitated.
Then slowly, I picked up the pen.
The moment my signature touched the paper, it felt like the sound echoed loudly inside my head.
This was no longer a joke.
I officially belonged to Rihito Rodriguez now.
After signing, I slowly lifted my head toward him.
But unlike me, Rihito showed no emotion at all.
His expression remained calm as he signed the papers effortlessly before pushing the documents back toward the worker.
“Congratulations on your marriage,” the woman said nervously.
Neither of us answered.
The atmosphere became awkward instantly.
Soon, the guards escorted us back outside toward the waiting cars.
The cold evening wind brushed softly against my skin as I entered the car again.
This time, however, the silence between us felt different.
Heavier.
More dangerous.
I kept wondering what kind of life was waiting for me inside his world.
And deep down…
I wasn’t sure if I was entering a marriage…
Or walking straight into hell.
From there, we went to register our marriage before heading to his home.
No… not a home.
A castle.
It was far more luxurious than my father’s mansion, but there was one strange thing about it.
Everything was black.
The walls, the furniture, the decorations…
Was black his favorite color or something?
“You can make yourself comfortable,” he said coldly. “The maids will show you to your room. But before that, there are rules in this house.”
I folded my arms and listened carefully.
“First, you are not allowed to enter the kitchen and cook.
Second, you may go anywhere in this house except the third floor and my room.
Third, you are not allowed to be with any other man except me.
Fourth, you must return home before 8 PM.
Fifth, you must quit your job because I can provide everything you need.”
I frowned immediately.
“Wait… you want me to quit my job? That’s not happening.” I looked at him seriously. “You already know I’m not truly his daughter, so please just let me live my life.”
“And why should I?” he replied calmly. “Your father owes me money. And yes, like you said, I know everything. You are the first daughter of Mr. Jones Martins.”
His eyes darkened.
“So tell me… what kind of daughter denies her own father because he’s drowning in debt?”
“How much is the money?” I snapped. “I can start paying you back myself.”
He laughed—a cold, wicked laugh that sent chills down my spine.
“Sorry to disappoint you, but neither you nor your family can repay that debt. It would take a lifetime.”
I stepped closer to him and crossed my arms.
“Then let me make something clear too. As much as you have power in this house, I also have power because I’m now your wife.”
I pointed toward him boldly.
“First, I’m not going to stop cooking. If you don’t want to eat my food, then starve yourself.
Second, I have no interest in your precious third floor or your room.
Third, I’m not promising to return before 8 PM because I finish work by 9.
And lastly… I am NOT quitting my job.”
I gave him a fake sweet smile and bowed slightly just to annoy him.
“I need to rest now, dear husband.”
The senior maid quickly stepped forward and led me upstairs to my room.
- Writer
