Chapter 5: Niall's Pov: Perfect Pawn
1299 Words
“So that's what happened,” she said as she looked at her palms.
“Then why are you praying for their divorce?
What about your plan to bring them down?” I asked while furrowing my brow.
“Well, I had more anger than sense when I said that.
I know he was pressured. He looked nervous until he glanced at Livia—then he seemed sure."
She clenched her tattered gown, eyes distant. "Pavlo loves me. He's just trapped; she has something on him."
“The extent of your foolishness astounds me. You still love him after he led you on.
He's been building you up just so he could watch you fall”, I stated.
“What do you know? You say that because you don't know Pavlo.”
“And I'm glad I don't.”
“You can say whatever you want, I won't give up on Pavlo…not until I speak to him one more time.”
“You have a redeeming value—though stupid—you’re persistent,” I said while nodding.
She glared, fist raised, but stopped herself.
“What about your father, you didn't go bawling to him?” I mocked.
“I did,” She said sharply, “I took a cab home to see Dad."
She swallowed, her voice now shaky, “Dad was—
“Yes, go on”, I added impatiently when she paused for two whole minutes.
“Dad. He. Was. Dying.” She said hunching over, her head resting on her arms, too weary to keep herself upright.
She was crying with uncontrollable sobs that didn't let her catch her breath.
Eventually—very eventually—she calmed down and continued talking.
"He always warned me about Pavlo. This morning, before I left, he said “It's not too late to back out.”
“So he was glad I didn't marry him, but he didn’t want me humiliated”, she said, sniffling.
Pausing again as she searched for a tissue to blow her nose.
I handed her my handkerchief with a sigh.
She blew on it and tried handing it back to me. I sneered at her with a look of distaste and she quickly withdrew her hand.
She continued, voice choked, “He was fine this morning, so it shocked me when he said he couldn't hold on. He claimed he always loved me, that my worries were unnecessary.”
"I was so awful to him, but there he was dying in my arms, comforting me,” she said as she wiped her face.
“He died saying he wanted me to take over the company. It's the Sapphire Shores Resort Franchise.”
“Oh, so you're the heiress to that company, I said, assessing her; you don't look it.”
She shrugged,“ I'm not, not anymore.”
“After Dad died, I stood and cried beside him for hours. I lost track of time, and Livia arrived soon after.
She demanded we read his will. I thought it was too soon, but she insisted on reading it."
"I gave in—resisting was pointless with the lawyer waiting outside," sighing as she fidgeted with her gown’s frayed hem.
Her tired voice continued, “I was shocked that Dad's will left me nothing, transferring everything—his company, our home, and control of all my accounts to Livia.
“So what happened next” I drawled out.
“What's wrong with you? You're treating my life like it's an exhilarating plot twist!” she yelled, her nostrils flaring.
“You need to review your reality. Getting enraged isn’t going to change anything, Miss… what is your name?”
“I'm Riona. Riona Ashford” she grumbled.
“Okay Riona, what happened next?”
“What do you think happened? She kicked me out, threatening to have me arrested if I stayed. Didn't even let me change.”
“No wonder you look like this,” I said.
“Stating the obvious isn’t helping!
I didn’t get how Dad left me broke, so I waited outside to speak with our lawyer.”
“He told me Dad left me a small café in Ireland—it’s something—but I need money to travel.” groaning as she held her head in her hands.
“That’s no issue. Friends could help with that.”
Riona looked away. “I'm more of a lone wolf” she muttered.
Looking sideways at her, “You mean you have no friends?”
She swallowed hard.“I do… but he's married to Livia now.”
“Heh heh heh”, she laughed, trying to cover for the awkward silence.
“Is that why no one defended you at the wedding?” I asked.
Her face is grave as she nods,
“Pavlo invited everyone; all were his friends, and most were trying to win favor with his family.
It's no wonder they said nothing in my defense.”
She's the perfect tool for my plans.
“I’m your only hope now, then. No wonder you spilled your life story to a stranger."” I jested.
“You’re so pitiful; it's disgusting”, my lips curling in repulsion.
Angry tears rimmed her eyes as she sprang up.
“You’ve done nothing but mock me! I don’t need your help. I'll do fine without you” she screamed.
“Really? And what’s your definition of fine—keep getting betrayed and losing everything?
If that means fine, then you're doing a splendid job", I spoke with scorn as I stood up, towering over her.
I lifted her chin, forcing her to meet my gaze. "Face it. Your weakness incarnate. But with my help, you can change that and become strong."
“Do you think… can you help me?” she whispered, her voice tinged with defeat.
Smirking at how easily I could break her, I affirmed, “I don’t just meet expectations; I redefine them. Let me help you ruin them, but it comes with a condition—you’ll give me your forever in return.”
She stared, processing my words. "What… do you mean by ‘my forever' ?"
What are you… some kind of mythical creature to ask for my forever?” she recoiled slightly.
“It's just a simple metaphor, I meant you’ll become my wife, and then I’ll help tear down anyone who’s hurt you,” I said in a clipped tone.
“You could have just said that! Why marriage? Can’t I work for you instead?
Who are you, anyway?” she challenged.
“You finally asked the right question. I'm Niall Blackstone.”
Tilting her head to one side as she said, “Am I supposed to know who you are?”
I felt my irritation flare, “The Blackstone Barrel Brewery".
“Wait, seriously? That Blackstone? The billion-dollar alcohol empire?” Her eyes round as she rambled on.
“That’s seriously impressive! Owning such a company is a huge accomplishment.”
I sighed, crossing my arms. “I’m not the owner—not yet. I’m the first son and obvious heir.”
“Oh, so you do have enough influence to help,” she muttered under her breath, but I caught the whisper.
“I can give you everything you want, including revenge, but the price is simple—become my wife.”
“I have no choice. Fine, I accept, even if your intentions aren’t pure." Her gaze held a mixture of defeat and determination.
“I won't deny they aren't,” my voice was a husky whisper as I flashed her a grin.
My grin was feral, brimming with carnal delight.
You were made to serve my interests, whether you know it or not.
- Writer
