Chapter 9 ~ Arsen's Threat
1266 Words
"In the end, I still can't do anything. Both in my past life and now," Ivana murmured, staring blankly out the window.
Ivana was certain that Arsen had been controlling everything over the past two years. He must have meticulously prepared everything to reap the results next year, just as he had in her previous life.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"If I'm still going to fall into his trap and remain powerless, then what was the point of coming back to the past? What is the purpose of this second chance if I still can't fight back and stop Arsen's plans?" Ivana thought to herself.
Her mind raced, trying to make sense of everything that had happened. She still hadn't found the answers to her questions. Why was Arsen doing all this to her and her family? Why did he claim that her father had massacred his family? Ivana knew her father better than anyone. He was not an ambitious man—he would never go so far as to wipe out an entire family.
"What is Arsen's real reason for doing this? What grudge has he been holding onto all this time?" Ivana pondered.
She fell into deep thought, considering every possibility. She also tried to recall everything that had happened in her previous life. She couldn't afford to overlook even the smallest detail that might help her solve this mystery.
"I can't act recklessly or fight Arsen alone. He has placed too many people around me to monitor my every move. Right now, I have to play along and look for an opening. He is already suspicious of me, so I can't move impulsively without a solid plan and preparation. Arsen is dangerous—I need to proceed carefully and put an end to his schemes. I have to protect my family and the company. I won't let Arsen get what he wants!" Ivana thought determinedly, clenching her fists tightly.
A knock on the door made Ivana turn toward it.
"Who is it?" Ivana asked without moving from her spot.
"It's me, Madam. Master Arsen and the head of the household are waiting for you at the dinner table," a servant said from outside the door.
"Just tell them I'm not hungry and want to sleep early," Ivana replied.
"Understood, Madam. I will inform them." After that, silence returned. Ivana turned back to her window and sighed.
Her mind was overwhelmed with thoughts, causing her head to ache.
Click!
"What now? I already said I want to rest, and I'm not hungry," Ivana said upon hearing the door open.
When there was no response and only the sound of footsteps approaching, Ivana turned around—only to be startled by the sight of Arsen walking toward her.
"What do you want?" Ivana asked coldly, her expression emotionless.
Arsen stopped in front of her. "Come downstairs and have dinner with us," he ordered, his gaze sharp.
"You can't order me around. I don't want to!" Ivana retorted, shooting him a defiant glare before attempting to walk away.
Before she could leave, Arsen grabbed her wrist and yanked her closer. She gasped as he pushed her against the wall, his grip tightening around her jaw.
The scene gave her a sense of déjà vu, Arsen's rough treatment mirrored what he had done in her past life. Back then, she had been terrified and confused, not understanding the situation. But now, she fought to maintain a cold, steely gaze, even though fear gripped her. Her heart pounded, her body trembled, and chills ran down her spine as she looked into Arsen's murderous eyes.
"I warned you, Ivana. Do as I say if you want your beloved father to remain safe," Arsen said menacingly.
"Are you threatening me? Do you think I'm scared, Arsen?" Ivana challenged him, trying to suppress her fear.
"I never knew my obedient, gentle wife could be this stubborn and even dare to defy me," Arsen said, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.
"Ivana, I know you're not stupid. You realize that you're in a desperate position. Here, you and your father have no one to stand against me. So obey my orders if you want him to stay unharmed," Arsen said with firm emphasis.
"Your resistance is futile," she added before releasing her jaw.
Arsen grabbed Ivana's hand forcefully. She struggled to break free, but he overpowered her and slipped a wedding ring onto her finger against her will.
"Don't even think about taking it off again!" he warned before walking out of her room.
Ivana clenched her fists tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her eyes burned with anger and frustration, yet she couldn't bring herself to truly hate the man she still loved.
She stood there, feeling the excruciating pain in her heart. It was as if every heartbeat reminded her of the beautiful memories that now felt like illusions. In her mind, she saw the moments they had shared—their laughter, the feeling that the world belonged only to them, the dreams they had once built together. But now, everything was in ruins.
Her rage boiled, consuming her thoughts, transforming her love into unbearable agony. Ivana felt trapped in an endless battle within herself; love didn't just disappear, but the pain made it hard to breathe.
She wanted to scream, to release all her emotions, but the words refused to come out. She knew that sooner or later, she would have to make a decision. But for now, all she could do was endure—holding back every emotion until she found a way to break free.
"Ivana, hurry up!" a deep voice called from outside.
Ivana quickly wiped her tears and stepped out of her room. Arsen stood by the door, reaching for her hand. She swatted his hand away, but his piercing gaze warned her not to push her luck.
"Father isn't here, so there's no need to put on an act yet," Ivana said, brushing past him.
Ivana and Arsen arrived in the dining room, where Arsen reached for her hand again.
"You're here. Have a seat," Joseph, the head of the household, instructed from the long dining table.
Ivana and Arsen sat side by side as the servants began serving their meal, starting with appetizers and moving on to the main course.
"I'm happy to see you both like this—so harmonious and affectionate," Joseph said with a pleased smile.
Ivana ignored his words, focusing on her food. She forced herself to eat despite having no appetite, her stomach churning with nausea.
"Yes, Father. Yesterday was just a small misunderstanding, but now we've made up, right, darling?" Arsen reached for Ivana's hand on the table.
Ivana turned to Arsen, who was giving her his best smile.
"Tch, he's playing the devoted husband again," she thought bitterly.
"Yes, Father. Everything is fine now," she replied, keeping her gaze on her plate.
"Good, I'm glad to hear that," Joseph said, relieved.
"We've also decided to start planning for a child."
Oh no! Oh no! Oh no!
Ivana choked on her food, coughing violently at Arsen's unexpected words.
"Take it easy, darling. Here, drink some water," Arsen said gently, handing her a glass as if he truly cared.
"That's wonderful. A child will strengthen your bond even more," Joseph said approvingly.
"Father is right. A child will tie us together even more," Arsen said with a mysterious smile, his gaze locking onto Ivana's, while she could only glare at him in frustration and resentment.
- Writer
