Bought by Marriage

Chapter 2:

Edward’s POV.

In the heart of the most prosperous commercial district stood a towering skyscraper, the largest structure in the entire area Everhart International. Its hundred-story height flaunted its prestige and luxury; under the sunlight, the whole building refracted a cold brilliance that made it look untouchable.

Everhart International was one of the world’s ten leading global financial conglomerates alongside Lumine Group, Horizon Dynamics, and BioVanta Research Group. Together, the four were known as the “Quadrant of Titans.” Everhart’s subsidiaries spanned the world, operating in more than a dozen industries, the most notable being finance, luxury hospitality, fashion, and information technology.

Inside the expansive CEO’s office, however, the cold air from the air conditioner was nothing compared to the frost gathering on Edward’s face, one glance from him was enough to make others shiver.

The secretary hesitated at the door, holding two cups of coffee, one for the CEO and one for the deputy CEO. But she could not bring herself to enter; the CEO’s furious shout moments earlier sounded as though it could bring the skyscraper crashing down.

Noah sat in front of me, his handsome face clouded, and he raised his voice at me:

“Edward, what exactly are you trying to do? You and Natalia have no relationship whatsoever! Why did you ruin her wedding? Just let her go!”

Bang!

Unable to contain my rage, I slammed my hand against the desk. I shot to my feet, my shadow swallowing the sunlight pouring through the window.

My eyes locked onto my half-brother, fury billowing like smoke:

“You’ve got some nerve. You and Natalia dared deceive me and for two whole years…”

“Everyone saw what happened back then! Why are you cornering Natalia like this? You almost got her killed!” Noah growled back, refusing to yield.

I let out a cold laugh, voice tight as steel:

“So that’s why she begged you for help? And why you faked her death to fool me, is that it?”

After learning the truth, the first thing I wanted was to wring this bastard’s neck.

“Yes. I admit it!” Noah shot back without flinching. “Because if I hadn’t, Natalia would have died for real!”

“Hah… pathetic laughably childish.” I gritted my teeth, glaring at him as though I could crush him where he stood.

“At least before she met you, she was actually happy!” Noah snapped, rising to his feet.

I stepped forward, grabbed him by the collar, and yanked him close.

“Do you really think I or even you would let Natalia walk away?”

Noah’s eyes widened in horror.

“What are you planning to do to her?”

I released him, my voice dropping into a deep, absolute claim:

“She was born mine. Even in death, she’d belong to me.”

A cold smile curved my lips as I sat back in the CEO’s chair, crossing one leg over the other as if everything was already in my grasp:

“Any man who dares touch Natalia… can wait for his next life.”

Noah scoffed.

“So you’d rather watch her die again before you’re satisfied?”

My gaze snapped forward, sharp as a blade:

“Even if she wants to die, I’ll drag her back from the hands of the Reaper.”

Noah inhaled deeply, looking at me with the resolve of someone ready to risk everything:

“If you hurt Natalia again, I won’t forgive you.”

I replied with a derisive huff:

“Let me warn you, Noah. Don’t test my patience. Otherwise even as my brother, I won’t spare you.”

The air in the room froze. Outside the door, my secretary stood rigid, cold sweat sliding down her temple.

Natalia…

Two years ago, everyone believed she had died.

But I... I never believed she could disappear from my life so easily.

…

Natalia’s POV

Wynthorne House, the Hargrove family’s estate stood in the center of the district where the most extravagant mansions lined the streets. After being all but dragged back by Edward, I stood before the massive gates, dazed, as though I had wandered into my own past.

Every cluster of Belladonna in the garden was still in bloom, glistening with dew, beautiful to the point of heartbreak. This had once been my favorite place in Wynthorne House. Back then, I even gave it a name, Seraphine House, a whispered tribute to the best part of my life.

“Ma… madam…”

Matthew, the loyal butler, spoke behind me, his voice trembling. Earlier, he had witnessed Edward storm into the chapel, drag me away, and bring me here with a fury so unreal it left everyone stunned. To him, I had been dead for years. And now I stood before him in the flesh perhaps he truly thought he was hallucinating.

Noon was when Wynthorne House was at its most beautiful. The breeze stirred the garden, carrying the faint fragrance of the Belladonna. I stood motionless among the crimson blossoms, the red of blood, the beauty that hovered between life and death. Belladonna was said to be the flower that led to the underworld, blooming like an angel, dying in peace.

I bent down and touched a petal. Cold. Soft. Real, yet distant, brushing the most fragile corner of my memories. They said Belladonna’s scent could awaken the most painful recollections. Perhaps it was true. The moment the fragrance reached me, memories rose like dust stirred by the wind, dragging me back to the days I once lived beside Edward.

Two years ago…

Back then, the Belladonna leaves were dark green and vibrant. I remembered how Edward used to stand on the steps each afternoon, watching me arrange flowers, while I pretended not to notice his gaze. But eventually, the Belladonna wilted. And our marriage… withered in the same way, silent, cold, beyond repair.

Standing again in the Seraphine House garden, surrounded by Belladonna as red as blood, I realized everything here had remained unchanged except me. I had already died once. And worse… I remembered all too clearly how deeply I had once loved this place.

(Belladonna symbolizes separation, suffering, misfortune, and the beauty of death, though many understand it as “painful memories.”)

…

Two years ago,

Edward’s POV.

Late at night, Wynthorne House lay bathed in soft moonlight as a black sports car slowly entered the Hargrove estate.

The door swung open and two bodyguards in black suits immediately stepped forward. I was completely out of control, breath thick with the stench of alcohol. My eyes were bloodshot, half-conscious, my hand dangling limply as though devoid of strength.

“Sir, please be careful,” one bodyguard murmured, supporting my arm.

But I only let out a low, broken laugh, a bitter sound that scraped from deep within.

I staggered out, my knees buckling as though I could barely hold my own weight. My expensive shirt was wrinkled, its buttons undone, revealing the lines of a strong chest now emptied of power. Every step I took required both bodyguards to brace me, helping me from the courtyard into the grand hall.

Warm golden light fell across my face, a face that was usually cold and arrogant, now shadowed with exhaustion and despair brought on by too much alcohol. As we passed through the corridor, I lifted a hand to my forehead, muttering through a hoarse, ragged voice:

“…She dared… to get married.”

My chest heaved violently, as though one more ounce of emotion might make me explode. The bodyguards exchanged glances but said nothing. They simply guided me deeper into the mansion, heavy with a storm about to break.

The founder of Everhart International, Jonathan Hargrove, my father, sat rigidly in the living room, fury carved into every line of his face. The moment he saw me stumble inside, his hand slammed down on the table:

“Edward, you’ve crossed the line! Today was your wedding to Natalia! Why did you leave your bride alone only to go drinking? And drinking until you’re in this state?!”

I frowned. My gaze drifted across the decorations prepared for the wedding, white ribbons, bouquets of roses, warm lights. Just the sight of them irritated me, like thorns stabbing into my eyes.

“I’m home now, aren’t I? What are you so worried about?”

My voice was cold, even with liquor burning in my veins.

“Edward, he’s only concerned about you. You disappeared right after the ceremony! Natalia must have been devastated!” Noah said, clearly displeased with the state I was in.

I let out a cold scoff.

“She agreed to marry me, she should’ve been prepared. Especially you. I’ll treat this bride you gifted me… extremely well.”

I cast a hawk-like glare at my father, then turned, swaying, toward the stairs leading to the bridal chamber.

“Your attitude… how dare you…” My father trembled, pointing at me, voice thick with disappointment.

“Father, let it go. It’s enough that Edward is back. It’s late, you should rest,”

Noah said as he steadied him, though his eyes followed me anxiously down the corridor.

I didn’t need to turn around to feel his unease. But my body felt like lead, and my heart filled only with alcohol and a frustration no words could explain.