Broken
"She thought she knew the man she married—until midnight came."
The rain drummed against the glass, whispering secrets to the night. Inside the dimly lit room, Evelyn sat on the edge of her mother’s hospital bed, her fingers clutching the medical bills as if she could strangle the numbers printed on them. Chemotherapy. Surgery .More medication. A sum she could never afford.
Sometimes, I find myself wondering—why does this always happen to me? Why only me? Has destiny turned against me?
I lost my beloved father when I was just nine years old, and now, after thirteen years, my mother is battling through the toughest phase of her life. The mere thought of losing her terrifies me. If anything were to happen to her, I could never forgive myself.
Now, my mother is the only family I have left. If I lose her, I will be utterly alone—no one to love me, no one to offer me a comforting shoulder to lean on when I break down in tears.
She has been diagnosed with Astrocytoma, a type of brain tumor that originates from astrocytes. Watching her suffer is unbearable, and the fear of what lies ahead haunts me every moment.
I have no choice but to accept my cousin’s offer—to marry the infamous monster, Draven Blackwood. I know she despises me, but for once, I believe she has given me the right option.
The moment I agreed, a smug smirk curled on her lips—and yes, I noticed it.
Draven Blackwood is a billionaire, yet his wealth does little to overshadow the chilling rumors that surround him. They say he is hideous beyond imagination, concealing his face behind a mask. Towering and merciless, he is a man shrouded in mystery, feared by many. No one dares to marry him, and now, fate has chosen me to walk into the unknown.
Phone rings-
"Evelyn, Mr. Blackwood wishes to see you immediately. Proceed to this address—24 Blackwood Manor."
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Without hesitation, I made my way to his mansion. Before leaving, I pressed a gentle kiss on my mother’s forehead as she slept, then set off toward the address.
The moment I arrived, my breath hitched. Oh my God. The mansion was enormous and terrifying—just as the rumors had described. Towering iron gates loomed before me, guarded by two men who, without a word, guided me toward the grand hall.
And then, I saw him.
Draven Blackwood.
He exuded an aura of sheer dominance, his presence commanding the room with an almost suffocating intensity. As he descended the grand staircase, my pulse quickened, pounding in my chest like a warning. Fear.
Then, without hesitation, he removed his mask.
My body trembled involuntarily. His face—twisted by scars and shadows—was every bit as terrifying as the whispers claimed. His deep, husky voice sliced through the heavy silence as he took deliberate steps toward me. Before I could react, he cornered me against the cold stone wall, his arms caging me in.
“Are you sure?”
I swallowed hard. "Yes, I am," I managed to whisper.
A smirk ghosted over his lips. "Then why are you stuttering? Are you afraid of me?" His tone dripped with amusement, his voice low and teasing.
"Marry me," he commanded, "and I will cover your mother’s medical bills."
There was no hesitation, no room for refusal.
"Our wedding is happening now. Sign these papers."
With shaking hands, I obeyed. And just like that, with ink binding my fate, I became Mrs. Draven Blackwood.
After signing the papers and just as I was about to leave, his commanding voice halted me—"Where do you think you're going? You are my lawful wife now."
"I am your wife, not your slave, bound to obey your every command," she declared.
"No, from now on, as my wife, you will abide by my rules and regulations," he retorted.
With a swift order, Draven commanded his servants to retrieve her belongings and move them to the mansion—this would be her home from now on.
