IN LOVE WITH THE DEVIL

Chapter 4

The ride to the Tyler Mansion was long and quiet.

I sat with Mom in the back seat while Dad occupied the middle row.

As we drove deeper into the neighbourhood, I noticed how quiet everything was.

There were no noise from neighbouring compounds. Every mansion stood behind tall gates and perfectly trimmed hedges, each one more luxurious than the last.

I sighed.

The roads were spotless, lined with elegant street lamps. Luxury cars drove past us every now and then.

It was the kind of place where wealth didn't have to scream. It already spoke for itself.

And among them all, the Tyler Mansion stood out.

It was larger.

Grander.

Far more intimidating.

It looked like a prison no one could escape from, no matter how hard they tried.

A massive wrought-iron gate bearing the Tyler family crest stood before us, where armed guards verified every visitor before allowing them through.

"Your pass. Do you have an appointment today?" one of the guards asked.

"The Harrison family," our driver replied confidently.

I could hear the pride in his voice as the guards immediately opened the gate. It was a privilege to enter the Tyler Mansion. Even among the elite, only a select few were given that opportunity.

After passing through the first gate, the car drove along a long private driveway for several minutes, passing beautifully landscaped gardens, elegant fountains, marble sculptures, and guest houses before stopping at a second security checkpoint guarded by even more armed men.

I tightened my grip on my dress.

I could now see why they called him The Devil.

This mansion felt like a cage.

Although my family was wealthy, the Tyler family was on an entirely different level.

How could one family possess so much wealth and influence?

I could finally understand why Dad had been so determined.

Who would willingly throw away the opportunity to become associated with the Tyler family?

The mansion looked more like an empire than a home.

Towering pillars.

Floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

A magnificent fountain stood proudly at the front, while luxury cars were neatly parked outside.

Guards were stationed at every corner.

I took a deep breath.

Mom gently squeezed my hand.

"Relax. Don't panic. Think of this as an audition."

I smiled.

"Thanks, Mom."

"You're welcome."

Despite its breathtaking beauty, the place made me feel small... and trapped.

I had always wanted a carefree life.

Not one where I constantly felt watched.

The car slowly came to a stop in front of the grand entrance, where uniformed staff were already waiting to welcome us.

I took another deep breath before the chauffeur opened the door.

I stepped out and followed behind my parents as the staff greeted us politely.

I returned their greetings with a small smile.

The doors opened.

I stepped inside.

For a moment...

I forgot how to breathe.

The entrance hall was breathtaking.

The polished marble floor reflected the soft glow of the crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

A grand staircase curved elegantly to the second floor, while expensive paintings and fresh flowers decorated every corner.

Everything looked flawless.

Yet I knew I didn't belong here.

It felt less like entering a home...

...and more like walking into a museum.

Whatever awaited me here was far bigger than I was prepared for.

"Chairman Tyler, it's good to see you again," Dad greeted as soon as we entered the living room.

I lifted my eyes.

Standing beside Chairman Tyler was a beautiful teenage girl with chestnut-brown hair and bright, expressive eyes. Beside her stood an adorable little boy who couldn't have been more than five years old.

I quickly looked away.

"Good evening, Chairman Tyler. I'm Fiona Harrison."

I smiled as we shook hands.

"Nice to meet you," he said warmly. "You're even more beautiful in person than you are on television."

I laughed.

It was the first genuine laugh I'd managed all day.

"Thank you, Chairman Tyler. I'm flattered."

"Oh, please don't call me Chairman Tyler," he said with a chuckle. "We'll soon be family. Grandpa Tyler will do just fine."

I smiled.

"Okay... Grandpa Tyler."

"Hi, cutie. What's your name?" Mom asked the little boy.

"My name is Liam Tyler. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Harrison."

He answered with an adorable smile.

"That's such a cute name," Mom replied.

While Dad and Grandpa Tyler continued talking, the teenage girl stepped toward me.

"Hi, Big Sis. I'm Nicole Tyler." She smiled shyly. "I'm actually a huge fan. I love your movies."

"Oh?" I laughed softly.

"It's a pleasure to meet my biggest fan."

They were much kinder than I'd expected.

And strangely...

Hearing someone call me Big Sis filled me with a warmth I hadn't felt all day.

"Sorry for not introducing myself earlier," Liam suddenly said dramatically.

"Big Sis, meet your number one biggest fan."

I smiled.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too."

I reached out and gently ruffled his hair.

Liam immediately pouted.

"Big Sis, I'm not a kid anymore."

"I'm a big boy.”

Yes, a big baby boy," Nicole taunted.

"I'm not a baby," Liam retorted.

By then, we had all settled into the private living room.

"Big Sis, are you really going to marry my big brother?" Liam asked innocently, his voice loud enough for everyone to hear.

I almost choked.

"Liam," Nicole warned.

He simply blinked at her innocently.

Grandpa Tyler laughed, while I smiled awkwardly.

"Yep," I replied shortly.

"Oh my goodness! Then I'll finally get to eat cookies, right? Big Bro never lets me eat cookies."

He suddenly lowered his voice.

"And a quick secret..."

He gestured for me to lean closer before whispering,

"You're the first lady he's ever brought home. That makes you special, right?"

"What do you think?" I asked.

He held his chin thoughtfully for a few seconds before nodding.

"Yes."

I smiled.

I reached out to ruffle his hair, but he immediately pouted.

"Big Sis, I told you I'm a big boy."

I couldn't help smiling.

He was adorable.

"Big Sis, can I take a selfie with you?" Nicole asked shyly.

"Sure."

"Ohh... Someone wants to brag at school that she met her idol," Liam teased with a mischievous grin.

Nicole scoffed.

"That's none of your business."

I laughed softly as we took a picture together.

"Chairman, the table is set," the butler announced.

Everyone stood.

I noticed Nicole and Liam staying close to me, though they seemed to be restraining themselves from getting too attached.

Just then, another butler walked in.

"Grandpa, Young Master Brian said he'll be down in a minute."

Everyone turned toward him.

A handsome young man walked into the room.

Grandpa Tyler nodded.

"Alright."

The young man smiled politely before walking over to us.

"Ryan Craig. Nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison."

He shook hands with my parents.

"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Craig," Dad replied.

Ryan turned to my mother with an easy smile.

"You look beautiful, Mrs. Harrison."

He paused dramatically.

"No... beautiful is an understatement."

"You're gorgeous."

Mom laughed.

"Thank you."

"You're very welcome."

He then turned to me.

"Miss Harrison, I'm Ryan Craig, Brian's best friend."

He smiled warmly.

"I'd say the camera has a habit of hiding your beauty."

"It's a pleasure to finally meet a legend."

I laughed.

For the first time since arriving, I felt some of the tension in my chest ease.

We soon moved to the dining room.

The dining table was long and magnificent, covered with all kinds of delicacies.

I took a deep breath.

My family sat on one side of the table, while Grandpa Tyler, Nicole, and Liam sat opposite us.

Grandpa Tyler occupied the head of the table.

The maids quietly served the food.

Our seats faced the entrance.

Then...

Silence.

Footsteps.

Slow.

Measured.

Confident.

Everyone instinctively stopped talking.

Even Liam.

Even Nicole.

Even the maids became noticeably quieter, moving more carefully as they served the dishes.

The guards standing by the entrance immediately straightened their posture.

And then...

I saw him.