TAKEN
606 Words
Chapter 2: Taken
The rain continued to fall as Amara stood frozen beside the black Rolls-Royce.
Her heart pounded so loudly she could barely hear the sound of the storm.
"I won't go with you," she said, taking a step backward.
The man sitting inside the car remained calm, his piercing dark eyes fixed on her.
"You don't have much of a choice."
"I said no."
Damien Black slowly stepped out of the car.
He was taller than Amara had imagined, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. The rain seemed unable to touch him, as though even nature respected his presence.
"So," he said quietly, "you're brave."
"I'm not brave. I just refuse to let anyone control my life."
A faint smile crossed his face.
"I admire that."
Before Amara could respond, another black SUV pulled up behind them.
A middle-aged man hurried out, breathing heavily.
It was her father.
"There she is!" he shouted.
Amara's heart sank.
"Dad..."
"You ungrateful girl!" he yelled. "Do you know what you've done? Mr. Black has been looking everywhere for you!"
"I don't want this marriage!"
Her father raised his hand as if to slap her.
Before he could, Damien caught his wrist.
The air suddenly turned cold.
"No one touches my fiancée."
His voice was calm, yet every word carried authority.
Amara's father immediately lowered his head.
"I... I'm sorry, Mr. Black."
Damien released him.
"You may leave."
Without another word, the older man got back into his vehicle and drove away, leaving his own daughter standing in the rain.
Amara watched until the taillights disappeared.
A single tear rolled down her cheek.
"He didn't even ask if I was okay."
Damien looked at her for a moment before opening the car door.
"Get in."
"I said no."
"If you stay here, your father will simply send someone else after you."
"I'd rather run."
"And where will you go?"
She opened her mouth, but no answer came.
She had no money.
No home.
No plan.
Damien sighed.
"I made you an offer once. Now I'm making you another."
She looked at him.
"Come with me. No one will force you to do anything tonight."
"You expect me to trust you?"
"No."
His answer surprised her.
"I expect you to protect yourself."
For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
Finally, Amara climbed into the car.
The door closed with a soft click.
As the Rolls-Royce pulled away, she stared out of the rain-covered window.
Her old life was disappearing behind her.
An hour later, the car stopped before enormous iron gates.
The gates opened automatically.
Beyond them stood the largest mansion Amara had ever seen.
Fountains shimmered under golden lights.
Perfectly trimmed gardens stretched into the distance.
Luxury cars lined the driveway.
"This..." she whispered.
"...is your home now."
"It will never be my home."
Damien didn't reply.
Inside, dozens of servants stood in two neat rows.
The moment Amara entered, they bowed.
"Welcome home, Mrs. Black."
She froze.
Mrs. Black.
The words felt heavier than chains.
A woman dressed in a navy-blue uniform stepped forward.
"My name is Mrs. Evelyn. I manage the household."
She smiled warmly.
"I've prepared your room."
"My room?" Amara asked.
Mrs. Evelyn nodded.
"Mr. Black requested separate bedrooms."
Amara looked at Damien in surprise.
He simply adjusted his watch.
"I keep my promises."
For the first time since meeting him...
She wasn't sure what to think.
But somewhere upstairs, hidden behind a slightly open door...
Someone watched the new bride arrive.
A pair of cold eyes followed her every step.
And a whisper filled the dark hallway.
"So... she's finally here."
- Writer
