Chapter 17
1167 Words
Chapter 17
Shaina’s Point of View
The air in the mansion felt suffocating the moment I heard the maid’s words.
“Ma’am Shaina, your father and Mrs. Lilian are waiting in the living room.”
I stilled.
Why now?
I clenched my fists, trying to steady my breathing. I wasn’t naïve—I knew they weren’t here because they suddenly cared about me.
Bracing myself, I made my way downstairs.
But as soon as I stepped into the living room, I realized I wasn’t alone.
Cloud was already there, seated calmly on the couch.
His presence was unwavering, powerful—yet somehow, I felt he already knew this meeting wasn’t going to end well.
Across from him sat my father and Lilian. They looked as composed as ever, but I saw the tension in their eyes.
Something was off.
Lilian was the first to break the silence, her voice laced with forced warmth.
“Shaina, dear. You look well.”
I ignored her. “What do you want?”
My father exhaled slowly, as if disappointed by my tone. “Is that how you greet your family?”
I let out a humorless chuckle. “Family? Since when did I matter to you?”
Cloud shifted beside me, his presence grounding me.
Lilian sighed dramatically. “Let’s get to the point then. We came here to discuss something… important.”
I folded my arms. “I’m listening.”
My father glanced at Cloud briefly before turning back to me.
“Our company has secured the interest of a powerful group of investors,” he began. “But there’s a condition.”
I narrowed my eyes. “And that is?”
Lilian smiled, her gaze sharp. “They want you.”
The room fell silent.
I blinked. “Excuse me?”
“They’ve taken an interest in you, dear,” Lilian said smoothly. “They admire your… beauty. Your charm. And they’re very eager to have you as part of their circle.”
I felt a cold shiver run down my spine.
Cloud’s posture stiffened.
I forced myself to speak. “You’re telling me that these investors—businessmen—will only support your company if I… what? Entertain them?”
Lilian gave a small shrug. “You could say that.”
I felt sick.
My father’s voice remained indifferent. “This is a business opportunity, Shaina. One that could save our company.”
I stared at them in disbelief. “So, let me get this straight… You came here not to check on me. Not to see if I’m okay. But to ask me to become—what? A bargaining chip? A toy for your investors?”
Lilian clicked her tongue. “Don’t be dramatic. It’s just business.”
I clenched my fists. “And what about my marriage?”
Lilian waved a hand dismissively. “That’s the problem. You’re already married to Cloud, and these investors don’t like to share.”
Cloud let out a low chuckle.
But there was nothing amused about it.
“Let me get this straight,” he said, his voice dangerously calm. “You expect my wife to leave me—to throw away her dignity—just to please a bunch of old men with money?”
Lilian pursed her lips. “It’s not so bad when you think about it. She’d be securing a future for all of us.”
Cloud leaned back slightly, crossing his arms. “And you really thought I’d let that happen?”
My father’s gaze darkened. “This isn’t about you, Cloud. It’s about what’s best for our family.”
Cloud’s smirk was ice cold. “You’re mistaken. Shaina isn’t your family. Not anymore.”
Lilian’s face twisted in annoyance. “Cloud, be reasonable. You understand how business works.”
“Oh, I do,” Cloud said smoothly. “Which is why I don’t do business with people who sell their own blood.”
My father exhaled sharply. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we expect Shaina to act accordingly.”
I laughed bitterly. “You expect me? After everything?” I took a deep breath, my voice steady. “I refuse.”
Lilian’s lips curled into a smirk. “Oh, sweetheart. You don’t have a choice.”
Cloud’s expression darkened instantly.
“Is that a threat?” His voice was deadly.
Lilian simply smiled. “It’s a business deal. If she refuses, our investors might… take things personally.”
A tense silence filled the room.
Cloud let out a slow breath before shaking his head. Then, with a voice laced with venom, he said—
“You have no idea what you’ve just done.”
Lilian’s smirk faltered. “What are you talking about?”
Cloud’s eyes burned with fury. “I was planning to ignore your pathetic existence. But now…” His lips curled into a chilling smile. “I’ll make sure your company burns.”
Lilian stiffened. “You wouldn’t.”
Cloud leaned forward slightly, his tone eerily calm. “Watch me.”
My father’s expression darkened. “Cloud, be rational—”
“Oh, I am,” Cloud cut in. “You made the mistake of touching what’s mine. Now, I’ll make sure no investor of worth will ever trust your name again.”
Lilian’s face paled.
I swallowed hard, still shaken, but Cloud’s unwavering presence beside me gave me strength.
Lilian quickly masked her panic and turned to my father. “Let’s go.”
My father’s jaw was tight, his frustration barely contained. He shot me one last look. “You’ll regret this, Shaina.”
Cloud let out another chuckle, shaking his head.
“No,” he said, his voice firm. “You will.”
Later That Night
I sat in our bedroom, my hands still trembling from everything that happened.
Cloud stood beside the window, his back to me, his hands clenched into fists.
The silence between us was thick, until finally, he turned to face me.
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” His voice was softer now, but there was still a trace of anger in it—not at me, but at them.
I looked down, my voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t think they’d go this far.”
Cloud sighed and walked over to me. He crouched down, taking my hands in his.
His touch was warm, grounding.
“Shaina,” he murmured, his gaze intense. “If anything like this happens again—you tell me immediately.”
I nodded slowly.
His grip tightened slightly. “Promise me.”
I swallowed hard, then whispered, “I promise.”
Cloud exhaled sharply before pulling me into a hug.
For the first time tonight, I allowed myself to melt into his warmth.
And for the first time in my life, I felt safe.
But deep down, I knew—this wasn’t over.
Because Cloud wasn’t just defending me anymore.
He was ready to destroy anyone who dared to take me away.
- Writer
