CHAPTER 2: MEETING THE DEVIL
267 Words
Ava arrived at the De Montaigne estate the next evening, her stomach twisting with unease. The mansion was cold, grand, and intimidating, just like the man she was about to meet.
The butler led her into a lavish study, where a man stood by the window, his back to her.
“Miss Ava Monteverdes,” the butler announced.
The man turned slowly, and for the first time, she met Rhys De Montaigne.
He was tall, devastatingly handsome, and radiated power with every movement. But his eyes, dark, piercing-held nothing but annoyance.
“So,” he said, his voice was smooth but void of warmth. “You’re the girl they’re forcing me to marry.”
Ava’s fingers dug into her palms. “That makes two of us.”
He smirked, but there was no humor in it.
“Let’s get one thing straight, I don’t want this marriage any more than you do. So here’s my offer: we get married, we keep appearances, and once I’ve handled my business, we divorce.”
Ava swallowed the lump in her throat.
“And if I say no?” His eyes darkened.
“Then your family pays the debt. In full.”
Her heart pounded. He was giving her no choice.
Rhys leaned forward, voice dropping to a whisper.
“So, what will it be, Miss Monteverdes?”
Ava stared at him, hatred and defiance burning in her chest.
She only had one answer.
“Fine. But don’t expect me to make this easy for you.”
Rhys smirked widened. “Oh, sweetheart, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
- Writer
