Marry Him. Make Him Fall Inlove. Kill Him.

Episode 2: His Flaws

Lilico’s nod sent shivers down Ivana’s spine, draining all color from her face. How could they expect her to target such a man? She hadn’t crossed paths with Tardrain yet, but the stories about him were nerve-wracking.

Was it his godlike attitude and arrogance—that unnatural face masking a beast? Ivana would never forget the viral video of Tardrain coldly firing an employee for breathing too loudly, or another for daring to sip water in his presence, all without a flicker of remorse. Or the countless tales of him stepping on the less privileged daily, or the news of his rudeness to women who failed to grovel at his feet.

‘These two are intentionally pushing me into the fire. With his reputation, Tardrain is sure to kill me first,’ Ivana thought, folding her sweating hands even tighter, as she had never been so scared all her life.

“This is a suicide mission,” Ivana protested, the words tasting bitter. She just couldn’t hold back her dissatisfaction.

Lilico scoffed, rolling her eyes. Almost getting pissed off, these wasn’t what she bargained for. “I’m paying you for it,” she said sharply.

“But he’s your brother,” Ivana’s voice creaked. “Why do you want to hurt him?” Concern laced her words. She couldn’t grasped What could drive someone to be so cruel toward the family that had raised her since birth?

“What had Tardrain done to deserve death? Regardless of his arrogance, no one had the right—

“

Lilico offered a soft smile that didn’t reach her eyes, interrupting Ivana, “We aren’t of the same blood, Ivana,” she purred, devoid of remorse. “Makes everything much… easier.”

Ivana stared with a dropped jaws, as she watched Lilico stood abruptly and tossed two wads of cash onto the table. “Tomorrow, I’ll pick you up to meet your future in-laws,” Lilico sneered sarcastically, waving at Davis before sauntering out. Her heels clicked like a countdown to Ivana’s doom.

Ivana shoved the money away and stormed into her room. She collapsed weakly onto her bed, tears burning down her chin, each drop carrying her crumbling resolve.

‘What have I agreed to?‘ She thought.

The door creaked open. Davis leaned against the frame, swirling a glass of amber liquid. “Mrs. Brooklyn, here’s your drink,” he teased, offering it to her.

A sad chuckle escaped Ivana’s lips as she sat up. “Crazy, don’t you think?” She glared, snatching the glass. The sweet liquid did nothing to wash away her dread.

“It doesn’t matter. You’ve earned it,” Davis giggled, excitement lighting his face like he’d won a jackpot. These was the happiest moment of his life, because finally Ivana was his gateway to wealth.

Ivana raised her gaze at him, wondering how he could be so unbothered—so eager to send her to her death.

So unblievable!

Davis’s weight dipped the bed as he sat beside her. Ivana lowered her head, avoiding his gaze as she swirled the drink. Davis hooked a finger under her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. “What’s wrong, babe?” he asked softly.

She jerked away. “What if I don’t succeed? What if he sees through me? What if—”

“No what ifs,” Davis interrupted, cupping her face. “Ivana, you’re beautiful. Kind. Jovial. Fearless. You could make Satan himself fall for you.” His thumb brushed her lips. “I trust you.” He pulled her into a hug, and she melted into his arms.

This was what she needed—a anchor to calm her terrified heartbeat. She didn’t know what danger lay ahead, but having him by her side felt like enough.

Then something snapped inside her.

Ivana jerked back, catching him off guard. Without hesitation, she crushed her lips to his. The taste of citrus from his drink mingled with desperation as she pushed him down, hovering over him, kissing harder—as if she could erase the day, the deal, the dread.

Davis couldn’t match her aggression, as though she’d rip his mouth apart. He yanked away, gripping her shoulders. When she tried to kiss him again, he slid off the bed and forced her to lie down.

“Baby… I want you,” she whined, tugging his shirt, as she needed s*x to calm down her nerves.

Davis planted a soft kiss on her head. “You need sleep for tomorrow,” he said calmly. “No s*x, you s*x maniac!” He teased, darting out of the room and they both burst into laughter.

“You should be held responsible for turning me into one!” she yelled, hurling a pillow at him as the door slammed shut.

Ivana exhaled loudly, shutting her eyes. She pushed the day’s chaos aside, letting sleep drag her under.

---

**The Next Morning**

“Wake up, sleepyhead,” Davis whispered, tapping her arm.

Ivana stirred, muscles aching as yesterday’s horrors flooded back. She shook her head, forcing a smile. “Good morning, babe,” she said before slipping into the bathroom.

Her lips curved when she saw the warm bath he’d drawn and the dress laid out for her. ‘I’m so lucky,’ she giggled softly, turning on the shower.

After undressing, Ivana let the water cascade over her. Minutes later, her towel wrapped tightly around her and tried to get out of the bathroom. However, she froze at the buzz of a phone. Scanning the room, she spotted Davis’s phone perched on the windowsill, vibrating nonstop.

She raised her foots and grabbed it, surprised to see Lilico’s missed call—and that the phone was unlocked. She was stunned because Davis had always guarded his passcode, claiming “privacy,” even as he knew every detail of hers.

A *beep* chimed. A notification glowed: *Video saved successfully.* instantly the video she saw made her blood turned to ice.

The screen showed a video of her showering.

Ivana’s curiousity prique as her hands trembled, however she hesitated, debating invading his privacy. Instantly memories of him invading her phone as he pleases crushed her doubts. Immediately she opened his gallery, and shivers ran down her veins. Dozens of nude photos. Videos of her bathing. Even numerous s*x tape.

‘What the heck is this?‘

“Davis!” she roared, storming out.

Davis rushed in, holding a breakfast tray. “Any problem?” he asked, brows raised.

She thrust the phone at him. “What does this mean?” Her chest rose and fell in rapid breath.

Davis ran and dropped the tray, snatching his phone from her, to check out what she had saw. To Ivana’s horror, Davis scoffed, shrugging his shoulder. “This is nothing.”

“These are my naked videos!” Ivana raged, at the same time amused that he didn’t find it wrong.

“Come on, babe. It’s just for memories. You’re my girlfriend,” Davis added, draping an arm over her shoulders.

He saw the anger in her eyes, and quickly pulled her closer, because he doesn’t want her to change her mind over the deal she had agreed on. He doesn’t want all his effort to go in vain. “You know I love you. Trust me, I did it because I don’t want to miss you much.” He lied smoothly, and that calmed her down.

Though Davis affection warmed her, however her discomfort prickled, because her nakedness—her intimacy—was stored on his phone. But she swallowed the unease. ‘He’s my boyfriend, not a stranger.‘ Ivana managed to convinced herself and flashed him a smile. ‘He loves me. He would never hurt me…right?’ Her thoughts reeled.

Suddenly a knock echoed on the door, they both turned to the direction, “Lilico’s here,” Davis said, averting his gaze back to Ivana, “As planned.”

‘Finally, the dreaded moment has come…’ Ivana’s heart raced.