Billionaire bargain bride

Chapter 5

The evening sky was a dark canopy overhead as Elmira paced in her opulent but confining guest room at Henry's mansion. Every sound seemed amplified, the tick of the clock, the distant murmur of the sea. Her mind was a whirlwind of the day's revelations, each more unsettling than the last.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed violently on the nightstand. It was a message from an unknown number. "Meet me at the pier. Now. It's about Henry.

"With a sense of urgency propelling her, Elmira grabbed a light jacket and slipped out of the room. The mansion was quiet, the corridors dimly lit and empty. Her heels clicked sharply against the marble floors as she made her way to the side entrance.

Outside, the cool night air brushed against her face. Elmira hurried down the winding path that led to the private pier, a part of the estate she’d only seen from a distance. The moonlight shimmered on the water, guiding her to the shadowy figure waiting by the edge.

You came," the figure spoke, stepping into the light. It was Merinda, Henry’s ex, looking anxious and out of place.

"Merinda? What’s going on? Why did you call me here?" Elmira’s voice was a mix of confusion and distrust.

Merinda took a deep breath, her eyes darting around nervously. "I know we haven't been on the best terms, but you need to know the truth about Henry. He’s dangerous, Elmira."

Elmira’s heart raced. "What are you talking about?"

"Look, I don’t have much time," Merinda glanced over her shoulder. "Henry isn’t just looking for a wife. He’s entangled in something dark, something illegal. His inheritance isn’t just about money; it’s about power, dangerous power."

Elmira felt a chill run down her spine. "Why should I believe you? You have every reason to make him look bad.

"Before Merinda could reply, a sudden commotion erupted behind them. They turned to see two men in dark suits rushing towards them. Merinda grabbed Elmira’s arm. "Run!"

Without thinking, Elmira followed, sprinting alongside Merinda as the men gained on them. They ducked behind a boat shed, their breaths heavy, hearts pounding.

"We need to get back to the house, it’s not safe here," Elmira whispered, peeking around the corner.

"No, you don’t understand. You’re not safe anywhere near Henry," Merinda hissed back. "He knows that you might be the key to something he’s been after for years. It’s why he chose you."

"Chose me for what?" Elmira’s voice trembled.

Before Merinda could answer, a loud crash sounded from the direction of the mansion. They saw flames begin to lick the sky. The mansion was on fire.

"Elmira!" A familiar voice called out in the chaos. It was Henry, his figure emerging from the darkness, his expression one of panic and urgency. "Elmira, we need to leave now!"

Elmira froze, torn. Should she trust the man she married, or the warning of the woman who claimed to know his darkest secrets?

As the flames grew, lighting up the night, a sinister laugh echoed from the shadows, chilling Elmira to her core. The danger was closer than she’d ever imagined, and her next decision could be her last.