Caught In The Web Of Love

Chapter 4

POV: Austin

I couldn't help but smirk at the look on her face when she got defensive. While I'm not accustomed to having my authority questioned, she seems like the type who will challenge it, and I'm here for all of it. She will certainly fall in line eventually, but I'm curious to see if she will make it easier for herself or choose the tough path. I handed her a copy of the contract and left her room feeling satisfied.

I walked to the study, where Ryan was already seated, engrossed in his phone. "Ryan," I called out as I walked in, "Is there anything else I need to know?". "There's not much to know about her. She lives a modest life, and the only place she goes, aside from her delivery errands, is the grocery store. She seems to keep to herself and doesn't have many friends. You know, the homebody kind of vibe." Ryan reported.

I processed this information, my expression blank. It wasn't surprising, it aligned with what I expected. "Good," I said finally. Ryan nodded in acknowledgment. "By the way, have you heard back from the suppliers about the new project?" I asked, shifting the conversation to business matters. Ryan provided updates, and we delved into a discussion about upcoming plans and strategies.

As Ryan returned to his task, I leaned back in my chair, my thoughts drifting to the contract I had given Lisa. I knew she would comply; there was no other choice. I'm not one to show mercy, especially when it comes to asserting my authority.

As I checked my wristwatch, the time read 6:15 PM. With a sigh, I left the study, my mind preoccupied with the day's events. I decided to stop by Lisa's room, upon reaching there, I found her sitting by the window staring into the distance.

She slowly turned to face me with a pair of eyes that looked like they had been crying. "Is this how you barge in on people?" Her voice was soft but carried a hint of irritation. "Just because I'm bound to you by a contract doesn't mean I don’t deserve some respect."

Her question about my entrance was met with a cold stare. I studied her for a moment, taking in her disheveled appearance and tear-streaked cheeks. "It's clear you are yet to understand the dynamics of our arrangement." Leaning closer, I made sure to meet her eye level. "Let's be clear, this is not a negotiation. So, I suggest you remember your place," I warned, my voice low and commanding.

"This is not your domain. You are here under my terms, and you will abide by my rules." Closing the distance even further, I could feel her hesitation. "Understood?" I added, my breath brushing against her ear as I emphasized each word. Without waiting for a response, I turned and left the room, leaving her to contemplate my words.

Lisa's POV:

As the weight of my predicament sank in, especially with the involvement of a signed contract, I felt my legs go weak beneath me. Hatred simmered in my chest, directed not just at Austin, but at my father for his reckless actions. The thought that the money he got from Austin would all be wasted on gambling and other frivolities made my blood boil.

With a heavy heart, I made my way to the bedside, collapsing onto it with a weary sigh. The room seemed to close in around me as I sat there, staring blankly out the window, lost in a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.

Tears blurred my vision, evidence of the turmoil raging within me. I didn't even realize I was crying until Austin barged into the room, his presence startling me out of my thoughts.

I quickly wiped my tears, trying to compose myself, and turned to face him. "Is this how you barge in on people?" I asked, my voice shaky but firm, trying to get a hold of myself. "Just because I'm bound to you by a contract doesn’t mean I don't deserve some respect," I said, my words laced with bitterness.

He closed the distance between us, his imposing figure casting a shadow over me. The scent of his cologne enveloped me, overwhelming my senses as he spoke with a harshness that sent shivers down my spine.

"This is not your domain," he declared, his tone sharp and unforgiving. "You are here under my terms, and you will abide by my rules."

His words hit me like a ton of bricks, and I shivered unconsciously. I was still trying to regain my balance when he spoke again, his question hanging in the air like a silent threat. "Understood?"

I struggled to find my voice, still recovering from the intensity of his words. Before I could blink, he turned on his heel and left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the harsh reality of my new life sinking in.

I remained in the same spot for a while, after which I managed to find my way to the bathroom. I sat under the shower, letting the water wash away the day's stress. Each droplet felt like a tiny, cleansing embrace, soothing my weary soul. Tears mingled with the water, unseen and unheard, a silent release of pent-up emotions. I cried until there were no tears left, until my heart felt a little lighter, though the weight of my situation remained.

After what felt like an eternity, I got out of the bathroom, my body wrapped in a towel. I chose a pair of joggers and a T-shirt from the wardrobe, seeking comfort in their soft embrace. As I dressed, a knock at the door startled me. My heart skipped a beat, fearing it might be Austin. But a sense of relief washed over me when I realized it was not his forceful presence. Besides, if it were him, there wouldn't be a knock at all.

"Who…who is there?" I asked softly, cautiously approaching the door. "Miss Lisa, it's me, Vera," came the reassuring voice from the other side. I opened the door, welcoming her in. "Austin asked me to call you downstairs for dinner," she informed me.

"Can I just have it here instead?" I requested, dreading the thought of facing Austin again. "I don't think so, Ma'am. It's just dinner; it won't take long," Vera replied, her tone gentle and assuring. With a weary sigh, I gave in, knowing I had no real choice.

As we descended the stairs, the aroma of food filled the air, tantalizing my senses. The dining room was already set, though it seemed more like a display of a feast than a simple meal. I assumed it was for everyone, including the domestic staff, but Austin's words quickly dispelled that notion.

"Why are you standing there? Are you expecting the food to find its way to you?" His voice was like a cold gust of wind, pulling me to the table as if I were a puppet on a string. I took my seat, my appetite suppressed by a mix of emotions—hunger, resentment, and a growing sense of resignation to my fate.

Just as I was about to take a tentative bite, a sudden commotion broke the silence. I looked up, startled, to see Ryan attempting to stop someone from entering the dining room. Their voices were hushed, but the tension in Ryan's posture was evident.