Bound by Vows and Lies

CHAPTER FIVE

A Risky Encounter

Elena looked at her phone, the oppressive silence filling the room. Every syllable of Damian's words held a chilling sense of power as they echoed in her ears. She had little time to comprehend the mess in her room, let alone the danger in his tone.

“What information has he gathered?”

The red rose and the message mocked her from the bed. As she grasped the consequences, her chest constricted: Damian wasn't the type who condoned betrayal.

She was startled by a heavy knock at the front door before she could calm her breathing. It was powerful, commanding. Elena quickly descended the staircase, her bare feet making no sound on the wooden steps.

Her parents were already there, Charles hesitating before opening the door. Damian stood at the entrance, his strong presence obstructing the sunlight of the early morning.

"Elena," he said, looking straight into her eyes.

Charles coughed to clear his throat. "Mr. Blackwood, is all well-"

Damian interrupted him, saying, "This is none of your business," as he entered without being asked. He spoke in a smooth tone that brooked no argument. “Elena and I need to talk. Privately”.

Margaret anxiously looked at her daughter, but Elena gave a reassuring nod. "It's okay. I will take care of it."

Her parents backed away, and Damian faced her, his presence overwhelming.

"Lead the way to your room," he said simply, gesturing for her to do so.

Elena fought back her nerves, ascending the stairs with Damian right behind her. Pushing open the door to her messy room, she suddenly became acutely aware of how exposed everything appeared.

Upon entering, Damian's eyes quickly scanned the disarray that surrounded him. He saw the rose and the blood-stained note, causing his lips to form a smile that wasn't entirely genuine.

"Is this Victor's doing?" he inquired, his voice appearing calm but deceiving.

Elena folded her arms across her chest. "What do u know about Victor?"

Damian looked at her, his piercing gray eyes meeting hers. "Did you think I wouldn't keep an eye on you? You are my bride-to-be, Elena. I am responsible for your safety. Did you think leaving the house in the middle of the night would go unnoticed?”

She felt her stomach drop. He is aware of everything.

"Victor didn't give me any alternative," she stated, making an effort to keep her voice steady. "He wished to have a meeting. I had doubts about him, but I needed explanations.”

"Explanations?," Damian echoed, his voice cutting like a sword. "Did you manage to obtain them?"

"Some," she said. He claimed you have a strong taste for power, and I'm just a pawn in your scheme."

Damian's jaw clenched, yet his expression remained steadfast. “Victor will do everything in his power to make you distrust me. Elena, he is in a state of desperation. He poses a threat."

"You are too," she responded.

There was a tense silence that lingered between them briefly. Next, Damian approached, lowering his voice.

"Correct," he acknowledged, his sincerity sending shivers. “I pose a threat. Yet, I am also the one preventing you from encountering men like Victor. He wants to manipulate you in order to eliminate me. Do you get that?”

Elena stood firm. “You are exploiting me to acquire additional power. What makes the difference in any way?”

Damian angled his head, examining her closely. I want to ensure that you do not get killed during the process.”

His words caused a chill to run down her back. "What about Victor?"

Damian's smile came back, but this time it was chillier. “Victor is only concerned about his own self and doesn't pay attention to anyone else. He flourishes in the midst of disorder. If you count on him, you will become collateral damage.”

Elena turned her gaze elsewhere, her thoughts swirling around. Damian's words were logical, yet she couldn't rid herself of the suspicion that he was keeping something from her.

Finally, she inquired, "What are you seeking from me?"

Damian put his hand in his pocket and retrieved a little black envelope. He gave it to her, his face showing no emotion.

"What is this?"

"An Invite." He mentioned. “To the Blackwood Ball. Tomorrow night, you will be by my side. It's about time that the world sees us as a united pair.”

Elena's brows furrowed as she opened the envelope, unveiling a stylish card with gold embossing. "Are you displaying me as if I'm a prize?"

“No,” Damian responded, his voice strong. "I am demonstrating to everyone that you are mine. Elena, it is a declaration. One that will provide you with more protection than you are aware of.”

"Protection?" she repeated. "From who?"

Damian's stare became darker. "From persons such as Victor. From those who believe they can take advantage of you to reach me. If they're aware that you're under my protection, they will reconsider."

Elena's heart throbbed. "What if I decline?"

"Then you'll just draw more attention to yourself," he stated bluntly. “Elena, this is not a game. Regardless of your opinion, you are now in my domain. And in my world, appearances are important.”

She balled up her fists by her hips. "You're making me do this against my will."

Damian responded, “I'm offering you an option. But make no wrong choice–your safety relies on selecting the correct one."

The Ball at Blackwood

The following night, Elena watched herself in the mirror wearing the dress Damian had sent her, which emphasized her figure. The gown was sophisticated and graceful, a midnight blue dress that sparkled like the sea at night.

Her hair was styled into a detailed updo, and diamonds beautified her neck and ears—presents from Damian, but they felt more like restraints.

A knock on her door indicated that he had arrived. Upon opening the door, she found Damian waiting, wearing a well-fitted black suit that perfectly reflected his billionaire status.

His gaze moved across her, and she realized for the first time, a blink of something tender.

"Your appearance is absolutely beautiful," he commented, speaking in a quiet tone.

"Thank you," she responded brusquely, taking hold of her clutch. "Let's finish this quickly."

She found the Blackwood estate to be even more lavish than she had expected, with its grand ballroom adorned with chandeliers, marble floors, and glamorous attendees. Damian maintained a strong grip on her lower back while navigating through the crowd, his mere presence drawing attention as they walked.

“Elena," he whispered, leaning towards her. “Don't forget what I told you. You are by my side. Remain with me.”

She gave a nod, even though the heaviness of his words caused her chest to constrict.

As the night progressed, Elena met numerous people who greeted her with polite smiles, concealing their true curiosity behind them.

It wasn't until she saw a recognizable face in the crowd that she felt chills down her spine.

Victor.

Near the room's edge, he stood, his eyes fixed on her. When their gazes connected, he lifted a glass towards her, his smirk clearly evident.

Elena faced Damian with a quivering voice. "He has arrived."

Damian looked in the same direction she was looking, his face becoming gloomy. "Remain near me," he commanded, his tone allowing no room for debate.

Before she could answer, the lights in the ballroom flickered and turned off.

The crowd gasped together following the sound of glass breaking.

"Hey, Elena!" Damian called out, but his voice was drowned out by the chaos.

Powerful hands seized her from the back, and a piece of fabric was pushed into her mouth. Her struggles stopped as she fell into darkness.

Elena had a chilling realization as she lost consciousness.

Victor and Damian no longer had control over the game. Another person was controlling it.