Hello! Hellish Alpha

RUNAWAY BRIDE

3 YEARS LATER

April adjusted her shirt, glancing in the mirror one last time. She looked good—professional and confident. Yet, her heart pounded in her chest like a drum, a mix of nerves and excitement coursing through her. Today was the day she would finally have a shot at a job that could change everything.

“Just breathe, April,” she whispered to herself, trying to suppress the memories of her cursed childhood.

" You can do this! "

The queen’s voice echoed in her mind: *If you approach Ace, you’ll die.* It had been years since that fateful night, but the fear still gripped her like a vice.

Four months ago, she applied for a job as an hotel attendant but as she was given a date to come for the interview. The chairman was changed to Ace even the name was changed to Gordom. It was too late and too dangerous to back down because she got her hopes high on the job and her rent was due.

Moreover, she was going to attend to the customers, not the chairman.

With a determined exhale, she grabbed her bag and headed out, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

GORDOM HOTEL

The office was sleek and modern, all glass and beautiful. As she stepped inside, the receptionist greeted her with a warm smile, which did little to ease the tension knotting in her stomach.

“Welcome! You must be April,” the receptionist said cheerfully. “Mr. Gordom is waiting for you. Just through that door.”

The name sent a shock through her. Gordom, Ace like she never heard the name before. Her heart raced as she pushed the door open.

Inside, the spacious office was decorated with dark wood and plush furniture. And there he was—Ace.

He stood by the window, looking out over the window, his dark hair catching the light in a way that made her breath hitch. He was just as stunning as she remembered, maybe more so, with a confidence that radiated off him like an aura.

“April,” he said, turning to face her. His gaze locked onto hers, and for a brief moment, the world faded away.

“Mr. Gordom,” she managed, forcing her voice to sound steady.

He smirked slightly and said casually. “It’s been a while. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

April was excited that he did not make a fuss of the past and moved on calmly. She could not believe it.

“Yeah, well,” she replied, trying to maintain her composure. “I’m here for the job interview.”

He walked toward her and she stepped back a little, an intensity in his gaze that made her pulse quicken. “Right. Have a seat.”

April sat, acutely aware of the tension between them. This was her chance—her only chance. But the memories of her aunt’s betrayal and the curse loomed over her, heavy and suffocating.

“Let’s get to it,” Ace said, going back to his chair and leaned his back in his chair. “What makes you think you’re qualified for this position?”

“I’ve worked in various roles in entertainment and hospitality,” April began, her voice shaking slightly. “Many companies would recommend me, and I’m very dedicated to my work. I believe I can bring a lot to the team.”

“Dedication is important,” he said, his gaze piercing. “But this isn’t just about qualifications. It’s about grit. Can you handle pressure?”

The way he scrutinized her made her heart race. “Yes. I can handle pressure.”

“Good.” He leaned forward, his tone shifting. “Let’s see how well you handle this.” He tossed a folder onto the desk.

“This is a special project. If you can present a solid strategy for it, the job is yours. But there’s one catch.”

April’s stomach twisted. “What kind of catch?”

“You’ll have to demonstrate your commitment.” His eyes sparkled with mischief, but there was a seriousness underlying his words. “I want you to strip for me. Show me you can take risks.”

Her breath hitched in her throat. “What?”

“Strip,” he repeated, leaning back with a challenging grin. “You heard me. It’s a test of your resolve. Can you do it, or are you going to back down?”

April’s heart raced as panic clawed at her insides. This was a test—a cruel one. But if she wanted the job, she had to play along. She could feel the old fears bubbling up inside her, the memories of the curse pressing down.

“I—” she stammered, struggling to maintain eye contact. “You can’t be serious.”

“I am dead serious. You want to work here, don’t you? Show me what you’re made of,” he challenged, a glint in his eyes that sent shivers down her spine.

She hesitated, the poison of fear mingling with an undeniable attraction. This was Ace—the boy she had once loved and feared in equal measure.

“I...” she breathed, unsure of what to do.

“Don’t think too hard about it,” he said, the smirk never leaving his lips. “Just remember, this is all about commitment.”

I can’t,” she whispered, a mixture of fear and longing swirling within her. “You know I can’t.”

“Then what’s it going to be?” he challenged, his dark eyes holding hers captive. “Are you going to walk away, or are you going to show me what you’re made of?”

April’s breath hitched. This was Ace, her mate. They were bound by fate, yet here he was, asking her to strip as if it were nothing. The pressure of his gaze made her feel exposed, both physically and emotionally. She could feel the curse tightening its grip on her heart.

Taking a shaky breath, she began to unbutton her blouse, her heart racing with each movement. “Goddess, please,” she murmured under her breath, “don’t let him be the end of me.”

She wanted to be brave, to stand up for herself, but the fear of the curse was still fresh in her mind.

“I...” she faltered, the words catching in her throat.

“Choose, April,” Ace said for the hundredth time, his voice low and intense. “Do you want to work here or not?”

But as she looked into Ace’s eyes, she felt that familiar pull, the connection that had haunted her dreams. He was still her mate, even if fate had cursed her. Could she really walk away from this opportunity—or from him?

“I need this,” she finally said, her voice trembling. “I need to prove myself.”

Ace’s expression shifted slightly, a flicker of respect crossing his features. “Then show me.”

With her heart racing, April took a deep breath. This was not how she envisioned her life going, but she wouldn’t let fear dictate her choices anymore. She had to reclaim her power, even in the most unconventional way.

She hesitated for a while but at the last moment she took her purse and went for the door.

" It's locked! " His voice was hoarse.

" What? " She yelled, twisting the door knob.

" It's a choice but I can only let you go if I could just stand up and open the door, I also wanna give you a hug " He said expressionless.

" No.... don't come next to me. I can stay by your table and you could just open the door for me. I don't accept your offer! "

He scoffed glaring intensely at her, " Once I stand up, you will be in my grip and the goddess knows, you won't make it out alive! "

Soon, it began to dawn on her that Ace might have the idea of the curse. It was evident that he was using it against her.

" Please...Ace... It was a mistake, please let me go! " She begged but he didn't budge.

" You have 20 seconds to strip or I stand up! "

Crying, she opened her button, revealing her skin, and she felt vulnerable, exposed under his intense gaze. She was scared for her life, turned around to cup her breasts then she turned to face him.

Every part of her being screamed to stop, to flee, but she couldn't. She was on the edge, fighting against the curse, trying to take control of her fate.

Ace’s expression shifted from playful to serious as he reached for something on his desk. She held her breath, unsure of what he was about to reveal.

“Don’t move,” he commanded, pulling out a small camera, the lens glinting ominously in the light.

Her heart dropped. “What is that?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

He held it up, his smirk returning. “I really wanted to capture your weakness!You wanted the job, didn’t you? This is part of the deal. Runaway Bride”

April’s stomach churned. “You can’t be serious!”

“Oh, but I am.” He pointed the camera at her, his gaze unyielding. “You wanted to show commitment, didn't you? I'll teach you what commitment is!”