Drive Me Crazy

Chapter Two: Married to a stranger

I couldn't help but be puzzled by the man who sat next to me. He had a sinister aura and the more I stared, the more I noticed the features I had been unable to see.

Five dog tags lingered on his chest, his hands marked with scars that seemed more masculine than disgusting. His grin looked more intimidating than suspicious, and I couldn't see his eyes at all.

“Care for an explanation?” I asked, my hands folded.

He let out a sigh before rising to his feet. He didn't steal a glance, just heading towards the desk at the other side of the room, and grabbed a document in the middle of a book.

He returned, not a single word leaving his mouth. He handed me the document before sitting next to me.

“Marriage Registration Certificate… Mrs Salvatore Zendaya.” The words escaped my lips as I stared intensely at the document.

“What is the meaning of this!” I yelled, my grip on the document increasing with every passing second.

“You didn't have medical aid, health insurance, life insurance, and your bank account couldn't cut it so that happened to be the only thing that could cut it.” He brushed his dreadlock slightly, revealing his right eye that had a scar planted on it.

“And how does that explain all this?” My eyebrows were furrowed, hands folded as I stared at his unfazed reaction.

His well-sculpted chin came into play as his eyes lingered on my legs. “You had a critical muscle tear on all four limbs. To ensure you survived there was surgery, ward fees, life support, and more. I don't have to say the amount you owe because you wouldn't be able to pay.”

“You can't decide that!” I let out, my blood boiling as a smile lurked on his face.

“Then I should be expecting 300 million dollars in a month. That's the discount I offered you because the full price would mean I own you.”

“Three hundred Million dollars?” Words faltered, and my grip on the marriage contract grew light.

There was no way I could pay 300 million dollars in a month, even a couple of years wouldn't cut it. There was no way he was serious; he probably just wanted to curl me around his fingers.

“Why would you go to such lengths for a stranger?”

He placed his hands together, his grin turned into a smirk that made him look like a handsome waiter. “That is because I want something from you.”

“So what do you want from me?” I dropped the marriage documents on my lap before folding my hands.

He hesitated for a bit, his hand holding his chin, before he laid his eyes on me once more.

“It's simple, be my wife for 3 years. You can't seek a divorce either because you'll be dead before you even hand over the documents to a lawyer.”

“So you think you have me handicapped?” My eyebrows furrowed.

“Not exactly, it's just a facade. No s*x unless you want it, and yes, you also get paid, and you have freedom to move on certain dates.” He said, his dreadlocks covering his eyes once more.

“I don't accept your terms.” I shrugged, “I will file a lawsuit against you. This should be illegal.”

“Suit yourself.” He dropped a card on the document before leaving the ward.

The silence gnawed on me, and I could finally breathe. His presence made me feel small and everything I said felt like I was a child fighting for freedom.

I didn't know what to do, and I never thought a day would come when I would be known as someone's wife. He was carving a hole in my principles by just lingering.

“Velar Corporations”

My eyes widened as I read the content of the black card. Not only was this a VIP card that could be pawned for millions, but his position in Velar, the leading tech company in the country, was none other than the CEO.

Out of the entire population, I had to crash into someone like him. What exactly does he want from me? Why did he arrange a marriage before I woke up?

The questions kept popping up, but nothing came to mind. He barely made conversation, and all he said was too straight to even get a hint of his motives.

“Mrs Salvatore…” The nurse returned with a smile on her face. “Mr Salvatore has already cleared you out. You can leave after we confirm that you're healthy.”

“Thank you.” I faked a smile.

After checking my vitals, the nurse stood next to the bed. As she scribbled something in her notebook, the thought of the full payment coursed through my mind.

“Hey, I have a question.” I let out a smile.

The nurse raised an eyebrow, a puzzled look on her face.

“How much is the full treatment cost?” I inquired.

“You don't have to worry about it, your husband has cleared it.”

“I'm really curious.” I showed no signs of giving up, holding her hands gently.

She looked around, scanning the room before whispering into my ear.

My eyes widened as she calculated the entire cost. She held up a smile, and I could feel my insides churn at the amount that had settled in my head.

700 million dollars, and that wasn't the official amount because she didn't have access to other costs. He had brought me to a private specialist hospital meant for those at the top of the food chain. And I thought he was fooling around when he called the discounted price 300 million dollars.

A wave of heat washed over me, beads of sweat now visible on my forehead.

There was nothing to think about; I had to repay my debt, even if it meant taking up his offer as his wife. He wasn't involved in the accident, and the main culprit was the vehicle that hit me from behind and drove off.

A week later, after a series of tests, I was allowed to leave the hospital. At the exit of the hospital stood four men in black suits waiting. They looked like bodyguards, and from their ranks, I could tell they were professionals in the industry.

Who could afford four such individuals?

“Mrs Salvatore, the young master, asked us to escort you home.” One of the men said as I approached the exit.

I looked around, hoping to meet Mrs Salvatore before I realized that they were talking to me. I pointed at myself and they all gave a brief bow.

“Young master, Dylan, wants you safe at all times.”

“I will take an Uber.” I faked a smile.

“An Uber?” They stole glances at each other, fear creeping in as they looked at my unwavering face.

“If you insist on taking an Uber, then we would accompany you as your envoy.” One of the men suggested.

“Why can't I go alone?”

“Sorry, young mistress, that decision will lead to our deaths. We can't take such a risk, and we plead for you to reconsider.”

“I refuse to believe that is true.” The thought of it being an act chipped in, and I stood my ground.

“If you refuse, then we apologize for our unruly behavior beforehand.”

Three of them surrounded me, grabbing my hands and legs before shoving me into a black jeep that had been opened by the last man.

“We have an hour before we lose our heads. I am sure you can forgive us, young mistress.”