Chapter 2
1165 Words
I stared outside the car window as we made our way to Don Armano's house.
I couldn’t believe Laura sold me for $700,000!
We argued earlier, with me insisting she had no right to sell me to anyone. But she threatened me—if I didn’t agree, she’d make my life like hell that I wouldn’t want to live anymore. Knowing she could carry out her threat, I had no choice but to follow her.
Part of me thought this was my chance to escape from her, but I couldn’t stop worrying about what my father worked so hard for.
"Are you okay, Lily?"
I turned to Don Armano when he spoke. He was looking at me with a smile.
At a glance, he seemed kind, decent, and harmless, but I wasn't letting my guard down. Sometimes, what the eyes perceive isn't the truth.
Looking at him, I could tell he didn’t have long to live, and yet he chose me to marry?
What could his reason be? Was he just looking for someone to inherit his fortune? Didn't he have a family?
I wanted to ask but I felt too embarrassed. Instead, I shut my eyes to rest.
I opened my eyes again when the car stopped. I looked outside. It was night, and the surroundings were eerily quiet. I also noticed many trees around us.
Where are we? What kind of place is this?
"We’re here, Lily," Don Armano said.
I peeked ahead and saw a mansion without a fence surrounding it. Don’t they worry about bad people breaking in?
The two of us stepped out of the car and walked together into the mansion. The interior was modern, with a sparkling chandelier at the center. Everything inside was spacious and orderly, filled with expensive things.
"Welcome back, Alpha Armano," greeted a woman.
"Linda, please help Lily with her belongings and take her to her room," Don Armano instructed.
Linda approached and grabbed some of my things. "Follow me," she said.
I glanced at Don Armano, and said, "I’ll call you when it’s time for dinner."
I nodded before following Linda to my room.
Entering the room, I was surprised by how spacious it was. At the center stood a large bed, and on the walls hung canvas paintings that complemented the blue walls beautifully.
“To the right is your closet. To the left is the bathroom. If you need anything or have questions, just call me,” Linda said firmly before leaving, which I answered with a nod.
I unpacked my belongings, then lay on the bed after. Without realizing it, I fell asleep.
When I opened my eyes again, I looked for the clock in the room. It was 1:35 a.m.
I felt hungry. I got up to find something to eat.
As I stood, I suddenly heard a loud growl from outside. My body turned cold. I slowly approached the window and peeked out.
My eyes widened at the sight of a creature kneeling outside, appearing to be eating something!
I couldn’t move as fear took over me. I watched in horror as the creature devouring an animal.
Was this a dream? Was I imagining things, or was this really happening?
I closed my eyes tightly. When I opened them again, the man-like creature was staring in my direction! I panicked. I ducked to hide. I prayed he hadn’t seen me.
When I peeked again, the creature and the animal it had been eating were gone. I let out a relieved sigh. Maybe hunger was making me hallucinate. It couldn’t possibly be real!
I left my room to find the dining room. Despite the mansion’s size, it wasn’t difficult for me to find it.
I approached the fridge to look for food and found milk and jam. I grabbed those, and I looked for bread and sat down at the dining table.
As I was eating, a man suddenly appeared, which startled me. He was shirtless, revealing his perfect physique. He wore wet pants and sneakers.
"Who are you?!" he asked angrily.
I stood quickly, trembling. He walked up to me and faced me closely.
He looked like the man I saw outside earlier!
"How did a thief like you get in here?!" he demanded.
I swallowed hard. "I-I'm not a thief," I stammered, but his deadly gaze silenced me.
He grabbed my shirt and pulled me closer. I froze in fear, I tried to scream but I was unable to open my mouth.
He leaned in and sniffed my neck, sending a shiver through me as his breath grazed my skin.
"How did someone like you get inside?" he questioned further.
I steadied myself and managed to break free from his grip. I slapped him, forcing him to release me.
His glaring eyes didn’t falter, but I gathered the courage to speak.
"First of all, I’m not a thief! And second, I’m here because of Don Armano!" I said, meeting his glare.
"Who are you?" I asked him back.
He gave me a once-over, from head to toe.
"Are you the new maid?" he asked, sounding unimpressed.
"Grandpa finally hires a maid, and it’s someone like you?" he added disappiontently.
Grandpa? He’s Don Armano’s grandson?
As we continued our conversation, Don Armano appeared.
"Logan, what are you doing?" Don Armano questioned.
Logan—that's his name.
"Who is this woman, Grandpa?" Logan asked.
"She’s Lily, and she will be part of the family in the future," Don Armano replied.
Logan's eyes widened. "Future part of the family? Are you out of your mind, Grandpa?" he asked incredulously.
"No, Logan, I mean it. So, behave yourself and prepare dinner for Lily! She hasn’t eaten yet," Don Armano instructed.
"Why should I cook for her?" Logan protested.
"Because I said so! If I hear even the slightest noise, you won’t like what happens!" Don Armano threatened before leaving.
Logan turned his glare at me once his grandfather had gone.
"Are you going to marry my grandpa?" he asked, his tone was sharp.
"Are you some kind of gold digger or freeloader looking to upgrade your life?" he continued, mocking me.
He scoffed, his face showing disgust, before walking away.
I sat back down, my appetite completely gone. I cleared away the food and prepared to leave the dining room when Logan returned, now wearing a white t-shirt and fresh pants.
"Sit down. Grandpa ordered me to cook for you," he commanded.
"Don’t bother. I’ll just go back to my room," I replied.
"I’ll get in trouble if I disobey, so sit and wait!" he ordered authoritatively.
I sighed before I sat down.
As he prepared food, I couldn’t help but observe him. It was evident he was skilled in cooking.
“If I were you, I’d leave this place. You don’t belong here,” Logan remarked without looking at me.
“If you insist on staying with Grandpa, you will regret it,” he added with a hint of threat.
- Writer
