The Billionaire's Captive Heart

Clause

GIANNA

I dragged myself through the front door, shoulders slumped and my eyes brimming with unshed tears. Would I ever be free? Ivy had told me the man was dangerous but she failed to mention he was a p*****t.

My need for freedom had cruelly morphed into a degrading proposition. The man had offered me the loan on the condition that I would be his mistress till I could completely pay off the loan. I wasn’t a w***e! It felt like a string had been pulled in my heart the moment I had that thought.

I laid on the bed, quite tired and exhausted from the whole day. Sleep eluded for a couple of hours but after what seemed like forever, I was able to sleep.

**

I was awoken the next morning by a call from my ‘husband’. My head still ached from the trouble I had gone through last night. Letting out a hiss, I picked up the phone.

“My mother and sister are at the door. Get them in and make them comfortable.” He instructed and ended the call almost immediately, not giving me a chance to speak. He never cared for my opinion. Rolling my eyes, I stood up dejected and tired. I had slept off with my dress from yesterday and my make up was really a mess.

“Hey you! Didn’t you hear when we called?” His mother started, pushing the door open with a bang. She continued to scold me and just as expected, Lilian joined in the ranting.

“I am sorry....” I finally muttered after they were done with their ranting.

“Now, fix us something to eat and no, we do not want omelette. I want homemade pasta with intricate sauce” Lilian ordered.

“Multi layered lasagna for me.” His mother added. “And please, make it snappy. I am starving.”

She ordered and like a puppet, I walked over to the kitchen. That was basically what I did for the major part of the three years we spent together. Their entitlement suffocated me every single time.

My hands quivered, whisking cream with strained composure. Sweat beads danced on my forehead and tension constricted my shoulders. Meeting up with their request was difficult but I had to do it anyway.

“Your lunch is ready.” I informed them both as I served the table. I had no idea how long they would be here but I dared not ask. I was about to head back to the kitchen when I heard Lilian scoff as she took a look at the food.

“I lost my appetite.” She spoke and returned to the sofa. I was glued to the spot the moment she uttered those words. I had spent several hours in the kitchen to make the meal and….now, she had lost her appetite?

Tears burned in my eyes yet I couldn’t let it out. I couldn’t let them see the weakness they so desired. I had to show them they could not break me. I stepped back into the kitchen with a shattered heart and was just about to head back outside to join them when I suddenly heard them speaking.

“You haven’t had anything all day and this was the reason you claimed you wanted to be here. Eat something.” Mrs. Brooke patted Lillian.

“I am not hungry, mother. I lost my appetite.” She rolled her eyes as she continued to tap her phone.

“For the baby's sake, you have to…..”

Their conversation however ceased , replaced by an awkward silence when they noticed my presence. I shrugged and continued with my business like I hadn’t heard any of their conversations and it did not mean a thing to me anyway.

I had myself locked up in my room, thinking of any and every option possible to leave that house. I was tired of being used. No sooner had I walked into the room when my phone rang. Perfect timing.

“I am grateful for the timely distraction. My mother in law and sister in law are making living a hell for me. I have to leave. I have to do something. I cannot stay in here anymore.” I pleaded with her.

“Well, I think there might be good news, I really cannot say.” Ivy responded. “The CEO of Tavern Exclusive Club …. Is back in town. " She started. That animal wasn't the CEO of the bar yet he acted like he was? I was glad I didn't give in to his desires.

"I was able to meet with him a few days back. He requested for your pictures which I gave him and I explained you needed the money for something important.

He has agreed to lend you the money.” She spoke and my eyes lit up with excitement.

“This is good news! You have no idea how great this news is to me at this time!” I tried not to shout so as not to raise any attention.

“But there is a clause.” She chipped in. The excitement on my face disappeared into thin air. Of course, I was supposed to know better. What could I possibly expect from such a person? I suddenly felt a strong urge to throw up and just before I could mess you myself, I was glad I could reach the restroom.

“Are you okay? Are you fine? Do you want me to come over?” Ivy’s cool voice suddenly became very serious.

“Relax. I am totally fine. Nothing is wrong. I guess I ate something I shouldn’t have ate.” I washed my face and headed back to the living room.

“You were saying something……” I urged as I sat on the bed, feeling the urge to throw up again yet I struggled to suppress it.

“He wants you to sign an agreement. A marriage contract with him. Just for two years and you do not even have to pay the money back.”