Married To The Devil That Bought Me

CHAPTER 2

Aria didn’t remember leaving the auction hall. She only remembered the ring, cold metal still pressing against her finger like a brand she couldn’t remove.” Wife.” That single word kept echoing in her head like a curse. Now she was inside a moving vehicle again. But this time, she wasn’t blindfolded. She wished she was. Outside the tinted windows, the world blurred into streaks of city lights and dark roads. She had no idea where she was being taken. Every attempt to speak was met with silence from the men seated across from her. They were armed. Not casually, not discreetly, openly. One of them met her eyes through the reflection. Relax, he said flatly. You’re safe. Aria let out a bitter laugh. Safe? Her voice cracked. I was just sold like property. No one responded that silence hurt more than chains. Her fingers curled into fists. I want to go home, she whispered. The man closest to her finally spoke. You don’t have one anymore. Her chest tightened painfully before she could respond. The vehicle slowed, stopped again, but this stop felt different, Heavier Like the air itself was waiting. The door opened, cold wind rushed in and Aria saw it. A structure, massive gates made of black iron, stretching high into the sky like something out of a nightmare. No sign, no name. Just power. She stepped out unwillingly, dragged by fate more than force, and the moment her foot touched the ground, she felt it: Eyes watching her. From everywhere, You’re late, a voice said behind her. Aria turned sharply, a woman stood near the entrance. Elegant, calm, dressed in black silk.Her smile was polite. Her eyes were not. Welcome, the woman added softly. You’re now inside Moretti territory. Aria froze, Moretti That name again. Lucien, Her stomach twisted. What is this place? She demanded. Take me back. Now. The woman tilted her head slightly, almost amused. You still think you have choices, she said. Aria stepped forward. I do have choices. I didn’t agree to anything! The woman’s smile faded just slightly. Every woman here said that,then she turned and walked inside. Two guards immediately followed Aria. She resisted. Don’t touch me! She snapped, pulling her arm away. But the grip tightened, firm, unyielding. You’re going in, one of them said simply. I am not a prisoner, No response, just movement. She was dragged forward again. Through tall doors, into darkness and then light. A chandelier lit hallway stretched endlessly before her. The floors were marble. The air smelled like luxury and violence at the same time. Doors lined the corridor, each one guarded, each one silent. Aria’s heart pounded harder with every step. Where are you taking me? She asked again, her voice smaller this time. No answer. They stopped in front of a double door. One guard knocked once, then pushed it open. Aria was shoved inside, and the doors closed behind her, silence. She spun around instantly, Locked Of course. Her breath came fast. No, no, no, no. She ran to the door and tried the handle, locked it, she hit it with her palm. Open this door! She shouted. You cannot keep me here! Nothing. Only silence answered her, then a sound behind her, Slow footsteps. Aria froze. Her entire body stiffened. She turned slowly and saw him, Lucien Moretti. Leaning casually against a desk like he had all the time in the world. Watching her, waiting. Aria took a step back instantly. You, she said, voice shaking with anger and fear. You did this. Lucien didn’t deny it. Instead, he closed the distance between them slightly. You’re loud, he said calmly. Aria laughed bitterly. You kidn*pped me, You forced me into a marriage I didn’t agree to, Do you think I’m supposed to be quiet?His gaze darkened slightly. I didn’t kidnap you. Aria froze. What? I purchased you, he corrected. Her blood turned cold. “Purchased, ” she repeated slowly. You really think I’m an object. Lucien studied her for a moment. No, he said. That surprised her. For a second, she hesitated. Then, then what am I? She asked sharply, a pause. Then his voice lowered slightly. Trouble. Aria stared at him, You ruined my life. No, he said quietly. Someone else did. That stopped her completely. Her anger flickered. What are you talking about? Lucien didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he walked past her toward the desk. Picked up a file and tossed it onto the table, Sit, I’m not your servant. His eyes flicked to her. One look. That was all it took. Something in her chest tightened. She hated that it worked. Slowly, unwillingly, she sat. Lucien opened the file. Inside were documents, photos, names, her father. Aria’s breath hitched. What is this? Lucien flipped a page, Your life, he said simply. Aria shook her head. No. You don’t get to invade my life and then pretend you know me. Lucien looked at her. Your father owes money, he said. So? He sold you to repay it. Silence. Aria blinked, then laughed, a broken sound, That’s ridiculous. Lucien didn’t react. Instead, he slid a photograph across the table. Aria picked it up slowly, her father speaking to men she had never seen before, shaking hands, and signing something. Her chest tightened. No, she whispered. Lucien watched her carefully. This was planned, he said. Not recently. Years ago. Aria shook her head harder, No. My father would never. Your father already did. Her hands began to shake. She stood abruptly, Stop it, she snapped. You’re lying to me? You think I don’t know what you’re trying to do? You bought me, now you want to break me, A loud explosion interrupted her, BOOM. The entire mansion shook violently. Aria stumbled. What was that? She screamed. Lucien didn’t move, not even slightly. He simply sighed. They found us faster than expected. Aria turned toward him in panic. What do you mean? Another explosion, Closer, Glass shattered somewhere outside. Gunfire erupted instantly. Her blood ran cold. Lucien finally looked at her and his voice turned dangerously calm. Stay behind me. Aria stepped back instinctively. What is happening? He moved toward her slowly, unhurried like chaos outside meant nothing. They’re here for you, he said. Aria froze. For me? A third explosion shook the building. The lights flickered and then gunfire directly outside the door. Aria screamed and stumbled back. Lucien’s expression didn’t change, but his hand moved slightly toward something inside his coat, a weapon. Her heart pounded violently. You said I was safe, she shouted. Lucien glanced at her, You are, he said simply, another loud crash. The door handle rattled. Someone was trying to break in. Aria backed away in fear: No, no, no. Lucien stepped in front of her completely now, shielding her, for the first time. Then the door burst open and armed men flooded inside.