The golden afternoon light streamed through the cracks in the curtains. Elena stood before the mirror and looked at her reflection. Her face still bore the marks of a long and turbulent night, but her eyes were empty. Today, she would begin her new life, dominated by one big decision she could not take back.
Elena glanced at the morning-after pill on the table. Sean had left it as a reminder that she was now under his control. Slowly, Elena took the pill and clutched it tightly. There was turmoil in her heart - between giving in to the situation or fighting back.
The sound of a knock at the door made Elena gasp. She turned to see her mother lying in a hospital bed. "I'm doing this for you, Mom," Elena murmured as if to justify her decision. She popped the pills into her mouth and swallowed it with water.
After ensuring she was ready, Elena grabbed her bag and exited the room. In the hallway, she saw a well-dressed young man approaching her.
"Miss Elena, the car is waiting," the man said, his face expressionless, as if he was used to this task.
Elena nodded and followed him wordlessly. She was lost in her thoughts on the way to Sean's house. The car glided smoothly through the city streets, passing tall buildings that towered majestically. The image of her mother, Josh's deceptive voice, and Sean's piercing gaze all blended in her mind.
Sean Blackwood's house wasn't just a house—it was a modern palace. The large steel gates opened automatically, revealing a spacious, perfectly landscaped garden. At the end of the walkway stood a large building with contemporary architecture that exuded wealth and power. The car stopped before the entrance, and a servant opened the door for Elena.
"Good evening, Miss Wilson. Mr Blackwood is waiting in the study," the servant said politely but firmly.
Elena nodded briefly and followed the servant into Sean's study. Her steps felt heavy as if each brought her closer to the edge of the abyss. When the door opened, she saw Sean sitting behind a large desk with a stack of documents. He lifted his head, and a faint smile spread across his face.
"You're just in time," Sean said, eyes scanning Elena up and down. "Have a seat."
Elena pulled up a chair in front of the desk and sat down. Her hands gripped her bag tightly, trying to hide her anxiety. Sean slid a folder over to Elena.
"This is the contract," he said briefly.
Elena opened the folder and read the contents. Her blue eyes moved quickly, trying to digest every word. The contract contained the terms of their agreement, including the clause that Elena was not to have a relationship with another man as long as she was a part of Sean's life.
"Is all this necessary?" asked Elena, looking at Sean worriedly.
Sean leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. "I always make sure that everything I want is written down. That way, there won't be any misunderstandings."
Elena swallowed. She wanted to argue but didn't have a strong enough argument. With trembling hands, she took the pen and signed the contract.
"I know you'll make the right choice, Elena." Sean pulled out the contract and looked at Elena's signature, symbolizing their commitment. Then he lifted his face and looked at Elena with his eagle eyes. "All you have to do is obey me, and I'll give you everything you need."
Elena took a deep breath as if a heavy weight were pressing down her chest. In her mind, she kept saying that she was doing this for her mother.
Sean took Elena to her new room. It was luxurious, much larger than the apartment she shared with her mother. The king-size bed, soft sofa, and balcony overlooking the city made Elena feel like she was in another world.
"I'll let you rest tonight," Sean said before he left. "Tomorrow, we'll review the rules you must follow."
There was a strong aura about Sean that made Elena hold her breath. The slight smile she saw on Sean's lips felt like a rule that could not be denied.
After Sean left, Elena locked the door and leaned against the wall. Her eyes scanned the room, but her mind remained on her mother. What if her mother didn't survive after all? The thought squeezed Elena's chest. She walked to the balcony, hoping the night air would ease her fear.
The cool night breeze hit her face. Elena looked up at the star-studded sky. But the silence did not last long. Over her shoulder, she heard footsteps approaching. When she turned, Sean was standing there.
"The door is locked. How did you get in?" Elena said in a sharp tone.
Sean raised an eyebrow and grinned. "You forget, this is my house. I have access to any door I want."
Elena looked away and stared back outside. "What do you want?"
Sean approached, closing the distance between them even more. Every audible footstep seemed to jolt Elena's heart. Elena jumped when she felt Sean's warm breath on her neck. She closed her eyes and clenched her hands into fists.
No, Elena wasn't ready for anything to do with the arrangement.
"I want to make sure you're comfortable," Sean said, deep and seductive.
"I'm fine," Elena replied quickly.
Sean brought his face close to Elena's ear, his whisper almost like the wind. "Remember, you're mine now."
Sean slowly backed away, leaving Elena alone in the room.
When Sean left, Elena felt as if all the air around her had been sucked out. She returned inside and lay on the bed, which felt cold despite the luxury. Her brain couldn't stop thinking. Had she made the right choice? Or had she just sold her soul?
Elena couldn't sleep that night. The ticking clock on the wall was like a bell calling her to a destiny she couldn't escape. But in the middle of the night, a thought occurred to her. If Sean could help her, why didn't she try to use the situation to regain control of her life?
She would not be a victim. Not anymore.
Outside, the wind blew hard, shaking the leaves. Elena stared at the window with renewed determination. She wasn't going to let Sean control her life.