CROWN OF SCARS

OWNED BY MY ENEMY

The man she once admired became the monster that ruined her life.

Annabelle stumbled into the massive mansion with tears clouding her vision. Her hands trembled as she clung tightly to her little brother.

The cold expression on Mr Desmond face only made her fear worse. "Take the boy upstairs," he ordered his guards calmly.

"No!" Annabelle screamed immediately pulling her brother behind her. "Don't touch him!" Her brother burst into tears.

Annabelle glared at Desmond with hatred burning in her eyes. "You killed my parents!" She cried hysterically. "Now you want to kill my brother too?"

The guards hesitated. Desmond remained silent for a moment before he said in a dangerously calm tone. "He'll be safe."

"I don't believe you!" She shouted. The guards forcefully carried her brother despite his cries. "Anna" her brother screamed. "Ethan! She screamed back struggling violently.

Desmond grabbed her wrist before she could run after them. "Let me go! She yelled violently, hitting his chest repeatedly. "You monster!"

But instead of reacting he suddenly lifted her into his arms. Annabelle froze in shock. "Put me down!" She screamed kicking helplessly.

Without a word, he carried her upstairs and pushed open a luxurious bedroom door open. He dropped her gently on the bed.

The second her feet touched the floor, she rushed toward the door. But he slammed it shut and locked it.

The sound echoed through the room. She stared at him in disbelief.

"Why are you doing this to me?" She cried, her voice breaking. "You killed my parents..... kidnapped my brother and now you lock me up like up like an animal?"

Her knees gave out as she collapsed onto the floor sobbing. "Just kill me already!" She screamed. "There's nothing left for me to live for!"

For the first time something flickered in Desmond's dark eyes. Anger or guilt. Maybe both.

He slowly crouched before her grabbed her chin firmly. "I spared your life," he said coldly. "Don't make me regret it."

Annabelle shoved his hand away instantly. "Stay away from me!" His jaw tightened suddenly, he grabbed her neck and pinned her against the wall.

She gasped. "If you try anything stupid," he whispered darkly, "I'll make sure your death is slow and painful."

Fear struck her immediately. This man wasn't joking. His grip tightened slightly before he finally released her.

She dropped to the floor coughing violently. Desmond looked down at her. And he noticed it.

Her thin night wear clung tightly to her trembling body. The fabric was almost transparent beneath the room light. His eyes darkened.

Annabelle noticed his gaze instantly and wrapped her arm around herself. "Don't look at me like that," she whispered shakily.

He stepped closer. His fingers brushed her thigh. Her entire body stiffened as his hand moved higher.

SLAP! The sound rang sharply across the room. Kael head turned slightly from the impact.

Silence. A dangerous silence.

Annabelle's chest rose heavily as tears streamed down her face. "I hate you," she whispered. A smirk appeared in his lips.

"When I finally want you Anna..." He whispered darkly. "You won't be able to stop me."

Fear flashed across her face. He turned and walked toward the door. Before leaving, he paused. "A maid will be assigned to you," he said without looking, "eat something and rest."

He reached the doorknob. "Why?" Annabelle suddenly asked weakly. He stopped. She swallowed hard.

"You were someone I admired," she whispered carefully. "Someone people respected,"her eyes filled in tears again."Why are you such a monster?"

The room fell silent. Slowly he turned around. His expression became unreadable. "You really want to know? He asked quietly. His eyes darkened. "Fine."

FLASHBACK

Rain poured heavily outside one of Desmond's luxury hotel. Inside the private office tension filled the air.

Mr Clinton sat across from Desmond looking exhausted and broken. "Please.... Clinton begged desperately. "I need your help."

Desmond leaned back calmly. "What happened?" "I was scammed, Clinton admitted shamefully. "I invested everything online. My savings.... company funds....even bank loans."

His breathing became shaky. "The banks are after me. My debtors won't stop calling," stared at him carefully. "How much is involved?

Clinton hesitated. "One billion dollars." Desmond brows lifted slightly. "That's not a small amount, Clinton."

"I know!" He snapped emotionally. "But you're the only one who can help me!"

Silence.

Then slowly, Desmond stood up. "Fine" he said, "I'll help you." Hope immediately flashed across Clinton face. "But on one condition."

Desmond signaled one of his guards. The man stepped forward carrying a black briefcase. He placed it carefully on the table and opened it.

Clinton froze. Several transparent packages filled with white powder stared back at him. His eyes widened in horror. "Drugs?" He whispered

Desmond folded his arms. "Deliver it to my Client" Clinton immediately stood up angrily.

"Are you insane?" He shouted. "You want to drag me into your filthy business? He grabbed his suit jacket quickly. "I would rather die than do this."

Desmond voice stopped him before he could reach the door. "If the delivery succeeds..." He said calmly. " Your debt disappears."

Clinton stopped walking. "You won't owe me a single dollar." He clenched his fist tightly before storming out.

Few months later, The calls kept coming, threats, warning, bank notices and debt collectors kept coming. His wife and children demands kept coming. Desperation destroyed his morals.

Clinton arrived at Desmond mansion again. This time his eyes were empty.

Desmond smirked slightly as he descended the staircase. "You changed your mind." The guards brought the briefcase again.

Desmond handed it over. "Deliver it" he said. "And our deal stands. He snatched the case angrily and stormed out.

Inside his car, his hands trembled on steering wheel. He looked at the briefcase beside him. Then at the address Desmond had already sent him.

His breathing became uneven. Something felt wrong.

PRESENT

A loud knock interrupted the story. BANG! BANG!

Desmond narrowed his eyes. One of the guards spoke urgently from outside. "Sir... the police are here."

Annabelle's heart skipped instantly. But the next words made the entire room freeze. And they're asking for Miss Annabelle Clinton.