Chapter 9 Wrong move!

"Ilyana? You're not answering. Are you feeling sick again?"

Ilyana's eyes widened in front of Darian. Fortunately, she was currently facing away from the man whom she believed was observing her every move. Ilyana had to make an effort not to let her body tremble. She had to provide an answer, any answer at all. There had to be a response. There couldn't be none. And absolutely no stammering! In that quiet and calm moment, Ilyana squeezed her own hand tightly, clenching it to dispel her nervousness. She had to control her breathing smartly to prevent her voice from faltering, getting choked up, or showing anything suspicious.

Darian Right was waiting for Ilyana's response. Slowly, he began to approach. Ilyana felt his well-built body with its scars drawing closer. It was so warm it could even burn like this. Ilyana's body felt hot as the blood in her veins raced so fast. Her heart was pounding rapidly. Her face was even turning red now. Instead of making her body cool down, this warmth was a hindrance. Darian Right leaned in and tilted his head, trying to gaze at Ilyana without that happening. Ilyana had to respond, now!!!

"No, Darian. I'm fine. The pain has gone away, hasn't it? Just a regular stomachache, maybe I ate something wrong." Ilyana's relieved breath signaled that she had successfully navigated this pressure. Fortunately, she didn't stutter at all. One more thing to be thankful for in this tense situation.

"Hmmm," Darian Right mumbled. "Ate something wrong?" Darian Right furrowed his brow again. He doubted his own opinion. All the servants working in his house were loyal and trustworthy people. It was unlikely that they would provide food that could cause an upset stomach and cramps. It was a different story if Ilyana had eaten outside, but of course, none of his women ever went out and received food from outside. He took a short breath and continued speaking. "Are the nutritionists and kitchen staff incompetent? But haven't they been doing their job well?" The stern-jawed and cold-hearted man turned the question back on Ilyana.

Ilyana cursed herself! Wrong! Ilyana was absolutely wrong in her response. Everything was provided at Mr. Right's house, including the kitchen staff, and it was impossible for them to make mistakes. They provided nutritious and excellent food for Mr. Right's women. The reason of eating something wrong felt so unlikely. After all these years? Eating something wrong? Swearing silently, Ilyana remained silent and continued to berate herself for being so careless this time. Her answer was incorrect. And she couldn't just stay silent.

"Not like that," Ilyana spoke again. "Ma-maybe my stomach is just sensitive right now, or you know, the mind can also influence digestion," Ilyana replied quickly.

Darian Right looked at her again with a cold gaze. No expression or meaning could be deciphered from his eyes.

He slowly blinked and embraced Ilyana from behind once more. He held her with one hand encircling her waist, while the other possessively gripped one side of Ilyana's chest.

Ilyana shivered under Mr. Right's tight embrace. She was afraid because she had answered incorrectly. What if Mr. Right grew suspicious? She could be punished again, just like in the past. Ilyana still vividly remembered the day she first entered this luxurious house. She was innocent and frightened, just like Stella. She was powerless and chose to fight, and that was... the worst days of her life. She wouldn't use the same approach again.

***

FLASHBACK ON:

Ilyana's body was thrown roughly onto the floor. She fell right in front of Mr. Right's feet, who was sitting casually with two of his friends, Xavier Ortiz and Cyrus Archer.

"We found her trying to jump out of the window."

Darian Right was right in front of her while holding a glass of dry martini, an alcoholic cocktail consisting of gin and vermouth. He looked immaculate even though he was wearing a gray vest and a white shirt.

Ilyana stared at him with a sharp gaze. Darian Right observed her casually. He placed his drink glass on the side table.

Ilyana's teeth gritted as she glared at him with hatred.

With his flat gaze, he bent down and looked at Ilyana. He gently held and lifted Ilyana's chin.

"Do you think you can escape from here so easily?"

Ilyana glared at him fiercely, her breath ragged.

"Do I need to explain again that I've already bought you?"

"I'm not an item that can be bought!"

"Oh, really? Tell that to the person who sold you."

"She's not my mother! She has no right over me!"

"Whether she's your mother or not, she's the one who sold you to me. I don't care about your relationship with her. All I know is I've bought you, and this is where you'll stay for the rest of your life."

"You bastard! Get me out of here!"

"Tch! You better obey if you don't want trouble. Besides, I haven't played with you yet. Your attitude makes me want to speed up the process. I don't think I'll wait for you to calm down and adjust because you're the one who's impatient and rebellious."

"Ugh!" Ilyana spat at Darian Right's face.

Darian Right just remained silent and blinked.

"HEY! How dare you spit at Mr. Right!!!" shouted one of his henchmen who had dragged her in front of Darian Right.

Darian Right raised his hand, stopping his henchman from hitting Ilyana. He changed his hand's position to raise them up. Someone immediately handed him a tissue. He wiped his face without taking his sharp gaze off Ilyana.

He turned the tissue over and then wiped the tears from the corner of Ilyana's eye.

"Lock her in the silent room," Darian Right said flatly.

Ilyana frowned. What room is that?

"Darian!" called a man with another cold look. His face was oriental but firm. He seemed calm as he continued his sentence. "Aren't you overreacting? The punishment was for a fatal mistake. I think it's natural for her to be shocked and try to run away."

Darian Right snorted. He looked at the man. Likewise with Ilyana. "But he spat at me, Cyrus."

Cyrus lowered his gaze and looked at Ilyana. Ilyana looked back at those eyes while asking for help. She just whispered softly with her lips moving. 'Help me'

Cyrus threw another glance at Darian. "Darian?"

"Silent Room now," said Darian calmly with an even look.