Chapter 3 3.

Gazing at my ceiling, I find myself immersed in my thoughts. What on earth have I gotten myself into? A profound shift awaits me in life from this moment forward. Was accepting his proposal the correct decision? What if, beyond the contract, he harbours evil intentions for me? Releasing a prolonged sigh, I rise from my bed, determined to cease overthinking. No more pondering. I reach for my grey sleeping robe, casually draping it over myself without bothering to tie it. I walk to the mini kitchen and start on my breakfast. I tie my hair into a messy bun so I don't get any hair in my food.

I crack some eggs and pour them into the pan. I grab the spatula and move it around. Once the scrambled eggs are ready I place them on a plate and grab the bacon from the fridge. Before I started preparing my breakfast, I ensure the pan is spotless, giving it a thorough cleaning prior to frying my bacon. Once the bacon reaches the perfect crispness to my liking, I neatly position the three strips alongside my scrambled eggs. After turning off the stove, I promptly place the pan in the sink.

As I'm on the brink of taking a seat to enjoy my morning meal, an unexpected interruption occurs – the doorbell rings, and a groan escapes me. "Who could that be" I thought to myself. Resignedly, I rise from my chair and make my way to the apartment door. "Who is there?" I asked. Without waiting for a response, I swung the door open and I am surprised with who I saw.

"What the hell???" I exclaimed as a cloud of confusion settled over me. How did he end up here, and more importantly, how did he know where I lived? Who is this guy?

"Why on earth are you here?!" I demand an explanation.

"I've come to pick you up; you're moving in with me today," he states matter-of-factly.

"What if I have no interest in that?" I challenge, meeting his intense blue-eyed gaze.

"You're mine now, Alicia, and you'll do as I say," he growls.

"Hey! Hey! Hey! Hold it right there. I am not your slave or a commodity that you own and I am neither none of your workers who you can boss around at your liking!" I reply as my anger starts to rise.

Why did I agree to marry this man?!

"You're my fiancé, my soon-to-be wife. So, as from now henceforth, you will do as I say and and as I please. So for the last time, go inside and pack your things immediately." He commands, his eyes scanning down my body.

It suddenly dawns on me that I'm only clad in my grey girl boxers and a white singlet. Hastily, I grab my robe and attempt to cover as much skin as possible. It also dawned on me that what I was experiencing now is the consequence of my action, which I think is my new reality. No one forced me to sign those papers, I did so, voluntarily.

"Alright, mister bossy pants," I retort. "And just so you know, if this is going to work, you would have to learn how to talk to me politely" I said.

"Whatever. I'll arrange for someone to come collect your belongings and transport them to the villa. They should be here shortly, So go freshen up and get dressed, I'll be back for you in an hour." he states before exiting. Turning back at the doorway, he hums in excitement.

He stopped and turned towards me " Also, if you want this to work, don't you ever raise your voice at me again."

The tone of his voice caused goose bumps to run down my back and arms. I quickly shut the door and let out a deep sigh.

With a huff I walk over to the table and start eating my breakfast which had cooled down. Great now I have to microwave it again, because of that asshole.

***********

After finishing my meal, I headed back to my room to choose an outfit for the day. Opting for comfort, I selected a pair of navy blue jeans and donned a stylish black and red patterned flannel with lace trim. Completing the look, I slipped into a pair of black lace TOMS. With my attire settled, I tied my hair into a neat side ponytail before turning my attention to packing.

Fortunately, the apartment came fully furnished, alleviating the need to worry about furniture. My packing checklist primarily focused on essentials-clothes, shoes, and eating/cooking utensils. In the final tally, I opted for just two medium-sized suitcases to hold my clothes and assigned three boxes for the rest of my belongings. Packing my things turned out to be a breeze, taking only an hour of my time. With some spare moments to spare before Troy's scheduled arrival, I decided to apply a touch of light makeup. As I stashed some cash into my bag, a knock echoed at the door. I strolled over and swung the door open.

Two muscular men were standing in the other side and one of the asks, "Are you Alicia Anderson?"

"Yes, what can I do for you?" I ask.

"Mr. Nulec sent us to come pick up your stuff." The other man answers.

"Oh yeah right, come in the boxes are in the living room." I state as I open the door fully so they can come in.

They take the three boxes and two suit cases and carry them to the door.

"Is this it?" The first man asks and I nod in response.

"Thank you." I respond before closing the door.

I head into the living room and take a seat as I wait for Troy. Another ten minutes passed and I was getting bored. Just as I was about to pull out my phone there is a knock on the door. I open the door and Troy is standing on the other side of the door.

"Are you ready to go?" He asks.

My eyes scan my apartment making sure I didn't forget anything before I turn around and answer, "Yeah let me just grab my bag."

I walk into the living room and grab my black leather handbag before walking out of the apartment making sure to lock the door. We were walking towards the elevator doors when Gabriel my neighbor walked out of his apartment and smirked as soon as he saw me. He ran his hand through his beach blonde hair as his eyes ran over my body.

"Hey Alicia where are you going?" He asks and I roll my eyes in annoyance.

"None of your business, now can you excuse me?" I ask as I try to walk past him but he blocks my way.

Ever since I moved in Gabriel has been hitting on me. Yet no matter how many times I tell him to fuck off he won't. Why can't he just take no for an answer?

"Calm down babe no need to get feisty," he states before he leans down and whispers in my ear, "Although I do like them to act like that in the bed."

I look at him with a disgusted look as he licks his lips.

"Now I wanted to see if you were free tonight, maybe you and I could grab a couple of drinks and-"

"She isn't going anywhere with you." Troy's growls as he pulls me towards him.

"Oh really and why is that?" Gabrial asks as he crosses his arms over his chest.

"Because she is my fiancé." Troy replies.

"Really because I don't see any ring." Gabriel answers.

"Well that doesn't concern you now does it? Now will you excuse me, please." I state before pushing last Gabriel with Troy right behind me.

"I always knew you were a gold digger Alicia." Gabriel responds.

Troy's hands form a fist before he turns around and throws Gabriel a right hook. Gabriel falls on the floor as he clutched his cheek.

"Don't every call my girlfriend a gold digger, understood?" Troy asks and Gabriel nods as he stares up at Troy with a frighten look on his face.

Troy just punched someone for me, huh maybe this year won't be so bad after all.

I walk into the elevator with Troy right behind me and press the number for the first floor.

"Can you stop being a big flirt, I don't want to go punching every guy that crosses paths with you." Troy states and my mouth hangs open in disbelief.

"A big flirt? That guy was the one who got in my way, I told him to move but he didn't. What did you want me to do, throw him a right hook so he could move?!" I retort with anger.

"What did I tell you about yelling at me Alicia?" He asks.