Chapter 6 Do it right, Darling

Liliana graciously thanked the maids for the delicious breakfast they had prepared. She was aware that she wasn't expected to do any housework, which left her wondering if this unexpected situation might be a blessing in disguise.

"Madam, please remember to take your medicines on time," the house butler, Xander, gently reminded her.

"Medicines?" Liliana replied, puzzled. She wasn't aware that she had any medications.

"Yes, Madam," Xander responded, a bit uncertain. "I've placed them in your room. Sir instructed me this morning to fetch those medicines for you."

Liliana paused, realizing that Valerian had shown a subtle but undeniable sign of care toward her. Despite the anger in his voice last night, there had been a softness in his tone this morning, as if he was making an effort to understand her situation.

"Perhaps he would love me," Liliana murmured, but she quickly brushed the thought aside.

Upon reaching her room, Xander explained the timing for her medications. "Since Madam has taken her breakfast, this one can be taken now," he asserted, handing her a pill along with a glass of water.

"Thank you," Liliana said as she took the medicine with the water.

"My pleasure, Madam Liliana," Xander replied with a slight bow before walking away.

As Liliana moved to close the door, a loud voice echoed from downstairs. Her curiosity piqued, and she stepped out to investigate. Her eyes widened as she saw Valerian sitting calmly on the central couch in the living room, while a man knelt before him, pleading desperately.

Liliana descended the stairs slowly, determined to witness the scene closely and to understand the enigma that was Valerian. So far, he had remained a mystery to her.

Liliana noticed the men in black suits standing alert in the living room, ready to act on Valerian's command.

"Please forgive me this time, Valerian," the man pleaded, lifting his head.

Liliana's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the voice. "Rowan!" she exclaimed, moving forward quickly.

Valerian's gaze narrowed as he looked at his wife, while Rowan rushed to Liliana's side. "Please, tell him to stop this. I've already paid the debts," he begged, his eyes pleading with hers.

The word "debts" triggered Liliana's memory of what Valerian had revealed to her the previous night. Rowan had sold her to Valerian to settle his enormous debts.

Rowan leaned in close to Liliana, whispering urgently in her ear, "I'm the only one left from your family. You wouldn't want to lose me. Please, just save me."

Before she could respond, Rowan let out a scream as Valerian yanked him back by the nape of his neck. Liliana stood frozen, dazed by the sudden turn of events.

"Keep your face away from my wife," Valerian ordered, shoving Rowan to the floor. His deep blue eyes met Liliana's as if he was silently speaking to her. However, soon he turned his back to her and gazed at Rowan, who was on the floor.

As Liliana watched Valerian's back, a strange sense of protection washed over her. Despite her reservations about him, she couldn't deny the satisfaction she felt seeing Rowan reduced to such misery. The man who had once caused her so much pain was now the one begging for his life, and the sight brought an unexpected relief.

"Ahh! Ahh! Leave me!" a woman's voice cried out, drawing Liliana's attention. Rowan's girlfriend, Cara, was being dragged into the living room. She was roughly tossed next to Rowan and forced to stay on her knees.

Valerian extended his hand, and one of the men in black immediately handed him a gun. He then turned to face Liliana, his expression calm yet commanding. With deliberate, slow steps, he moved behind her. Liliana's back stiffened as she felt his firm chest press against her.

Liliana tilted her head slightly to look at Valerian, only to feel his hands firmly wrap around hers. "Hold it tight. We're about to play a game," Valerian whispered in her ear before straightening up.

"A game?" Liliana echoed, confusion clouding her features. Her hands trembled as Valerian raised them, still holding them tightly. Her heart pounded in her chest as she stared ahead, her mind racing with fear and uncertainty.

"Yes. A game where we will shoot both of them," Valerian said in a deep, menacing tone.

"No~" Liliana's voice trembled with fear.

"Why not?" Valerian's voice remained cold and steady. "Don't you want to see them suffer? The bruises on your body tell the story of the abuse and pain they've inflicted on you."

"But we can't kill them," Liliana pleaded, trying to pull her hands free from his grip, but Valerian's hold was unyielding.

"Please, Lord Valerian. We beg you. Spare our lives," Cara cried out, her voice filled with desperation. She nudged Rowan with her elbow, prompting him to join in, and he quickly echoed her plea.

"Valerian, please. I-I can't..." Liliana's voice cracked as her eyes filled with tears.

"You'll pay for it then," Valerian whispered ominously in her ear, his breath warm against her skin.

Valerian's grip tightened as he guided her finger to the trigger.

Before she could fully grasp what was happening, her finger accidently pulled the trigger. The deafening sound of the gunshot echoed through the hall, followed by the piercing screams of Rowan and Cara.

The shock of what she had just done froze Liliana in place, her mind reeling from the sudden, violent act she had been forced into.

Liliana's hands shook uncontrollably as she stared ahead, unable to comprehend the reality of what had just occurred.

However, the shot missed its mark. "You didn't do it right, Darling," Valerian murmured coldly as he forced Liliana to look straight ahead. His grip on her neck tightened, and she felt the icy metal of his rings press against her skin.

"No. Please..." Liliana pleaded once more, her voice desperate. But this time, the bullet found its target, hitting Cara's arm first, then Rowan's.

"Throw them out," Valerian ordered, finally taking the gun from Liliana's trembling hands.

Liliana's entire body quaked with fear. She couldn't believe she was the one who had fired those bullets. Overwhelmed, she slumped to the floor, her mind reeling in horror.

"Follow me," Valerian commanded, his voice sharp and authoritative.

But Liliana didn't respond, too stunned to move. Valerian's brows furrowed in frustration, and without a moment's hesitation, he bent down and lifted her into his arms.

"Let me go!" Liliana protested, her voice rising in anger as she struck his shoulder in a futile attempt to break free.

Valerian chuckled and walked away from the living room.