Chapter 2 MARCUS'S GAMBIT

Marcus's POV

The ticking of the old grandfather clock in my study was the only sound breaking the silence. I slouched in my leather chair, staring at the papers scattered across my desk. The stress of running the family's affairs weighed heavily on me. My step-father's debts were enormous, and his death had left me with a mountain of financial problems.

I glanced at a photo of my step-father on the desk. His death had left me in a tight spot, and I had to make tough decisions to get us out of this mess. Selling Elena to Victor Martinez's was one of those decisions, and it felt like the only way to clear our debts.

The door creaked open, and Lucian, Victor's right hand, walked in with a stern look on his face.

"Marcus," he said, his voice serious. "Is the deal with Dragunov finalized?"

"It is," I replied, trying to sound confident. "Elena will be his wife soon."

Lucian raised an eyebrow. "You know Dragunov isn't known for being kind. Are you sure this is the right move?"

"I don't have much of a choice," I said, feeling the weight of the situation. "The debts are too high. Selling Elena is the only way to get the money we need."

Lucian's gaze was sharp. "And what about Elena? Doesn't it bother you to put her in danger?"

I rubbed my temples, feeling the strain. "It's not what I wanted, but it's necessary. Elena's just a burden to me. This way, I get the money to deal with the creditors, and she's someone else's problem."

Lucian nodded slowly. "Just remember, Marcus, every decision has its consequences. You might regret this later."

As Lucian left, I felt a pang of guilt, but I pushed it away. I had to stay focused. My step-father's death had left me with more than just debts-it had left me with a shattered legacy and high expectations. I needed to fix things and secure my future.

Later that evening, I found Elena standing by the window in the sitting room. She turned to me with a look of hurt and anger.

"Marcus," she said quietly. "Why are you doing this? How could you sell me to Victor Martinez?"

I avoided her gaze. "Elena, this isn't personal. It's business. The debts are more than I can handle alone. This deal is the only way to get the money we need."

"Business?" Elena's voice was full of disbelief. "I'm not some object to be traded!"

"I didn't want this!" I snapped, frustration boiling over. "But we're in a tight spot. Dragunov's money is the only solution I have."

Elena's eyes filled with tears. "You could have found another way. You're just throwing me away."

Her words hit hard, but I forced myself to stay firm. "I'm sorry, Elena. I really am. But sometimes, sacrifices have to be made."

She turned away from me, tears streaming down her face. I felt a deep regret, but I had to stay strong. The decisions I made were driven by the need to fix the family's financial problems. Elena's fate was sealed, and I had to live with the consequences of my actions.

The next morning, I prepared for the meeting with Victor Martinez. This deal was crucial. Despite the harshness of my decision, I hoped it would buy me enough time to stabilize our situation and maybe find a better way out.

As I drove to Victor's mansion, I thought about the cost of my choices and the uncertain future ahead. This was the world I was now part of, and I had to navigate it as best as I could.

As I drove to Victor Martinez's mansion, the weight of my decisions pressed heavily on my mind. The opulent surroundings of the mansion loomed ahead, a stark contrast to the turmoil within me. This deal was crucial, and I needed it to go smoothly.

Arriving at the mansion, I was greeted by a tall, stern-faced man. "Mr. Martinez is expecting you," he said, leading me through a grand foyer into a private study. Victor was seated behind an imposing desk, his eyes cold and calculating.

"Marcus," Victor said with a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "You're right on time."

"Victor," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "I trust everything is in order."

Victor nodded. "It is. We'll proceed with the final details shortly. But first, there's something you need to understand."

I felt a knot form in my stomach. "What's that?"

Victor's eyes narrowed. "You're aware that Elena will be joining us soon. I trust you've made the necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth transition?"

"Yes," I said, though my confidence wavered. "Everything is in place."

Victor leaned forward, his gaze intense. "I hope you realize that this isn't just about settling debts. It's also about maintaining my reputation and power. Elena's role is crucial, and I expect you to uphold your end of the bargain."

I swallowed hard, feeling the pressure mounting. "Of course. I understand."

As we discussed the final terms, the door opened, and Elena was escorted into the room. Her face was pale, her eyes wide with fear. I could see the pain and confusion etched on her features, and it made my heart ache.

"Elena," Victor said smoothly, "please come in."

Elena looked at me, her eyes filled with betrayal. "Marcus," she said, her voice trembling. "Why did you do this?"

I struggled to maintain my composure. "Elena, this is for the best. You'll be well taken care of."

Victor stepped in, placing a hand on Elena's shoulder. "Let's not dwell on the past. The important thing is that we move forward."

As Victor led Elena away, I felt a pang of guilt and frustration. I knew that she was being forced into a situation she didn't deserve, but I had no other choice.

Later that night, I received a call from Lucian. "Marcus, I need to see you," he said urgently.

I met Lucian in a dimly lit alleyway near the mansion. His face was tense. "There's something you need to know," he said. "Victor isn't just interested in Elena. He's planning something much darker."

My heart raced. "What do you mean?"

Lucian hesitated before speaking. "Victor's plans go beyond a simple marriage. He's intending to use Elena to solidify his power and control. There are rumors he might be involved in some dangerous schemes."

I felt a cold sweat break out. "What should I do?"

Lucian's eyes were grave. "You need to find out more. Be careful. If you get involved in Victor's schemes, it could end badly for all of us."