Chapter 7 IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE

Ava's POV:

The tension inside the car mirrored the intensity of the rain outside, raindrops pelting against the windshield like a relentless drumbeat.

We hurtled towards the cliff's edge, and I feared for my life. He stepped on the brakes almost immediately. I almost smiled, glad that this nonsense would finally end. I guess I was wrong.

Breathing heavily, I watched as he sped away from the edge of danger, the sound of the rain fading into the tropical night.

The adrenaline-fueled escape left us both silent for a while.

As the rain subsided, I finally spoke up.

"What was that? You wanted to have us killed?" I asked both in shock and fear.

"No." He answered in a monotone and I frowned deeply. Tears were already rolling down my cheeks by now.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked again.

"My penthouse," he muttered, his voice low this time.

"Your penthouse?" I repeated, incredibly stunned.

"Is it located in the forest?"

"Looks like we're in the middle of nowhere. Did you miss your way or something?"

"You ask too many questions, young lady," he responded, sounding pissed.

"The city is miles behind us, and we're headed straight into the woods, animals could wander onto the road at any moment," I yelled, feeling scared by the environment we were in. It was obvious this stranger had kidnapped me.

He ignored my concerns and with his eyes fixed on the road ahead, the car continued to speed down the deserted road. I was certain that I had been kidnapped. I quickly took my phone from my bag to see if I could call or text Connor, but there was no signal on the phone.

The trees grew closer and closer, with their branches creaking ominously in the wind, until we arrived at a luxurious penthouse.

Who lives in such a deserted place? Only weird or dangerous people felt comfortable living far away from their fellow humans.

At this point, I had given up pleading or hoping I'd be taken back to town or Connor's apartment soon. I just wanted to stay alive. The stranger kept on doing whatever he wanted, not minding me.

As we exited the car, I was amazed by the breathtaking view of the floor-to-ceiling windows that seemed to stretch forever.

I had never seen anything like it in my entire life.

"Is this a penthouse or heaven?" I said silently, my eyes wide with wonder. I couldn't ask him that question, I couldn't compliment someone who held me against my wish, someone who had made himself my enemy.

I continued looking around as we took the elevator.

We stepped out of the elevator and into the luxurious residence. And I clutched my small purse, my fingers trembling with excitement. I was amazed at what I saw and forgot all my troubles for some minutes.

"Don't keep me in silence this time!" I exclaimed, my voice barely containing my awe.

"What in heaven's name do they call this building?" I asked, my excitement bubbling over.

"It's like a celestial palace!" I twirled around, taking in the lavish furnishings, the sleek hardwood floors, and the plush carpets that seemed to whisper luxury.

"If you're going to hold me captive, at least you should be able to communicate with me," I tried to sound a little friendly to see if he'd loosen up a bit but he didn't.

"Follow me," he muttered, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a hint of unease.

He adjusted his suit jacket, his shoulders sagging under the weight of his secrets.

I followed closely behind him as he led me to the living room.

"Sit." He commanded and I frowned but took my seat either way.

"I guess you've agreed to my request." He said and I frowned even more.

Was it a request or a command? I declined severally but he still dragged me to his place.

"Why do you ask when you'll end up doing what pleases you?" I said still frowning.

"It would be for a short period. I'll pay you one hundred thousand dollars every month for the duration of the contract." He said to me and my eyes widened in shock.

Why was he willing to pay that much? I thought he would force me into it because I owed him a favour.

I had never had that amount of money in my entire life.

And every month at that?

The offer was tempting, but my morals kicked in, and I became scared instead.

"What?" I said in shock.

"Why? Why are offering that much? Is there something else you're going to be using me for?" I asked with raised brows.

"Even though my opinion might not count at the end of the day, at least let me know your reason for this proposal and your expectations of me."

"Why do you want me as your girlfriend?" I asked him. He sighed heavily and finally took a seat on the big couch.

"Well apparently since the paparazzi couldn't come up with any scandals about me, they say that I'm..." He paused and I looked at him expectantly.

"That you're?" I asked, hoping if I repeat it, he'll be able to say it himself.

"That I'm gay." He completed and I hissed.

"How's that a problem?" I asked him with raised brows and he scoffed.

"It's not. But I'm not, so why should I be cool with it?" He answered.

"You're sure you're not?" I asked and he laughed.

"I'm not obliged to answer you. But come to think of it, do I look like a gay man to you?" He asked with a smug smile on his face and I blushed.

"I can't tell, but why do you have to prove it with a fake relationship?"

"You'll know more soon. The thing is I come from a traditional, Orthodox family where such is frowned upon, so they're upset with the rumours. It could spoil some things for me at work and I don't want that. My dad offered me someone to marry as soon as possible, but I refused, telling him I had a longtime girlfriend I was planning marriage with already." He said whispering the last part but I heard it.

"What? " I screamed.

"Shhhh! No need to shout. Now you know why you have to help me.

"Come on, if I don't introduce you to them soon, things won't go normal for me." He sounded desperate.

"So, you want me to pretend to your family about being your girlfriend?" I asked and he nodded immediately.

"Why do you want me in particular?"

"There you go again, when will you stop asking this question? Did you not claim a while ago that I was your boyfriend? Do you want me to get things done my way?"

I got up from where I sat, looking around and hoping to find the door we came in through.

"In addition to the job and money, I'll give you a house. You would need these to prove a point to your sister and ex-boyfriend," he said, causing me to freeze in my steps.

"How did you know he's my ex-boyfriend?" I asked and he smirked.

"Instincts." He said with a smile.

"I'm only being nice, if you keep refusing, you won't like my next action." He threatened me once more.

I wanted the influence and respect that came with being his girlfriend. Living big and lavishly before Eleanor, Lydia, and Jackson, the people who wrote me off would be a big flex. He might also help me build a modelling career if I'm nice to him, but I was scared that he might require me to do more. Maybe be his sex partner or something. At the end of the day, I was willing to take the risk. This time, it wasn't just about having revenge, but I wanted that luxurious lifestyle I had always dreamt of, even if it was just for a short period. After all, I was a poor orphan who didn't even have a place of my own, or a family anymore.

"Okay, what are the rules? How long would I..."

"A year, then we can come up with something to end it," he said and I nodded.

"Alright then," I said in a low tone.

"Is that a yes?" He asked me excitedly.

"Yes," I said with a small smile on my face.

"Okay, let's get going." He said suddenly and I raised my brows.

"Going where?" I asked and he rolled his eyes.

"My family house," he said with an eye roll.

"Today!!!?" I asked in confusion.

"Yes," he responded.

"Why didn't you take me there in the first place? Isn't it too late?" I asked as I looked outside the window to the dark sky and the rain that had just subsided.

"It's not." He disagreed with me and I huffed.

"Don't worry, it's fine." He said quietly.

"Let's go, you just need to meet my father, dinner starts at eight at my home. I already sent them a text that we'll be coming today."

"What?" I asked in confusion.

"What if we didn't meet today?" I added.

"Well, we did. I sent them a message immediately after you asked for that little favour." I shook my head.

"What if I refused?" I asked but he just shrugged his shoulders with a smug on his face.

"I wouldn't have allowed you to, I would've taken my pound of flesh somehow."

"Let's get this over with, shall we?

I hissed quietly as I followed him to the elevator.

As soon as I got in, I fell, as if someone pushed me forcefully.