Chapter 5 The Ties That Bind

The closing elevator doors clicked shut, and it felt final, like there was no going back. Emma stood next to Damien in this super fancy elevator, feeling small and just plain freaked out. She couldn't shake off those words he'd said: "You're going to be my wife". It was unreal. Her dad's screw-ups got her into this mess, but she never thought it would end up like this – a life stuck in some invisible cage with a man she barely knew.

The elevator made this soft humming sound as it went up, the numbers lighting up one by one, counting down the seconds to her new, messed-up life.

Damien, standing right there, his presence felt heavy, like a weight crushing her. He wasn't saying a word, which made it even worse, and for a second, she thought she might just lose it. She wanted to yell, to tell him this wasn't what she wanted, that she shouldn't have to pay for her dad's mistakes. But deep down, she knew it wouldn't change anything. Damien Blackwood was the kind of guy who got what he wanted. Period.

The elevator made a ding! sound when they got to the top floor. The doors opened, showing a hallway with thick carpets and walls that looked like they had just walked into a museum. The whole place felt like a palace, really over-the-top, just like the guy who owned it.

Damien didn't wait for her to catch up. He walked down the hallway, his steps steady and sure. Emma followed, her heels clicking softly on the shiny floor. Walking behind him, she couldn't help but feel how much power he had. It was like even the air around him had to do what he said.

They stopped at a big door, and Damien turned to look at her, giving her that same cold stare that had made her nervous from the get-go.

Go ahead, he said, pointing to the door.

Emma took a breath and pushed the door open. Wow. The room was huge and beautiful. It had expensive furniture, a big piano next to the window, and a killer view of the city way down below. It was pretty, but it felt strange, like she didn't belong there.

This is where you'll be staying for now, Damien said, his voice calm, but there was something in it that made her stomach clench. You'll have everything you need. Just remember, you can't leave. Not until this is all sorted out.

She nodded, not wanting to say anything. She didn't want him to see how scared she was, how lost she felt in this new life he was pushing her into. She felt trapped, his words weighing her down.

Damien walked past her and sat on this shiny leather sofa, watching her like she was some kind of puzzle. We need to talk about the details of our deal, he said, his voice smooth but firm.

Emma stood in the middle of the room, her heart pounding. This was really happening. Her life had just turned into a nightmare she couldn't wake up from.

I don't want any part of this, she said, her voice shaky but trying to sound tough. I'm not a game.

Damien's lips curled into a smile, but his eyes stayed cold. You don't have a choice. Your dad made sure of that.

She felt mad. You think I'm just going to do what you say because of that? I won't.

He stood up and walked toward her, and he seemed huge. He was so close she could feel his body heat. You're already doing what I say, Emma. You just don't know it yet.

She gasped as he gently touched her chin, lifting her face to look at him. There was a coldness in his touch, but also something else, something darker that she couldn't understand.

You might not like it, but you will accept it. The sooner you do, the better for both of us.

She pulled back, her chest tight. I won't be your puppet. You can't control me.

Damien's eyes got darker, and his jaw tightened. I don't need to control you, Emma. You'll understand that you have no choice soon enough.

He let go of her chin and stepped back, never taking his eyes off her. I'm giving you some space. Don't make me regret it.

Emma wanted to shout, to fight, to run as far away as she could from this nightmare. But she knew it was pointless. She was stuck; her life was not her own anymore.

Damien turned to the window, his outline dark against the city lights. Get some rest. Tomorrow, we'll start figuring out what happens next.

Emma stood there for a long time, the silence between them thick. She knew she was losing her freedom, her choices being taken away, stuck in chains that she couldn't see but felt with every step.

She glanced at Damien one last time before going to the bedroom. She knew there was no escaping him. No running. She was already stuck in his world, whether she liked it or not.

Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, she felt so hopeless. Was there any way out? Was freedom even possible, or was life just going to be like this forever? The thought chilled her to the bone as tears streamed down her face. She drifted to an unpeaceful sleep.