365 Days: The Billionaire's Marriage

"Come here, Sweetie. Come with me," he said.

Eza Alison Quill's spine shivered. When his voice landed in her ears, an instant sense of dread emerged. It trapped her body swiftly, making her tremble.

"No," Eza refused.

For her rejection, she received a backlash. It gripped her hand tightly, denying her permission to escape as she wished.

"Let me go!"

Eza struggled with all her might, attempting to free herself, but the grip only grew stronger. Slowly fading her hope of escaping.

Laughter echoed. It came from the middle-aged man who felt delighted at the sight of fear on Eza's face. It made his grip tighten second by second.

"I won't let you go. I won't. You know, right? Tonight, I will take you to my house."

The question was drowned out by booming laughter. Eza shivered. She shook her head, but that was the reality that awaited her.

"You will be my mistress."

Eza swallowed her saliva. She shook with a body that trembled even more.

"No," Eza rejected. "I will not be your mistress. I will never be the mistress of an old man like you."

The uproarious laughter ceased. It vanished instantly when Eza's words struck him. Making the face of the fifty-three-year-old man turn red.

His face hardened. It looked fierce.

"W-what? What did you say just now?"

Eza did not answer. She could not say anything when the grip on her wrist felt even stronger, bringing unbearable pain.

A grunt escaped, indicating immeasurable pain. However, that tangible proof seemed to mean nothing.

"Answer, Eza! What did you say just now?! Did you call me an old man?!"

This time, it was not just the grip that hurt Eza, but also the jolt that made her stumble. Dizziness came. It trapped the clear focus of her eyes, replacing it with a blurred vision.

Eza closed her eyes. She was dizzy and afraid to witness the eruption of anger in front of her.

"I beg you," Eza pleaded at last. "Let me go. I don't want to marry you."

She did not want to imagine it, but the fear had already formed a shadow in Eza's mind. Spinning around and making her stomach feel sick. How could a twenty-two-year-old girl become the mistress of a fifty-three-year-old man? Were not they more suited to be father and daughter rather than lovers?

However, it was not just the age difference that was the reason for Eza's rejection. Because she knew that she would become one of Sergio Alexander's many mistresses.

There was a legitimate wife and at least six other mistresses that Sergio had. If Eza accepted that cruel fate, she would become the seventh mistress.

An utterly illogical act. However, that was Sergio's life. When power and wealth were in his hands, no one could resist him. Ironically, they sometimes even begged him.

A sad reality for Eza. Because her father, Dean Jonathan Quill, was among those who begged Sergio. And it all started from the fraudulent investment he participated in.

The loss suffered by Dean amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Clearly, it was not a small amount of money. He was desperate. At that time, Sergio came forward and offered help.

Sergio did not expect his money back. He could help sincerely, but not without selfish motives.

It was Eza that Sergio desired. Dean's youngest daughter, famous for her beauty. A virgin from an esteemed family, what more could he ask for?

Thus, it was not strange when Sergio and his men came to Dean's residence that night. He would take Eza so that the promised money could land in Dean's account the next day.

At least that was the guarantee to ensure Dean did not break the agreement. That's what Sergio said.

Unfortunately, Sergio's plan did not go smoothly as he had hoped. He could predict that Eza would refuse. However, he did not anticipate that Eza would resist with all her might.

"Shut up!" Sergio shouted.

Sergio had run out of patience. Anger had blinded his eyes and heart. Without thinking twice, he slapped Eza on the cheek, causing her to fall silent.

Eza's groans and whimpering disappeared. The girl's head spun. Her vision became blurry. However, her ears could still hear clearly.

"I don't care. Whether you want it or not, it doesn't matter. In the end, I will still have you," Sergio said triumphantly. "You can't refuse. Besides, your father has already agreed to it."

Disgusting. The nausea in Eza's stomach intensified. How could Dean allow his daughter to marry a man even older than himself?

It was truly nonsensical. However, that was the reality.

Eza refused to believe it, but this was what was happening to her. Trying to deny the disaster felt useless. The cries for help that she had been shouting since earlier yielded no results whatsoever.

H-how is this possible, Dad? How could you be so heartless to me? Trading your own flesh and blood for money?

Images of Dean's love filled Eza's mind. They flickered, displaying a time when they were a happy father and daughter. Loving and protecting each other. But now?

"Come on! Wake up!"

Sergio's shove shattered all those beautiful memories in Eza's mind. It brought her back to the terrifying destiny that would soon become her life story.

"N-no. I beg you."

Another slap landed as a response to Eza's plea. Followed by another burst of laughter. Then, with utmost arrogance, Sergio spoke.

"Get up. It's better if you obey me before I completely lose my patience. Surely you don't want me to ruin your beautiful face, do you?"

Eza shook her head in despair. Her eyes opened, and Sergio's face filled her vision.

Sergio smirked. Extending his free hand, he tried to caress Eza's face. But she pushed it away.

"No," Eza shook her head again. "I don't want to. I won't go."

The fear Eza felt could not be expressed in words anymore. It was so overwhelming that at one point, she thought it would be better if she died.

Oh God. Please help me.

All she could do was pray. Eza had lost all hope. The longer time passed, the thinner her hope became of escaping that reality.

"Dad!" Eza cried out in desperation. "Help me, Dad! I beg you!"

Eza's voice sounded hoarse. Amidst fear and pain that she endured, there were tears that she could not hold back.

It seemed impossible. Yet, Eza held onto a flicker of empty hope. Perhaps Dean would come. Perhaps her father would change his mind. Maybe.

"Damn it!" Sergio shouted angrily. "Your father won't come, you bitch!"

Biting her lower lip, Eza held her ground as Sergio attempted to drag her. She clung to the bedpost, desperately trying not to let go.

"I beg you! Anyone, help me! Dad!" Eza shouted again.

However, Eza's screams yielded no results. It was not just Dean pretending to be deaf. Even all the residents in the house did the same. They acted as if they could not hear Eza's heart-wrenching pleas.

"I told you! No one wants to help you!" Sergio shouted again.

Taking a deep, exasperated breath, Sergio's patience had truly run out. Eza's rejection and defiance made his blood boil with anger. And without hesitation, he called his guards who were standing outside Eza's room.

"Monte! Bernard! Come here! Help me!"

With tears streaming down her face, Eza shook her head. She clung to the bedpost even tighter.

"N-no. Please. I beg you."

This time, Eza had truly lost her hope. The dark cloud became even more tangible in her mind.

"Dad," Eza whispered finally. Now she had no more strength. Perhaps it was time for Eza to surrender. "Please help me."

There was no strength. There was no hope. Eza could only cry and let the tears flow down her cheeks.

The door to Eza's room opened. Simultaneously, Sergio's laughter filled Eza's ears. The form of joy as he felt he was on top of the world.

"Now it's time for you to leave, Eza."

Saying that while laughing happily, Sergio was completely unaware of something. That it was not his guards who entered. It was not Monte or Bernard who entered and now stood behind him.

Sergio was caught off guard as he tried to pull Eza, who clung even tighter to the bedpost. He knew nothing. He thought everything was going according to plan. He believed everything was going well.

Praaang!

Sergio's plan crumbled to pieces. Along with the shattering of a fairly large vase on his head.

Flowers scattered everywhere. Along with Sergio, who fell to the floor and lost consciousness.

Fresh blood flowed, flooding the floor and almost reaching Eza's feet.

Stunned, for a moment Eza stood silently, looking at the helpless Sergio. The middle-aged man no longer moved, and Eza immediately turned away. She looked at the person who entered her room and performed that act.

"V-Vebby."

*

A taxi sped through the darkness of the night, entering an upscale residential area. Inside, there was a young girl, fair-faced and filled with happiness.

Excitement adorned her face, and her eyes sparkled with impatience. It was as if this journey was the longest one she had ever experienced.

Her name was Vebby Alison Quill. She was twenty-seven years old and Eza's older sister. The eldest daughter of Dean, who had spent the past year and a half pursuing her master's degree abroad.

Intentionally keeping her return a secret from her family, Vebby wanted to surprise them. She could imagine the joyous scene in her mind. Her father and sister would be surprised by her sudden arrival.

But it was ironic. It seemed that Vebby was the one who got surprised. And it was a surprise she never expected.

It all started when Vebby stepped out of the taxi. She saw two unfamiliar cars parked in front of her house. She initially thought Dean had guests, but the screams made her panic instantly.

"Help! Help me!"

Ignoring her luggage and belongings, Vebby ran immediately. She entered the house and found it empty, while the screams still echoed.

"Help! I beg you! Help me!"

The bright expression on Vebby's face vanished. It was replaced by a panic that drained the color from her lips.

"E-Eza?"

Vebby could not have misheard. It was clearly her sister's scream. But why could not she see anyone?

"W-where is everyone?"

Vebby's hand rose to touch her head. The resounding screams made her certain that something terrible was happening to her sister.

"D-Dad," Vebby murmured with a trembling voice. "W-where is Dad?"

Unable to stay still, Vebby hurriedly climbed the stairs, calling out.

"Eza? Eza!"

Vebby intended to go straight to Eza's room. However, suddenly a middle-aged man appeared in front of her, intercepting her.

"Dad?"

It was Dean. When he heard another voice echoing in the house, he came out of his office. And he felt lucky that he managed to intercept Vebby just in time.

"Vebby."

Dean widened his eyes. Although he could guess that someone had suddenly arrived and called out Eza's name, he never expected it to be Vebby.

"Dad," Vebby immediately approached Dean. "Where is Eza, Dad? I-I heard her scream. What happened to Eza?"

Dean blinked. He swallowed hard. "W-why did you come back, Veb? You didn't tell me that you wanted to come back."

Vebby looked desperate. She shook her head in frustration. She did not care about Dean's question at all because only one thing occupied her mind now. And that was Eza.

"That's not important at all, Dad," Vebby said, growing more panicked. "Now, where is Eza? I have to see her."

Dean would not let Vebby go to Eza's room. He grabbed Vebby's hand, disregarding her surprise and objections, and led her to his office.

Arriving in the office, Dean had no other choice. Reluctantly, he finally told Vebby everything. He believed that Vebby would find out the truth sooner or later.

Vebby was shocked. She could hardly comprehend when she heard her father's explanation.

"W-what?" Vebby choked. "Y-you sold Eza to pay off debts?"

Dean was taken aback when Vebby accused him. He shook his head.

"No, Vebby."

Vebby screamed, "What do you mean no, Dad?!"

Vebby's voice and anger silenced Dean. He tried to swallow the bitterness that suddenly rose in his throat.

"It's clear that you let him treat Eza as his mistress to pay off all your debts," Vebby continued, her voice trembling. "And for that, you didn't sell Eza? Are you serious, Dad?"

Accusing Dean with fiery eyes, Vebby truly could not understand. She could not believe that Dean could do such a thing.

"How could you sell his own child for money? How could you be so heartless?!"

Dean closed his eyes. Desperate and cornered, he growled. Vebby's relentless accusations left him feeling trapped.

"Watch your words, Vebby! You don't know anything!" Dean retorted. "You know nothing about what has been happening all this time."

Vebby replied to her father's fierce gaze. "I may not know anything, but at least I would never be capable of selling my own child, Dad."

Dean's expression grew harder. His teeth clenched, indicating the effort he was exerting to control his anger.

"If you realize that you don't know anything, then it's better for you to stay silent," Dean said firmly. "Haven't you always been indifferent to everyone? It would be better if you never came back to this house!"

This time, it was Vebby who fell silent. However, she continued to meet Dean's gaze.

"I had no other choice, Vebby," Dean said, his voice trembling. "I didn't want to go bankrupt, and I didn't want to lose my company."

Each word Dean uttered left Vebby more speechless. She took a deep breath. And then she shook her head.

"Dad, you truly has no heart."

The anger in Vebby's eyes faded, replaced by a painful disappointment.

"I never thought you could be this heartless," she said.

Dean clenched his fists. Arguing with Vebby was not part of his plan.

"Vebby," Dean whispered, exhaling deeply. "I am begging you. I had no other choice."

Vebby shook her head again, refuting Dean's words.

"There is always a choice, Dad. But I won't let my sister be a mistress!"

With that, Vebby immediately left Dean's office, leaving her father unable to do anything. He could only sit there with a feeling of guilt.

"Argh!"

To be honest, Dean could not bear to let Eza marry a man older than her. However, the circumstances were truly pressing and left him with no other option. He did not want to lose the company he had built with his late wife.

Dean was consumed by regret. If only he had been more careful, perhaps none of this would have happened.

Unfortunately, what's done is done. Dean had made his decision. Regardless, he believed that Vebby was just an ordinary girl who could not disrupt Sergio's plans.

Dean's thoughts were correct. Vebby was just an ordinary girl. However, she would not allow her sister to suffer such a fate.

Vebby headed towards Aurora's room. Walking slowly and discreetly, she noticed two guards standing in front of Eza's door.

How can I get in there while there are guards?

Vebby pondered various options but realized that the two guards were not to be trifled with. Besides being tall and strong, they were likely skilled in martial arts.

Feeling desperate, a glimmer of light appeared. While Vebby was still brainstorming, she noticed one of the guards walking away, heading towards the toilet. Vebby did not waste this opportunity.

She waited outside the toilet, holding a vase, and struck the guard's head when he came out.

There was a stifled groan from the guard before he fell to the floor. Vebby trembled and unintentionally backed up, leaning against the cold wall.

"Help! Anyone, please help me! Dad!"

Eza's cry snapped Vebby back to reality. It dispelled the tremors that had weakened her legs.

Her fear was replaced by concern for her sister. With renewed courage, she rushed forward.

Peeking behind the wall, Vebby saw the remaining guard. She thought hard, trying to find a way to get rid of him.

An idea emerged in Vebby's mind. Calmly and nonchalantly, she approached the guard and casually said, "It seems like your friend has a problem in the toilet. Maybe you should check on him."

After saying that, Vebby walked away. However, she did not actually leave. Instead, she hid behind the wall, secretly peering out.

A moment passed. Two seconds.

Vebby bit her lower lip when the guard hesitated. He still stood in front of Eza's room, showing no signs of moving away.

Does he know that I'm trying to trick him?

Considering that possibility, Vebby prepared for her alternative plan. It was risky, but she had no other choice. If necessary, she might have to strike the guard in front of Eza's room, even if it meant Sergio finding out about her actions.

But then, moments later, Vebby saw it. The guard moved away from Eza's room as well, perhaps finding it odd that his friend had not returned yet.

Vebby did not waste the opportunity. She ran forward, grabbed another vase, and without making a sound, struck the second guard's head with force.

Just like the first guard, the second guard immediately fell to the floor. Blood flowed and started staining the ground.

Without lingering to witness the gruesome sight, Vebby quickly returned to Eza's room. At that moment, Sergio's voice could be heard giving orders.

"Monte! Bernard! Come here and help me!"

It was the perfect timing. Vebby looked around and found another vase.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the door. Her blood boiled at the sight of Eza crying and clinging to the bedpost. Unconsciously, a vow echoed in Vebby's heart.

I will never forgive Dad and Sergio. Never.

Vebby stepped forward, unyielding. Whatever happened, she would save her only sister. And then, the vase flew through the air.

The vase landed forcefully on the back of Sergio's head. He instantly collapsed to the floor, blood pouring out.

"V-Vebby."

Vebby saw Eza and immediately approached, hugging her tightly.

"Oh God, Eza. Oh God," Vebby panicked. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

In Vebby's embrace, Eza shook her head. "No. I'm not hurt, but I'm scared. I'm so scared."

"You have me here. You don't need to worry. I'll protect you."

Vebby released their embrace. She needed to check on Eza's condition to make sure her sister was truly unharmed. Only then did a sense of relief truly settle in her heart.

However, Vebby quickly snapped back to reality. Their situation was far from over.

"Now," Vebby whispered, urging Eza to get up as well. "We need to leave this place."

Eza looked at her sister. "Leave?"

Vebby nodded in response. She held Eza's hand tightly.

"Anywhere will do," Vebby said determinedly. They exited the room, and Vebby surveyed the surroundings, ensuring it was safe. "As long as you're safe."

*

The pain stung. It pulled him back to consciousness, which had been momentarily snatched away. One of Sergio's guards, who was lying in front of the bathroom, opened his eyes.

His name was Monte. He immediately checked on his companion, Bernard, whose condition was not much different from his own. It seemed that Bernard had suffered more serious injuries, evident from the amount of blood flowing.

Monte intended to save Bernard, but something crossed his mind. He quickly got up and rushed towards Eza's room.

A sudden chill ran through Monte as he found Sergio sprawled motionless on the floor. Sergio's condition was exactly the same as what he and Bernard had experienced.

"Boss!"

Monte approached Sergio, not wanting to act hastily. He only checked Sergio's pulse on his neck. It was faint, but still there. At least Monte could breathe a sigh of relief, even if only briefly.

Observing the pooled blood, Monte was certain that Sergio was not in good shape. He guessed that Sergio's injuries were not minor.

Suppressing his own pain, Monte stood up. He looked around and cursed vehemently.

Who is the person behind all of this? Damn bastard!

Resisting the urge to immediately search for the assailant, Monte realized that Sergio's safety was paramount. He did not waste any time and immediately contacted the hospital before leaving the room.

Monte looked around. It was eerily silent. Utterly deserted.

"Help!" Monte shouted. "Help!"

It did not take long for Dean to come rushing in. Panic-stricken, he approached Monte and asked, "What's wrong?"

Instead of an answer, Dean received a sudden grip on his collar. Monte pushed him against the wall.

"What's wrong?" Monte retorted, his eyes glaring fiercely. "You ask what's wrong?"

Dean swallowed his saliva. Shocked and scared, he was taken aback.

"Tell me, you bastard. Who attacked us?! Did you do this intentionally to save your daughter?!" Monte yelled angrily.

Dean turned pale. His face resembled that of a corpse, ashen. But he did not understand what Monte was saying.

"W-what do you mean?"

Monte clenched his jaw, tightening his grip on Dean. "That woman," he answered in a low voice, full of anger. "She attacked us, and she must be the one who did this to the Boss!"

"A-woman?" Dean stammered. "Which woman are you talking about?"

Just as the question left Dean's lips, he realized something. There was only one possible name that could be the source of Monte's anger. Because there was an undeniable fact. There was no one else in the house, except for them.

Dean, who had planned to let Sergio take Eza away, deliberately ordered all the workers in his house to leave. He did not want anyone else to know what he was doing.

"Vebby."

There was no avoiding it. Dean knew how much Vebby loved Eza, and earlier, his eldest daughter had openly defied him. So, it was not necessary to ask whether something bad could happen to Sergio and his men.

However, Dean never imagined that Vebby would go to such lengths. It seemed unbelievable, but that's what happened.

It was Monte's grip on his neck that snapped Dean out of his thoughts. He threatened Dean, making his whole body tremble.

"Remember, Boss won't forgive all of this."

After saying that, Monte shoved Dean, causing the middle-aged man to collide with the wall and hit his head.

Dean groaned in pain. However, the pain was nothing compared to the growing fear that overwhelmed him.

Spitting out his saliva and trying to stay strong, Dean got up from there. He searched for the whereabouts of Vebby and Eza, but he could not find them.

An ambulance arrived. Sergio and Bernard were immediately rushed to the hospital. Monte also left. Now, Dean was alone in his house.

Sitting on the floor, the unplanned turn of events filled Dean with half-dead terror. If something bad happened to Sergio, he knew his own life would not be spared.

"Vebby!"

*

"Come on, Eza. Hurry up."

Vebby pulled Eza's hand, urging her younger sister to run faster. Vebby knew they had very little time. They could not afford to waste it.

Eza was panting, her breath already heavy. It was only natural, considering she had used up her energy to fight against Sergio. Now Eza found her legs numb and growing stiffer by the second.

"Vebby," Eza whispered, struggling to catch her breath. "Where are we going?"

Not wanting to take any risks, Vebby immediately planned for them to leave the house after she attacked Sergio. Armed with a bag containing a few essential items, they exited the elite complex.

Vebby could not trust anyone. She had not returned to Millbourne for a long time, almost two years. But she would not forget that Sergio was a powerful person.

There was no guarantee of safety if they sought help from neighbors or anyone else there. Anything could happen, and Vebby knew that she was the only one who could protect Eza.

"Anywhere. The most important thing right now is that we need to save ourselves first. I don't want anything bad to happen to you," Vebby reassured her.

Eza bit her lower lip, trying to hold back tears and unable to imagine what would have happened if Vebby had not come. She might already be at Sergio's house by now.

"Let's go."

Vebby's voice chased away the dark thoughts from Eza's mind, bringing her back to reality. She now had Vebby to protect her.

"We need to go as far away as possible."

Vebby and Eza hurriedly left the residential complex. Luckily for them, the security guard was talking at the post and did not notice the presence of the two siblings, giving them an opportunity to escape.

However, reaching the main road didn't immediately relieve their concerns. They had to truly get away from there.

Vebby looked around, searching for a taxi. Unfortunately, none were passing by.

Holding onto Eza tightly, Vebby kept walking. Staying still was a significant risk. Sergio's and Dean's people could easily find them.

"Come on," Vebby said, pulling Eza's hand. "We have to be fast."

Eza tried to keep running, to go as fast as possible. However, she had reached her limit.

Eza's legs could not move anymore. They felt weak. She fell to the ground.

"Ah!"

Eza's cry and the release of her hand made Vebby stop in her tracks. She turned around and saw Eza sitting on the road.

"Eza!"

Vebby immediately rushed to Eza. Walking hastily, she did not notice a car approaching at a fairly high speed. In the limited visibility, the four-wheeled vehicle accidentally grazed Vebby.

This time, it was Vebby who screamed, a mix of shock and pain, as her body was pushed backward and fell.

Eza called out her sister's name, her eyes wide, forgetting about her own condition.

"Vebby!"

Vebby got up, struggling to sit. It was difficult for her, but she managed. Her hand stung, and she noticed several abrasions on her elbow.

"Vebby," Eza said worriedly. She saw the scrapes on Vebby's body and panicked. "You're hurt."

Vebby tried to endure the pain, but a groan escaped her throat involuntarily.

Meanwhile, the car that had collided with Vebby immediately stopped. The person behind the wheel got out as soon as they parked their vehicle.

It was a young man dressed in a neat black suit who approached Vebby and Eza. His face clearly displayed a genuine sense of guilt.

"Miss, are you injured?"

Kneeling down, the young man assessed Vebby's condition. He touched her leg and inspected it, making sure there were no more severe injuries.

"I'm sorry, Miss," he pleaded with regret. "I was in a hurry, and I didn't drive carefully."

Vebby did not say anything. She whispered faintly while examining her injuries. Enduring the pain, she realized that the scrape on her elbow was quite large. It couldn't be called a mere abrasion, as fresh blood flowed from the wound.

"Oh my God. It seems I have to take you to the hospital."

Unexpectedly, the young man immediately reached for Vebby's hand. They both stood up, and Vebby quickly spoke.

"N-no need, Sir. It's just a minor injury."

The young man grimaced. "A minor injury? Oh my God. This is a significant wound and needs to be treated immediately."

Vebby truly didn't want to inconvenience him. However, she saw something in the distance-several men who seemed to be running.

They looked around as if searching for something or someone.

Vebby swallowed her saliva. Unconsciously, she held the young man's hand, gripping it tightly.

"I-I think I really need to go to the hospital," Vebby trembled. "The wound is throbbing."

The young man let out a long sigh, feeling relieved. He nodded.

"Let's go," he said. "We should leave now."

The young man assisted Vebby in walking, concerned that there might be unseen injuries on her legs. They got into the car, and soon enough, the four-wheeled vehicle was moving.

While the young man sat behind the wheel, attentively observing the night road, Vebby looked back. The people who had been chasing them were now confused.

Vebby breathed a sigh of relief. She and Eza were safe.

*