A Hundred Billion Bride

Prologue

I closed my eyes as the makeup artist applied some eye shadow. I didn't anticipate this happening to me. Everything feels surreal. As Dad and I talked earlier, I sensed his anger. How could he do this to his own daughter? I couldn't fathom it before, but now it's becoming a reality.

"Just relax, Ma'am," said the makeup artist as she noticed my trembling eyelids. I followed her instructions. When she finished, I was amazed to see myself in the mirror.

I've had makeup done several times before, but this is what I truly wanted. It looked natural yet impactful, giving me a fierce yet innocent look. They dressed me in a long dark blue fitted dress, accentuating my fair complexion. As they prepared me, I remembered Dad's words from the previous night.

"What? No!" I exclaimed, slamming the fork and spoon on the table upon hearing Dad's proposal. I gave him an incredulous look. I wouldn't agree. I'd never do what he wanted me to.

"Khione, this is for your own sake. Red Market is collapsing! They've discovered you! The billionaire bidders are willing to pay anything just to have you! This is a chance to save Red Market! Think about it, think about the money we'll receive after the bid," Dad insisted, trying to persuade me.

Is it all about the money? It's not just about money. It's about me and Red Market. If only Mom were here, none of this would be happening. Dad wouldn't be selling me to his failing illegal business where the buyers are billionaires and the products are virgins and beautiful women. I know this isn't right. It will never be right. It's infuriating. I don't want this. I want to run away, but I'd be just like my mom if I did.

But selling your own child isn't right, is it? "But Dad! I just turned eighteen! What if the buyer is a pedophile old man? Or perverts! No, Dad! I won't agree!" I stood up, ready to leave, but Dad quickly stopped me as he stood up and approached me.

"If you don't do this, I'll end up on the streets. I'll be jailed because of debts, and if the police catch wind of this..." he gripped both sides of my shoulders. I could see the desperation in his face now. His plea made me close my eyes. I opened them and looked up at him. Now, I was the one pleading.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I'd rather beg on the streets than be a plaything for rich men who have no respect for women." I turned away from him, not even finishing my meal. I've lost my appetite.

I do respect my Dad, but now, I've lost respect for him, and I can't find it. The joy of the day was supposed to be here, but it vanished because of what he said. My Dad is the owner of the infamous illegal Red Market. If the Black Market deals with illegal goods, the Red Market deals with the illegal and forced sale of women.

I wanted to ignore the fact that it's my father's business, but I couldn't because Red Market provided me with a lavish upbringing and everything I desired. It's helpful, but it's just not right. Even his plan isn't right. That's why Mom left the house and never returned when she found out Dad's line of work.

Since they got married, Mom had no idea Dad was part of a syndicate. Mom tried to take me away or even kidnapped me from Dad, but she failed. I wanted to go with her, but I was scared.

There was always someone watching wherever I went when I was younger. Now, I haven't heard any news about my mother. Perhaps Dad knows something but isn't telling me.

"We're not done yet, young lady!" his voice roared in the whole dining room. His voice lacked the pleading tone he had before. I didn't leave because I could feel his anger.

I remembered seeing him shoot one of his workers a long time ago, but I pushed that thought away. I didn't want to see Dad in a bad light, even though he truly was bad. Despite everything, I still love my father. He's still my father. I've always obeyed him, but not this time. I'm eighteen now, and I can make my own decisions.

"You are going to be the center of the night for the upcoming bidding, and that's it!" It seems not only the billionaires are desperate to have me.

My dad is desperate too to involve me in his illegal activities. I wanted to cry out of anger, but no tears fell. I was stunned. How could he do this to me? To his own daughter? I faced him and took a deep breath before meeting his angry gaze.

"You do know that I'm your daughter, right? Because you know what Dad? I don't know if you're still my father," I bravely replied to him. I received a strong slap from him. My tears rolled down my cheeks. He had never hit me before. He never raised his hand against me or forced me to do anything I didn't want to. I slowly faced him again.

"You disrespectful child," he murmured and glared down at me. I looked up at him proudly and smiled bitterly.

"Same to you, Dad," I said, and I received another slap, this time on the other cheek. My cheeks burned from his slap. Maybe I looked like a woman who put on too much blush on?

"Don't make me angry, Khione. Do as you're told." Then he stormed out of the dining room. I snapped back to reality when I heard the last girl being called before me.

I couldn't shake off what happened before I got here. I'm backstage now, trying to be brave just for tonight.

"Three hundred fifty million!" The room fell silent. Well, that's it. The girl's already sold out.

"Now, finally! We have reached the last. Are you ready to meet her?" the emcee said thrillingly. A man escorted me up the stage, the curtain still down so no one could see me. Then it happened.

"Ms. Khione Fuego!" The curtain parted, and all the bidders looked at me.

The emcee started speaking, but I didn't listen anymore. My attention was on the VIP seat at the top. My father, as he intently looked at me. I glanced briefly at the man sitting near my father. He looked at me with interest in his eyes. He looked familiar. I've heard rumors about him, but I don't know his name. I quickly looked away from him. I won't last under his scrutiny.

"One hundred million."

"Five hundred million."

"One hundred billion." I closed my eyes when I heard the last huge amount. I didn't even look at the hundreds of billionaires in this Red Market. I'm scared of what might happen to me. Who will I belong to? I may seem brave, but I'm still scared. I'm just a normal woman.

"One hundred billion for the Red Market's Heiress!" the announcer said. We waited for almost five minutes, and when no one raised their bid, the announcer spoke again.

"Ms. Khione Fuego is now sold out. Please come upstage Mr. Caspian Lordcan." My eyes widened at the name. I remember him. I didn't know he would spend that much for me. Plus, I barely know him, but I've heard stories about him. Gossips about him. He's a dangerous man.

I heard that he kills all the women he buys here if they don't obey him. I don't know if it's true or not. Finally, I found the courage to look at the man who bought me. It can't be.

I need to escape. I need to get out of here. I don't want to die yet. I saw from the VIP seat, which was somewhat close to where Dad was sitting, that he stood up and left the VIP area to come up on stage. His face was terrifying, his expression dark. I immediately felt my knees shaking as he walked towards me.

Throughout his approach, his eyes were fixed solely on me, and I could barely withstand the intensity of his gaze. He stopped in front of me, wearing a very expensive three-piece suit. I recoiled when he tried to grab my arm. His expression darkened even more, which frightened me even more. He stared at me.

"D-Don't touch me," I threatened, but fear was evident in my voice.

"I will touch you whenever and wherever I want," his voice carried a sense of possession. He attempted to grab me again, but I quickly pulled my arm away.

"I said don't touch me!" I glanced at my father who was watching us from above. It's all his fault. He put me in this situation. He sold me to his own illegal business, Red Market. My father's face was full of threats. If I did anything wrong, I'd be in trouble. A forceful hand quickly grabbed my arm, and I looked at the owner of the hand. It dawned on me that it was Caspian, and he looked at me with extreme disdain.

"You heard me, I don't want to repeat it," he said firmly.

"I'm not a very good guy, Khione. Don't get on my nerves," he threatened this time.

After that, he dragged me off the stage, and the crowd erupted into cheers.

"You're so lucky, Lordcan."

"Shit you, Lordcan."

"You looked innocent, dearie." Those were the things I heard as we passed by them. But a billionaire around Caspian's age blocked our path, so we stopped.

"What's up, Lordcan? You shitfaced, I already said that she's mine! 500 million! Why the hell did you waste a hundred billion?" he shouted at Caspian. He's right. What man would spend billions on one woman? He must be out of his mind. I was startled when Caspian punched the man. The man fell to the ground while holding his jaw.

"Then you should have made your 500 million into a billion. Fucker," Caspian said roughly as he grabbed my hand again until we were out of Red Market. I'm scared. I don't want to go with him.

"Get in," he said tersely when we reached an expensive car. The front seat door was already open. I had no choice but to obey his command. I remained silent throughout the journey as he focused on driving. Many thoughts raced through my mind. What will he do to me? I feel like jumping out of this moving car.

"Get out," the billionaire who bought me said harshly. Caspian Lordcan. Despite the fear I felt, I rolled my eyes in defiance. He stood beside me, holding the car door. I crossed my arms, even though my hands were shaking from cold and fear, and looked at him challengingly.

"What if I don't? If you're planning on killing me sooner, why not now?" I said defiantly, raising my chin as I met his dark gaze. If he can pretend to be happy when he's sad, I can pretend to be brave even when I'm scared. His hair is so dark, he's not that white but he has very hot skin. Not too fair, not too dark.

He's wearing a three-piece suit so I can't see his arms. Why am I thinking about this? I have to get rid of him. I need to find a way to escape. I gave him a very sweet smile. I saw his eyebrows furrow in confusion. He probably wonders. He hasn't recovered from his confusion when I quickly kicked him in the stomach, causing him to step back.

"Shit!" he cursed and clutched his stomach. I heard him groan. I quickly got out and was about to run while I still had time, but a strong arm wrapped around my waist. A sarcastic laugh echoed around me.

"What do you think you're doing? That's just so cute, Khione," Caspian chuckled sarcastically and teasingly over my ears. He tightened his grip on my waist, pulling me closer to him so I could feel his solid body against my back. He wasn't hurt by what I did earlier? Seriously? I'm wearing heels, how did he not get hurt?

"Try harder, baby," his sexy deep voice made my whole system on fire. I screamed when he suddenly lifted me up. My stomach was now on his shoulder. I hit his back, but he just laughed. Seriously? He's not in pain?

"Put me down!" I screamed, but he didn't listen. "Or else I'm gonna kill you!" I threatened, but he wasn't scared at all. He laughed and walked towards a large house.

"No can do."

Once we were inside the house, he placed me on the soft sofa. At least he put me on his sofa. Not on the bed.

"Hey, I'm leaving! Just withdraw your one hundred thousand and I'm out of here!"

"It's one hundred billion," he corrected me. I just rolled my eyes.

"One hundred billion! Take it back! I'm leaving!" I stood up and was about to leave when two giant men suddenly blocked the front door. They looked like incredible hulks. Where did they come from? I didn't see them when we entered earlier.

I faced Caspian, folding my arms across my chest and pouting. "Hmm? You say something?" he asked nonchalantly.

What the heck? Is he not even listening to me? Should I punch him? What's he thinking? All this time, am I just blabbering to myself here?

"You-"

"Hi darling! Why did you leave me? Come here, let's continue what we're doing earlier." I looked towards the grand staircase upon hearing the shrill voice of a woman. Guess what? Her soul was practically visible as she descended the stairs. The woman, like a parrot, approached Caspian and wrapped her dainty hand around his arm.

"Well, I can't, Shella-"

"It's Sheena."

Look at that. He even got her name wrong. Where did he find this flirtatious woman? Am I in a freaking prostitute house?

"Rolando, take her where she wants," Caspian ordered one of the bodyguards.

Really? He's letting me leave?

I smiled as I approached the guard, but my smile faded when he just brushed past me. I followed him with my gaze. Rolando approached the parrot-like woman and held her arm tightly.

Then, in an instant, the woman and Rolando were gone.

I couldn't believe it. I looked at Caspian in disbelief. "What the hell? I thought it was me," I hissed, shooting him a glare.

Assuming much. Damn.

Chapter 1; Punished

I forcefully swallowed my food and abruptly removed the spoon from my mouth.

Not even a glance from this annoying snob.

I've been trying to get his attention and bothering him. I just want to go home; we have a modeling gig tomorrow.

Yes, I'm a model for any magazine.

"Eat properly, Khione." I was startled by his deep voice, sounding like a groggy voice? What do you call that? Husky? Like a husky dog's?

"Tss, I'll go home tomorrow, okay? I promise I'll behave today." I'm not begging. That's what we call, acting. He's lucky if I beg, right?

"I'll think about it," so he's actually thinking? Why didn't he think before buying me for a hundred billion? Are you okay, dude?

"You're such a tease! Just say you won't let me go home! Instead of giving me false hope!" I stood up and turned away from him. I froze when the doorbell rang.

Oh, he has a visitor?

"I'll get it!" I left the dining room, but I felt him following me.

I hadn't even reached the door when the maid opened it. I remembered, I'm in a billionaire's house. Of course, he has many servants. Or so I thought.

Turns out, he only has one maid, an old woman. From outside, I could hear a woman crying.

"Ma'am, I'm really sorry, but Mr. Lordcan strictly prohibits visitors today," said the old maid. I quickly walked out and when I saw what was happening outside, I couldn't help but hold onto my chest.

"But, ma'am! I'm pregnant! And he's the father!"

A woman lying on the Bermuda grass caught my eye. She's extremely sexy and beautiful. Smooth skin and you could say she's really beautiful. Looks like she's also from a wealthy family. I think she's around sixteen years old.

"What's all this commotion?" I squared my shoulders and made my voice even more intimidating to the girl. That one that can intimidate girls?

They both turned to look at me.

"M-Ma'am." I felt the maid was also afraid.

Am I that scary? I'm not a ghost, am I?

I winked at the maid. She was surprised by what I did. She excused herself after that, so I was left alone with the girl who assumed she's pregnant and Caspian is the father.

"I need to talk to Caspian-"

I cut her off. "How would I know if you're just pretending to be pregnant and he's the father? Is there a pregnant woman throwing tantrums on the floor? Idiot," I even emphasized the letter b when I said idiot.

You see, my definition of "idiot" is for idiot guys, and "idiot" for idiot girls.

"Who are you anyway? His flavor of the month?" wow, this girl's fierce.

"Didn't it occur to you that you might miscarry in that situation? Of course, you didn't think of it because you're not really pregnant, right?" boom. I saw her eyeballs almost pop out. I hope they fall out so she'll always be looking at the floor.

I'm so bad, aren't I? I promise I'm not mean. Just a little bit.

I don't want to get depressed or stressed about what's happening between me and my dad, so I just focused my anger on this ambitious girl. I can't be mad at my dad. Maybe my answer to him was enough.

"Who are you?" she rolled her eyes without her eyeballs popping out.

"You don't know me. You're always with guys, do you ever think about the guy you're thinking about? No, right? So just shut up." I rested my hands on both sides of my waist and looked her up and down.

Her outfit was so short; she almost seemed embarrassed even by her soul. She stood up and pointed at me.

"You! I'll report you to Caspian!" go girl. She quickly passed me and entered without saying anything.

I stayed outside and pondered. What if she's really pregnant? And what if Caspian is really the father?

Oh no, I'm screwed, right?

Based on my calculation and observation of Caspian. He seems like a playboy. Sex lord, drug lord-

But he's probably not a drug addict, right? What should I do?

I was brought back to reality when I heard a cry from inside. I went in and saw the girl being slapped by Caspian using the back of his hand. She was lying on the floor now. Hours passed and there was no blood coming out of her. Was she not miscarried or was she really not pregnant?

I just stayed by the door, secretly listening and waiting for whatever happens next.

"Desperate girl," his voice thundered throughout the living room.

"C-Caspian..." the girl said, almost in tears. I felt sorry for her. What should I do? Just stand here? What Caspian did to her was too harsh. That's not right.

"Fernando," he called one of his bodyguards. So, Rolando and Fernando are his bodyguards. Now I know. The bodyguard approached him and waited for his order.

"Take her to the Empire's House. Lash her with a belt, fifteen times. Then take her to her house, tell her father what a shameless lady his daughter is." Caspian said seriously. So the rumors are true? Has he killed someone? But he didn't buy the girl pretending to be pregnant, did he?

I felt scared when he looked at me. Oh no, I'm caught. I want to be scared because I am scared, but I will never give him the satisfaction. That's just so cowardly.

Chin up, chest out, stomach in, and butt out. Of course, the butt should be in the back, right? Don't you see in magazines how they really emphasize their butts to look sexy?

I approached them.

"Fernando..." I smiled at Fernando. I saw one of Caspian's eyebrows raise. "She's just an innocent girl, naive and harmless. It's pitiful if you hurt her, isn't it?" because the girl is really pitiful. I even made my voice sweeter and smoother this time.

I'm almost nauseous doing it. I really don't like sweets.

"I'm sorry Ma'am, but that's the boss's order." It's just that, it didn't resist my charm.

I looked at Caspian who didn't seem to be able to change his decision. I violently grabbed the woman's arm and dragged her out of the house. There I left him outside and closed the double doors myself.

I went back to the living room and saw that they were still there. Fernando, men look scared. I was about to sit on the sofa when Caspian violently grabbed my arm and pulled me up so that I could not continue sitting.

"Why did you do that?" he asked angrily which made me feel very scared.

"Because I think she's just so young to be harassed like that!" yes, it looks like sixteen years old. He was silent for a few minutes and kept looking at me. It's like reading my mind.

"Okay then, you'll be the one receiving the lash for that girl." What he said made me nervous, especially when he violently dragged me up the grand staircase.

He opened a black door and pushed me inside. My heart beat so fast when I saw what was around me. It's very dark.

But in the middle there is a yellow light. We stopped there, in the middle of the room. I didn't realize that he was already holding a black belt. He hit the belt in the air and I just closed my eyes when I heard the noise from the belt.

He looked at me and for a moment I saw his reluctance to do this to me. That was immediately replaced by anger and the desire to hurt me.

"Strip!" I kept staring at him. I will not do what he wants me to do. Can I just wear this? He's really big.

"What are you waiting for? I'm going to undress you? You're not respecting my decisions, Khione. Now, suffer the consequences of what you did." he hit the air again with the belt he was holding.

I was startled by the noise that came from the belt. It just sounds like a whip. Just thinking about it hitting my skin makes me want to cry.

"You are against the rules of the empire, Khione." empire? What is he saying? Does my dad know all this?

"I-I don't know what you're talking about-"

"I have no mercy," he violently hit a thin cloth on the side he was holding. I bit my lip when the fabric broke. It split into two.

"N-No..." I didn't say anything while staring at what he was holding. my hand was shaking with fear and I was so nervous that my heart almost came out.

I really need to leave.

"We have rules in the empire, Khione. You have to respect and bow down at me because I own you. one single mistake will make you regret everything that you did." he said firmly and held up the yellow belt he was holding. "This belt is the safest of all. What about a whip? Paddle? Don't make me use it to you," he explained.

He is really scary.

He's so... Ruthless.

I turned to the door we came from. I knew it was locked so I had no escape. Why did I jump out of the window? It's so dark here that I don't even know if anyone is younger.

I took a deep breath and slowly took off my white T-shirt. I changed clothes before we ate dinner.

He was right, I have to pay for what I did. It's not right for me to interfere with his decisions. That girl is lucky. hmm

I was only wearing a bra when I completely let go of the white T-shirt and it fell on the black floor. I looked at him. Watching how he would react when he saw the shape of my body.

"Fuck..." I heard him say it. I saw how his veins appeared on his arm as if he was restraining himself. I bowed when our eyes met after he looked at me.

"Your jeans." his baritone voice made goosebumps on my arms.

"Huh?" I asked nervously. what the hell, get well.

All my life I was still ashamed that someone was looking at my body. I've done two piece photoshoot, I wasn't embarrassed by the cameraman. I'm even confident in the camera to pose hot poses.

Why is it now that my sky-high gaze seems to fold when Caspian just glances at my body?

"Your jeans. Take them off." it is a strong command. I gave him a bad look. Maybe he's just a chump?

"Why isn't Fernando the-" He cut me off.

"You're my property. I won't let anyone do the things that I want to do to my property." he enunciated the word 'my'. He is very territorial. What land am I to be his property?

I was forced to take off my jeans. I was about to unzip the zipper but I stopped halfway and pulled the zipper up. It's closed again. I looked up at him. I saw how his Adam's apple moved. Did he just swallow?

He slowly approached me. I feel so nervous now. will my skin hurt after this? That fabric is damaged, it's still my skin.

"Y-You can just do it without removing the jeans, Caspian. It will only hit my back." my voice started to tremble, I calmed myself down because I didn't really know what to do. I thought that to finish this, it would be better for him to start.

He glared at me.

"Put this in your mind, Khione. I'm just fixing how you treat me. You lack discipline. You're too spoiled by your father." The voice was so authoritative that I couldn't say anything.

"Then do it." I whispered. My voice is scratchy and I still stutter. I have never experienced anything like this.

I give up. no matter where I look there is something really wrong with me. I interfered with his decision.

"I make the rules, you'll follow them." I swallowed at the last thing he said.

I received a blow on my back. My knees gave up to the pain that I felt. I fell to my knees and placed both hands on the cold floor for support.

One.

I counted in my mind. Maybe because it's too much, I'll hit him with the belt. I received another blow. I feel like I'm going deaf from the noise the belt makes.

Two.

I bit my lip as I received a stronger blow. I closed my eyes and didn't realize tears were streaming down rapidly. It really hurts. Three. I whimpered on the fourth blow. Four. He paused for a few minutes before continuing, and I braced myself for the fifth hit. I almost lost my breath from sobbing and crying. My vision blurred. I waited for the sixth blow, but it didn't come. I heard the belt hit the floor.

"Goddammit!" I heard him shout. I looked at him and saw him punching the wall. When our eyes met, he cursed again, glaring at me as if I had done something extremely painful to him.

"Damn you, woman," he cursed at me again. What did I do wrong again? Am I provoking him? I'm just following his desires. I've already humbled myself.

"C-Continue it, p-please," I pleaded to continue what he was doing. Because if he doesn't continue, the pain I'm feeling will last longer. I just want this to end. Even though I'm having a hard time breathing because of crying so much. He quickly approached me, and I thought he would continue, but I got more nervous when he tightly held my chin and turned my wet face towards his angry one.

"That's the fucking problem! Fuck! I can't fucking do it!" he forcefully let go of my face and stood up. He walked away from me as if my skin burned him.

"W-Why? Are you like this to the other g-girls-?"

"No!" he roared.

"This is fucking impossible!" He pulled at his hair as if his problem was too big. He punched the wall again. I wonder how much it hurts? I saw his fist turn red. I was still sobbing because of the intense pain. He harshly turned to me, glaring.

"Stop crying!" he was too harsh. "Fuck, I don't know what to do with you." Now his voice was calmer, but the anger was still evident.

"I-I want to g-go home," I continued sobbing. I couldn't stop; my back hurt so much. Surely, what he did to me will leave marks. He shook his head because of what I said. I tried to stand up, but as I was halfway there, my vision suddenly darkened. I heard only one voice and one word before I lost consciousness.

"Fuck!"

Chapter 2 - Plan

"What the fuck? Are you really a fucking doctor or psychologist? Do your fucking job! Stop asking useless questions!" I woke up to the baritone voice of a man demanding incessantly. Look at this guy. Even doctors aren't spared?

He's facing away from me and towards the doctor. Wait, what's going on? Why is there a doctor? Oh, maybe he's getting his hand checked by the doctor. Who punches a wall without reason, anyway?

And a psychologist?

Maybe they asked him if he's going crazy for punching the wall earlier without reason. He's just hurting himself. That's not normal.

I saw the doctor glance at me, prompting Caspian to quickly look away too. Is he feeling guilty? I was about to sit up when I suddenly felt the pain in my back. I winced.

"Manang Rana, you take care of her," I heard Caspian order the old maid, and Manang Rana immediately nodded. Caspian glanced at me once more before finally leaving the room.

I don't know which room I'm in now. This house is so big, after all. Where could he be going?

I glanced at the wall clock, and it's almost eleven. Did he really have to disturb the doctor? Maybe it's a family doctor. The doctor finished checking on me, and Manang Rana left to rest.

I was about to lie back down when I stopped midway upon hearing a car outside. This could only mean one thing. Someone's arriving or leaving.

Even though my back hurts, I still stood up to peek outside downstairs. I slid the curtain aside as I looked out.

That's Caspian's car. Rolando is driving it. Is he leaving? Where could he be going? It's late.

I decided to go out to ask Rolando. He's just preparing Caspian's car for him to leave immediately when he goes out.

When I got out of the room and descended the grand staircase, I was about to ask, but I chose to hide in a corner because it seems like Rolando and Fernando are discussing something important. They look so serious.

"He's supposedly going to Empire House."

"Why?"

"Paddle." What are they talking about? I don't understand.

I heard footsteps coming down the grand staircase, so I quickly bent down and quietly slipped into the backseat of the car. I saw a black fabric, so I ducked and hid underneath it.

What am I doing? I'm putting myself in danger again. Well, I just don't want to be left alone in that house without him. Since he bought me, I should be where he is.

I heard the driver's seat open, and I almost stopped breathing when the car started moving.

We're leaving. I almost winced in pain when it suddenly stopped. I heard the window roll down.

"Fernando, check on Khione every half an hour," I heard him order before continuing to drive the car.

Uh-oh. Trouble.

Does this mean they'll know I'm not there after half an hour? Then I know what will happen next. They'll call Caspian and say I'm missing.

Caspian will get angry, Add to that, I'm with him. Double kill.

My ears pricked up when I heard that noise. Someone's calling, and it's my ringtone, Uh-oh, in trouble.

"Report."

Then I remembered I don't have my cellphone, It's Caspian's. Shit, I got nervous there. My heart almost jumped out of my chest from anxiety.

Why? Because our ringtones are the same. I quickly realized his cellphone is an iPhone, I'm really thankful he put it on loudspeaker.

"Everything's ready, Sir," the voice on the other end said.

"Tell them... fuck themselves," Caspian angrily ordered.

"Yes, Sir. Anything else, Sir?" Fear was evident in the man's voice on the other end.

"Yes, also tell them to leave the country! I might as well kill them, fucking assholes." I can't explain how angry his voice was. What more if I see his face? Who is he referring to?

"Anyway, I want you to make a reservation in a resort. Any island," he added. So many orders. What does it feel like to be ordered around by a Caspian Lordcan? Must be fun.

He's going to a resort? Who's he going with? Maybe one of his girls, This position is getting uncomfortable. He finished one call from that guy. Another call came in.

"What's up, fucker?" Caspian greeted the caller, What's with Caspian? Uncensored.

"Just chillin', bastard."

"You know the feeling of seeing you again in extreme pain, dimwit?"

"I would like to see a live torture, butthead." I counted three different baritone voices. The first one even had a slang. You guys are so funny, is that you?

"Tss, there will come a day when I'll torture you guys too. Non-stop!" Caspian always sounds angry when he speaks. What more if you see his face?

"Translate it please," the slang-speaking one teased.

"I don't understand, boy."

"Just the non-stop word, what are you talking about?" Huh? They don't understand Filipino?

"Don't fool me. Fuck, you just go on vacation to another country and you suddenly don't understand Filipino anymore? Should I smack you in the face with Jose Rizal's book?" Caspian seems so close and comfortable talking to them.

Who are they?

"You should've come with us, idiot."

"There are so many chicks there."

"Dude, die of envy, please." Huh? Wait, does that mean Caspian can't go abroad? With all his wealth?

Just a maid and two bodyguards. Don't be surprised, self. Is he trying to save money? Then why did he buy me? Silence. A few seconds passed before I heard the noise indicating he ended the call.

The car stopped, and Caspian got out immediately. His car's tinted so I can't see if he's already outside. I peeked to see what's outside.

It's a large black warehouse-like building. It's huge. There are large trees around it. No guards outside. Is this the Empire House he's talking about? He went in. I followed.

As I entered the warehouse-like building, I secretly followed him. There's no one guarding the entire place. What kind of place is this? There's hardly any furniture. He turned, so I turned too. At the far end, he entered a large door.

I stayed by the door and hid in the darkness. It's really dark here, although some lights are on but some are broken. The ones inside are quite bright, so I can see them clearly.

Three handsome men dragged a black sofa from the side and placed it in the middle. Then all three flopped down on it. Maybe they're the ones Caspian was talking to on the phone? I shifted my gaze to Caspian, who was now facing a man holding a paddle.

He took off his top while the three started eating popcorn. Wait, where did that popcorn come from? It wasn't there earlier. They're even laughing. Caspian walked towards a small stage with the man holding the paddle following him.

When Caspian stopped in the middle, I was surprised to see him struck by the paddle wielded by the man.

Wait, what's happening? This is so confusing. It's like being in a maze where you suddenly find yourself back where you started. A puzzle without the pieces.

Caspian had already received six blows from the paddle, but the man didn't stop and struck him again. At first, it seemed like Caspian didn't feel the pain, just a pinch? That was the expression on Caspian's face. He also seemed expressionless.

Isn't he feeling any pain? What kind of body does he have? Wait, I scanned his body from the stomach up to the neck. I can only say one thing.

If a cake has an overloaded amount of chocolate, he has an overloaded amount of muscles in his body. I have nothing more to say, that's it. On the eighth paddle, I saw how he tightly shut his eyes as if enduring the pain.

"Remembrance, guys!"

"Take a picture."

"Idiot, it's 'take a photo' because that's what it means!" His friends, pretending to be seated on the sofa, seemed to be enjoying seeing their friend in pain. Why are they happy to see their friend getting hurt? Are they really friends?

I looked back at Caspian. Poor guy. He's drenched in sweat, Should I stop them? Fine, maybe Caspian will faint. I was about to step in but quickly stopped myself when I remembered.

Never mind. It suits him. He's so mean, I hid again near the door and continued watching what was happening.

On the tenth paddle, the man finally stopped. He moved away slightly from Caspian, who was panting heavily and sweating profusely.

Didn't he lose consciousness? Too bad. I just wanted to see which of the three would carry him if he fainted.

"Oh, look who's here. The one and only Lordcan," I heard a slow clap from a slightly darker part of the room.

A stunning woman emerged. She was wearing a very daring outfit. She looked like a supermodel in my opinion. With her long and smooth legs, she had three earrings sparkling on one ear. She had a badass vibe. I think she's in her early twenties or about the same age as Caspian.

"Kate," Caspian said expressionlessly. His face seemed to say; I don't care about you, go fuck yourself.

"Well? Have you broken any rules again? I'm curious, what is it?" she blew a bubble gum and it popped. She chewed the gum again. She looked cool.

"None of your fucking business," the guy who paddled Caspian handed him a towel. He violently took it and wiped his face. He really likes violent things, huh?

"You created this organization, Caspian. What did you do? You keep breaking your own laws," Kate accused meaningfully.

Organization? He has his own organization? Organization of what? Businessmen? No, why are there things like this? They get punished when they break the law.

"I am loyal to my own rules. I punish myself truthfully. You have no right to say anything. I have the position, Kate, while you have none," now I heard Caspian starting to get annoyed with Kate.

He's so harsh in his actions, even in his words, he doesn't let go of his violent nature?

"I get it, Caspie. Why so serious? I'm just saying this as your friend..." she crossed her arms and looked intently at Caspian. "... Friends with benefits," Kate winked at him. I gasped when I heard that.

I don't know why, but I felt annoyed at Kate, Caspie? Yuck, that's an ugly nickname.

"Oh."

"OMG." I heard the two guys mumble. But one voice echoed around as the last guy who reacted shouted.

"I wish all!" Then the three burst into laughter. I saw Caspian hit the guy who paddled him with the towel. The guy quickly caught it to prevent it from falling.

"Mad?" He threw a nasty look at the three pseudo-men sitting on the sofa. Two went silent, but one kept laughing, oblivious to Caspian's deadly glare. He only stopped laughing when nudged by his neighbor.

I froze, huddling tighter in my hiding spot when I heard the heavy footsteps approaching.

"Lordcan, how's the girl?" asked a slightly older voice. I saw him move towards Caspian, flanked by two bodyguards. I remembered Rolando and Fernando. I'm dead.

"The girl?"

"The girl?"

"The girl?" The three guys on the sofa echoed the old man's last words.

"You have a girl?" only Kate sounded different. She asked? Isn't it obvious from Caspian's demeanor that he always has a girl? Who are they talking about?

"Tss, that girl," I saw Caspian roll his eyes. You know that male eye roll?

Hot.

It's hot in this hiding place, cramped too.

"Why? Are you regretting now? You bought her, she's the only heiress of the Red Market. You own her, that means you own the Red Market too. Your billions spent are not wasted. Now I know why you bought her, because all the Red Market profits will go to you. That's just brilliant," explained the old man.

What? Shit. Am I the one they're talking about? With all the women he has, I didn't assume it was about me.

I get it. What about Dad? I thought the purpose of selling me to him was for the Red Market? Why does he still seem at a loss?

So that's Caspian's plan all this time? He really has no mercy. He's so evil. I don't think Dad knows about this. The Red Market will only come to me when he's gone. It's like his legacy to me.

Is he also planning to kill my father? But I don't want to. I don't want to accept anything illegal from my father. So that's why he didn't hurt me completely? He needs me alive for the money.

Money. I wish I were just money. At least then I'd have some value.

I snapped back to reality when I heard a loud curse and Caspian punching the newly arrived old man. The old man staggered back, his lower lip split. Even his bodyguards seemed useless, not stopping Caspian. What's the point of them? Are they really bodyguards?

"Silence. Are you familiar with that word, Mr. Zimeon?" I could see the excessive anger in his eyes.

"Yes, Sir," the old man answered respectfully. Why is he being respectful to someone younger than him? This situation is so confusing.

"Then keep your filthy mouth shut or would you want me to give you money for condolence?" His veins looked like they were about to burst as he kept glaring at Mr. Zimeon.

"No, Sir."

"Good," Caspian said, satisfied with Mr. Zimeon's answer. The surroundings were eerily quiet. I was even scared to breathe, fearing they might hear even my breath.

A sound shattered the silence. It's an incoming call. I swallowed hard when I saw Caspian take out his cellphone from his pants pocket.

I'm definitely dead.

"Rolando," his voice was serious, his expression even more intense. As soon as I heard the name of the caller, I slowly backed away from behind the door and started walking out cautiously.

"Fuck?!" I winced as I heard his terrifying voice booming. Should I just go back to the car? Should I escape? But what if he hunts me down? I don't want to worsen his anger.

"Find it!" I finally made it out and quickly slipped into the backseat of the car, hiding under the black fabric. Wait, why did I get in here? Wasn't I supposed to escape?

I was about to leave when I quickly hid again upon seeing Caspian exit and realizing the car was already speeding away. My back hurts so much. We arrived quickly, and as the car stopped, I heard a violent opening and closing of the door.

I'm really dead. Should I just go out and go to the back of the house? Then dig my own grave? Maybe it's better to bury myself alive than face the intense wrath of a Caspian Lordcan.

That's what I did. I got out of the car and hid among the bushes. I went to the back of the house and smiled when I luckily saw an open door.

What do they think of me? Crazy? If I'm going to die now, I want the killer to dig. It's his problem and wherever he wants to bury me.

I entered and was greeted by the large kitchen of the house. My slippers were slightly muddy. Caspian will probably find out soon that I went out. I took off the slippers and threw them outside. I don't know where they went. What's important now is that I don't get caught by Caspian.

I saw a glass of warm milk on the kitchen island. I approached it and was about to drink when the kitchen door suddenly opened, coming from the dining room.

Caspian's angry face greeted me, seeming desperate to find what he's looking for. His expression changed when he saw me.

"What are you doing here?" he asked sharply. I raised the glass of milk I was holding and smiled to appear innocent.

Who made the milk? Hopefully, it's not poisoned? I heard him sighed in relief.

"Go to your room," he ordered, still scrutinizing me with his terrifying eyes. "Now," he added when I didn't move from where I stood.

I pouted. I left the milk there and walked out of the kitchen. I passed by him and flipped my hair right beside him. He raised an eyebrow at what I did but deep inside, I felt extremely nervous and scared. See? I didn't get caught. Just trust.

I stopped walking when he suddenly spoke. I didn't face him and remained with my back to him.

"The floor is cold, where's your slippers?" How? I threw them away. What do I say? Did a thief rat take my slippers?

Aish.