A Night with The Billionaire

"But Uncle!" Lilliane protested. "Mr. Fuentes is fifty years old, isn't he?" Her eyes began to show anxiety. "Why-"

"Mr. Fuentes is sixty years old, Lilliane!" Richard said impatiently and irritably. It seemed the niece was still opposing their wishes.

Lilliane looked up and met her uncle's angry gaze.

"Mr. Fuentes is very rich. You won't go hungry or suffer with him! He might even save our family and business! That consideration is so important that you should just engrave it into your mind right now!"

Lilliane stood up violently, unable to hold back, drawing the full attention of the two. She was sure that the two could also see how red her face was from a mix of anger and frustration.

She admitted that even though she was hesitant about marrying someone she didn't know, she was ready to accept it-for the sake of her late parents' company. But the thought of marrying an old man-almost like her grandfather-was unbearable!

Disgusting!

Just thinking about spending the wedding day with him and afterward-or even just facing him now-made her want to vomit!

"And what about me? What about my own life and happiness? Do I not have a right to my own life?"

Richard's lips formed a tight line, and Mathilda, like her husband, furrowed her brows in irritation.

"I thought we had made this clear. Didn't you agree to the arranged marriage? Why are you resisting now?"

Tears began to fall from Lilliane's eyes.

"But why that old man!"

Richard Amante sank back into his chair.

"Happiness has no place in these times, and your happiness won't save us. We're on the brink of bankruptcy and you're still thinking about your happiness! Your life! Your sacrifice is crucial for our survival and the business! You're still thinking only of yourself!"

Lilliane's voice broke as she spoke again, a mix of pain and disbelief evident.

"Sacrifice? Is that how you see me? You talk as if I'm just an object. You have no care for me? For what I feel and the outcome of this because of your wishes!"

"Our priority is the family's future." Mathilda's voice was as cold as ice when she spoke again, her brow raised. "Your feelings have no place in our family right now. They won't save us. If Mr. Fuentes is willing to marry you and offer his support, then you must accept."

Lilliane's tears flowed even more from her aunt's words, like a waterfall cascading down her cheeks, non-stop. She swallowed while also trying to suppress the sound rising from her throat.

What they conveyed was painful for her. It felt like she was being treated not as a relative but as a mere tool.

"You expect me to marry a man old enough to be my grandfather? I'm supposed to sacrifice my own happiness just to save the business. You're only thinking of yourselves!"

Mathilda slapped Lilliane's face, making her stagger. The impact of the slap was so strong she almost felt her head fly off.

Richard's patience with his niece was wearing thin, and his expression was even harder than before.

"The decision is final, Lilliane. You cannot change it even if you present your rights to us!" Mathilda said through gritted teeth.

"You can't do this! You can't dictate my future based on your desires! You won't make me submit like this! I'm not a robot to follow your wishes!"

Mathilda took a step forward, causing Lilliane to retreat slightly, her teeth clenched and her face stern.

"We can and we have," Mathilda's voice was firm. "This is a matter of survival. You should be grateful for the opportunity."

"Isn't there any other way?" the girl pleaded, her voice trembling again. "Can't you find another alternative? I am begging you to reconsider."

Richard Amante shook his head.

"There are no viable alternatives. The bankruptcy is imminent, and Mr. Fuentes's support is crucial. You must fulfill your part in this arrangement." The man's statement was final.

"And what if I refuse?" Lilliane asked in a low but determined voice, almost like a whisper.

She was shocked and stepped back when her aunt grabbed her jaw. Her aunt's sharp nails dug into her cheeks.

"You have no right to refuse," Mathilda said through gritted teeth, her eyes blazing with anger. "Don't think your tears will change anything! They're useless and won't help!" She then forcefully let go of Lilliane's face.

Lilliane sobbed, almost choking from crying. The sharpness of her aunt's nails seemed to linger, embedded in her skin.

Richard smirked derisively, as even he could hear the girl's words.

"Once you refuse, we lose everything. Your refusal will signify the loss of our assets, this mansion, our social status, and perhaps even our happiness. Is it too much to ask for such a small sacrifice? Can't you even do that? It's such a simple request we're making of you, Lilliane!"

She wanted to argue further but was running out of strength. Even if she disagreed with what was said, it would change nothing. They would just keep going in circles.

Lilliane sank back into her chair, weakened, her shoulders slumped.

"So, this is really it. There's no way out." She said, more to herself.

Richard Amante sighed deeply, and his previously stern expression softened slightly.

"I understand this is a heavy burden for you, Lilliane. But sometimes, we must make sacrifices for the greater good of everyone."

Lilliane glanced at the two with deep despair.

"When you talk about what's good, it's as if you know anything about it. You don't even see my suffering. I can't believe you're doing this to me as if I'm not family."

"We are only acting on what we believe is best for our family's interest," Mathilda Amante said, exhaustion evident in her voice. "So, you should trust our judgment on what is best and necessary beyond what you know."

Lilliane's tears flowed again.

"I don't know how I'll move forward from this. How will I face him?"

Mr. Amante stood up. His voice was firm but soft as he spoke.

"You will face Mr. Fuentes as appropriate. We have an appointment with him tomorrow, so you need to prepare."

"Rest now, Lilliane, you will need it."

"Rest? How can I do that when my whole world is falling apart?"

"We're doing this for a reason, Lilliane." Richard's voice softened slightly but remained determined. "I hope that, in time, you will understand."

Mathilda began to walk toward the door.

"Come on, darling," she said to her husband, "We have much to prepare for tomorrow."

The man sighed deeply and left the room in silence.

Lilliane was left alone, sitting. Her body felt withered from despair until she couldn't hold back a loud wail from the outcome of her life at that moment.

When she composed herself, she wiped her tears.

She took a deep breath, hardened her face, and decided.

She left the room and went to her unit to get ready. She wasn't sure if she was still sane.

If she couldn't offer her virginity to the man she truly loved, she would give it to someone else. She couldn't bear the thought of that old man benefiting from her body!

Lilliane went to a high-end club after getting herself ready. She wore a red cowl neck silk dress that hugged her curvy body, exposing her smooth back and shapely thighs.

She had been trembling earlier while staring at her reflection in the vanity mirror, applying red lipstick. She wasn't used to such a sexy dress that would be seen by many, as it felt like she was exposed even though the smooth fabric embraced her body. But she had to do what was on her mind. She would give herself to any man in the club as long as it wasn't that old man!

Lilliane grimaced at the thought of Mr. Fuentes. She couldn't help but feel nauseated, especially thinking that he would possess her young body.

How disgusting!

Lilliane downed yet another shot glass.

That old man was probably fantasizing about her, which was why he asked for her through her uncle, using their company's downfall as an excuse!

Disgusting! She was disgusted!

She wanted to cry but had probably exhausted all her tears. She also felt numb.

She downed the contents of another shot glass.

She couldn't stand what her uncle and aunt had done to her. They treated her like she wasn't their family!

She knew she was making a sacrifice for the company her parents left her, but she just couldn't stomach marrying Fuentes.

After downing several more glasses of alcohol, she stumbled onto the dance floor. Her vision was spinning, but she didn't care. Her true intention for the night was fading from her mind. Anger and hatred took over, even though she felt she had no tears left. She would drown every moment in the glow of neon lights and the pounding music.

She raised her hands and started swaying her hips with her eyes closed. She even slid her hands from her neck down.

It seemed she was truly losing her sanity.

Lilliane didn't notice a man behind her dancing. For someone as drunk as she was, especially when she remembered her real purpose for being there, it didn't matter.

She flinched when she felt warm hands wrap around her waist, followed by the heat of a body pressing against her exposed back.

She continued dancing, completely indifferent to whatever the man behind her wanted to do. He matched her every movement.

The bar grew even louder as the DJ switched the music. She felt dizzy from the images of dancing people and the playful neon lights, so she kept her eyes closed, still aware of the man's body moving in sync with hers.

Lilliane's lips parted when she felt his hand gently caress her stomach. His palm was so warm, and she didn't understand why it brought her a strange sense of comfort.

She couldn't help but gasp when something soft and moist landed on the junction of her neck and shoulder. Her hair stood on end. The sensation sent an unfamiliar feeling through her, and she couldn't help but feel desire for more.

She turned around to face the man. The first thing she noticed through her blurred vision was his clenched jaw, his firm, pink lips that looked soft and... delicious, especially the bottom one. He had a sharp nose. Her gaze traveled upward, meeting his dark, night-like eyes framed by thick brows and long hair.

The man was tall and very manly.

He seemed to have just come from work, judging by the white long-sleeved shirt he was wearing. The first button of his shirt was undone, giving her a glimpse of fine hair on his chest.

Lilliane felt his grip tighten on her waist, and she couldn't help but gasp and look back up at his face.

Their eyes met, and she couldn't resist biting her lower lip. She also noticed his gaze drop as she continued dancing, while he remained still. She wasn't aware of it, but she felt like she was seducing him with her movements.

He smelled so good. His scent wasn't overpowering but was enticing.

The strength of his shoulders and arms became evident when he held her tighter as she lost her balance, mindlessly swaying in front of him. She saw the corner of his lips twitch a smirk, and it seemed to sober her up a bit.

She had never seen such a handsome man before. This was probably the most strikingly attractive man she had ever encountered in her entire life. None of her past suitors, not even her crushes or famous actors in the Philippines or abroad, could compare. And she couldn't believe she was meeting someone this good-looking in a bar tonight.

Earlier, only one of his hands rested on her waist, but now both were caressing and squeezing. She started to feel warmth spread through her body, especially when one hand slid down to her butt, giving it a gentle squeeze, making her gasp.

Their bodies pressed closer together as they danced. She was beginning to feel breathless, though she didn't know why. It felt like she was yearning for something she couldn't quite grasp.

"You wanna go somewhere else?" he asked, his voice raspy. His hot breath brushed against her ear.

Lilliane felt intoxicated by his voice, almost as if it had the same effect as the alcohol she had consumed.

She turned to face him quickly. Their eyes met, and she could see the heat in his gaze, reflecting her own.

His eyes drifted down to her parted lips as they remained in that position.

"Somewhere... else," she repeated, her voice almost a whisper. She was breathless.

"Yeah,"

Before Lilliane could speak, his lips claimed hers. Her mouth opened in surprise, but she responded to his kiss, despite her lack of experience.

His lips were warm and soft, almost addictive, leaving her craving for more.

She felt him smile against her lips.

He nipped at her lower lip, sucking on it afterward, and she couldn't help but moan, responding more fervently to his kisses. It sent waves of electricity coursing through her entire body.

Lilliane felt like her mind was soaring. She found herself gasping with every kiss and touch he bestowed on her.

"Come with me," he whispered after breaking the kiss. Like her, he was also breathless.

He lifted her chin so their eyes could meet. Lilliane saw the burning desire and intensity in his gaze.

Suddenly, someone bumped into her from behind, causing her to stumble into the man's warm, firm chest.

She gasped sharply when she felt something hard pressing between his legs. Her eyes widened, and she saw the smirk tug at the corner of his lips.

"I-I'll go with you," she stammered, swallowing hard. She couldn't help but grip his collar and pull him closer. She tugged so hard that he had to lean down toward her. "Anywhere! I don't have any worth tomorrow anyway!"

She would treat this night as her bachelorette party. If it wasn't going to be with the man she loved, she'd rather give her virginity to this stranger than to that old man, Fuentes! He wouldn't get to benefit from her body! Just the thought of it made her skin crawl.

Lilliane didn't notice the flicker of confusion on the man's face at her words. But he still welcomed her response to his earlier question.

"Let's go!" he said in a deep voice.

As soon as they got inside the stranger's car, their kissing became unstoppable, as did his constant caressing of her exposed thigh. He licked the skin around her neck, and she moaned continuously, almost guiding one of his hands to grasp her breasts, which were craving attention. When he stopped, she almost protested.

She couldn't deny to herself how intoxicating the man's scent was, like she had inhaled a love potion. And she also admitted that this was her first time making out, so deep inside, she knew how eager she was. Perhaps it was also because of the alcohol she had earlier that she almost didn't want to refuse what they were doing.

He drove off from the club's parking space. She noticed the veins on his arm and hand as he gripped the steering wheel tightly, his jaw clenched.

Lilliane felt heat surge through her body, craving his touch and kisses. She must have been very drunk because she had lost all sense of reason.

Through half-closed eyes, she glanced at him. The lights from the establishments they passed played across his face.

Even through her drowsy state, she could tell that the man was indeed handsome. His nose was sharp, and she had the urge to reach out and touch his taut jaw.

Her silk dress shifted as she moved to adjust her head from where it was resting against the seat's headrest. She didn't quite understand why, but she couldn't stop moving her hips because of a tingling sensation between her legs that she had been feeling for a while now. She was getting lubricated down there, and she didn't know why.

From the corner of her eye, she noticed the man glancing at her twice before his hand reached for her bare thigh.

Heat coursed through her body from his touch, especially when he started stroking and squeezing that part of her.

She arched her back and couldn't stop a soft moan from escaping her slightly parted lips. She was searching for something she couldn't define. She also heard a curse slip from his mouth before he sped up the car.

The next thing Lilliane knew, they were inside a room. She found herself straddling his lap while he sat at the foot of a large, white bed, and they were kissing passionately.

He was such a good kisser that she felt like she was losing her mind. She could also feel his large, warm hands on one of her butt cheeks, likely holding her steady while sitting on his lap, with the other hand on her thigh, stroking and squeezing it.

His lips trailed down her jaw, and his tongue licked her neck again. Lilliane couldn't stop herself from gasping, followed by a moan of pleasure. She had begun to grind against his lap, causing him to curse again.

The man stood up, gently lifting her and laying her down on the bed. Lilliane felt delirious, and her body temperature rose even higher.

The room was dimly lit by a single lampshade. She couldn't clearly make out the man's face, but she saw him quickly unbuttoning his long-sleeved polo one by one before roughly taking it off. He seemed to be in a hurry.

She couldn't take her eyes off his body. His muscles were sculpted in all the right places.

Her legs kept stretching, just like her hands kept running over her own body, yearning for the man's touch.

Frustration began to build up inside her, and she wanted to scream at him to continue what they had started.

Lilliane felt the bed dip and then the soft, wet press of his lips on hers again, which she responded to eagerly. She gently cupped his face with both hands. Savoring every stroke of his lips on hers.

Once again, she couldn't stop herself from drowning in his kisses. She couldn't help but moan and groan as his lips claimed every corner of her mouth.

His lips traveled down her neck and across her shoulder. It was a tantalizing mixture of tickling and tingling, a sensation so delicious it sent shivers down her spine.

He pushed down the top of her dress, exposing her round, erect breasts to his gaze.

Lilliane's body arched when he took one of her hardened nipples into his mouth, and she let out a deep, drawn-out moan, gasping for air.

He had also pushed down the other side of her dress, and with one hand, he gently squeezed and massaged her left breast.

"Ohh," Lilliane bit her lower lip, her eyes closed, savoring the pleasure that coursed through her body from his actions. She couldn't take it anymore.

Heat surged between her legs. The emotions flooding her body and mind were unfamiliar to her, but she loved every bit of them. She hadn't realized it could feel like this, even before being fully claimed.

"Please," she pleaded for something she wasn't even sure of.

She reached for his head and couldn't stop herself from tugging at his hair. Her head was turning from side to side, her toes curling in pleasure.

"I'm begging you," she could no longer recognize her own voice, nor did she know exactly what she wanted to plead for.

She heard him curse under his breath.

"Calm down, babe," he said in a deep, baritone voice, as if catching his breath. If he didn't get himself under control, he might finish before her.

Lilliane felt his rough, warm hand crawl up one of her thighs. Her mouth opened in an 'O' shape as he grazed the line of her womanhood over her soaking wet underwear. She arched her back, and she heard him curse again.

Unable to hold back, he reached for her seamless underwear and, with one swift pull, removed it from her completely.

"F uck it, babe."

The man carefully spread her legs before positioning his mouth against her womanhood.

Lilliane inhaled sharply, her eyes rounding, as he began to devour her. Her mouth hung open, and her eyes fluttered shut, savoring the pleasure he was giving her.

Lilliane felt like she was going to lose consciousness from the exquisite sensation of his tongue gliding over her. She grabbed his head, stroked it, almost pulling and pressing him closer to her middle as he relentlessly flicked his tongue between her thighs. She had no idea where to place her legs and feet.

"Ohh!" she moaned, a long and satisfied sound. Her hips lifted, seemingly with a mind of their own, grinding slightly.

Lilliane couldn't describe the kind of pleasure she was experiencing, and she was close to begging him to take her.

She didn't recognize herself anymore. The alcohol she had consumed earlier and the lust she felt in that moment seemed to have merged completely.

She almost protested when he pulled away and left her presence, but the feeling only lasted a moment. The next sensation she felt was something pressing against her wet slit, further intensifying the heat coursing through her body.

Lilliane's eyes widened. She could feel his hardness pressing against her center, causing a new surge of warmth and pleasure within her.

The stranger leaned down and captured her lips with his mouth. She responded, just as he suddenly thrust inside her.

Lilliane's kiss froze, and her breath caught in her throat.

Pain. That was what she felt after his sudden entry. She grimaced and almost cried. The sharpness of the pain cut through her, as though something had shattered inside her from his abrupt invasion.

Lilliane heard a harsh curse.

"You're a virgin?!" he said, disbelief in his voice.

Lilliane couldn't quite tell, but it seemed like her virginity was an offense to him. She could also detect anger in his tone when he spat out those words.

Tears welled in the corners of her eyes. She felt raw and pained, both physically and emotionally, and she had to calm herself down.

The man was about to withdraw from above her when she reached out and stopped him. She grabbed his firm arm. Even though she couldn't see his face clearly, she knew he was angry.

Lilliane remembered hearing a conversation between her classmates back in college. They said that most men didn't like virgins; they preferred women who were experienced in bed. Apparently, virgins tended to be clingy, and men hated that. Maybe this man was the same.

"Please," she begged, hot tears trailing down the sides of her face. "Take me."

His jaw clenched as he looked down at her. She couldn't tell if the emotion in his eyes anger or lingering desire was.

"N-no," she said, shaking her head. "I won't chase after you. I won't bother you after this. Just take me!"

Without another word, he grabbed her lips again, this time fiercely and harshly. It was nothing like the tenderness he had shown her earlier. He kissed her like he was famished, unable to stop devouring her mouth.

His large hand cupped one of her breasts, squeezing the hardened nub gently.

He took one of her breasts into his mouth, his tongue swirling around the nipple inside.

Lilliane couldn't stop herself from moaning and whimpering in pleasure as he alternated between her full breasts and their peaks. The pain she had felt between her legs earlier began to fade away.

When he thrust back inside her, Lilliane's body arched again as the sharp sting returned. Tears spilled from her eyes. She could feel his heavy, ragged breaths as he carefully moved within her.

She saw the tension in his jaw, the sweat glistening on his flushed chest, and the fire of desire flickering in his eyes.

The man leaned over her as he fully entered her, his wet, soft lips kissing her earlobe gently and sweetly.

"Just tell me if it hurts, alright?" he said tenderly, seemingly giving her time to adjust to his size because he remained still above and inside her.

Like a lamb, she nodded, biting her lower lip.

Gradually, Lilliane felt him begin to move. At first, his thrusts were gentle, withdrawing and pressing back in carefully between her thighs, but eventually, they quickened and became more demanding. It still hurt, but the pleasure was starting to outweigh the pain.

Lilliane could feel both of them gasping for breath, their moans and groans growing more frequent and pleasurable. Even though it was her first time, she had to admit she was enjoying it.

Lilliane winced as she felt a sharp pain in her head, even before she fully opened her eyes.

Her head hurt, like it was being split apart.

She opened her sleepy eyes, holding her aching head, and was greeted by the sight of a ceiling in an unfamiliar room. She looked around; the walls were cream-colored, the curtains thick and reaching from the ceiling to the floor, and she knew it was bright outside.

A puzzled expression crossed her face, not knowing where she was.

She tried to sit up, but pain shot through her body, not just in her head-especially between her legs.

Her eyes widened even more when she felt a warm body beside her.

She had someone next to her!

She quickly turned to her left, only to see the large figure of a man lying face down on the bed. His muscular back greeted her. The man was tan, and it was clear from his physique that he worked out regularly.

She couldn't help but let her eyes wander over his naked back. She could see the top of his butt crack peeking out from under the twisted comforter.

Remembering the intense night they shared, Lilliane's eyes grew wide with panic.

This was the first time she felt such overwhelming shame, especially after how she had begged him to take her. How she had moaned and whimpered with each of his touches and kisses, and with every thrust of his manhood between her legs.

She couldn't even remember what time they had finished, but he hadn't stopped until he was fully spent.

Carefully and hurriedly, Lilliane got off the bed despite the soreness between her legs, afraid to wake the stranger.

She searched for the dress he had stripped off her the night before. She quickly put it on, never taking her eyes off the man, who was still fast asleep. She watched to make sure he didn't wake up.

Once she had her dress on, she realized how scandalous it looked. There was no way she could walk out of the hotel dressed like that!

Panicked, she grabbed something to cover the silk dress and spotted a white long-sleeved shirt on the tiled floor. She snatched it up and threw it on over the dress.

Whatever!

She cast one last glance at the stranger without bothering to take a good look at his face before she hurriedly left the room.

Lilliane half-walked, half-ran after stepping out of the elevator, making her way down the corridor toward her unit.

Her heart pounded in her chest, fear and anxiety taking hold of her as she suddenly remembered they had an appointment with Mr. Fuentes that day. Her aunt had mentioned that her presence was needed at nine o'clock sharp, but it was already nearing ten.

When she opened the door to her unit, she was greeted by the furious faces of the Amante couple. Their clenched teeth were unmistakable.

Lilliane was terrified, especially when her aunt stood up and met her face with a slap.

Lilliane reached for the doorknob of her unit, her hands trembling as she fumbled with the key, trying to regain her composure.

It felt as if she had been struck by a fierce tornado since waking up and finding someone beside her in bed, with the last thing she expected being to see the two people she least wanted to face in that state.

Finally, she managed to insert the key and turned the knob, pushing the door open. She sighed heavily in exhaustion.

But as soon as the door fully opened, her breath caught in her throat.

Standing in the middle of her living room was her uncle Richard, with his arms crossed. His brows rose upon seeing her, and Mathilda, seated in the single sofa, glanced at her with a mix of anger and irritation evident on their faces.

Lilliane could feel the intense and oppressive tension in the unit, making her feel suffocated and further intensifying her nervousness. The way they looked at her only heightened her anxiety.

"Lilliane!" Mathilda's sharp voice sliced through the silence like a blade.

Before Lilliane could fully register what was happening, Mathilda's hand flew through the air and landed sharply on her left cheek.

Her face jerked to the side, and she instinctively cupped her now-numb cheek, frozen in shock.

Lilliane couldn't speak immediately, stunned by the sudden blow, her eyes wide as she stared at her aunt.

"A-auntie," she stammered, trying to calm herself.

Mathilda's eyes remained fierce, her overwhelming anger palpable to Lilliane.

Her aunt's gaze fell upon Lilliane's outfit-a striking and scandalous silk dress, bold and revealing. The white long sleeves she wore over it did nothing to conceal the provocative nature of the dress, if anything, it seemed to stoke the flames of anger in the two people in the room with her.

"You shameless woman," Mathilda practically growled through gritted teeth before raising both hands to grab her niece's hair.

Lilliane screamed in pain as she felt her scalp burn from the vicious grip of her aunt.

"Ouch, Auntie! Please me go!"

"You're such a slut!"

Lilliane tried to pry her aunt's hands off her hair, but Mathilda's grip was too strong, and she refused to let go.

Tears welled in Lilliane's eyes from the pain as she pleaded for her aunt to release her. But Mathilda was relentless, delivering another pair of stinging slaps to Lilliane's face. The force of the blows, along with the hair-pulling, sent her crashing to the floor.

Lilliane's head throbbed, and the pain in her scalp intensified.

Before she could recover, Mathilda grabbed a fistful of her hair at the crown of her head, forcing her to look up. Lilliane desperately tried to remove her hands.

"Auntie, please stop! It hurts!" Lilliane sobbed.

Mathilda brought her face closer, her eyes wild with rage, her teeth clenched.

"So, you were whoring yourself out to random men at the club, huh? You have no shame, you filthy animal! And now you're dragging us down with your slutty ways!" Mathilda spat at her.

Anger began to stir within Lilliane, mixing with her tears. She had no choice but to answer back.

"Better that than letting that old man-"

A sharp slap cut Lilliane off, sending her falling back to the floor.

She landed hard, the world spinning from the impact. Mathilda seized her by the jaw, her nails digging into Lilliane's cheeks as she forced her to look up.

Lilliane's face was wet with tears and sweat, strands of her hair sticking to her skin.

"Don't you dare cry! That won't work on me! I don't feel sorry for you!" Mathilda slapped her again, even as Lilliane tried to shield her face with her arms.

Lilliane struggled to find the words to fight back, but every time she opened her mouth, they stuck in her throat. The pain from the slaps and the hair-pulling clouded her thoughts.

"You're such a whore!" Mathilda growled at her niece. "You think you're some kind of saint, but you're just a slut! No matter how many men you let to f uck you, it won't change anything! You're marrying Mr. Fuentes, whether you like it or not!" She tightened her grip on Lilliane's jaw. "Do you understand me?" she screamed; her eyes wide with fury.

Lilliane didn't respond. She simply sobbed at her aunt's words.

Richard, who had been silently standing the whole time, finally spoke up, but first, he pulled his wife away from Lilliane. She couldn't have any marks on her face, as she had to meet her fiancé later.

Mathilda let go of her niece roughly.

"There's only one thing you need to do now, Lilliane. Just one thing. Be ready for our appointment with Mr. Fuentes." His voice was calm but heavy with meaning. "We expected you before nine o'clock, but where were you? What if Mr. Fuentes had found out? Do you even realize what's at stake?"

Lilliane remained silent, still cradling her bruised face and sitting on the floor. She quietly sobbed, her head down. Even if she spoke, it would be useless. Her mind was exhausted, and she was tired of arguing with them.

"Do you have any idea what this means? We've arranged everything for you and Mr. Fuentes, but it's already late, and you weren't even there!" Richard's voice was low but angry. "Get yourself together, Lilliane! We'll be waiting for you at Mr. Fuentes' mansion before six this evening."

Mathilda took a deep breath, trying to calm herself and resisting the urge to attack her niece again.

"You're lucky the old man is understanding and agreed to reschedule," she said through clenched teeth. "Get yourself ready! You better be at the mansion before the set time because if you aren't, this will be the least of what you'll face!"

Even after they left, Lilliane still couldn't get up. Her body was exhausted. Her head felt heavy and painful, both from the hangover and the beating.

She hugged herself, crying uncontrollably. It seemed there was no hope left for her.