Bound by Betrayal (The Mafia Captive Bride)

Ashley

Filling the room with an electric atmosphere, the DDW hotel in Los Angeles buzzed with the presence of wealthy individuals. Damien Albrecht's grand party for the opening of their new company was the talk of the town.

Damien Albrecht, the supposed heir to the Albrecht group and the world's youngest billionaire, was known for his involvement in various businesses, including rumors of drug dealings and leading a small mafia group. His name alone struck fear into the hearts of those who dared to cross his path.

The mere mention of his name sent shivers down the spine. A human with no heart, a heartless, ferocious demon, and a nightmare to whoever obstructs his way at least that was how the rumors described him to be.

Although I had only seen him through the media, Damien Albrecht had become my ideal man. Despite the rumors surrounding his dark and mysterious reputation, I couldn't help but feel excited about the prospect of seeing him in person. My anticipation grew as I hugged myself tightly, a satisfied smile on my face.

To catch a glimpse of the world's richest billionaire, I sneaked out of the house with my best friend Layla. Damien Albrecht had become my celebrity crush, and this was an opportunity I couldn't miss.

However, before the party even began, I had already consumed four glasses of Devil's Springs Vodka. Its name proved fitting as the effects started to take hold, leaving me feeling dizzy. Layla, on the other hand, kept urging me to drink more.

Filling my glass with more drinks insisting that I loosen up and vibe with the guests and rich men there.

"I am coming, I need to make use of the restroom," Layla leaned closer to my ear and suddenly whispered.

"I can't hear you," I yelled back.

"Need to use the restroom!" she half screamed so that I could hear her amidst the loud booming music in the hotel.

"Let me come with youuu!" I squealed, I guess this is the effect of the alcohol.

"No need, I will be right back," with that one word she strode out to God knows where.

And just in time, my phone beeps in my purse, sliding my hand inside my pouch. I pulled it out, not even remembering to check the caller ID. I pressed the phone against my ear.

"Hey, Ash.....!" A smile pulled up on my lips brightening my face, only my fiance Mason Grayson addressed me by that name.

"Mason," I called with a tender voice, struggling for him not to notice how drunk I seemed right now.

"Come to room 5088," my eyes widened at that. My lips formed an o sound with the phone still pressed hard against my ear.

I heard him chuckle at the other end, "Don't worry I am not mad at you, I know that you are a little tipsy,"

All smiley I left the party hall and ambled toward the staircase while still on call, "Babe...... Which room number again?"

"5088," his voice sounds gregarious like he couldn't wait to meet me.

"So what are you doing here?" I asked, my two dimples deepened as I giggled.

"Don't keep me waiting, hurry up and you will find out the surprise on your own," he chuckled.

I ended the call and stared down at my appearance. I knew that I looked breathtaking in the wine red-colored luxurious gown that stopped mid-way showing my thigh. The luxurious gown hugged my exquisite figure scrupulously, making me look charming and at the same time cute.

Walking through the vestibule of the hotel, I kept staggering when patting my forehead.

"How strange...... Only that drink is not enough to make me this weak," Holding the walls for support, I kept walking. My eyes have slowly started getting blurry.

However, just in time, I saw the room number boldly written on top showing that I had finally reached my destination.

"Room 5089..... Finally," I hushed with a puff. Looking around the hallway I noticed that only one room is suited there, but Mason mentioned room 5088. I stared around the foyer for a while and sighed. Maybe he was mistaken because there is no room 5088 here.

And without a second thought, I walked toward room 5089 with the joy of meeting Mason.

KNOCK...!

I banged loudly and suddenly the door hauled open under my hand and I was instantly greeted with the darkness inside the room.

Twitching my eyes to see if I could clearly see or if I was still under the influence of the alcohol but sadly I felt a manly figure clasp hold of my wrist and pull me inside the dark room, slamming the door shut behind me.

I flinched at the forcefulness with which the door crashed at its hinges.

"So you're the woman that they sent,"

"Mason," I called but I was replied by a deep husky voice.

"Shhh," he hushed.

I instantly staggered back, this is not the voice of Mason.

"Hey! Who are you, this is not Mason?" I squawked, clenching the hem of my clothes.

My eyes kept darting everywhere in the darkness looking for an escape despite being drunk.

However, I felt him pull me toward him so that my body hits him and from what just happened I could tell that this stranger is fucking tall........ Taller than Mason.

"Just calm down your nerves and relax into my touch and let me treat you freaking well," he whispers behind my ear, his husky voice sending chills down my body.

I shuddered against his words, not even Mason has made me feel like this but that doesn't mean that I have to cheat on him.

Trying to push him off me caused his grip on me to tighten and before I knew it I was pushed to the bed.

"Shhh....... Close your mouth, enjoy the night and I will pay you ransomly well," he brags and that only exacerbated my fear.

And the next minute, I found myself on top of a bed, and before I could scurry away, a lean and strong body pinned me down against the mattress.

"No!!" I screamed but that only worsened the situation because I suddenly felt lips that tasted like cranberries capture my lips.

Sucking and nibbling on them, a shrill cry escaped my throat.

I struggled to scramble out of his hold but that was absurd because he is muscular and stronger than me.

His lips felt soft and delicate against mine, the deep kiss awakened a burning desire within me unlike the series of kisses I have had with Mason, but still, I felt worthless and ashamed to face the reality of what is actually taking place right now.

How could I explain this to Mason, having lost all hope, tears rushed down my face.

I am just a shit, I am just cheating on my fiance a few days before our wedding.

I feel disgusted, how do I tell Mason? I have dated Mason for years and have planned on giving him my V-card which this stranger is taking in a savagery way.

I struggled one more time before giving up, I couldn't do anything but endure the man's barbarity.

The early morning sun from outside hits my face through the open window, I groan and shift into the soft mattress. My whole body hurts as if someone has battered it to pieces while my head spins.

It takes me a few minutes to blink open my eyes and stare straight at the ceiling in complete confusion.

Where am I? That was the first question that echoes in my head.

And just then events of last night started flashing through my mind as I struggled to get up and that's when I realized that I was completely naked. Whitish sticky in between my legs with undeniable soreness.

Panic instant coursed through my body my whole life starting to revolve in my life. Tears stream down my face as the harsh reality sinks in. I close my eyes, hoping against hope that this is just a terrible dream. But when I open my eyes again , the white walls of the room remind me that it's all too real.

I can't bear to look at the man lying next to me, afraid that it will only reopen the wounds. But as he stirs around, all my senses come to life as I forget about the pain in my body and head. Holding my mouth to avoid making any noise, I quickly pick up my tattered dress on the floor and wear them.

Stumbling out of the room, my appearance looks disheveled and unkempt, opening the door, I slammed it shut.

I rushed out of the foyer, my heart pounding in fear, as I dragged my sore body toward the vibrant part area. Luckily no one can be seen around the area, I guess it is still early, probably they might still be sleeping.

Though the adrenaline coursing through my veins couldn't overshadow the nagging worry about my best friend, Layla, who I had come here with last night before everything went messy.

Where could she possibly be? Was she still here? Or has she gone home without me?

The thought of her going back home by that time of the night sent a shiver down my spine. No, Layla can't leave with me.

I immediately pulled out my phone, ready to dial her number to at least know where she is and tell her what happened but as I was about to press the call button, a sudden movement caught my eyes.

Two figures walked inside the foyer, drawing my attention like a moth to a flame. One was unmistakably my step sister, Olivia Harlow, dressed in a provocative black gown that left little to the imagination.

But the next figure standing beside her was what made my heart skip a beat. It was Layla, my best friend, the girl I was about to call right now. They both had their hands intertwined as if they were closest of friends.

The mere sight struck me like a lighting bolt, sending shockwaves through my entire body. Questions raced through my mind, each one more urgent than the other.

Why are they together? When did they become friends? Or is there a secret that they had been keeping from me?

Nothing is even making sense to me again.

I can no longer stand there in stunned silence anymore. With a deep breath, I mustered up the courage to speak up. "Layla." I whispered, my voice tinged with confusion.

I watched as they both stopped in front of me, almost close leaving a small distance between us. They both glanced at my tattered dress and I noticed a strange smile danced across Olivia's face as she waved her hands, exclaiming, "SURPRISE!!"

"What's going on, here?" My eyes darted between the two of them, searching for answers.

This is unlike Olivia, a grumpy demon can never be this happy without a reason. Judging from the way her eyes twinkle with a sinister gleam, I know she is hiding something beneath those long, fluttering lashes.

I was still in my thoughts when suddenly Olivia chuckled, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Don't blame me for your gullibility, Ashley." she sneered, stealing a quick glance at Layla before turning her attention back to me.

My brow furrowed in confusion, what was she insinuating?

"Did you have a nice time with that greybeard coffin dodger back there?" Folding her arms against her chest, her eyes glanced in the direction of the room and then back to me while saying in a singsong voice, a wicked smile playing on her lips.

"How was the sex?" She laughed mischievously. "Hope you enjoyed it,"

How was the sex? I murmured, repeating her words while thinking before my eyes widened in shock as Olivia's words hit me like a punch to the gut, and realization washed over me.

Everything now started to make sense.

I couldn't believe it and I turned to look at Layla who immediately lowered her head in shame. I swallowed hard, pain flickering in my eyes.

Their words became clearer and clearer as if they had planned it all along. The girl I trusted more than a friend, the one I had sacrificed so much for, had betrayed our friendship at the cruel hands of my step sister just like that.

But why?

Yes, I might have never had the best relationship with Olivia, but this level of wickedness and betrayal is beyond words. But then again, I am pretty sure that I heard Mason's voice on the phone instead of hers? Or maybe I was drunk and had mistaken his voice.

"Not you, Layla," I shake my head, disappointment and sadness evident in my voice.

I know they both heard me, but immediately I opened my mouth to talk again, Olivia's icy stare pierced through me, interrupted by a cutting remark. "No need to blame the poor girl, dear sister, she did the right thing."

Her voice was calm yet detrimental and that alone only caused pain, anger, and betrayal to surge within me, causing my jaw to clench and my emotions to simmer.

"Olivia, how could you?" I snapped, tears pooling in my eyes.

"Don't you dare call my name or act like we had some deep sisterly bond, Ashley," she spat, her words dripping with disdain. "We were just mere sisters in name, nothing more."

As her words echoed in my ears, I couldn't help but gulp hard painfully, my gaze slowly drifting away from her. It was true, we had never shared a close relationship, never truly acted like sisters from the day we first laid eyes on each other.

But despite it all, I couldn't bring myself to harbor any ill will towards her.

Olivia went too far this time, not only betraying me but also teaming up with my best friend, the very reason I had snuck out last night.

"Do you really think I have any liking or desire to be associated with you? I've been silently lurking in the shadows, despising you and everything about you.

I just want to smack that pretty face of yours and ruin that reputation of your so-called good girl!" She snarled, her words devoid of any emotion.

I blinked back my tears, stealing a quick painful glance at Layla who had refused to stare at my face all this while. I wonder what I had done wrong to deserve this thing from her?

But I was instantly interrupted as Olivia pulled out her phone from her jacket pocket, she flashed it in front of me with a dangerous smirk on her lips.

What was she planning this time?

"All the evidence that I need to show Dad is right here, buried in this phone." She taunted, pointing at the phone in her grip.

And instantly my legs turned jelly as her words sank in. "You can't do that, Olivia." I stammered, my lips trembling, I sounded so desperate. I looked at Layla at least for help but just as before she wasn't looking at me.

"Oh, I can, and trust me, I will." She sneered, her smile widening, resembling that of a devil.

"You....!" I tried to scream at her in rage, but it came out more like a sob. It hurts, deep inside.

Feeling betrayed and hurt, I couldn't find the right words to speak. She had that video on her phone and just the thought of her tarnishing my image and Jeopardizing my upcoming wedding made my heart break.

"Come on, Layla, let's go, girl." I watched as she grabbed her arms. "I don't want to be seen with this disgusting girl," she said, flipping her hair and storming away.

I opened my mouth but yet no words were able to come out. So all I could do was just stand there and watch them leave. The tears that I had been holding instantly rolled down my cheeks and it felt like everything is now falling apart.

What have I done to deserve this sh*t from you, Layla?

As I pushed the door open, a chilling silence enveloped the room. The atmosphere felt eerie and ominous, causing a shiver to run down my spine.

The atmosphere in Daniel Harlow's house has never been this tense. I could feel the tension hanging in the air like a heavy cloud, even more intense than when he had brought his side chick, who happened to be Olivia's mother, into the picture.

As I walked further into the lounge, the thick tension in the air became even more palpable. My eyes locked onto a towering figure seated on the couch with a deep frown across his face.

"Fa.... ther," I sputtered, my voice trembling but as soon as my eyes met his sharp gaze, my words immediately caught in my throat, leaving me feeling completely thrown off. The amount of anger in his eyes was enough to silence me.

"How could you after everything I have done for you? How could you, Ashley?!" He yelled out in rage.

He has never addressed me by my full name before, this is actually the first time that I have seen my father this upset and mad.

What could have inflicted his anger? Has Olivia shown him the video? But I don't think so.

She is not yet at home.

"Dad...."

"How could you, Ashley? Despite everything you decided to pay me back like this!" His low growl had the words stopped at the tip of my tongue.

"Dad," I called again but he instantly shut me up. "Don't you dare call me your, Dad."

What is going on?

"Why are you yelling at me? I don't know what I did," tears were already pooling in my eyes. I have been through a lot of shit this morning, I don't think I have the strength for another drama now.

"How could you hurt me this much, Ashley?" He shakes his head. "I love you so much but you have decided to tarnish the reputation that I built from scratch."

My tears were now trailing down, I could not possibly hurt my father and he knew it. Even when he brought in another woman, still I never hurt him.

So what is he talking about?

My mind was still lacing with confusion when suddenly he angrily switched on the television. The headline on the television captioned my attention, my name and my picture were boldly displayed on that screen.

And at the lower side of the screen was a video attached to it though it was a white and black. Is not clear but the lady in the video has long blond hair just like mine.

She was naked with an old man towering all over her, their faces were not captioned since they were surely feasting on each other's lips with the duvet doing little or no justice in covering them that well.

My gaze slowly shifted to the caption below the video, "What is she talking about, that I slept around for money?!" I stuttered unbelievably.

What the hell?

"You heard it right, were you not at DDW hotel last night?" His lips stretched out in a sad smirk as he looked at my tattered dress. His fists curled in a ball form as he tried to control his anger.

What is happening? The news is everywhere and his question was like a sharp reminder of the pain that I have been struggling to forget.

Is this the video that Olivia was talking about? But the girl wasn't me..... I am sure I didn't enjoy anything and the man that I saw in that hotel bed was a young muscular man not an old fat man.

But again who could possibly believe me? The fact remains that I was in that hotel last night and was raped!

But again, will they believe me?

"You see...... the anchorwoman wasn't lying," he spat out in disappointment. "I, Daniel Harlow, can never accept a daughter who is shameless and ill-mannered." I felt a sharp pain shoot me at his words.

"Dad, I can explain,"

"Get out!" He shrieked, glaring at me in nothing but pain and disappointment.

"Dad, please, believe me, I still didn't...."

"I said get out and mind you, I don't ever want to see you here again!" He barked, scaring me away.

Shaking feebly with my lips trembling in fear, I staggered out of the house and started running toward Mason's house.

I pray he hasn't seen the news. God please!

**** *****

I parked my Honda Jazz in front of Mason's penthouse, feeling a mix of emotions clouding me. This place was once a symbol of our love and future together, but now everything feels like it's on the verge of collapsing.

Just a single mistake is about to have my whole world turned upside down.

I hurried out of the car and rushed towards the house, my heart was pounding with fear. As I stood at the front door, I noticed that it was unlocked.

This is strange.

Looking at it, I couldn't help but give it a slight push. However, my attention was immediately caught by a feminine clothes scattered on the floor with a sickening cologne lingering in the air.

My confusion deepened, causing the skin in between my forehead to twist in suspicion.

This is definitely not the fragrance Mason wears.

I can feel my heart racing, and a wave of unease starting to wash over me that the main reason that I came here was then long forgotten.

My heart beats hard, yet I pushed the unsettling feelings refusing to believe what my instinct was telling me.

But instantly, I felt my body freeze in place as a chilling sensation ran through me, almost knocking me to my knees as I heard a loud moan from the very room that was supposed to be our matrimonial haven.

It felt like a punch in my face and I can no longer ignore the feeling that something wasn't right.

Clutching the fabric of my clothes, my body shivers in fear of what awaits me in that closed door. Drawing in a sharp breath, I mustered the courage and stretched out my shaky hands toward the door handle.

Despite the nagging voice in my head, screaming at me to turn around and run. Still curiosity consumed me. I needed to see with my own eyes to truly believe what was happening.

Meanwhile, I pushed the door open and suddenly a wave of terror washed over me causing me to shudder against the door frame. A mix of pain, shock, and disbelief flashed across my eyes as I took in the sight in front of me.

Tears flowed down my eyes in full force and my grip instantly loosened on the handle and I felt myself staggering back while holding my mouth to still my sobs.

The sight in front of me was what I never expected, I watched in deep pain as Mason fuck Olivia on that exact bed meant for both of us. It felt like a stab in the heart, a betrayal that I never saw coming.

Not minding my father's warning never to return, I rushed out of the penthouse and made my way back to my car. I need to explain to my father, I need him to listen to me.

Because right now, my years of hard work are crumbling in an instant. With furious honking, the gateman opened the gate and I drove my car inside my father's company. Parking it in the carport, I drag in a deep breath to calm myself before stepping out.

However, feeling devastated and disheveled, I walked into the house to find my father surrounded by a group of men, all dressed in a black attire, busy signing out some documents.

Something doesn't sit well, the atmosphere definitely feels off, not like it used to be. Walking inside, I noticed one of them glanced at the door, our gaze locking.

"I think it's time for us to leave, Mr. Harlow." The man immediately said, drawing others' attention toward me. The sudden focus made me feel uneasy.

What is going on here?