Contract Marriage With The Ruler

In the late evening, everyone could hear a loud slash of whipping in the Greystorm's courtyard.

Gunner Greystorm screamed, "Useless!" as the whip swung once again on the servant's back.

Because of what had happened, he was unable to contain his rage. Irene will be kidnapped by his opponent if he is late.

Then, at the earlier memory of the incident, Gunner clenched his fist.

(FLASHBACK- Afternoon prior to the incident where Irene was nearly abducted)

"Ma'am Irene, please eat your lunch. Master Gunner ordered you to serve on time." one servant said as she laid the food tray on the table inside the room.

Irene clutched the servant's hand while she signed. She begged with streaming eyes, "Can you help me get out? Promise I'll be back before Gunner comes back."

The servant's expression broke into panic, and she hastily removed her hand. "Master Gunner told you may not leave the house, ma'am Irene,"

Irene argued, "I know, but he will never know... promise, I will return before Gunner gets home." "Please..."

She tried to dismiss the feeling of pity the servant had for her, "Madam... I-I enjoy my work and life, so please don't ask me to help you."

"I just wanted to see my parents." Irene said, She hasn't been out since she married Gunner Greystorm. Irene has no choice but to be imprisoned at the mansion after striking a bargain with Gunner.

The servant hurriedly said, "I'm sorry, ma'am, but I can't help you," and he walked out of the room.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but I can't help you..." the servant quickly responded and walked to leave the room.

"Then don't bother me! No one may enter my room until I say so!" Irene affirmed coldly.

"Certainly, madam," .the servant politely responds before closing the door.

Irene tightened her grip. "Gunner won't be mad if he doesn't know I left." She said, smirking.

Irene carried out her strategy after changing into new clothes. Despite her caution, she didn't care what would happen next, she walked out of the room because she just had to go.

Irene made sure no one could see her, and it worked since she entered the open area without anyone noticing her.

Maybe the maid is so complacent that I won't even consider leaving without their consent. Irene opens the gate with a smile on her face.

But that smile soon faded... In less than a minute, black cars were approaching and as soon as they stopped, the passengers,-all of them wearing black coats-sprinted along the road.

"Shit..." she just said to herself while looking at the car coming.

-----------

"Master It's been a week since you left, so I'm sure the lady is looking forward to seeing you."

Gunner Greystorm maintains an emotionless gaze out the car window.

He doubts that ...

Since his relationship with Irene differs from that of ordinary couples who have fallen in love and got married.

Even if they don't see one other for a year, Gunner is certain that Irene won't ever miss him.

The driver/bodyguard observed Gunner's expression and kept his eyes on the road without speaking.

They reached the village where the mansion was located, but the driver/bodyguard turned pale, seeing what was happening in front of the gate.

"Master, vehicles are drawing towards our port!"

Gunner already saw that, and the figure of a woman who had just come out of the gate could not escape his sharp sight.

"Irene!" he exclaimed.

Gunner Greystorm never lost his temper, but he felt extreme anger this time.

----

Irene looked at the anonymous man who was trying to grab her while quaking in dread, "Who are you? What do you want from me?" she asked.

"Get her!" one of the man commands.

Irene stopped when the two men seized her by the arm and dragged her inside the car.

Irene cried out, "No! Please! Let me go!" as tears ran down her face.

No idea what was going on or who these people were. Irene attempted to resist, but she was met with a hard slap on both cheeks that nearly put her to sleep.

"You're too loud!" the man retorted and raised his fist once again to punch Irene in the stomach.

Irene closed her eyes and waited for the assault in fear, but it didn't happen.

"How dare you lay a finger on my wife!"

Irene didn't even have to open her eyes to recognize who was speaking in the stern voice.

"How dare you disobey me ..." With this remark, A strong, lean arm wrapped around her body . The hands that had been restraining Irene were removed forcefully.

Yet, Irene was unsure whether she would be happier or more terrified because the person who saved her was more terrifying and ruthless.

Irene opens her eyes and says, "Gunner... You're back."

His icy gaze was enough for Irene to gulp one after another.

"Looks like you are not happy to see me ... Is it because you disregard me?!" Gunner coldly remarks.

"I wanted to visit- "

Irene began to explain, but she was cut off when Gunner grabbed her up and entered the yard.

Leaving, the group of people continued the fight.

---------

"Wait! Let me explain ... I'm not running away; I just want to visit my parents ..." Irene explained nervously.

But Gunner is too furious to pay attention to her. When he got to his room, he tossed Irene on the bed right away.

"What I hate the most is not following my orders! I'll make sure you will never disobey me again!" Gunner declared without warning, torn Irene's dress.

Irene covered the nakedness as her eyes widened. She gets a creep from Gunner's rage because it is so strong.

Irene stepped back, pleading, "Gunner, please." She watched Gunner take off his clothing as her entire body trembled.

Irene tries to get out of bed, but Gunner is quick; he promptly pins his naked body to her, leaving Irene no choice but to stay under him.

"You are mine!" Gunner declared and violently claimed Irene's lips while his hand stroked the delicate part of her body.

Irene's efforts are useless because Gunner is bigger and more powerful. Irene exclaims, "I hate you, Gunner Greystorm! I hate you!" Irene remarks. She can taste the blood in her mouth because of the few times Gunner bit it.

"You are free to despise me, but you can't do anything except obey me." Gunner replies before putting his hand to Irene's breast

Irene didn't know what to do; the sensation caused by Gunner's tongue was new to her. But Irene would rather die than let Gunner see that she is affected by his caresses.

"Remember, you are now my wife! So you can't escape me ... No one can escape Gunner Greystorm!"

"Ah!!! Damn you! You're killing me!" Irene screams in shock as she feels the pain in her center. Gunner's fullest is inside her. It was her first time, so she almost fainted because of the pain.

On the other hand, Gunner froze on Irene's top. He didn't expect that it would be her first time. But he also couldn't stop in the middle, "I-I'll try to be gentle ..." he whispered before moving again. This time Gunner's movement was careful, but it was still not enough to alleviate the pain Irene was feeling.

"I hate you forever!" Irene exclaimed in tears.

(END OF FLASHBACK)

----------

Gunner signed and threw the whip out of his hand.

Irene is currently in the room with Lucia, who is giving fever medication. Irene had been carelessly claiming her when she fell unconscious and got sick.

"How is she?" Gunner asked as soon as he entered the room.

"No need to worry; it's just a regular sickness. I gave Irene medicine to lower her temperature. So, make sure she will get a complete rest," Lucia responds while putting her equipment in her bag.

Gunner nodded and sat on the bed.

Before leaving the room, Lucia exclaims, "Your wife suffers so much, so next time, be nice!"

Irene was fast sleeping as Gunner clinched his hand and fixed his gaze on her. Her skin was dreary and perspiring.

Gunner realized what had happened earlier and that he messed up. He was still irritated every time he remembered seeing her outside.

"It's your fault..." Gunner whispers as he lies down beside Irene. Not knowing how long he stays in that position. The only matter is Irene in his arms.

Then Gunner remembers the past month since Irene had become his wife.

----------

(FLASHBACK)

"You can do everything except leave the house ... Do you understand?" Gunner states while entering the spacious living room.

Irene remained silent and concentrated on the household.

Her parents' home had always seemed large to her, but after viewing Gunner's home... Irene was unable to speak.

The mansion's construction and the beautiful furnishings are complementary.

"If you have no questions, the servant will accompany you to your room," Gunner added and walked.

"Wait! About your promise ..." Irene murmured. Her heart is full of doubt. She demands exact revenge on her parents, but Irene is unsure about how to proceed.

She didn't know the people who were torturing her, and she was puzzled by their relationship to her family.

Gunner calmly said, staring into her eyes, "You are now Irene Greystorm - my wife, so everyone who wrongs you will withstand my wrath."

"That's all I need ..." Irene uttered while clenching her fists. Her memories of her father and mother's expressions after she killed herself were still clear as of this point.

"As I promise, as long as you stay in this house, you will get everything you want ..." Gunner states before heading straight to his office.

Irene was led by the housekeeper to her new room.

"Is this the main bedroom?" Irene asked indifferently. She and Gunner agreed she would have her room.

Irene wants some privacy even though they are married because there is no love between them. She still favors living alone.

The servant pointed to the double doors on the opposite side and said, "No, ma'am, the main bedroom is opposite this room."

Irene was speechless ... The room was too big for her.

It seems I married a billionaire ... she commented while walking and sorting the room.

On the patio, there is a tea table. The library was also rather large, and there is a piano in the corner close to a bookshelf.

The attendant pointed to the door inside the room and said, "Ma'am, your wardrobe is there. If you require anything further, do let me know-"

"Thank you ... But all I want is to rest," Irene interrupted the other servant's words.

Irene has never been a fan of fancy goods, so she didn't place much value on the room's aesthetic appeal.

The servant politely left the room. Alone,Irene walked out onto the balcony by herself and peered outside.

Only now does she notice how spacious the yard is ...

Maybe they are one thousand meters distant from the house if she's not mistaken. The same goes for the other side.

Irene murmured with a deep sigh, "Do I need to be terrified of the guy I married; who are you really, Gunner Greystorm?"

The next day, Irene wakes up early. Although she is not in love with her husband, she is aware of her obligations.

"Ma'am, master Gunner has been out since yesterday," the servant answered when Irene asked.

Knowing that the man was out, Irene ate alone while looking at the newspaper.

"Uncle ..." Irene's lungs groaned with rage as she mumbled. Her uncle hauled her away while criticizing her, remembering when she had asked for help. Even her parents became a thief; thus, they killed themselves.

After that, Irene's phone rang.

Seeing Gunner's name, Irene answers it quickly. "Did you do this?" She hurriedly asked.

"Hmm, yes... As I promise, everyone who hurts you will pay..." Gunner responds with amusement.

"That fast? How did you do that?"

Gunner chuckles on the other side, "Fast? I haven't done anything yet."

"Did I marry a demon?" Irene commented while gripping the phone tightly. While living abroad, Irene doesn't know what is happening in the city.

"You will find out soon..." Gunner responds, snickering.

(END OF FLASHBACK)

----------

"Ugh..."

Gunner's flashback to the past halted when he heard Irene's growl.

"You need to strengthen your body. You're too weak so once you're healed, someone will train you," Gunner states as soon as Irene opens her eyes.

Even though Irene was still feeling nauseous, she forced herself to rest against the headboard of the bed after hearing Gunner's distant voice.

"How could you-"

"It's your fault! I told you not to leave the yard, but you didn't listen! The next time you disobey me, things like this will happen!" Gunner cut her words while standing up. It mirrored the stubbornness of his will in his eyes. Gunner knows his wrong, but he will never accept that; Irene needs to know where her place is.

"I hate you ... Gunner Greystorm, I can't forgive you!" Irene exclaimed as tears rolled down her face.

"Hate me for all I care! But you, Irene Evans Greystorm, are mine! And you can't escape me!" Gunner declared. That made Irene shiver.

"I regret knowing you ..." Irene added, her gaze full of hatred.

"If not because of me, you're dead! You can hate me for all I care! But you can't deny the fact that I gave you a new life! So, I can easily take it away from you!" Gunner retorted with a smirk.

"Leave! Get out!" Irene furiously exclaimed. She grabbed the base on the side table and threw it at Gunner.

She was broken-hearted, but her mighty husband played a jerk on her. Instead of saying sorry, he spoke harsh words.

And it seems Gunner knew what she thought because he did not persist. He silently walked out of the room and headed for the counter.

"Damn it!" pouring a glass of Scotch, Gunner drowned himself in alcohol.

One year was wedded to Gunner Greystorm, but it seemed yesterday for IreneThe last scene sticks out in her mind, especially the day Gunner comes to rescue her.

She reminisces about everything while sitting in the gazebo in the garden's center.

-------

(FLASHBACK)

"Uncle... Please tell me why my parents did that," Irene is sobbing. Her mind recalls the scene in which her parents jump from their house's rooftop..

Since living abroad, she knows nothing. Irene's relatives from both clans did not show up, so she went to her father's brother to find out what was going on after burying her parents.

"How dare you come to my house! Your father is a thief! He has brought shame to the entire family!" her uncle exclaimed angrily.

"Uncle! I know my father would never do that!" retorted Irene. She hadn't expected to hear that from his uncle because she remembered her father encouraging him when he was younger.

"Then you are mistaken! He has already done so, and worse, your father stole from the company for which he worked; so, if I were you, leave the city and never come back!"

Irene was about to answer when the door opened, and a group of men entered.

"Well ... well ... well, looks like you have a visitor?" "Well... well... well, it appears you have a visitor," one man said, staring at Irene.

"She is the daughter of my brother..."

"Yes, I recognize her... We went to the cemetery and saw her there,"

"Uncle, who are they?"

"He is the guy your father robbed!"

Irene was stunned and terrified; looking at the men, she was certain they had done terrible things.

"Uncle, I'll talk to you later, I have to leave," she hurried, but one man grabbed Irene before she could.

"Because your father killed himself, I don't have the luxury of torturing him! That's why you'll take his place!" exclaimed the man.

"What are you doing?! Let me go! Uncle, do something!" exclaimed Irene. But the man he had hoped would assist him did nothing. He just stood there and watched as the man yanked her up to the car.

Irene has no idea where they are going because the man continues to assault her and she loses consciousness along the way.

Irene recalled being led to the mansion, thrown into a freezing room, and tortured.

Fortunately, Gunner arrived... If he came a minute later, she would freeze to death.

(END OF FLASHBACK)

---------

She stretched after taking a deep breath. Irene went inside because it was already dark.

A year had passed, but Gunner had kept Irene imprisoned in this mansion.

She never attempted to flee for fear of repeating what happened the last time she ran away.

Fortunately, the estate is too large for Irene to get bored, and Gunner gave her access to everything, so she knows everything...

"Hmm, the new book will help me with my sleeping problem," Irene said quietly as she walked down the hall to the study room.

But as she got closer, Irene heard a Latin tune; it was harmonious, so it captivated her interest.

"It's coming to the study room?" her forehead furrowed as she carefully opened the door.

It's Gunner! Irene covered her mouth, afraid of being heard by the man who was concentrating on his move.

Is he dancing salsa by himself? Gunner's hand rises, pretending to have a partner while performing his sexy spin.

However, Irene noticed something...

Gunner's eyes are depressed... They've been together a year, but Irene has never seen him like this...

Gunner looks vulnerable right now.

-------

After the scene in the study room, Irene couldn't sleep, so she was out early.

"Looks like my beautiful sister-in-law is deep in thought?"

Irene immediately smiled. "Raven! Finally, you are here ..." she greeted him with a hug.

"Well, hearing your problematic voice in the middle of the night tortures me... So speak, what is the problem?" Raven asked, sitting in front of Irene and pouring coffee into the cup.

"The thing is ... Does Gunner have a lover?" Irene asked. Raven is Gunner's half-brother, but the latter treats him very well. In fact, Gunner is so protective of his only sibling that he never involves him in illegal activities.

Raven burst out laughing and made Irene frown. "A lover? You're asking me if Gunner was cheating on you? Are you insane?" Raven asks, her eyes welling up with tears as he chuckles.

Irene frowned because of Raven's open amusement. It seems like her question is a big joke. "What's the big deal? Your brother is handsome, wealthy, and powerful... surely many women adore him," Irene reasoned.

"You're right... He's every woman's dream, but he married you," Raven retorted as she sipped his coffee.

Irene did not respond ...

"Tell me, why are you asking such a stupid question? Did you catch my brother with another woman?" Raven asked suspiciously. But he doubts that ...

Before responding to Raven, Irene took a deep breath. "Last night, I saw Gunner in the study room dancing alone, and his eyes-I can tell he's sad... so I thought Gunner missed his lover," Irene looked away in embarrassment.

"He misses his mother... Yesterday was his mother's death day, and every time this day comes, Gunner will lock himself in his study room and play music." Raven paused with a sad smile. "Gunner loves his mother so much; he is there and watching whenever his mother dances. Sometimes they dance together ..."

Irene was stunned. He has been married to Gunner for a year but doesn't know that side of his life. How will you know if you don't try to understand your husband? She mutters to herself.

"And, like you, he witnessed the deaths of his mother and our father..." Raven continued, clenching his fist.

"They also committed suicide?" Irene asked in disbelief. She put her hand on the lap to hide its trembling.

"No, murdered... That night, a group came into the house and slaughtered everyone, except Gunner, who was lucky to survive with three bullets penetrating his body and miraculously no vital organ damage," Raven responded.

-----

Irene couldn't sleep that night. She was still thinking about Gunner's personality discoveries. "Perhaps Gunner's family has an underworld problem, so that happened..."

Knock on the door...

"What do you want?" Irene asked as Gunner entered.

The edge of Gunner's lip rose as he continued to walk and stopped beside the bed.

"If I said I want you ... Will you willingly give yourself to me?" Gunner teasingly answered as he touched Irene's chin and pulled her closer.