EXCEPTION

Ceaseless pain kept penetrating every cell in my body as my tears continued descending, begging him to stop. His countenance turned vicious again, his eyes filled with fury as he stared at me. My arms tightly embraced my body as I struggled to hold back my tears.

"Please... Blaine stop. I-I just want to eat. What am I supposed to do? I'm hungry. My stomach hurts." I glanced at him, hoping his rage would subside. But all I could see was his fury until he took off his black belt and began beating me mercilessly as if what I did was a horrendous crime punishable by death.

"You, fucking bitch! How many times do I have to tell you, do not eat anything! The grand party will commence tomorrow night, and you must be the most alluring and gorgeous woman! Eating will make you fat and ugly!" He hollered with his eyes burning with anger. He shoved me to the counter table made of white marble, with steak and french fries stacked high on it. "Look! What you see there is trash! You can't gain more calories, Adeleine! Do you understand?!"

"What do you want me to do? I'm hungry. This food will not make me fat. Look at my body! I'm losing weight!" My hand shivered in fear as I stated those words. He grabbed my hair roughly and pushed my face into the table, and I winced from both physical and emotional agony. "Stop! Please... it hurts, Blaine..."

"You have no liberty to talk to me like that! I married you not to be tactless but to serve me and do whatever I ask you! Now, clean up, and tomorrow, make sure you are the most expensive woman!"

The last words perplexed me. "W-What did you say? An expensive... woman?"

"You heard me, Adeleine. You're not deaf." He sneered as if a wicked intention lies within. "More than five wealthy investors will join the party. One of them has an interest in you. His name is Chris."

"W-What are you implying?"

"He offered me ten thousand dollars. In return, you have to be with him for three nights."

"Are you dead-ass serious? I'm your wife! You can't do that to me!"

"Shut the fuck your mouth! I don't love you!" He screamed, making me even more exhausted as I recollected what really brought me into this toxic relationship. "We are married for the sake of your father's business, remember? Don't expect too much from me. Now, go back to your room and prepare yourself for tomorrow."

"No!" I dissented with courage. "I spent four years with you, enduring this toxic relationship, but not this time, Blaine. You can hit, abuse, or leave me out here to rot, but I'm not going to the party! I'm not a damn floozy for you to sell!"

"What did you say?!" He became even more furious, propelling him to slap me violently across the cheek. "You're mine! If I say so, you must obey!"

He choked me, pushing me until I bumped into the wall.

"S-Stop-"

He punched my stomach, making me wince in pain until I tumbled to the floor. The excruciating agony caused me to cry out for mercy again. And before I could defend myself, he threw a glass bottle over the floor on my nearest side, shattering it. He knelt, took the broken bottle, and pointed it toward me, inducing me to shut my mouth with utmost fear.

"You see this? I won't hesitate to cut your beautiful face if you ever transgress me again." He threatened me.

I'm used to it. I let him physically, verbally, and emotionally abuse me for four years. But inside those four years of hell of enduring this tortured life, I never once dared to defy him. He wanted me to be perfect in all aspects, which is impossible. This is why even my eating routine had been controlled by him. No matter how hard he beat me, I could do nothing to protect myself or prevent him from abusing me. I have been destroyed, starved, raped, and tortured, yet never once had I fought back because Blaine is not just an ordinary man but also an affluent and notorious with numerous contributions to several companies.

But today is the apogee of my suffering. And I will end it.

I grabbed a piece of a broken bottle beside me and stabbed it to his arm, enough to draw a wound and blood.

It was his turn to whimper in pain. "Fuck! Screw you!"

I smirked inwardly when I saw his expression, but the satisfaction only lasted a couple of seconds when I witnessed his face morph into a mask of rage.

I quickly stood up with all my strength and ran away from him toward the exit door. I don't know where to go since I'm unfamiliar with this place. We are in the Los Monterio Subdivision and moved here last month. I never had a chance to wander around because my husband forbade me to go out without him.

My parents betrothed me to Blaine Harrison to save our company from financial doom. They didn't even ask for my consent, and even if I had a chance to voice out my verdict, I knew they would never hear my words, not even my sentiments. And that's how my life began, to be stuck in a man I don't love, to be his slave, his prisoner, his toy who does whatever he wants without any protest, without any hope of escape.

My thought was interrupted by the voice behind me calling out my name. It's Blaine. I could feel the anger for every shout he made until my body quivered again in fear. He's chasing me now!

I've no exact destination, and I'm stuck between relinquishing and bearing another grave punishment or running until my feet cannot move anymore, maybe even dying of exhaustion.

Suddenly, I caught a luxury house nearby; it was too big compared to our house. It's made entirely of stone; its exterior is embellished with gold and crystal chandeliers. In short, I've found a temporary hideout, although I'm uncertain if it's safe.

Without reluctance, I ran outside and beelined to the right corner where there was a giant tree and bushes; I hid underneath the large branch and took a deep breath, my breathing still heavy from running. But Blaine's voice became even closer, which compelled me to enter the house's main door.

The extreme apprehension inside me as I stepped in was too strong, but I didn't have another choice aside from hiding. I locked the door and was about to run again when I suddenly bumped into someone's chest. When I looked up and realized it was a man, I froze. The man standing before me had platinum blonde hair with gray roots and blue eyes, which seemed cold yet beautiful. His chiseled features looked almost ethereal. He glanced at me from head to toe, with an obvious shock on his face.

"Who the fuck are you?" He queried, surveying my entire appearance. "Why are you here in my house?"

"Please.... please, hide me..." My tears started anew as I pleaded for help, hoping he would hear my entreaty. "I'm gonna repay you after this. Just please... please help me. I need you to let me stay here until he gets away."

I was so desperate, and I didn't notice I clutched his black coat tightly until he took my hand and immediately dragged me into the left corner. We went inside the room, and I finally glimpsed an emotion from him- a worry.

"Thank you for helping me, I swear-"

"Hush now, woman." His baritone voice halted me as he put his finger against my lips to muffle my words. "Don't say a word. Just stay here."

With that reassurance, I felt relieved. For the first time in my life, someone has the courage to protect me despite being strangers.

The man closed the door. I scanned the entire surrounding until I caught a huge CCTV monitoring screen with audio, enough to watch and hear what was ensuing in every corner of this house. My concentration was locked on the view of the living room, and I gasped to see the man slowly approaching Blaine.

"Excuse me? I'm looking for a girl wearing a white dress. Maybe she passes by here." Blaine wore controllable fury; I could sense it by just standing here. "Have you seen her?"

The man tossed him a frigid yet intimidating stare as he crossed his arm. "Let me clarify two things. First, entering a place without the owner's consent is trespassing. Second, you entered the wrong place."

"But I saw her enter this house!" Blaine's expression darkened.

"Why would I let a stranger in my house?" The man responded coldly.

"Are you trying to say that I'm lying?"

"Kind of."

I swallowed hard as I watched the scenario, especially when Blaine ambled closer to the man with a smug look, the typical expression he used to carry over someone.

"Helping her will make your life hell. She's none of your concern, and you should know that." Blaine tossed him an evil stare, but the man didn't flinch at his words. And I swear he's the most collected man I've ever seen, as if he held robust power, and whoever stood against him would regret it.

"You should know your boundaries when stepping into my house." The man's voice turned stern, and his aura became threatening. "I told you, no woman entered my house."

"If she's not here, allow me to inspect your house. Don't dare to stop me if you're telling the truth." Blaine sneered, then he walked passed the man.

I swallowed the bubble of trepidation building inside me. Blaine is going to find me now. But then I was completely wrong because the next thing that happened stunned me. The man effortlessly took off a gun from his side and pointed it at Blaine's back head. "One more move, and I'll implant a bullet directly into your head." He walked in front of Blaine, pointing out the gun on his forehead. "If I said you entered the wrong place, the best response is to vamoose immediately, not unless you wanna die."

I covered my mouth with my hands in disbelief. That sufficed my curiosity. What kind of man is he?

My heart thumped aggressively while the words he articulated kept reiterated in my head.

Now I'm starting to wonder if I will be stuck again with another cruel man who will abuse me unceasingly after owing a debt of gratitude. But I hope he's contrary to my mind.

After a transient contemplation, the door burst open, revealing the man now glaring at me solemnly.

He crumpled his brows, making me nervous. "Who are you? Why did you break into my house? And why did you run away from your husband?"

I panicked when his voice augmented with intensity, and he looked intently at me. I strode toward him nervously with my heavy breath. "Shhh. Don't shout, please... Please, I'm begging you. He might hear us and come back. I can't take it anymore."

My whole body quivered as I silently wished he would hear me. But then he crossed his arms over his chest and continued to watch me carefully as if reading my intention. "Speak and explain. You're in my house, so you will answer anything I ask."

"Just let me stay here... and do not tell him if you see him again outside." I swallowed hard. "I promise I'll be gone later. I just... I just need a place to hide now. Don't worry, I'm not a stripper, and I'm not a thief."

His face morphed into something indescribable. I couldn't decipher the emotion behind that dark stare until his gaze fell on my right shoulder.

Then I heard him mutter quietly under his breath. "Fuck, you're bleeding."

My hand flew to my shoulder reflexively, where my wound was oozing. That compelled me to brood. What if he took advantage of me after this? What if he caged me here just like my husband does every day? My heart started to pulsate faster, and my mind whirled. I began to think of running again to flee.

I swiveled around and was about to go when he grabbed my left arm and dragged me into the sofa without hesitation. "Sit down."

"I'm sorry... but I think I'm good to go now. Sorry for trespassing into your privacy, Sir."

He stopped me from moving. He had a towel in his hand, and I didn't even notice it. He covered my wound with sterile gauze before gently wiping off the dried blood scattered on my skin. "Laid back, woman. Now shut up and stop fidgeting. I'm not gonna hurt you."

The man's words halted me for the briefest second. He looked too intimidating, but how he cared for me was comforting. I don't know if I'm too exaggerated to have that positive impression, or perhaps I'm just thirsty for protection. That's why I find his presence soothing, despite being strangers to one another.

"Thank you." I smiled, trying to compose myself in front of him.

"No need to thank me." He continued cleaning the side part of my wound.

"But why? You saved me from my husband," I proudly stated, glancing at him with my heart in bliss.

"You're actually more safe with him."

His words stunned me enough to provoke a shy-high curiosity from me. He didn't even glance at me when he enunciated those words.

"No. You're wrong. You have no idea how numerous times I attempted to flee. The truth is... I don't know how to live without being punished in a day. And this is the first time because of you."

His eyes were sharp on me, making me almost think he was not just an ordinary man. But I can tell he has a good heart for treating me this way despite not knowing his personality.

I lingered for his response, but only silence followed. I know I should not trust this stranger despite the kindness he's giving me, but my heart urged me to do so. Never in my life have I felt this secure. Never in my life, I've met someone like him who's willing to be bothered just to give me some aid. It's funny how this cruel fate brought Blaine into my life so easily, but all he did was treat me like mucky trash and maltreat me in a derogatory way. But the stranger who was supposed to ignore me was here, helping me while ensuring I was safe.

"Stop staring at me like that, woman." His manly voice broke my trance.

"I'm sorry. It was just a real curve." I diverted my gaze to the corner, trying to unleash the embarrassment I felt on my cheek when I realized that I'd been staring at his handsome face for the past five minutes.

Silence ensued until he stood up and looked down to meet my gaze. "Don't move from that spot. You need ample rest."

"Yeah, thanks. I'll do it," I responded, tossing him a slight beam.

He strode toward his closet located in the southeast corner of the room. What he did next made me gasp in shock. He took off his coat and shirt, revealing his sculpted torso. It was broad and firm, with a tattoo of a black dragon coiled around his upper left and right arm as if it was a pattern of some dangerous organization. However, I noticed a lot of old scars and marks littered on his body. Still, his body was well-toned.

I bit my lips and quickly turned my head when he caught me gawking at him.

"Tell me, why did you run away from him?" He asked, compelling me to look at him. He's putting on his clothes with a new set of formal attire. "Your bruises, wounds, and scratches... is he the one who caused them?"

A pang of pain shot through my heart. "Yes."

"You should leave him," He stated coldly as he fixed himself in front of the mirror.

"I did. Look, I'm here. You saved me, right? And that is the best thing I've ever done." I respired, locking my gaze in his direction.

He veered around and faced me. "You can't stay with me. I have a lot of work tonight, and you won't be able to see me tomorrow. Plus, I'm not the best person you could ask for help in this certain state."

His utterance made me anxious as I began to ponder what would happen to me next. I couldn't go outside, and I'm certain my husband is searching for me now in the best way he could. I'm not sure if I would see the sunrise again once he caught me. The punishment will surely be more severe than usual.

"I know this is your house. You make rules, and I have no privilege to oppose you. But... I don't have anywhere else to go. Just... just let me stay here tonight. I promise to repay you at our next meeting. I-I'll do whatever you want. Anything you want, please?" I pledged, yearning for his approval. My tears started to fill my eyes again.

He placed both of his hands inside his pocket and turned away.

I sighed heavily and stood up. I followed him in front of his closet, trying to convince him. "I know it's not fair to ask you for that..."

"I can send you somewhere safe if you want. But you can't stay here the whole night."

"No, please. I don't want someone else. Just take me with you; it's fine," I concluded tenaciously.

"You don't know what you're saying, woman." He hurled me a stern look as if my words were futile.

He spun around and was about to walk, but I grabbed his arm in a most apologetic manner, yearning for his consent. But his following action floored me. He turned around and pinned me against the wall, his face inches from mine. I tried not to flinch at the feel of his hot breath against my face, so close that our breaths intermingled. "You don't want to die. You don't want your beautiful face scratched up by different hawks."

"W-What do you mean by a hawk? A bad people?" I'm so naive about its true meaning. I waited for his explication, but all that came out was his manly, addictive scent. It had me captivated, enthralled even. This is wrong, but I can't help it!

We didn't move from our spot until loud gunfire reverberated through the air, and a bullet passed through the glass window, hitting a flower pot on the bedside table. He let go of me and turned around, eyes blazing with fury.

"Oh my god! What's that?" I exclaimed, horrified.

He ran to the window and peeked outside. "Fuck, they're here."

"W-Wait... what is happening?"

He returned to the closet, grabbed a piece of the hood, and quickly handed it to me. "Put it on. We're leaving."

"Can you tell me where we are going? And where's that sound coming from? Is that a gun?"

He threw me a look with such a ferocious expression as if my question vexed him. I shrank backward, unnerved by that gaze. But that expression quickly altered into a soft one. "You suggested earlier coming with me, right? Now, you'll see how my life works."

"But not in this-"

I didn't have a chance to finish my sentence because he pulled me closer. His right hand caught my back head with so much care and whispered, "Don't move."

He effortlessly took off his gun from his left side and shot it directly at the window. Shards of glass splattered everywhere. When I was still in shock from what happened, he stared at me intensely with a slight smirk- too hot that almost made my heart melt. "I'm Courtney Siegel. Now you know my name in case we split up..."

My heart suddenly leaped upon seeing him stating his name, and I found myself wanting more seconds with him. "C-Can we not?"

Without uttering any word, Courtney grasped my hand, hauling me out the door until we scurried outside the house.

"Hey, Courtney! Where are we going? And... why are we running away?" I questioned, uneasy and baffled as to why we needed to run.

A sudden blast of gunfire resonated again from our behind, and it was too squawking enough to frighten the entire atom of my being. My apprehension kept revving up the more we ran because the thought of getting shot was just too much for me! I didn't even dare to glance back at the bullets' origin.

"What is going on?!" I asked again, catching my breath, but he never slowed down or gave me an answer. "Why do you keep ignoring me?! Where are we going? Where do you plan to take me?!"

Despite my numerous questions, he didn't answer any of them. And the only thing I noticed was the annoyance written on his countenance whenever I questioned him. His brows were furrowed deep as if he was aggravated by my constant pestering, which I did just for assurance, but I failed because of his nonsensical silence. And from how he acted, it felt like he had some sort of secret he couldn't convey.

Soon we reached a giant tree belted by tall shrubbery; he tightened his grip on my hand while leading me under the cover of the trees. I scrutinized the entire surrounding and realized there was no trace of anyone else around except us. However, Courtney kept on looking around cautiously every second as if someone would be coming to catch us off guard, and I gasped upon seeing him holding a gun now. His intimidating aura became even more terrifying.

Is he a criminal?

"You!" My brows crumpled in confusion with the avalanche of questions in my mind. "Why can't you answer my question? Where do you plan to take me? And... who are those people chasing us? Please, let me know what is going-"

He kissed me!

I was utterly startled beyond words that all I could muster was a short, stuttered gasp that came right after. That abrupt gesture is enough to make me wordless. Soon as our lips parted, I gazed into his eyes with disbelief, as if he'd done something horrendous. My whole senses thought that was the end, but then a voice of men yelling along with the nonstop, rumbling gunshot continued from a distance, making my apprehension return tenfold.

My attention quickly shifted to Courtney when he whispered, "Kiss me like you mean it."

"W-What?"

"Do it if you don't wanna die, woman."

"Stop calling me that. I have a name." I scolded. "I'm Adeleine."

"Gorgeous name... Adeleine." He smiled, not too wide but enough to impact me internally. I wanted to force him to explain, but the next thing he did drowned me in the profound abyss.

He kissed me again, making my heart thump aggressively. It was just slow and sensual but addictive I never wanted to stop tasting.

This is wrong, but why does it feel so damn good?

The way our lips graze each other's sent sparks through my veins, and it felt electrifying. His right hand was already caressing my face, and mine was wrapped around his neck as if we were a real couple playing inside a romantic movie under the tree. Aside from how amazing his lips were against mine, I could hardly concentrate on anything else. Our kiss became increasingly frenzied and intense. His mouth opened wider to devour mine deeper, and I was completely lost. My breathing sped up, and I was sweating.

I started wondering if I should stop kissing him since I couldn't get enough and run away because everything that kept transpiring now was bizarre. I don't understand what is happening, yet here I am... stuck with his foreign yet tantalizing presence.

*****

One hour passed since we finally fled from the men chasing us, and we were now inside his car, driving away from Los Monterio Subdivision.

Stupefied. Nervous. Wordless. That's all the sentiments I felt at that moment. All the questions bubbling into me earlier turned into dust, completely confused about whether I should regret asking for his help or be grateful.

While surveying the view outside the window, I heard his phone ring, disrupting the stillness inside the car. He answered it without reluctance.

I immediately got curious despite how I shouldn't want to eavesdrop on a private conversation. Still, he didn't seem to care about it, so I decided to hear their discussion.

"Just cancel the fucking appointment."

"I've more important things to do than that."

"Go and check him. I need you to report back to me ASAP."

"Do not hit me up without any updates."

"Make sure you get the fucking moolah, or I'll make your blood run cold."

The last words he articulated before he ended the call stunned me. Does it mean he will slay the person he's conversing with over the phone if he fails to do his order?

Shit! Just the thought of that terrified me.

I was brooding briefly, but it stopped when he broke the silence.

"Where do you want to go?" He suddenly asked as nothing terrible had transpired.

I respired slowly. "Uhmm... thank you for saving me, Courtney. But can you please stop the car?"

"Why?" He tossed me a side glance, confused.

"Just stop the car and let me leave," I said without uncertainty, as if I didn't beg for this opportunity.

"And why do you want me to do that?" He continued driving.

I'm starting to notice how good he is at changing expression, and he can do that easily without leaving any mark on the previous one.

"You're asking too many questions! Just stop the car, please?"

"You want me to drop you off here? Are you insane? We're in the middle of the bridge, and I can't do that."

"I said, stop the car!"

In hopes of stopping Courtney from driving, I attempted to reach the steering wheel and pull it away from him as he fought with my hand for control of the car.

"What the fuck is your problem?!" He yelled, and when he had no choice but to halt the car, I threw open the door and got out.

He followed me after putting the keys in his pocket. His arms were crossed over his chest, and he was leaning against the side of the door, overseeing my action. His eyes showed controllable fury but stayed rigid while awaiting my response.

I examined the surroundings and realized there weren't even any cars passing by.

My mind is filled with unfortunate thoughts that are too much to handle. I'm certain my husband is furious now that I'm gone and would never hesitate to kill me once I finally showed up. I'm stuck between staying with this strange man or returning to my usual hell life.

"What's the matter with you?" He strode, then halted before me.

"You're a strange one," I muttered, creasing my brows while staring directly into his eyes. "Yes, you saved me. You helped me but didn't even bother telling me what was happening. The gun... the men chasing after us... and the plan where you plan to take me. You're driving me insane, you know?"

He threw me a stern look. Yet the handsomeness of his features was still evident. "I'll give you an explanation later. Get in the car now. Don't make me do it for you, woman. I swear I'm not gentle."

"Stop calling me "woman." Can you? And please, just leave me here alone. I know I should be thankful... but not anymore."

"And why is that?"

"Because... argh! Just go, leave me alone. Just give me your bank information, and I'll send you the money."

He took a deep breath while placing both hands on both sides of his pocket. "For what?"

"For helping me out."

"I don't buy that. You don't even have anything on you now aside from me.

There was a hint of a slight sneer as he mentioned those words.

"You're too arrogant," I mumbled.

And because of that, I was coerced to run away, but before I could finally take a step forward, a swift force pulled me back by the waistline. That's when I realized there was a car scampering through the intersection. Fortunately, Courtney saved me from being hit.

"Are you fucking crazy?! Don't do that again, Adelaine." His angry eyes bore through every part of me as they locked onto mine. He looked worried, as if I was an important person to him.

"Now, get in the car."

A flashback of memories with my husband emerged from how he tormented and abused me. And now, my tears descended faster than ever before as my body shuddered uncontrollably. My legs gave up under me, and I collapsed, crying like a child. Every shed tear was a knife slashing through my soul and leaving wounds internally.

His expression softened upon seeing me like this.

"Okay, I'm sorry for yelling. It's just I need you to listen to me now. I need you to stop asking until we reach our destination." He glanced at me with a sincere expression. "I didn't mean to scare you. I just need you to trust me without any protest."

If only he knew what goes on in my mind, he'd realize he's not the reason why I'm crying. Actually, he has been there the whole time in my worst side of life, which makes me emotional.

"Look, I don't plan to kill you. I'm not gonna hurt you just like your husband did to you," He clarified, making me stop brimming with tears and stand up immediately. "Besides, you're the one who initiated coming with me, remember? You even promised to do anything for me in exchange for letting you hide in my house."

I was wordless upon hearing his words. I'm so stupid not to realize that, and the embarrassment has been burning within me for a while. And I was sure that the redness of my face must've been glaringly evident by this point. "A-Alright, I'm sorry. I was just... taken aback by everything. I panicked, but I didn't mean to be rude to you. I was just shocked by the way you act."

"You mean... were you bothered by a kiss? 'Cause you act like you want more."

"What the hell?"

The atmosphere between us changed abruptly as he spoke those words.

He smirked at me mischievously. "Your expression says it all. That was supposed to last in five seconds, but I never thought you to be that aggressive."

"What are you saying?! I didn't mean to kiss you back! I just panicked for no reason because we're in a dangerous situation!"

"Then why so defensive?"

"I'm not, okay? I'm just stating the facts." I tried to stay collected to conceal how his words affected me.

He shook his head, smiling wryly. "Just get in the car. Come on." He held my hand, but I tried hard to pull away in an inoffensive way by reacting like I was afraid of that gesture.

"I can handle myself. And from now on, do not touch me."

He turned around and placed both hands in his pockets, his teasing smirk still etched. "A simple touch scares you. But a kiss doesn't?"