I Hate You as Much as I Love You

Emily's POV:

As I gazed upon my parents' graves, blanketed in snow, tears continued to stream down my face. Today marks my dad's birthday, and the depth of my longing for them is profound. How I long to embrace them once more, to feel their warmth in my arms.

"It felt like hell, didn't it? To lose your parents in a car accident when you were eight."

I quickly turned at the sound of the cold voice, my heart skipping a beat as I found myself mesmerized by the man standing next to me. His handsome face and captivating gray eyes locked onto mine, holding my attention firmly.

He's around 28, older than me. I'm 18 now. Tall and impeccably dressed in a sharp black suit, white shirt, gray tie, and a stylish black long coat. His neatly styled hair was a rich shade of dark brown. He really is beautiful. No one should be this good-looking.

As I found myself lost in his wintry smile, I suddenly realized I had forgotten to breathe. My cheeks are on fire as his spell over me broke. Swiftly, I averted my gaze from his, attempting to steady my rapid heartbeat.

It took a moment for me to find my voice. "How-how do you know about my parents?"

In nervousness, I stole another glance into those captivating eyes, waiting for a response that didn't come. A sense of unease washed over me as I met his gaze, feeling a chill run down my spine. The sheer intensity of hatred and anger emanating from his eyes sent a wave of fear through my body.

Without moving his eyes from me, he leans in closer to me. His big, firm hand gripped my face, immobilizing me. My heart races so fast that its thumping echoes in my ears.

"I know your dad better than you do. And I'm so glad he's rotting in hell right now," he said in a deep whisper.

Anger surged through me at what he said. "You bastard! Why did you curse my dad?!"

His grip on me grew stronger as I fought to break free. I'm frozen, scared to death, under the look in his eyes. Those eyes seemed to tell me he would make my life a living hell.

A devilish smile crossed his lips, revealing his delight in witnessing my fear. Right now, I feel like a helpless prey in the clutch of the beast.

With trembling hands, I pushed against his firm chest once more. The moment he loosened his grip, I hastily fled from his presence, my feet carrying me away without daring to glance behind. He instilled a profound fear within me.

I thought he was a handsome, kind man, but I was wrong. He is the devil behind his handsome face.

I halted at the bus stop, gasping for breath. Fearfully, I scanned my surroundings, but the man was nowhere in sight, easing my tension that he wasn't pursuing me.

As I settled into the seat ahead, a flurry of questions raced through my mind. 'Who is that man? Why did he curse my dad? And why did he treat me that way?'

The blare of the bus horn snapped me out of my reverie. Hastily, I rose from my seat and made my way onto the bus. All that's on my mind right now is leaving this place. I never want to meet that man again in my entire life.

***

As I stepped off the bus, I buried my hands deep into the pockets of my coat. The snow fell heavily, the frigid air cutting through me to the bone. Hastening my pace, I made my way to the old apartment where my aunt and I lived and went inside.

"Auntie May, I'm home," I said as I opened the door. My fear of that man vanished when I saw my aunt's warm smile. Smiling back at her, I walked over to the bed she was lying on and sat down next to her.

"How do you feel now?" I asked with concern, lightly touching her forehead.

"I feel much better now," she replied, her voice still sounding feeble.

It lessens my worries, knowing she no longer has a fever. My aunt has had a fever since yesterday. She often fell ill because her body was weak. Her tiring job as a waitress made her health worse.

Holding her hand, my eyes brimmed with worry. "You must promise me. Don't work anymore. You must take a rest. Tomorrow, I will look for a job."

She put on a smile to ease my worries. "I told you I feel much better now, so you don't need to worry about me. Tomorrow, I'll go to work."

"Auntie! ... Please ... You have to listen to me. You must take good care of yourself. You are the only family I have. I don't know how to live this life without you ..." I couldn't help but cry. I love her so much and I never want to lose her.

Her eyes are leaking tears, watching me. "Emily ... I'm so sorry I always make you cry and make you worry about me. I'm not a good aunt to you. I can't give you happiness. I can't even pay for you to go to college. You really want to be a teacher, but I can't make your dream come true ..."

I earnestly stared her in the eyes, holding her hand. "You are my best aunt. You love me with all your heart. I am so happy with you. So please ... always be with me. Never, ever leave me," I said what my heart said.

Moved by my words, she enveloped me warmly in her embrace. ''I promise you ... I will never leave you. I love you so much, Emily ..."

''Auntie ... I love you so much too ...'' There's nothing I want more than to be in her arms.

The sound of someone knocking on the door broke our embrace. ''I'll open the door,'' I said, wiping my tears and walking to the door.

As soon as I swung the door open, I sighed inside at the sight of a fat woman with a fake smile on her round face. She is the owner of this apartment. Her name is Rosemary, and it really doesn't suit her face.

I swiftly exited the room and shut the door behind me, fully aware of why she had come. I didn't want my aunt to hear our conversation.

''Pay the three months' rent you owe me or get out of my place now!'' she said heartlessly.

"Please ... can you keep your voice down?" I begged her in a whisper. "I told you I'd give you your money as soon as I got a job."

"Tell me! When will you get a job? Tomorrow, next week, or wait until I die! No company will want to hire a high school graduate like you! You can only be a waitress like your aunt. You can't pay what you owe me with the salary!"

Watching me struggle to be patient for my aunt's sake, she sneered mockingly. She really is evil. Her heart was as ugly as her face! If she hadn't forced my aunt to pay high interest, my aunt would have already paid off the debt.

Taking a business card from her pocket, she handed it to me. "Take this! She is my friend. She works as a manager at a five-star hotel. She will help you to work there."

My anger at her turned to confusion. I never thought she would help me get a job. In hesitation, I took the card from her hand. "Why ... do you want to help me?" I asked into her eyes.

"I'm not helping you! I'm helping myself. Just give me my money after you get the job!" she replied with bulging eyes and walked away from me arrogantly.

With a smile on my face, I looked at the card in my hands. It's a great relief for me that I'll get a job so my aunt and I don't have to sleep on the streets.

***

Author's POV:

A fancy black sedan pulled up elegantly by the grand entrance of a magnificent mansion. The chauffeur stepped out and courteously opened the rear door. The man Emily encountered at the cemetery alighted and proceeded gracefully into his estate.

His name's Lucian Grey, the sole heir to his family, who owns the biggest property company in NYC. With the world at his fingertips, he captivates all who cross his path. Not only handsome and so rich, but he is also brilliant, which makes him the most desired bachelor of the ladies in this city.

A young maid bowed politely when she saw him. "Good- good evening, sir," she said, her cheeks flushed. There wasn't a single girl who couldn't help but be stunned by his good looks.

"Good evening, Mia."

The butterflies in her stomach fluttered wildly, her cheeks flushed deeper, and she found herself breathless at the sound of his gentle voice and the sight of his handsome smile.

"Is my grandpa asleep yet?" he asked.

It took time for her to find her voice. "Y-yes, sir. He-he is already sleeping in his room."

After giving her another smile, Lucian ascended the stairs, leaving her behind as she grappled with soothing her racing heart.

Upon stepping into his grandpa's room, Lucian settled onto the bed and directed his attention to his grandpa's face. His deep affection and concern for his grandpa were palpable in his eyes, heightened by the constant worry of losing him to his heart disease.

He tenderly arranged the blanket over his grandpa's form, a warm glow of contentment illuminating his gaze as he observed his grandpa's peaceful expression in slumber. To him, his grandpa meant the world.

"Good night, grandpa ..." he softly uttered, his smile brimming with affection. Quietly rising from the bed, he exited the room and made his way to his own.

This luxurious room is way too big for just one man, adorned primarily in lavish shades of black and gray. Its vast glass walls provide a breathtaking view of the nocturnal landscape, embracing the entire space within.

Sitting on the couch, Lucian withdrew Emily's picture from his jacket pocket, gazing at it intently.

A surge of lust and desire ignited within him. He couldn't deny that this girl was as beautiful as an unblemished white rose. Her stunning blue eyes, flowing long blonde hair, and flawless white skin fascinated him. The innocence and beauty she had made him crave to fuck her.

His eyes blazed with a sudden fury as he recalled the longstanding grudge that had plagued him. With anger thick in his breath, he crumpled Emily's picture in his hand. After searching for so long, he finally found her, and he couldn't wait to make her life a living hell.

***

Emily's POV:

The sun had set when I left my apartment. I'm on the bus now on the way to the five- star hotel. A place I've never been before. I called the manager last night, and she told me she could only meet me tonight at 9pm because she was busy with her work.

I sighed, feeling guilty for lying to my aunt. I told her I was going to my friend's house. She would forbid me from going to the hotel if I told her the truth. I really need the money to pay the rent debt. Once I get the job, I'll tell her everything.

As I step off the bus, a shiver runs through me in the biting cold. I quickly made my way to the hotel, running from the snow.

Halted my steps, my eyes widened unblinkingly at the building in front of me. I almost dropped my jaw. It's much grander than I imagined. It made me quiver to step inside.

To calm my frayed nerves, I drew in a deep breath. I need this job. I'm going to get through it no matter what. Stay calm ... relax ... You can do it; I chanted the mantra in my head and forced my feet to walk inside the main entrance.

With bated breath, I marveled at the grandeur of this hotel, a palace-like heaven that I never dreamed I could be here.

Shaking my head briskly, I urged my mind to concentrate on making my way to the receptionist.

From behind the solid sandstone desk, a beautiful woman smiled pleasantly at me. She's wearing the sharpest charcoal suit jacket and white shirt I have ever seen.

"Good evening, miss. Welcome to our hotel. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Good - good evening. I'm Emily White. I-I have an appointment with Mrs. Linda Blonde. She told me to meet her here."

My nervousness turned into curiosity at the change in the way she looked at me. There was no longer a pleasant smile on her face, only a look of disdain that I could see.

"Follow me!" she rudely exclaimed, striding towards the elevator without bothering to wait for me. Hurriedly, I followed her into the elevator.

Without saying a word, she pressed the elevator button to the top floor and cast a disdainful glance in my direction.

I avoided her eyes, feeling uneasy. We just met, but why is she looking at me in that way? The query consumed my thoughts.

As the elevator doors parted, I exited, my brow creasing with uncertainty upon noticing her lingering inside. "Aren't you coming with me?"

Her eyes suddenly bulged in anger. "How dare you ask me that?! I'm not a woman like you! You bitch!" she yelled, swiftly pushing the button as the doors sealed shut.

Clenching my palms into fists, I struggled to calm my anger. What's wrong with her?! Is she insane?! Why did she say I'm a bitch?! If I don't remember what I came here for, I'll go down to the lobby and slap her in the face!

Inhaling deeply, I made my way towards the penthouse, the only room on this floor. Halted at the doorway of the open door, the strains of classical music wafting through the air enveloped me. The opulent chandelier cast a soft, golden glow, bathing the room in its dim light.

Politely, I knocked on the door. "Mrs. Blonde? May I come in?" I asked, and I didn't hear her reply. Maybe she didn't hear because of the music, I guess.

Taking off my coat, I adjusted the short black dress adorning my figure. Mrs. Blonde told me to wear this kind of dress. I didn't dare to ask her why. That's probably because I'll be in a five-star hotel as magnificent as this.

Bracing myself, I entered the room.

As the door shut behind me, the sudden sound took aback me. When I turned around, I found myself rooted to the spot in fear.

Leaning against the closed door was the man I scared to death, a devilry smile playing on his lips. His gray eyes held a chilling stare that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Emily ... Finally, you came. I've been waiting for you ..." His deep, gravelly voice echoed along with the sound of my rapid heartbeat in my ears.

"Why are you here?" I asked, my voice quivering.

A faint smile danced on his lips as he seemed to relish in my unease. "Isn't this my hotel? Am I not allowed to be here?" He teased.

Shock pulsed through me, my heart racing. I would never have stepped foot in this hotel if I had known it was his, let alone worked here as his employee.

"I-I think I entered the wrong room. I shouldn't be here now," I said, looking for an excuse to leave.

He grinned playfully, walking leisurely towards me while rolling up his sleeves on his white shirt. As he stood facing me, I instinctively retreated in fear. A faint minty scent of water I could smell from his delicate skin.

"You didn't enter the wrong room," he whispered deeply, his devilry gaze locking onto mine. "Didn't Rosemary and Linda tell you? You are not here to work as my employee, but as a bitch, I will fuck hard."

I'm freaking out, chilled to the bone. Falling into the deepest hell with a devil that had been waiting to torment me mercilessly is what I feel now. I never thought I had fallen into his trap.

It gave me a startled shudder when his hand grabbed my arm, dragging me into the bedroom. "Don't touch me! Get off me now! You can't do this to me! I'll report you to the police!" Despite my efforts to resist, I found myself powerless against his grasp.

Shoving my body onto the bed, he bends down with me in his arms. His visage loomed above me, glowering at me with his void-slitted eyes.

"Just report me to the police, but it won't do any good. No one will believe a man like me would rape a dirty bitch like you. They'll think you want to blackmail me. Did you forget? I didn't force you to come, but you were the one who willingly came to this room." He threatened in a teasing manner.

I'm scared shitless, helplessly. Crying and begging him is all I can do now. "Please ... let me go. Please ... I beg you ... I never did anything wrong with you? Why are you doing this to me?"

He gave me a tender smile, yet his eyes revealed no mercy. A cold, lustful look was all I could see in those eyes.

Without batting an eye, he took out a gray tie from the pocket of his black trousers. "Stop! Get off me now!" I struggled to break free as he bound my arms to the headboard with it. But the more I struggled, the more helpless I felt.

When he grips my face, it hurts and scares me so much. His piercing gaze paralyzes my body.

"Please ... let me go ... Please ..." I cried, shaking.

"Sssst ... Be quiet." He ordered me with a low sigh. I tried to scream, but I didn't get a single word in.

A shiver of fear raced down my spine as he delicately traced his fingers along my neck, gradually untying the straps of my dress from my shoulders.

"Please ... stop it! Please ..." I begged him.

He just doesn't want to stop ...

Slowly, his hands descended, gently parting my dress, while his gaze, filled with desire, fixated on my partially revealed breasts, tracing the outline of my nipples peeking through the delicate lace of my bra. His deep, lustful breath brushed against my skin, creating a warm sensation. I couldn't suppress the trembling of my body, consumed by fear.

He dipped his index finger into the cup of my bra, gently pulling it down, and his firm hand cupped my breast. "Ackh!" I grimaced in pain as he bit my nipple, elongating it with his teeth. He did the same with my other nipple. "Please ... stop. You're hurting me." I cry. My nipples throbbed with soreness, feeling swollen.

A smile of pleasure adorned his face as he witnessed my pain. Drawing his face nearer to mine, his deep, serene eyes met mine in a steady gaze.

"You've never been fucked before, right?" he whispered.

I turned my face aside, shedding tears.

He snatched my chin with his scorching-hot hand and dragged my face to his. His lips linked to the side in a knowing smile as he lightly brushed his thumb against my lips.

His eyes grew dark and intense, like they were piercing into mine. "I'm gonna fuck you now like a bitch and watch you struggle with every brutal thrust, " he said in a deep, gravelly voice.

Terrified beyond measure, I felt like a defenseless prey, about to be devoured by a vicious beast.

He forcefully yanked the skirt of my dress to my hips and ripped off my panties.

"Please stop it ... Please ... I'm begging you ..." My body was shaking so much I couldn't even move it.

Gazing at my pussy, a flare of lust smoldering in his eyes. He lowered his zipper and pulled out his cock. I felt a surge of fear at the sight of his huge, horny cock that was ready to torture my pussy.

Despite my efforts to keep my thighs closed, he effortlessly parted them. As I felt the head of his cock pressing against my entrance, I squeezed my eyes shut, holding my breath in fear. I felt my pussy was going to tear.

The sound of an incoming call suddenly rang. He stopped thrusting and freed my pussy. I opened my eyes, struggling to breathe. I couldn't think at all, could only hear my rapid heartbeat echoing in my ears.

Standing up from the bed, he grabbed his cell phone on the table next to the bed where I was lying. Judging by his expression, it's gotta be an important call from someone.

"What is it?" he answered the call, moving away from me as he zipped up his trousers.

His eyes widened abruptly with worry before swiftly ending the call. He departed from the room in a state of panic, leaving me alone without uttering a single word.

I fought to suppress my tears, urging myself to break free. Shaking, I sat up in bed and untied the tie with my teeth. Once I was free, I fixed my dress, got out of bed, grabbed my coat from the floor, and put it on.

I fled from this place that was as beautiful as heaven, but it was like hell for me. I truly wish ... I could escape from the devil's clutches forever.

***