Married to the villian

Beatrice's eyes gleamed with tears as her boyfriend of two years, Mark just ended their relationship via a phone text and to make things worse, after many attempts to talk to him, he kept declining her dials.

"What did I ever do to deserve this Mark. What?!" She cried out loudly, alone in her room as tears descended onto the surface of her phone's screen. Her hands slided into the cabinet beside her, she picked a handful of tissue to wipe away her tears.

She is a smart, beautiful and refined lady from a wealthy family. She felt she has all that is needed, so what exactly happened?! She called him on phone again but he kept declining her dials putting her in more distress.

She was still in the middle of her melancholic moments when she heard a knock on her room door. It was her father, Edward Paget, a ruthless billionaire and business tycoon. He did not hear any response so he pushed the door open

"You have been crying?" He asked his hands tucked in his pants pockets. He seemed not alarmed

Beatrice sniffed as her chest tightened. "What did I do to deserve this Dad? What did I do? I have been loving and kind to Mark!"

"Exactly" Edward uttered moving closer to her. "You have not done anything wrong to deserve that bastard, that hungry boy! You deserve a man as wealthy as we are in this family. Not some random boy who works as an accountant in a local company" He said with disdain

Beatrice shook her head, displeased with her father's choice of words

"I have told you earlier Beatrice. I told you to stay away from that boy but you wouldn't listen. If I want things done my way. I will do it. I have done that to many people irrespective of how influential they may be. How much more of that commoner" He added proudly with a frown.

Beatrice looked at her father suspiciously, her heart portraying a deep well of hurt.

"What did you do Dad?" She asked rising to her feet. She knew what her father is able of.

Edward avoided her gaze and went on to speak; "The best for you". He said and with this he dashed out of her room.

Beatrice eyes widened, her expression a mixture of shock and furious realization. Her father has disrupted her love life.

Edward had threatened Mark to end his relationship with Beatrice, else he and his family would see his wrath. Literally everyone is fearful of Edward Grath, he is not only powerful and wealthy but ruthless. Those that have offended him in the past paid dearly for it in miserable ways. He also offered Mark a huge sum of money which he coerced him to receive.

Beatrice cried out loudly sensing her father's possible scheme.

"But no, no, Mark loves me, he just can't give up on us , No" She sniffed murmuring to herself. She trembled as she picked up her phone again to dial his number, she heard a cracking sound over the phone, Finally she thought.

"Hi. Babe" she muttered nervously and with urgency. "Can we talk about...." But she was not done talking when the voice replied her aggressively

"We have had enough Beatrice! Leave my brother alone. Do you want us dead?!" She raged, it was Mark's elder sister Judith, she never really liked her relationship with her brother initially, she always stated that Beatrice is from a corrupt home.

"Ju...dith... please...."

"Your father threatened to kill us without traces! I do not want my brother or our Mother dead and I am definitely not ready to die too! I am happy Mark can now confirm for himself the kind of family you emanated from. We are different from you people. Leave us alone" She hanged up.

Beatrice stared at her phone. She gasped for breath as she just stood there, motionless. Why would her father do this to her?! She was hurt and furious. Why is he always trying to tamper with how she wants to live her life. She genuinely wished her mother is still alive. The only person who truly understood her and supported her happiness. Her hands roamed over her golden hair in despair, tears roaming down her cheek. She forcefully shattered the flower vase beside her bed, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

########

Beatrice got depressed and emotionally shattered for more than a week. Mark didn't try to reach out to her and he went as far as taking measures to prevent her number from calling him!- She found this very hurtful, and demeaning. She felt like a woman deprived of love, Mark would have at least spoken to her, and give them a chance to talk things through.

But her father is to blamed for this and she was furious at him for ruining her relationship. She had refused to speak to him in the house, until the last night when her maternal Grandmother intervened. She had no choice but to listen to the old woman who always showered her with care and affection.

It's been two weeks already and fortunately she was healing, thanks to her bosom friend Dominic, he would take her out and be always ready listen to her, he became a shoulder for her to cry on. Dominic had been Beatrice's childhood friend, they parted ways at the early stage of their life but they re united again when Dominic resumed work at Edward's company, which Beatrice held the post of the director hence, they saw each other more frequently.

"Thanks Dominic, what would I have done without you?" She uttered with a smile. Dominic had dropped her at the house after both of them were returning from the Cinema

"You are welcome my girl. Take care of yourself and don't...."He rarely concluded his conversation when both of them heard a loud cry that emanated from within the house

"Uhm...I will call you Dominic I have to go in now." She said with a troubled voice

"Is everything okay in there?" Dominic asked worriedly.

"I don't know...I guess I will have to go in and check"

"Do you want me to go in with you?"

"Oh no" Beatrice scoffed under her breath. "that is not a good idea Dominic. Trust me. Thanks for today. Call me when you get home" She said with a grin

Dominic nodded, he smiled back at her and got into his car.

Beatrice got into the house and she met a horrifying scene, one of her father's personal security, Sam was on his knees, his hands tied to his back, two of his father's muscular thugs stood beside him with long ropes and knives in there hands. Scars and blood all over Sam's face as his eyes pleaded for Mercy.

In the midst of Beatrice's agitation she did not fail to notice this strikingly handsome man seated close to her father, who was in a classic well designed suit, his wavy hair perfectly styled giving him a ruggedly handsome look. He looked up at her with a smirk on his face and immediately glanced back at his phone, engrossed with it . He seemed comfortable with the scene around them that made Beatrice unsettled. She shifted her gaze away from him.

"What's...What's going on here Dad?"She asked "Why is Mr. Sam like this. What has he done?"

"Oh. You are back!" Edward said gazing at her with a welcoming smile. "Meet Ethan, the Grath's one and only heir" He said ignoring her question and pointing at the charming masculine figure

"You haven't answered me Dad. Why is Mr. Sam being punished like this" Beatrice queried. For all she knew Mr. Sam has been a diligent and easy going Security personnel.

"He betrayed me and if you know what's good for you Beatrice, get inside now, and stop asking further questions because you are about to witness a discrete Scene"

"What?" She asked perplexed.

Edward rose to his feet. He moved closer to Sam

"I am going to ask you for the last time. What did you mention to the Prime Minister's Secretary when he came by at my second house?" He asked his expression fierce.

Sam exhaled. He was exhausted and weak. They had been torturing him for what he knew nothing about. Now he did not know if he should confess wrongly so he could be free. But would he actually be free?!

"I swear to you....I...I...I did not..."he coughed out some blood. "I did not tell him anything". He said looking right into Edward's eyes

"Okay. That does it. Cut his fore finger" Edward muttered to one of his thugs. He sat back down

Upon hearing this, Beatrice shook in fear and disbelief. "No!...."she yelled shutting her eyes as she saw the thug raised up the knife

Beatrice opened her eyes and she Saw Sam's fore finger on the ground, stained with blood while Sam was writhing and crying out loudly in pain. His hands dripping with blood. He slumped to the ground unconsciously.

Beatrice could feel her legs vibrating on the ground. She stood right there trembling

"How could you do this? You are getting more ruthless as the day goes by, what kind of a human being are you?!" She yelled at a father in a frustrating tone swinging the hand bag in her hands

The Charming young man Ethan glanced at her and wondered how someone could be this beautiful even when angry. He kept his gaze fixed on her for a minute as if analyzing her essence.

Edward sat down non chanlantly and watched his daughter rage with anger and cries.

"Take him outside the house, close to the streets" He said to his thugs as he pointed at Sam. "If anything he must not die here"

Beatrice scoffed unbelievably. She dashed out of her father's sight.

"Don't mind her. She is always full of emotions" Edward said to Ethan

"I can sense that" Ethan said rising up. He smiled briefly.

Beatrice sat down on her bed breathing heavily. She still looked uneasy with the scene she just witnessed. She was tired of her father's viscious ways. Ever since her mother died while trying to birth a child, her father had become more ruthless, not like he was never ruthless and desperate, but it grew worse. Her mother would always call him to order but now there is no one to do that and he got out of that control.

She heard the creak of her room door and it finally opened. It was the Charming man she saw few minutes ago but she got furious by his lack of courtesy

"Can't you Knock?" She queried

"I don't need to, because I came as fast as I could, so I wouldn't meet you undressed" He said conceitedly as his lips formed into a smirk, his hands tucked in his trousers' pockets

"Still not an excuse you arrogant jerk! The appropriate thing to do when you enter a lady's room is to knock" Beatrice fumed.

"Oh. Well, I will let that slide. No one calls me that and goes unscathed, but for you, I will make an exception, especially an elegant and gorgeous lady like you" He remarked

Beatrice's initial anger softened at his words but she wouldn't let him buy her emotions with flattery words.

She cleared her throat and remained silent

Ethan moved closer to her and stretched his hands forward. "I am Ethan Grath, director and heir to the Grath's group. B. A and MBA in business administration, Stanford. Second richest young billionaire in England 2024. The most handsome man you would ever see in your lifetime" He uttered confidently beaming a smile at her.

Beatrice scoffed, she stood up her arms crossed across her chest. "And who told you, you right here is the most handsome man I would ever set my eyes on?"

"Well, it takes an extremely beautiful lady like you to identify an extremely beautiful man too. Did I tell you how stunning you look when you are upset?" He asked raising his eyebrows, his hands still stretched forward.

Beatrice lips formed into a partial smile. She took his hands. "Beatrice Paget. Director of Reez company"

Ethan shook her hands softly after which he kissed it. "Nice to finally meet you, Angel" he said in a flirty tone.

Beatrice knows the one and only Ethan of Grath's unless she wanted to pretend. He is wealthy, charming and intelligent, he makes business daily headlines. He is widely known for ladies gushing all over him. But what she didn't know is how arrogant he would be in person.

"Your name sure rings a bell. I have heard about you, I have seen you in pictures and videos, But I am just glancing right at you now, If anything your father is friends with mine, So where have you been hiding?"

"Huh. Like I said earlier, I schooled in Stanford at the United States. After my Masters degree, I presided over the Grath's company in California. So I haven't really been around. I got back here roughly six months ago"

"Oh..wow. intriguing" She said nodding her head

Ethan pursed his lips and his gaze shifted to the interior decorations of her room. He nodded impressively.

But then Beatrice remembered the question she wanted to ask since he entered her room.

"Hey....." She called as she sensed his attention diverted by the beautiful designs and work of arts in her room

"Yeah".....he answered shifting his gaze to her.

"That scene back there, I noticed, you seem comfortable with it, how my father had that man tortured and inflicted pains on him. Why couldn't you stop him?"

"Why should I?" He shrugged with a grin

"What...?" Beatrice asked in disbelief

"That man deserves all of that torture. He who kills by the sword must die by the sword. He betrayed your Father and that is what should happen to betrayers" Ethan answered with a serious tone and Beatrice could see her father in his eyes. What is wrong with him? Could he also have turned cold hearted because of wealth and authority? and the directions of Beatrice's thought was accurate to an extent

Ethan's father, Perry Grath is another viscious wealthy, and desperate businessman/ politician. He had been in the business market for close to three decades, he grew tough and merciless along the way ready to destroy anyone or anything that stands on his way to more Success and Prestige. This he has also imbibed in his son since he was a teenager, Ethan has been accompanying his father to both legal and illegal business transactions, he thought him to be fierce and merciless, and never to forgive betrayal. Hence, he didn't see the torture Sam went through as a big deal.

"You are heartless" Beatrice uttered shaking her head "What am I even doing talking to you? You should leave my room"

Ethan giggled before he replied. " I don't want to leave, at least not yet. I don't know what I am also doing still talking to you. Guess you have enchanted me"

Beatrice glanced at him. Even though she felt as though she was looking at a Villian, his captivating smile stirred her emotions. He looked like her imaginary prince charming. His wits made her feel different, at peace. How did she ever feel so weird?

"Will you go to the Maldives with me this evening?" Ethan asked

"What?. Maldives this evening? Are you kidding me?" Beatrice stared at him unbelievably. How dare he make such request of her

"We will take my jet. It's few minutes to six. Come on"

"You are so full of yourself" Beatrice said surveying his entire body with her eyes intently

"Oh. Okay Will you like to go on a date with me to the Maldives, your highness?" He said courteously with a smile.

Beatrice couldn't help but smile before she replied firmly; "NO"

"Oh. dear. Why not?" He asked disappointed but trying to maintain his composure

"My ex boy friend recently broke up with me. It's too early to jump on a date" she said, sitting back down, adjusting her long straight hair.

"Oh. That's his loss. He must have been a low life to leave a gorgeous and successful lady like you"

Beatrice swallowed nervously, fumbling with her fingers. She remained silent

In that instant, there was a knock on the room door, before Edward entered

"Oh..I see you two are getting along" He said with a smile, before further adjusting his duster coat elegantly "There is really no need for any pressure from me"

"Dad, please leave my room" Beatrice said softly

"That is a rude manner to address your father" He replied, he took a deep breath as if frustrated then moved closer to her "Look Beatrice, you have got to put away your emotions if you want to be successful in this business. It takes more than being professional. Isn't it Ethan?"

"Absolutely Sir. I wish I could lecture her further if she gives me the chance"

"Oh. Definitely she will!" Edward said with an assured tone.

Beatrice stared at both of them with a perplexed expression before her phone rang. She stared at her phone's screen and it was Mark. It's been two weeks since they broke up and he didn't even try to reach out to her once, he also rejected her calls. Why did he decide to now? Her heart beat rapidly as she picked up the phone.

Edward stared at his daughter intently. Ethan remained standing his hands tucked in his pockets watching her expression changed as she picked up the phone.

"Hey" Beatrice heard Mark's voice clearly.

"Hi" She said with a dry tone. She was furious at him, not because he ended their relationship, his father can be very viscous. But she was hurt and disappointed. that he couldn't reach out to her all these while, talk to her, find out how she felt about it all. That was cruel on his part.

Edward left the room already as one of his men came in with his phone bearing an urgent call.

" I just...I just wanted to say I am sorry Beatrice. I am sorry things had to happen this way. Look...I really do love you. But then your father came over here with lots of his Scary looking thugs yelling at my mother. It was a horrific scene and I just couldn't...I couldn't take that"

"Yeah of course" Beatrice said bitterly, swallowing hard and for some reason she felt she held so little importance in his life. She felt she was not worth fighting for. He could have at least given her the chance to work things out.

"And that couldn't make you reach out to me over the phone as well. For two weeks Mark!" She voiced out loudly. Her eyes gleaming with unshed tears. "How could you?! you left me hurt and broken without even turning back!"

Ethan already grabbed the nearest chair to sit down. He supposed that was his silly ex as he chose to qualify him and seeing Beatrice cry made him furious at this guy he doesn't even know. He felt like grabbing that phone from her, to stop her from further despair then go to the good for nothing ex's house and beat up his ass. However he let all those thoughts only play out in his head. He remained calm on seat.

"Beatrice I am sorry, but I was terrified and I still am. I just can't bear to see my mother dead or even hurt. My mother and sister, they mean a lot to me and you know that......."

"You know what? It's okay. You called to apologize right? Apology accepted. Goodbye" She said sharply ending the call. She dropped the phone and tried to catch some breath. She looked unsettled and broken

"Hey. Angel. The offer for the Maldives is still valid. Come with me, I will make you have a beautiful experience, you infact need a vacation" he quipped but his face actually showed deep concern and worry.

Beatrice was silent for a while before she responded; "When are we returning?"

"Whenever you wish to....."Ethan responded

Beatrice nodded her head. Perhaps she needed that Vacation.

*********"***

Three months after

Beatrice tied the knot with Ethan. Ethan did not only come as a consolation to her after the break up with Mark, but she preferred him. He is more charming, very intelligent and a strong man. She felt safe around him, she had this rest of mind that he could protect her should any danger arrive. She never felt that way with Mark

They had the most flamboyant wedding in town attended by many important people and dignitaries. It was just not a casual union but a union of two powerful families. The Graths and Pagets. However, beneath the union lies a secret alliance for more wealth and power. The alliance involved an hazardous project which could cause serious harm to humans. A terrible storm yet to arrive in the City! But this was unknown to the couple yet.

********

It was the night of their wedding. The couple had flown to Dubai immediately after their wedding for their Honeymoon, lodging in the most expensive and exquisite hotel in the city, pampered with first class treatments which included meals, accommodations and other conceivable comfort.

Ethan had booked the entire hotel for the night! He wanted alone time with his wife in the Cozy and relaxing venue, wanted them to have a fantastic view of the nature's breath taking places in the premises without any distraction.

Beatrice felt loved and happy. Ethan is an intentional Man ready to go to lengths to make her happy. Beyond his rigidity is an amazing soul that treats her with so much affection and priority. This is the kind of man she desires. Perhaps it's for the best things ended with Mark. However, she was yet to realize her husband's concealed abnormal obsessiveness and controlling attitude which would in turn terrify her and gradually make her regret their union. Only if she had been vigilant, she would start noticing these signs appear even on the night of her wedding

It was still their wedding night, a warm smile radiated from Beatrice, she sat right in front of the mirror in the hotel room dressed in her bikini and swimsuit, and reminsced the pleasant memories of their wedding and the spectacular ones just moments ago. They had a delightful time at the pool followed by a visit to the bar where they reveled with drinks and swaying to the rythmic tunes. Lost in her thoughts, She felt a gentle touch on her neck.

"Hey" she said bringing Ethan's hands forward to kiss it lovingly. In that instant, she felt something move around her neck. She touched it and it was a chain. A beautiful diamond chain. Her jaw dropped. She wondered how swiftly he put that on her neck. He keeps impressing her as the day passes by!

"You like ?" Ethan asked. He was clad in his swimming shorts, his hair still damp and his chiseled abs on display.

"Yeah sure! I love it" Beatrice said touching the chain and admiring it in the mirror. "You have been showering me with gifts Ethan. You just gifted me a Ferrari this evening for our wedding. It's too much"

"I know but this is a different gift. It's the first Jewellery from me to you, well apart from our ring" He giggled. "you should always wear that" he added firmly

"I will. Thank you. But it's close to bed that time now, so it's only proper I take it off" Beatrice expressed politely

"No. Wear it now" Ethan responded, his countenance switching to a serious demeanor. "I want it on you always".

"Even to bed?" Beatrice asked astonished

"Yeah" Ethan nodded. "That's why I requested the maker make it really light. You barely feel any thing on your neck. It was customized just for you"

Beatrice nodded her head in affirmation but still looking perplexed. Anyways that really doesn't count. It's her wedding night. She should focus on them having a good time. She looked forward to this especially when she gets to have a passionate intimacy with Ethan. They had shared nothing more than a kiss so far. Ethan insisted he wants her untouched till their wedding night.- A satisfying option Ethan has made for himself to exert his long awaited moment of passion which would lead to dominance and aggression from him. Exactly want he wanted- To be in control

Ethan sipped from the cup of orange juice he earlier held in his hands. A call came from his Secretary and that prompted him to switch off his phone. Both of his phones after which he instructed Beatrice to do the same.

"It's our spectacular night. We should entertain no distractions." He said firmly but courteously

"Uhh...sure..." Beatrice said, switching off her mobile device. She stood up and moved closer to her husband, giving him a flirty smile. Her hands roamed over his abs, and nipples admiring his masculine beauty. Ethan watched her and he gave a short satisfying moan. He let her kiss her all over his chest for a short while before he swiftly shifted her hands away and held it to her back. He has had enough of the feminine lead. He wouldn't entertain that from her, from any woman- An action that startled Beatrice. He pushed her to the nearest wall, took control of her hands and kissed her roughly and hungrily......