THE DEVIL WHO BOUGHT ME

Natalie stared at her reflection in the mirror and barely recognized the girl looking back.

Her hair was curled and pinned like a porcelain doll's. Her makeup, subtle and expensive, masked the growing storm in her eyes. The gown-a soft champagne gold with crystal embroidery-clung to her body like a silk cage. Expensive. Delicate. Uncomfortable.

Just like the day ahead.

"You look beautiful, Miss," the maid said gently, finishing the clasp at the back.She gave a tight smile as she looked at her white satin dress. It was her day. Her wedding day. Bile rose at the back of her throat as she thought of it.

Her uncle had only told her about it last night. She had had no time to prepare. To plan. To escape. Not like she had gotten that much chance either. Her uncle had locked her up immediately he told her, knowing full well that she would plan to escape.

Natalie's smile didn't reach her eyes as she made her way to the entrance where the car that would take her to the venue was waiting for her. She was already planning her escape.

As the black town car pulled up in front of the towering event hall,( It wasn't even a chapel), Natalie's heart raced-not from nerves, but from adrenaline.

Inside, the hall was drenched in wealth and pretension.

Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in golden light. Velvet-draped tables sparkled with champagne flutes and silver cutlery. The guests-politicians, businessmen, socialites-floated around in designer tuxedos and gowns like the world belonged to them.

And at the center of it all, Viktor Roman, her supposed fiancé.

He stood tall and imposing, dressed in a custom black suit. His graying hair was slicked back, jaw sharp and eyes like polished stone. People whispered about how powerful he was. How feared. How could her uncle be this cruel. He had always been though. Ever since her parents died and left her in his care. All he cared for was her inheritance. An inheritance she wasn't sure still existed. If it wasn't already lost to her uncle's growing debt.

Viktor Roman looked every inch the business mogul and billionaire. Old. Bald, with a tight smile and hungry, lewd eyes .But Natalie didn't care. To her, he was just another man trying to buy her.

Her chance came sooner than expected. While Gideon turned to speak with one of the Roman family lawyers, To seal her fate as he deemed fit, Natalie slipped away, clutching her clutch bag tight as she moved through the side corridor.

She found the exit, pushed the door open-and ran straight into two men in black suits.

"Going somewhere, Miss Grimaldi ?" One of the men had on a smug look. He was obviously enjoying this.

Her heart sank. Gideon had planned for this.He had guessed her every move right from the beginning.

Well, good thing she had plan B.

They grabbed her arms before she could twist away. "Let me go!" she shouted, but the hallway was too quiet, too isolated for anyone to hear-or care.Not that they ever did.

Minutes later, she was dragged back into the hall through the same door she'd slipped out of, shoes scraping against the floor, hair falling from its neat updo.

The music faltered. Heads turned. Murmurs began to rise.

She didn't care.

"Let her go," Gideon snapped, appearing beside them with a clenched jaw. "She's just overwhelmed."

Natalie shoved their arms off and stepped forward. "Overwhelmed? Is that what we're calling kidnapping now?"

Gideon's fake smile was stretched tight. "Natalie -"

"No," she snapped, voice rising. "Let's not pretend anymore. You're selling me off like cattle. To this-this wrinkled fraud of a man."

Gasps rippled across the room.The ceremony was about to start. Things were getting set. The best thing would be to keep quiet now and apologize then carry on with the ceremony and later when everyone was relaxed, she would find a way to escape. But anger eroded common sense and words were flying out of her mouth sooner than she could think.

Oops!

Viktor Roman turned slowly, his expression unreadable.

"Excuse me?" Her uncle was at Viktor's side in a flash trying to appease his anger.

It's okay Natalie . Apologize now and everything would be fine. Play along for a while.

She ignored the tiny voice in her ears and did what her heart told her. Not her head.

Natalie strode up to the center of the room and grabbed a glass of wine off a tray. "You think just because you have money, power, and the morals of a toad, you can buy anyone you want? What is it, Viktor-midlife crisis? Couldn't find someone your age to tolerate your creepy stare?"

He didn't blink.That should have scared her but it didn't. It only hardened her mind.

But Gideon was furious now, his voice barely restrained. "Natalie!!, enough!"

"No, not enough," she said, tossing the contents of her wine glass into Viktor's face.

Crimson splashed against his white collar and glistened on his jaw.

The room erupted.Well plan B seemed to be working. Even though it wasn't what she had planned.

Natalie turned, grabbed a handful of soft cheese from the hors d'oeuvres table, and smeared it down the front of his designer suit for good measure. Then she overturned the fruit bowl onto his shoes.

"You want a wife?" she shouted. "Find someone who doesn't gag at the idea of kissing a man older than her father!"

The crowd was frozen-shocked, appalled, delighted. cameras flashed discreetly.

Natalie didn't wait for their judgment. She tossed her heels across the marble floor and walked barefoot out of the hall, chin high, fire in her blood.

Viktor would probably call off the wedding . he had been humiliated. his pride was at stake. Her uncle would do nothing else. Her plan had worked.

Outside, the air was cool and sharp, biting into her flushed cheeks. She made it to the parking lot before the nausea hit her. Not from fear-but from the sheer weight of it all.She had done it. Stood up to her uncle but she wasn't free yet. She knew that.

And sure enough, as she turned the corner of the lot, two black SUVs pulled up. The doors opened. The same men stepped out, this time less polite.

She backed up instinctively, but there was nowhere to run.

"Mr Grimaldi wants you back inside," one said Icily.

Natalie lifted her chin. "Tell Mr. Grimaldi that he can go to hell."

One of them grabbed her arm again. "Didn't ask for your opinion, sweetheart."

She didn't fight this time, expecting them to take her back to the house. How great was her shock when they walked towards the hall they just left.

"where are you taking me?" . She panicked. Wasn't Viktor calling off the wedding?

They entered the hall and Natalie was surprised to see Viktor in another suit, clean and devoid of her earlier mess. The minister who was to celebrate the wedding was already there smiling like nothing abnormal had happened moments ago.

"what's going on?". She whispered furiously to her uncle.

"You have found favor in Viktor's eyes. You are lucky he chose to overlook those antics of yours. The wedding goes on". He gave her a cold smug look.

No! Natalie looked at Viktor looking prim in his tailored suit. Another pair of shoes was given to her.

Her uncle grabbed her arms and linked it with his. The popular aisle walk music played. Her head burned. Her plan hadn't worked after all. Her Fate was finally sealed.

They started the walk down the hall. Natalie squirmed. "you are smart, you know when to give up right?" her uncle's voice came whispering silently beside her.

They reached the altar. The minister started the proceedings. Natalie's skin crawled underneath her with every word the minister spoke with finality. Then came the exchange of vows.

"Do you Viktor Roman take Natalie Grimaldi to be your wife to love in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer till death do you both part? " The minister asked.

"I do" came Viktor's sleazy answer.

The minister turned to her.

"Do you Natalie Grimaldi take this man Viktor Roman to be husband, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, till death do you both part?"

Natalie stared at the man she was about to sign out her future too. Her hope. Whatever happened to dream cars and dream cities, Stary nights and all of it. Hell she hadn't even gotten the chance to live as a teenager. All because of her uncle. The minister coughed slightly jerking her out of her reverie.

"miss? "

She looked at her uncle. He gave her a thumbs up. Natalie sighed .

"I do" The word came out like a death sentence. Her sentence.

The minister's smile widened. He turned to the crowd.

"Is there anyone seated here who has a reason as to why this people should not be joined together in holy matrimony? Speak now or forever remain silent! "

It was routine talk. No one would actually stand out. Natalie readied herself mentally for the upcoming hell she was about to enter.

"I Do". A masculine voice rang out clear.

Natalie looked around for the source of the voice.

Her eyes found a pair of intense sea green eyes.With long black hair and a rolled up shirt. At the corner of the altar, her uncle stood eyes bulging in surprise, sweat broke out on his forehead. He dabbed at it furiously.

Viktor's eyes narrowed. Natalie tried to place this face. Was this some admirer of hers who wanted to play hero?

The pair of eyes walked towards the altar , his gaze never leaving Natalie. He gave her a once over, his eyes resting briefly on her lips. Natalie bit it unconsciously.

"Lorenzo..."Viktor said by way of acknowledgement."what brings you here?"

So this was from His side? Oh boy!

The young man smiled, a handsome devilish smile that did something nasty to her insides. She froze. Why would she be feeling this way?

"I wanted to wait till after, I'm not one for parties you know....But..." his gaze lingered on her again " your pretty wife here made the party so lively and got my attention".

A pause.

"I want her". he smiled crookedly.

Viktor's body stiffened. His eyes narrowed.

"what do you mean? " Viktor's face was set.

"I wanted to collect my debt in another way ,but I've got right here the perfect exchange and compensation. The lovely natalie. My Wife". He threw a lopsided grin her way.

Natalie took a step back. The crowd gasp was comical.

"No! " It came out involuntarily.

Lorenzo turned to her. Taking a step towards her.

"No?" .His smile turned deadly.

He walked towards her. "were you given a choice? ". he asked.

".. ..." she was actually at a loss for words. She stared at this man with his stare that looked like he could look right into your very being.

Her uncle came to stand beside Roman as if in solidarity. Natalie nearly laughed. What help could he even offer.

"Perhaps you are mistaken" Her uncle began tentatively. "my niece is to be wedded to Mr. Viktor here. I understand that you may harbor some feelings for her but she is already taken. I'd advice to go hurry along now. Mr Viktor's anger is not something you want to experience ".

He wasn't doing it in her defense. He only cared about himself. Her teeth clenched. The newcomer threw his head back and laughed a deep throat laugh.

"And now you suddenly care. Let me see. What if i triple the amount you sold your 'neice' here for ? Would you give her to me? " he raised a brow. Her uncle was visibly sweating. He rubbed his clammy palms on his trousers.

"Triple? ".

Natalie felt nauseated. Here they were sealing her destiny and acting like she wasn't right in front of them. Her stomach churned when she noticed that her uncle was actually considering it.

He gave a side look to Viktor and barely a glance at her. "Do you mean what you say. You have to pay first! "

Smack!

Viktor's hand nearly created a dent in her uncle's head. They all turned to him in shock. Lorenzo burst out laughing.

"you greedy bastard! I'm still in front of you!" his veins nearly popped out in anger. Natalie despite herself let out a soft chuckle.

Her uncle cowered. Viktor turned to Lorenzo.

"I understand that the Italian group made a promise not to interfere with American business matters. May I ask what brings you here? This is not your jurisdiction and the debt that you speak off has long been repaid. Now you may leave me to continue my marrrige ceremony in peace or else risk a war between our people. Something your father wouldn't like" The last sentence was said in a dangerous tone.

Lorenzo stepped closer.

"did I sense a threat? Are you in the right position to question me?"

"I believe I am".

A low chuckle.

Viktor's phone rang. He hesitated.

"I think you should answer that" .

He did, eyes never leaving Lorenzo who started a low whistle. The person at the other end spoke rapidly in Russian, Viktor's eyes widened and narrowed at intervals. whatever that person was saying it was bad.

"You thought this through right? Of course. You are not called the devil's son for nothing". His teeth gritted. He took a last look at Natalie and then her uncle. "You better make sure my money is paid back in full". He said menacingly to Gideon who shrinked in fear. Then with a nod of his head, his men pulled out hurrying towards the exit in a frenzy. Whatever had happened, it was bad.

"Now" Lorenzo turned to her. "let's get married".

She shifted back. Though she sensed that this one was even more dangerous than Viktor, it didn't mean she was OKAY with being sold TWICE!

"who crashes a wedding and BUYS a wife?" she asked annoyance in her voice.

He gave a killer smile.

"me!" her eyes narrowed then he continued "and honestly you should be glad, it's better you are sold to a hot guy like me than a balding man like him "he nodded towards the entrance.

Natalie flushed. What impudence!

"You–" she wanted to protest further.

He brought out a pistol in one fluid movement shutting her up immediately. He pointed it at her playing with the trigger.

"I'd like a silent wife please " he turned to the minister who had quite surprisingly not moved from his position since this whole charade started. "

"let's redo the vows, my wife here is too, over eager".

The minister needed no further prompting, what could you do when you had a gun pointed at closing range towards you.

"do you Lorenzo De Luca take Natalie Grimaldi to be your lovely wedded wife to love and to cherish for better for worse, in sickness and in health, till death do you both part? "

He gave her a meaningful stare and said. "I do"

"do you Natalie Grimaldi take Lorenzo to be your husband,for better for worse till death do you both part? "

The second time she was asked this question today.

Lorenzo cocked a brow. She was at gunpoint with no form of resistance and was sealing her fate with the devil himself.

"I do " It felt heavier than normal. The minister faced the crowd.

"well, I doubt we will have any objections. You may now kiss the bride"

Natalie panicked. He wasn't actually going to KISS Her!

Pistol in hand he reached for her waist and covered her mouth with the softest of kisses. For a man who looked so tough, he gave kisses so soft and gentle that her toes curled and butterflies sang a strange melody in her tummy.

He released her but didn't let go, holding her a firmly then he turned to her uncle. "My assistant will send the contract over".

Then taking her hand, he led her and she walked into her new life. An unknown life

****

The drive was long.

Natalie sat stiffly in the back of the matte-black SUV, the weight of the wedding gown pressing down on her like a curse. The heavy lace scratched her skin, and the silence from the man beside her-Lorenzo De Luca her captor, her husband-felt more suffocating than any gag. How had she gone from marrying an old millionaire to Being the wife of The devil's son. She didn't know him but she had heard rumors and one thing about rumours were that they were some elements of truth inside them. If Lorenzo was anything that the rumours said he was, then she was in far more danger than she could fathom.

She didn't speak. Neither did he. The drive was cold, stifling even.

The towering gates of the De Luca Estate opened as if obeying a silent command ushering them into the house, ushering her into her new prison.

As they stepped out of the car, servants appeared wordlessly, taking her bags and clearing the way.

"This is where you'll live now," Lorenzo said without looking at her. "Get used to it." He seemed to change personalities easily. One minute he was acting like as if marrying her was such a great achievement the next minute she was invincible. She had expected nothing less though but for a man who took his time to come and claim her , acting like she didn't exist was such a far stretch.

Inside, the marble floors echoed her every step. Art lined the walls-portraits of people with hollow eyes and regal frowns. The air smelled of aged wood, foreign perfumes, and quiet tension.

They didn't get far before someone emerged from the left corridor. Natalie's eyes narrowed and the slender familiar face and body came into view. Tall, poised, eyes like winter steel-

Leila.

Natale's stomach dropped. She looked at Lorenzo. What was Leila doing here?

"Leila," Lorenzo greeted her flatly. "You are back early" .He paused and pulled Natalie closer. "meet my new wife, " a mischievous smile " Natalie Grimaldi Now officially De Luca". Natalie cringed searching his face. There was no way he wouldn't know. Or was he pretending?

Leila's eyes swept over her, the way a snake studies a trapped mouse. Her lips curled into something between a smile and a sneer.

" she's your wife? " A scoff " Now you are joking right?"

Lorenzo cocked a brow.

"it's not a prank. She's my wife now, conquered in what was quite a conquest" He grinned.

Natalie couldn't believe her ears. She had to be dreaming right? First was a hostile takeover marriage, and now a reincarnation of her past monsters, all in one day. Her life couldn't get any worse.

"she's not going to be a part of this family!" Leila snapped. Eyes red. "you can't just go out and bring some bitch in here!"

Natalie's ears rang. Lorenzo's hand on her arm tightened and his eyes narrowed. " Natalie is my wife and I expect the same amount of respect accorded to me to be accorded to her also.Am i understood?" he spoke calmly but underneath it was an icy chill. Natalie went dumb. She hadn't expected him to defend her. Her body tingled with suspicion. What was his gain in all of this? Surely he couldn't be that bored to just stress himself just to get a trophy wife and then defend her so passionately.

Leila stomped her feet and stormed off angrily.

A door opened further down the hall, and A man who was an exact replica of Lorenzo–the kind version – entered-his green eyes bright even in the dim lighting, shirt open at the collar, a glass of something amber in hand.

"Ah," he grinned when he saw her. "The bride."His eyes raked over her, not with cruelty, but with intrigue. Seductive, amused.

"You're prettier up close," he said with a slow, teasing smile. "Good job, brother. For once."

Lorenzo shot him a glare sharp enough to kill a man.

"I expect to not see you around her. She's my wife, not a trophy to be admired"

Lucien raised his hands in mock surrender. "Relax. Just welcoming the new addition."

Before Natalie could respond, a third presence made itself known.

"and here she comes" . Lucian said with a low whistle, exiting himself from the scene. They turned.

It was a woman. Natalie could tell that she wasn't part of the family. Not with the way her eyes rested on Lorenzo and narrowed in irritation at her.

Draped in a silk gown, hair swept up like a queen, she glided toward them like she floated on air. Her beauty was sharp and classic-like a knife carved in porcelain. And her eyes... they held disgust.

"Who's she? Another one? ," she said slowly. "How long will she last? ."

"Oh! Longer than you think. Esmeralda " Lorenzo replied calmly.

Esmeralda smiled-but it didn't reach her eyes. "We'll see about that. You know how it gets."

Then she turned to Natalie and gave a nod so small it could barely qualify as acknowledgment.

"Welcome, dear. Try to last as long as you can."

With that, she disappeared down the hall.

Natalie turned to Lorenzo.

"Do you have a wife? Is that her? Why then did you marry me? The last thing I need is a death threat over my head. My uncle's place was better"

Lorenzo pulled her to himself suddenly. A smile tingling at his lips.

"why would you think that? Does it bother you that I might have a wife?" A pause " Are you jealous already?"

With a gasp, Natalie pushed him back.

"why would I? I only just met you! "

"it dosen't matter"

"in your dreams, now please can I get changed?"

With a laugh he led Her to the room.

Her room was large-lavish, but hollow.

Servants had placed her clothes in the walk-in closet, folded her belongings, laid out soft robes and toiletries as if she were a guest at a luxury hotel instead of a bride purchased in shame.

"well, you can fix this. Decorate you room to suit your taste! Just let the servants know. They'll give you whatever you need".Lorenzo had said before disappearing into the long halls.

She stood alone by the window, staring into the massive garden below.

This wasn't freedom. This wasn't marriage. This was a transaction sealed with threats and shadows. Even if her husband was a sexy hot fellow. Her insides tingled. She shouldn't be feeling this way.

She crawled into the massive bed and curled beneath the thick duvet, her stomach aching from hunger and anxiety. Her body was tired, but her mind was racing.She had to figure out Lorenzo's real reason for marrying her. A man who wielded such great power didn't just do things on a whim. There had to be a motive.

She yawned beginning to feel sleepy. Her day has been long. Extremely

She fell asleep somewhere between rage, fear and Hunger.

A knock on her door came just as the sun dipped beneath the horizon.

She was brought to the grand dining hall-a long, ancient table set for far too many people. Gold plates. Silver utensils. A wine glass already poured.

Everyone was seated when she entered. Icy gazes trailed her every step as she moved to sit. She didn't need to look to know who owned them. She took her place beside Lorenzo.

Lorenzo stood. "This is my wife," he announced.

Silence.

Leila took a slow sip of wine, then looked away.

Lucien winked. His parents had on different expressions. Anger and annoyance was the least of them.

Esmeralda pressed her napkin tighter in her lap, her lips thinned into disapproval.

"My wing of the estate," Lorenzo continued, "is off-limits to everyone unless invited. Natalie and I will reside there, and we are not to be disturbed."

" Lorenzo.... What are you trying to do now? You are supposed to be engaged to Esmeralda. This thing of yours has been going on for far too long".His father started

"I have a wife now Papa. Maybe Lucian can have her. He's single after all"He said not looking up from his plate.

"No way. We don't like each other " Lucian gave a chuckle.

Natalie ate in silence slowly absorbing all the information she was getting.

"Leave him dear. I'm sure he'll come to his senses soon. This is the fourth girl. She'll be gone in a matter of months. Esmeralda is not complaining. Be patient. Like her" His mother said tight lipped.

"Lorenzo!"

He slammed his spoon on the table. It shook.

"I have married her and that's final. I don't wish to have this conversation again". He took her hand " Now if you will excuse me. I would like to retire with my wife. We have a long night ahead of us"

They left the table and went to her room.

He followed her inside, removed his jacket, and locked the door.

Natalie's spine stiffened. What did he want to do? "Don't."

He turned to her. "Don't what?" His brow raised in amusement.

"I'm not sleeping with you." It came out like a whisper. He gave a hearty chuckle. And walked towards her slowly. Her steps faltered.

He leaned down at her. Her heart pounded.

"You're my wife." He said.

Her heart skipped.