The Billionaire's Captive Bride.

The strong odor of alcohol and stale cigarettes was enough to let everyone know that my father was there. He entered the kitchen, his face clearly filled with rage.

He shattered a beer bottle on the kitchen island table, the noise of the glass breaking filled me with terror. "Useless.", he spat, his words hitting me like a physical blow. "You're nothing but a burden."

I swallowed hard, my throat tight, and kept stirring the porridge.

I felt her eyes on me – my mother, standing in the doorway. Her gaze, cold and calculating, was a slow burn compared to Dad's explosive anger. She'd never laid a hand on me, but that constant disapproval, etched in her eyes for as long as I could remember, was a special kind of hell.

This was pretty my part of their daily entertainment, the verbal assault which leads on to getting physical depending on his mood.

Regrettably, today turned out to be one of those days when he was feeling irritable.

"Where's the cash, you sly bastard?" he bellowed, his speech heavy with drink. "Do you believe you're so smart, huh?" "Do you believe we are unaware?"

Money? My heart leaped into my throat. My paychecks.

"It was late," I started to explain, my voice barely a whisper, but his hand cut me off.

The sting was familiar, a dull ache that settled alongside countless others.

I can't even blame them for this. I can't blame myself either. Afterall, he had already told me how I was kidnapped when I was a baby and was entrusted into their hands but I guess they were double crossed since the 'money' stopped coming.

His anger seemed to intensify, fueled by his dissatisfaction with my lack of reaction. With my head bowed, I turned towards my escape route away from both of them when I heard the sound of ceramic being dragged against a surface.

I turned to find out what was going on and I saw the lamp heading my way, it happened in a split second and I couldn't even dodge it. My eyes closed on impact, my ears left out a ringing sound as I fell to the floor.

"Get ready for your shift, bitch" I heard him say as I lost consciousness and fell into darkness.

My eyes cracked open and I was instantly attacked by the throbbing feeling in my skull, my hand reached out to find the source and I cussed out as I came in contact with a gash on the side of my head.

My body screamed in protest with every step I took. I got to my room, it was dainty but mine. The only place they kept off from. I looked in the mirror and saw a stranger looking back at me, my eyes were swollen and my cheek bruised from the slap.

With my practiced ability, I applied some foundation, concealer and powder to mask up my wounds. I looked pretty but the pain was still a constant companion.

I made my way through the confusing hallways backstage of the club. I was about to enter the dressing room when I saw Sasha, the usual vibrant energy she always had was dimmed by the dark circles under her eyes.

"Rough night?" I asked.

She sighed, her hand combing through her fiery red hair, "My usual", she mumbled, "but the old man is extra grumpy tonight"

I guess that's part 2.

"Lena!" I heard him scream as he made his way to the dressing room. "Where's that little bitch" he mumbled before barging in, the other girls immediately evacuating.

"What makes you think you can waltz in here anytime like you own the place?" He asked getting dangerously close to me as I backed into the walls.

"I'm sorry, I...I lost track of..." his hands struck my face before I could even complete my sentence.

"Fucking excuse. You know I regret taking you as the loan payment, your fucked up parents owed." His eyes were getting red and I could only gulp in fear.

"Boss, someone's looking for you" I heard Sasha say as she entered the room.

He gave me a death glare before leaving. Sasha rushed to my side, "oh gosh girl. You okay?"

"Sure, Sasha, totally fine," I forced a smile, hoping it looked more real than it felt.

I slipped into my costume at a very slow pace because of the semi fresh bruises that were littered there. I was going through my routine, a small moment of comfort in the midst of the chaos in my life, when I heard the door burst open.

Tiffany, another colleague of mine, wore a smug look on her face, "and what did little miss righteous do." To which I ignored and continued dressing up.

The strip club loved when the bass practically vibrated through you, it unfortunately added to the dull ache in my skull.

I got to work, plastering a professional smile on my face before performing. It was indeed very painful but I continued nevertheless.

"Hey, cutie," a gruff voice slurred near my ear. "Looking a little...tender tonight." I smiled, the practiced mask of a stripper.

"Just a long day, honey". I replied and he chuckled, his hand reaching for my waist. I deftly moved away, my movement was instinctual, years of avoiding unwanted touches, both in and out of the club.

I turned to leave when I made eye contact with a guy that stood out from the rest. Some girls were already being seductive to him but his gaze on me was unsettling. I got back on to my stage and continued performing.

Later, a regular customer of mine who was a wealthy businessman, Mr Davies, approached my stage. He always tipped well, but tonight his gaze lingered a little too long, his touch a little too insistent.

The hours crawled by, my body ached badly from all the dances I had to perform. I did get good tips tonight and I was ready to get back home.

I was heading to the changing room when I heard Tiffany crying her heart out. "Where's she? Where's that thief, I can't find my bracelet."

"Aren't you a bit dramatic for just a bracelet?" I heard Sasha reply.

"It's a diamond bracelet, you bitch." Tiffany hissed.

I entered the room curiously, heading straight to Sasha. "She's looking for you" the questioning look was vivid on my face. "She said you stole something."

My eyes widened in fear, "that's not true. I didn't stealanything."

"I know but Tiffany is furious and it's merely seconds away from reaching the boss's ears." Right at that moment, the door was opened just like earlier.

"There you are, you little thief" he growled, grabbing my hand in his grip.

"I swear...I didn't do it"

"Don't lie to me" he yelled. "You were the only one who danced with him tonight"

What?

I thought it was Tiffany's bracelet

Another stuff was stolen.

"It wasn't me!" My voice cracked. "Please, I'd never steal."

"To my office"

I quietly followed him, still pleading on the way. We got to his office, all my pleas falling on deaf ears.

"You were so worthless that your parents didn't think twice before practically offering you to me. I took you in and now, you want to destroy my name".

"Please, just listen to me. I didn't do it."

"Of course you didn't," he said, looking sardonic. "But what can I say, my hands are tied, you have to take responsibility" my eyes darted to the door that was opening, my heart pounding as I saw a group of men walk inside the room and in a second I felt something prick my neck.

Argh

Come on!

I cracked my eyes open, blinking profusely trying to adjust my blurry eyesight. The first thing I registered were the thick metal bars that surrounded me by every corner. Although it seemed like a long time had passed, I was aware it had only been a couple of hours due to the pulsing pain in my head.

What happened?

My whole body erupted in fear and panic. I couldn't remember how I got here. The last thing I remembered was begging our boss in his office...then people came in there...and then...someone injecting me.

"...and sold to Mr. Sanchez for $3 million" I heard someone say from the other side of the thick curtain right in front of me.

What's this?

An auction?

The was drawn and was blinded by the harsh glare of the spotlight pointed directly at me. I bit down the scream that was about to come out of me, I felt the terror swimming in my bloodstream.

I could hardly see anything except from a few men sitting in the front line of seats. Their faces were shadowed in the darkness, all I could hear were their whispers and chuckles. My hands were shaking uncontrollably and made their way to my neck, the exact spot I was injected. I then realized what was happening.

Please let this not be what I think it is.

I was on a stage that I knew. I was a commodity, an item to be sold to the highest bidder.

My panic and thoughts were cut off when a sharp and authoritative voice echoed through the speakers. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are down to the last flavor of the night. We've got a special treat for you tonight, a young lady with a...history. And with that, the bidding begins".

Panic washed over me, my voice caught in my throat, my eyes were wide and a choked sob escaped my lips. I scrambled back against the cage bars, my was a trembling mess.

"We've been told she's quite the...entertainer. She can put on a show, don't you think?" The auctioneer's voice dripped with a sickly sweetness while his gaze was like a viper's, cold and drained.

"$200,000"

With that the bidding started. I desperately scanned the room looking for an escape but all I saw was their expressions, a mixture of amusement and lust.

The bidding went on for a while, the amount going higher by each bidder. The amount echoed in my head, was I worth that much?

Their gazes which were on me felt like a physical burden tormenting me. A tear slipped out my eye.

Suddenly, a voice boomed out, a deep, commanding voice, "$20 million"

What?

20 million dollars

The room was silent, the bidders letting out frustrated sighs. The auctioneer's with a creepy smile yelled, "Sold! To Mr. Castelli"

My eyes lost focus as it became blurry with tears. I was sold...I was now apparently his possession.

The spotlight was removed from me and I was left with a blurry vision of the audience. I noticed a man standing up from his seat before approaching the stage. He moved with grace, his aura exuding an icy control that left me breathless. His gaze fell upon me, his piercing eyes oddly familiar.

With a small wave of his hand, two men rushed to the cage which made me scramble in fear before they unlocked it.

I felt like an animal at an exhibition.

They brought me out of the cage, despite my weak struggles. I was dropped in front of him like a sack of hay which resulted in him giving them a cold glare. They turned to leave urgently after bowing at him.

"Let's go, doll. I believe we have much to discuss" he said.

We did?

He just turned and began to move in the direction of the entrance without waiting for an answer. A burly man appeared beside me and nudged me to stand up and move.

My feet felt numb as I stood up. I started walking in the same direction, each step made my heart beat faster.

We got outside and I was dumbfounded with the number of cars that were lined up in a single line in front of me.

My eyes searched for him but he must have entered one of the cars already. I turned to look at the guy that was still behind me. He pointed at the car directly before me...my mouth slightly dropped open in disbelief.

It was a Cadillac Escalade, for sure.

Cars were my forte, I couldn't help knowing one or two things about them.

I bit my lips as I entered into the car carefully, ensuring I didn't leave a scratch. He wasn't here. I was now back to wondering what was actually going on...what was I?

A sex slave

A maid...I don't think a maid would be bought for 20 million dollars

Would I be sold again?

The fear that had dissipated began to resurface. I was so lost in thoughts that I was foolish enough to not take note of any landmark.

My door was opened and the same guard appeared and nudged his head forward.

Was he mute?

I gripped onto my sleeve as I made my way into the massive mansion before me. Inside was way much grand. I couldn't stop myself from awning.

I was led to an office on the 2nd floor, the staircase alone made me feel small. I got to the office, the door was so dominating, I could only wonder who was on the other side of it. The person would be the judge of my future.

My trembling hands rose and knocked, then I silently counted to 3 before cracking the door open.

I gulped hard before fully entering and it was him...Mr Castelli...the man who bought me.

The office had a lot of space and was well-lit. Bookshelves lined the walls, containing thick volumes, and a large, commanding desk in the middle of the space was surrounded by expensive-looking pens and carefully organized documents.

"Lena, you came!" He said as if he was expecting otherwise. He was relaxed behind his desk with a laptop open in front of....

Wait! How did he know my name?

His expression was calm, his jaw set in a solid line, yet his eyes revealed a mocking delight.

"Sit!"

He gestured toward one of the soft velvet chairs positioned in front of his desk. His voice was cool at the same time indifferent. I sat down, my body was stiff and my hands were clasped tightly on my laps.

"Lena Lynx Grey" he said as he leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed upon me which made me squirm. "Twenty three years old. You live with your parents in a cramped house in the poorer part of town. You're a barista in the day time and a stripper in night, and you're a skilled performer. You're also a pretty good liar. You've been stealing from your parents for months, hiding it from them. You believe you know more than anyone else.

His calm expression was in sharp contrast to the harshness of his words. They were cold, calculated accusations, each one a blow worse than that of my parents. He was right to some extent, I did take money from my parents because technically it was my money but I guess he didn't know that.

"How did you...How do you know all this?" I spoke, my voice trembling so much that I could barely hear my own words.

The edge of his mouth curled slightly with a trace of humor as he reclined. "Let us just say I have got my ways. Don't you want to know...how I know that you were on the run..."

He paused, his eyes locked onto mine. I experienced chills running down my spine.

No!

He can not possibly know that!

"You're making me anxious," I whispered while my nails pressed into my hand.

He made a low, rumbling sound as he laughed. "Don't worry, doll. I'm not going to hurt you...not yet, anyway." He paused, his eyes twinkling. "Unless you make me".

I stared at him in confusion, not knowing how to respond, was it a threat in a comforting manner?

"But how...?" I stammered, completely lost. "How do you even know my name? I didn't know you existed until tonight."

He raised an eyebrow, his expression now was more serious. "You think I just happen to buy girls at auctions for fun, Lena? No, my dear. I have a reason for everything. And you, you're quite the puzzle. A little too clever for your own good, a little too good at playing the victim. But I see through that, don't I?"

What?

Playing the victim!

His remarks were like a cold slap across my face. They were so hurtful and I was unable to control the tears that fell.

Wow!

After everything I've been through, I'm just playing the victim. My body stilled as I looked down at my laps. I couldn't meet his gaze because I was afraid I would end up breaking down.

"I want...I just want to go home, please."

He leaned forward, tilting his head, his eyes glistening in mischief. "Home? Don't make me laugh. You think you're going back to that? That pathetic excuse of a family? They practically sold you off! You think they love you, Lena? You think they're going to be waiting for you with open arms?"

His words were cruel but true...very true. They struck a nerve, something I couldn't deny.

"No... No one's waiting," I whispered. "I just..."

He smiled, giving off the vibe of a predator "oh, Lena, you're so naive. You think you can just...leave? That I'm going to let you go? You're mine now. Remember that."

Of course I know that I'm now in his disposition after all he spent 20 freaking million on me...stupid move.

"So Lena, let's get straight to business. You answer my questions truthfully and I'll offer you a generous deal that benefits everyone. What do you say?".

His voice was weirdly calm with a hint of deception.

"I'm telling you, I'm not hiding..."

The little smile he had on disappeared, "let's try this again. Tell me your story and maybe, just maybe, I'll let you go"

It was obvious he was bluffing, he wasn't going to let me go. He was playing with me but...why...why does he care?

"You already know everything about me," I said, biting my lips. I think that made him snap because the whole calm facade disappeared as his fist collided with his table making me flinch at the sound.

"You can already guess that I'm not a patient person. You're running from something...from someone?"

No!

"I'm not running from anything"

"Since you're so tight lipped let's just pretend you never hacked into the ghost clan server and have them on your back ever since plus the numerous loan sharks that are on the lookout for you to get their money back. But I can help you. I can help you escape your problems. Make them disappear. All you have to do is make a deal with me".

He knew it all, every single part of my sad pathetic life. I waited for him to elaborate while holding my breath.

"Here's the deal, Thirty four million dollars, a hefty sum, wouldn't you say? And to think, it was all lost in gambling the same night they got it. I can take care of it, make it disappear. All gone. No more worries or threats from anybody. All you have to do is agree to marry me. For two years, a contractual marriage. No love, no feelings and definitely no drama. Just two people with a common goal."

With that he paused, letting it sink in while I stared at him in utter shock.

"Marry you?" I scoffed unintentionally. "You're proposing a marriage for money? You must hold in very low regards".

He chuckled, his eyes showcasing his amusement. "You're a smart girl, Lena. Just agree and in the next 2 years you can start your life anew without looking over your shoulders."

"I don't even know you!" I exclaimed, frustrated.

"So? Not everyone that gets married knows each other, that's the difference between a love marriage and a contractual one".

"Then marry a girl you love or at least know. Why me?"

"That's just a waste of time. Besides, I'm going to be completely upfront with the terms of the marriage."

"Wait...no..."

"You'll be expected to fulfill your wifely duties. My duties, as your husband, will include taking care of your financial needs and protecting you from all those peasants. And of course, I'll be free to...pursue other options".

A smirk appeared on his lips as he paused. "You, as my wife, will be expected to remain faithful. No flings, no nothing. Two years of exclusive fidelity. Understand?"

I couldn't hold down the sarcastic laugh that made its way out of my mouth. The mockery was written in bold. "This is crazy! Marry you? Someone like you?... who even are you?"

"Someone like me? What's wrong with someone like me, Lena? Someone who can help you? Someone who can offer you a life of freedom?"

There was a subtle menace in his amusing tone. He had the power to control my life.

"Let me be clear. I don't need your help, and I sure as hell won't marry you to get it."

I got up from the chair, my body slightly trembling in anger and fear.

He simply watched me with an unreadable expression, which was frightening. He just leaned back in his chair, his ominous eyes staring at me without trying to stop me, shouting at me, or getting up.

How did I end up in this situation?

"Do not make this more difficult than it needs to be, Lena," he said in a very quiet voice. "Think about it. Think about what I am willing to offer you and what you have to lose".

"Why can't you understand? I want nothing from you–" The unmistakable sound of gunfire cut me off which was followed by others.

There was a grim look on Mr. Castelli's face as he reached for his drawer and opened it, he then brought out something I wasn't expecting...a gun.

I gulped at the sight, my eyes fixed on it in utter fear.

"Security breach, I'll be back, doll. Make your decision by then and stay...put". With that he left the office.

What was going on?

I was about to stand up to go look through the windows but his words, "stay put" rang in my head repeatedly. I sat still digging my fingernails into my palm, the feeling of being watched was overwhelming.

I tried to process how my life turned upside down just a couple hours ago all because of my parents.

I was biting my lips, each chime of the clock made my heart feel uneasy. The seconds were going horribly slow.

Couple minutes later, the door opened ajar and stood there in all his glory. There was a smear of what looked like blood on his cheek. He went back to his desk and got a rag and started cleaning his gun.

"So what's it going to be Lena?"