Trapped In His Love Obsession

A young, beautiful woman-no more than nineteen-sat quietly in the corner of an upscale café. She looked nervous, her hands folded neatly in her lap, and a glass of untouched iced coffee sweating on the table before her.

Her father's voice echoed in her head:

'Livia, you must please Mr. Alexander. Do whatever it takes to win him over. This marriage is our last chance.'

She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, trying to block it out-but it was impossible. That one sentence had carved itself into her bones. It wasn't a plea. It was an order-from her so-called biological father, demanding repayment for the nineteen years he had "sheltered" her.

She straightened her spine, practicing a smile. Then another. And another.

'No matter what happens today,' she told herself, 'you just have to smile.'

A polite cough startled her.

"Miss Livia Shelby?"

She jumped up. It was the assistant-the same man who had picked her up earlier.

And behind him... a man walked in.

No-strode in.

The café seemed to shift the moment he entered. Damian Alexander wasn't just any man-he looked like someone who owned the world and expected everyone in it to bow.

Livia's breath caught. Her first time seeing him... and her entire body was already trembling.

This must be Damian Alexander. The man who would become her husband-or to be exact, her new boss.

Damian didn't waste a second. He sat down like he owned the chair, the café, the air around them. The assistant pulled out a thick brown envelope and placed it on the table with a practiced motion.

Damian barely glanced at her before sliding the envelope across the table. "Read it."

Livia blinked. "Y-yes, Sir."

She opened it with trembling fingers. The first sentence hit like a slap:

The second party must obey and listen to the first party in all matters during the duration of the marriage. The first party is the rule.

Her brain froze for a second.

'So... he's the law? Like, literally? Am I marrying a husband or a human constitution?'

But she caught herself in time and forced a smile. "Uh... just to clarify, this means I... should obey everything you say?"

Damian raised an eyebrow, amused. "Exactly."

"Oh. Wonderful. I-I like clarity." She gave a tiny, overly enthusiastic nod, like a schoolgirl who'd just passed a pop quiz. "It's very efficient."

He ignored her sarcasm-or didn't notice.

"Three rules."

She sat up straighter, ready.

"One-never interfere in my personal affairs. Especially my relationships with other women."

Livia blinked once. Then twice. "Okay," she said brightly, as if she'd just agreed to water the plants.

"Two-fulfill your role as my wife. Quietly."

"Yes, Sir. Quiet wife. Got it. Like a ninja wife."

He paused. "...What?"

"Nothing, Sir."

Damian eyed her, suspicious.

"Three-never embarrass me in public. Keep your behavior proper, presentable, and silent."

"Absolutely, Sir. I can be very... invisible when needed." She gave a polite smile that trembled at the edges.

A long silence followed.

Damian leaned back in his chair, observing her.

"You agree to all of that without even thinking?"

Livia nodded quickly. "Yes, Sir! I mean-what's there to think about? I'm very... agreeable. Very obedient. I-I take instructions like a pro."

Damian tilted his head. "Are you always this desperate to please?"

She froze, then laughed a little too loudly. "Oh no, not at all! I mean, yes-but also no. I just-uh-want this marriage to be... successful."

She mentally kicked herself. What does that even mean? Successful like a business merger?

Damian's lips curved into something that almost resembled amusement. "You're strange."

"I've heard that before," she muttered.

He stood up abruptly. "That's all for now. Brown will give you the detailed list later when he drives you home."

"Yes, Sir. Thank you for... the clarity."

Damian turned and walked out, his presence fading like a cold wind sweeping through the room.

Livia let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Her back was soaked in sweat.

Rule One: Don't interfere.

Rule Two: Be silent.

Rule Three: Be a ghost.

She grabbed her iced coffee and chugged it in one go, muttering to herself,

"Easy. Totally manageable. I'm basically halfway to being wallpaper already."

"Miss Livia Shelby, shall we?" Assistant Brown interrupted, standing by the door with an unreadable expression. He gestured toward the exit, signaling it was time to leave.

Livia nodded and stood up, clutching the contract papers as she followed him out.

The car ride was silent at first. Livia stared down at the envelope, her head throbbing from the overwhelming content. Inside were dozens of pages, like an exam she hadn't studied for.

Just as she was about to put the contract aside, Assistant Brown's voice broke the quiet from the driver's seat.

"These are the rules you must follow after becoming the young master's wife. I've written everything down in detail."

Livia didn't know much about the man sitting in front of her, except that his last name was Brown.

"Do I have to memorize all of this?" she asked, feeling overwhelmed.

"If you have any questions, please ask," Brown replied calmly.

'I want to protest and throw these papers in your face. Damn it!' Livia wanted to say-but instead, she smiled politely.

"Thank you for your hard work, Assistant Brown. I'll read and memorize everything so I don't make mistakes."

"It's my duty to keep everything around the young master running as it should," Brown said proudly.

'Wow, what a strange little slave,' Livia thought.

"The most important thing is that you serve the young master and fulfill your duties as his wife," he continued.

Unconsciously, Livia fiddled with a button on her shirt.

"Except-don't expect to serve the young master in bed. You're not really the type he likes."

'What! Who wants to sleep with that guy?' Livia sighed in relief. 'Honestly, I'm glad he hasn't touched a strand of my hair.'

"It's a shame, though. Mr. Damian Alexander is very handsome," she added with a laugh.

***

Livia knew she'd lost her mind for saying that, but she chuckled cheerfully.

Brown's expression shifted slightly.

'This girl is really something. Even with trembling lips and shaking hands, she can say things like that. I see you're trying to hold it in, Miss,' he thought.

"You have to say 'okay' to every order from the young master. No questions asked. Just do as you're told," Brown explained.

"Okay, is that so?" Livia blinked innocently.

'Pfft, this girl is fearless,' Brown thought.

"In the Alexander Residence, you'll live with the young master's mother and two younger sisters. You must respect them and avoid causing trouble. Remember, your duty is to serve your husband-ignore everything else."

"Okay, go on," Livia said, seeming unfazed.

But, her hands were sweating cold. She was beginning to realize what kind of hell awaited her, all for her family's luxurious life.

"You can keep your job, stay in touch with your family, and meet friends. But you must be home before the young master returns. Please read the papers about what you should do when he arrives."

Livia flipped through the pages, her eyes narrowing.

'Is your boss the emperor?' she thought, glaring at Brown.

"Exactly as you think," Brown said.

Livia covered her mouth, surprised.

'Could this man read my mind?'

"The young master is an emperor. He can make your family live or destroy it in the blink of an eye."

"Okay," Livia shuddered. "I'll do my best. But may I ask something?"

"Please, Miss."

"Can I have sex with other men? Like, have a boyfriend?"

Brown's expression changed. He looked at her carefully. He knew she was a victim of her parents' greed, but how could she be this fearless? Especially after receiving those strict rules.

Livia took a calm sip of her saliva, waiting for his answer.

"Are you serious?" Brown frowned disapprovingly. 'This girl is shameless to the max. Desperation must make people brave.'

"Well," Livia pursed her lips, looking cute. "As long as the young master doesn't know, I think it's fine. But no one else must find out. Keep it hidden so no one smells it ever."

Brown's tone grew firm, like a warning.

"True. But be warned-young master's anger is fierce. Be wise and cautious."

"Okay," Livia smiled brightly.

'What?! She's wrapping hopelessness in cheerfulness. She's impressive,' Brown thought.

He pulled out a card. "This is an unlimited credit card. Use it to buy whatever you need, but be wise. The young master will ask how you spend it."

"Thank you, I will use it wisely," Livia said, taking the card and placing it in her bag.

"Can I buy a house with this card?"

"I suggest you don't, Miss," Brown answered firmly.

"Pfft. I was just kidding, Assistant Brown."

Brown smiled wryly, clearly displeased.

He never liked his master's future wife from the start. He knew why Damian chose Livia-a woman not his type. She was just a tool for escape and revenge. That meant trouble was inevitable.

"Do you have a girlfriend, Assistant Brown?" Livia asked.

"Sorry, Miss, I can't answer personal questions."

"Then, do you want to be my lover?"

Assistant Brown's face flushed bright red. He clenched his fists, both angry and flustered. This woman was definitely too bold for her own good.

"Haha, I'm just kidding, Assistant Brown. Don't take it seriously," Livia said with a small, nervous laugh.

Assistant Brown took a slow breath, trying to calm himself. He was almost provoked by her words-an irritation unusual for someone so typically expressionless.

"Miss," he said firmly, "in the future, I hope you'll be more careful with what you say, especially around the young master. What you think is just a joke might be taken seriously by him-and you will be the one to suffer the consequences."

He paused, then added coldly, "And remember, I'm not saying this because I care about you. Frankly, I don't care whether you live or die once you enter the Alexander Residence. What matters is that everything around Master Damian runs exactly as it should."

Livia swallowed hard. Her tiny heart shrank at those words.

The man in front of her didn't care about her at all. Live or die-it made no difference to him.

"Okay, Assistant Brown. Thanks for the advice. I'll be more careful with what I say," she managed, her voice steady despite the chill settling over her.

After a heavy silence, Livia had no choice but to look away toward the car window. She didn't know how long she stared out, lost in her thoughts, when Assistant Brown's voice echoed again as the car came to a steady stop.

He opened the door for her and said, "We're here. Please study and memorize everything I've written on those sheets. As for the wedding, a messenger will come to pick you up later to prepare your gown and other things. Until then, I expect you to stay at home and do nothing else."

"Okay," Livia whispered.

She hurried out of the car.

"Thank you for everything," she said softly.

They bowed their heads respectfully to each other.

After the car drove off and disappeared from sight, Livia still stood there, dazed and motionless. Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

She had given all she had today-bravery, strength, and a false front.

Wow. From today on, her life would lose all meaning.

What a pity.

***

The grand hall glittered under the cold glow of crystal chandeliers, their light casting sharp reflections on the polished marble floor. Guests filled the room, their eyes following the bride as she made her way down the aisle. But for Livia, every step felt heavy-each footfall echoing like a ticking clock counting down to the life she was about to surrender.

Faces blurred around her, but all she could see was Damian standing at the altar-calm, distant, and unreadable, like a statue carved from ice.

When she reached him, the preacher's voice broke the silence, beginning the wedding vows.

Livia took a slow, steady breath, fighting the lump rising in her throat. Her voice was soft but clear. "I, Livia Shelby, vow to be your wife and follow your rules."

Damian's reply came cold and unyielding, lacking even a trace of warmth. "I, Damian Alexander, take you as my wife. You exist to serve me."

No promises of love. No tender words. Just a decree.

Livia swallowed hard and nodded quietly, the bitter truth settling deep in her chest like a stone she could never swallow.

Now standing beside her husband-Damian Alexander-Livia was officially his wife. To the outside world, this was a marriage envied by many women across the country. Smiles and congratulations came her way, but behind those smiles were bitter thoughts from women who wished they were the ones Damian had chosen.

Today, Livia looked beautiful in a white wedding dress, her face carefully adorned with a smile. She was good at acting-better than anyone knew.

Beside her, Damian was the picture of handsome confidence in his tailored suit, drawing admiration from the women around them.

As the congratulations poured in, Damian leaned close and whispered in her ear, "Keep your head up. You don't need to bow to them."

Livia lowered her gaze obediently. "I just need to lower my head to you."

"Exactly."

And on this day, Livia realized just how powerful her husband truly was.

But inside, she was far from happy. Her right hand was clenched into a fist, trembling and slick with sweat.

Her father-the man who had sold his daughter-wore a satisfied smile. The company was saved, and his honor restored.

Her stepmother smiled too, pleased to finally rid herself of the girl who wasn't her flesh and blood.

Her half-sister, Lisa, stood stiffly among the guests, her smile brittle and forced. Bitterness shadowed her eyes. When their father had offered both their photos to Damian, she'd been certain she'd be the obvious choice-stylish, polished, everything a powerful man would want on his arm. But Damian had chosen Livia. Quiet, plain Livia.

And now, standing in her designer heels, Lisa could only watch as her less glamorous sister stood beside the man she secretly wished had picked her.

Livia's gaze met Lisa's, filled with cold hatred.

...

While the others enjoyed the party, one figure slipped away, weighed down by disappointment. David, Livia's half-brother, though born from a different mother, cared deeply for her. He felt the sting of failure-he hadn't been able to protect his sister from their father's greed.

Ignoring the flirtatious glances and polite greetings from the guests, David walked briskly through the corridor and stepped into an empty lounge just off the main hall. The noise of the celebration faded behind him.

"Sister Livia?" he called softly, startled to find her sitting at the far end of the room.

She was alone-except for the two suited guards stationed nearby. Through the tall windows, garden lights spilled a warm, golden hue into the room, brushing against her white wedding gown. She looked like a doll in a display-beautiful, fragile, and heartbreakingly still.

David's brows furrowed. "Are those... guards?"

Before he could step closer, one of the men grabbed his wrist.

"Let go of him!" Livia stood quickly, her voice calm but firm. "It's alright. He's my brother."

The guards exchanged glances before releasing him. "Apologies, young lady." They bowed slightly, returning to their posts without a word.

David approached and sat beside her. The moment his fingers touched hers, he felt it-her hand was ice cold, trembling slightly.

"Why are you here, sitting alone like this?" he asked.

Livia offered a faint smile, her eyes red-rimmed. "Damian said I looked tired. Told me to get some air. The guards came with me. His orders."

David's jaw tightened. "I'm sorry, Sis."

She blinked. "For what?"

"For failing you. For not being able to protect you from our father's greed... If going bankrupt meant you didn't have to go through this, I would've welcomed it."

Livia glanced toward the guards, her voice dropping. "David, don't say things like that. My husband is... a good man."

He scoffed. "Is a man still good if he accepts a girl as debt payment? Neither he nor our parents are saints."

She placed a gentle hand on his head, smoothing back his hair like she used to when they were children. "Watch your mouth."

"What, will I die if he hears me call him out?" he muttered, bitter.

Her voice grew soft, urgent. "Yes. Maybe not today, but someday. You don't understand the kind of man he is, David. I don't either-not fully. And that's what scares me."

He looked at her, helpless and aching. "How can you survive this?"

"I don't know," she whispered. "But I will. Somehow."

A sharp knock interrupted them. One of the guards stepped forward. "Young lady, the young master requests your return to the hall."

Livia straightened, folding her handkerchief. "I'm ready."

She turned to David and forced a small, brave smile. "Come on. Smile, walk tall. Pretend like we belong here."

***