YOUR MONSTER, MY PRIDE

The sun rose quickly-almost too quickly for Annabel-as she rolled on her bed. Its rays brushed her face gently. She hissed, tightening her eyes under the glare of the sun. What she once believed to be perfect morning had suddenly become torture.

A loud, piercing alarm shattered the silence, she sprang upright instantly sending a wicked glare at the alarm, she grabbed it and snatched it against the wall before collapsing back into her bed.

She sighed deeply as she lazily rolled on the bed. She had barely relaxed when some disturbing sounds sprouted beyond the door.

"Please madam, don't do this! We don't have anywhere else to go" one of the helpers wept as she held onto her small bag.

"You all do nothing but occupy space, feast on us like leeches," A cold, strict voice scolded the workers, "You don't even do your jobs properly."

Annabel took slow, hesitant steps as she walked down the stairs, she watched with confusion, struggling to make sense of the situation.

"Samantha! What's going on here?" She snapped.

The helpers rushed towards her, surrounding her as they pleaded.

"Please help us, ma'am. Samantha is suddenly firing us all," one cried.

"Without this job, we can't cater for our family, please don't fire us ma'am" another added.

Annabel's eyes shifted between her sisters and the helpers. She stood silent and lost in the situation.

"Please give me a minute" she said with a reassuring smile as she walked towards Samantha.

"You are laying off all our workers? why?" She eyes caught a familiar face and her expression darkened. Nanny Camille.

Her face immediately flushed with anger. "You are firing Nanny Camille too!" She snapped. "She's more than just our worker, she's family, she practically raised us Samantha, how could you?."

Samantha glared at her sharply. Normally, she looked like someone who had stepped out of a fashion show, always dressed in designers brands and heavy makeup. Her dark brown eyes were always cold, short tight dresses clung to her nice figure, everything about her screamed control and elegance.

But today, she looked different.

She wore loose jeans and a T- shirt, her hair messy as though she had just been defeated from a battle but still trying to maintain her composure.

"Shut up, Annabel!" Her voice remained sharp. "Just leave. Stop being a nuisance."

"No!" Annabel shook her head stubbornly. " I'm not leaving and no one else is. Not until you tell us what the hell is going on!" She moved protectively towards nanny Camille, wrapping her arms around her.

But then she paused.

In the middle of the tension, she noticed Samantha's unusual look but more than that she noticed something else.

Caroline was nowhere to be found.

That was strange.

Samantha and Caroline had always been together as kids, teens and even as adults , they remained inseparable. Annabel had grown up on the outside from their world. She spent years feeling ignored like the sister no one wanted, this only made the bond between her and their father grow stronger.

"What's wrong with you?" Annabel's voice softened shifting from anger to concern.

Samantha's face squeezed. Without a word, she grabbed Annabel's wrist tightly, dragging her up the stairs.

"Father isn't here anymore so you can quit being a princess now" she hissed as she aggressively dragged Annabel.

"You are hurting me" she screamed in pain as struggled against her sister's grip. "Let go".

Samantha successfully dragged her all the way to her room, slamming the door shut, shoving her against the wall. "Pick any gorgeous outfit" she ordered. "Look extremely beautiful because you are going on a date- with Nathan"

Annabel stared at her, stunned. "What?" She smirked "why would I do that?"

Samantha hated being questioned. She clenched her fist, shut her eyes for a brief second and let out a sharp sigh before slowly turning to give Annabel a cold, frightening glare.

"We are going bankrupt, Annabel," she said in a low voice. "If we don't find an investor as soon as possible, all fathers hard work- everything- will go down the drain."

Annabel stood frozen. Shook her head slowly in denial. "That's not true..." her voice broke. "Father left the business in your care when he got ill..."

Her head sprang up. She glared sharply at Samantha's then rushed towards her, grabbing her shirt tightly.

"How could you?" She snapped "it hasn't even been six months since you took over the company and now you're telling me we are bankrupt?" Tears slowly gathered in her eyes.

Samantha's silence only drained her energy.

She slowly released her grip on her. "What are we going to tell father when he wakes up" she whispered, taking a few steps from her. Her gaze fell on the floor.

"That's why you should go on that date with Nathan," Samantha said softly. "He always had a crush on you right?"

She walked over and grabbed Annabel's shoulder, forcing eye contact. "Beg him, seduce him, do what you have to- just make sure he agrees to invest in our company, that's the only way to save us." Samantha ordered.

"Fine.." Annabel voiced out softly ""but don't let off any of our workers."

Samantha paused for a moment before she stormed out of the room, leaving Annabel broken, stunned and confused.

It was almost noon when Annabel stood outside a restaurant in a dark red elegant gown, her long dark hair flowing softly. She walked in elegantly in heels like she was born in them. Her make up was soft but enchanting.

She was stunning.

Her dark grey eyes scanned the room, she sighed deeply at the immediate sight of Nathan. She took slow, elegant step like she was walking to receive an award.

"Hi Nathan" she said with a seductive smile.

Nathan's eyes glanced at her seductively, watching her from her toes down to her head as he slowly sipped in his wine.

"Your sister told me you had feelings for me.." he let out a tiny laugh " that wasn't what u said when I asked you out the last time."

Annabel clenched her fist beneath the table, she had barely spent time with him but she already felt disgusted.

She forced a smile, as she sipped in her wine slowly.

"Well, I wasn't ready then.."

"Are you ready now?" Nathan cut in. "I booked a room for us..." Nathan seductively licked his lips. " we will spend the night there, if you please me then maybe I will consider having you as my girl."

Annabel's eyes widened in disgust, as she tightened her jaw. She was already running out of patience with him.

She stood up immediately. Shutting her eyes for a moment, trying to control her rage. "I have to leave," she said firmly.

Just then Nathan stood up, grabbing her wrist tightly "what?" He smirked "I spent hours waiting for you and you just plan to leave like this" his expression turned dark and scary.

Annabel trembled as she struggled to release herself from him without causing a scene.

Just as she forcibly pulled herself from him, his grip on her released, causing her to struggle to keep her balance, her heels clicked against each other causing her to lose more balance as she stumbled.

Annabel braced herself for the impact- only to land firmly against a strong arm caught around her waist with a firm, steady grip, pulling her before she could fall.

Her face was a few inches away from his broad chest, her hands were resting comfortably on his chest as she felt every tension his hands gave as they moved around her waist.

She lifted her head slowly as she stared at his piercing blue eyes that sparkled like the ocean.

Annabel swallowed hard as she found herself mesmerized by his handsomeness.

He was a stranger to her but he stared at her like he knew her. His expression shifted from surprise to deep longing.

"Carie" he breathed. His voice was soft, gentle but heavy with emotions.

Annabel looked at him with confusion but before she could utter a word, without a warning, he leaned in- and kissed her intimately

Annabel froze. Couldn't move.

His lips were on hers. Warm. Demanding. Familiar in the strangest way. The kiss wasn't soft like a stranger's. It was sure-like he owned her.

She should've pulled away. Screamed. Slapped him.

But she didn't.

She knew she shouldn't be feeling this was but she could help it. Her heart thundered in her chest, confused, betraying her and loving the moment. She was confused. Dazed. And drawn in.

Then-slam!

Nathan's hand hit the table hard. The sound made her jump. He stood up so fast the chair fell over.

"You..." His voice cracked with rage. "Are you crazy?!"

He clenched his fist tightly, running his hands through his hair in frustration.

His eyes were locked on her, then on the stranger. They were filled with disbelief and fury.

"You called me here to see this?" he shouted. "You let some man touch you in front of me?!"

Annabel stumbled back. Her lips still tingled. Her mind raced. She couldn't find her voice.

"I-Nathan-I didn't..."

She stammered, searching for the right words. Just then, the stranger held her softly on her shoulders. He turned her gently, making her face him again. His eyes locked with hers.

"Don't be afraid," he said softly. "I won't hurt you."

His voice was calm. But his presence was dangerous.

He wasn't like Nathan. He didn't scream or threaten.

He just stood there, dark and tall and confident as if he owned everything.

As if she belonged to him.

"You're alive," he whispered, brushing a thumb across her cheek. A tiny smile curved on his lips.

Nathan roared. He lunged forward with a fist.

But the stranger didn't flinch.

He caught Nathan's punch in the air like it was nothing. His hand tightened around Nathan's, slowly, mercilessly. A cracking sound filled the room.

Nathan screamed in pain.

"Let him go!" Annabel shouted, heart pounding.

The man dropped Nathan's hand as if releasing garbage. He didn't even look at him. His eyes stayed on Annabel.

She swallowed. Her whole body trembled. What was happening?

"I came here to end this," she said to Nathan. "I don't love you. My sister was wrong about you. Don't call me again."

Then she turned and walked away, trying to ignore the fire still burning inside her.

"Carie!" the man called out.

She froze.

That name again.

Nathan rushed forward to block the man's path. "Who the hell are you?!" he growled. "What do you want with her?"

The stranger's voice was ice. "Her name is Carie. And she's my wife."

He shoved Nathan aside with one powerful move and stormed outside.

When he turned back she had already left but hadn't gone far yet.

He ran outside immediately and then saw her standing alone on the sidewalk.

She crossed her arms over her chest. She smirked in disbelief.

"Who the hell is Carrie?"

Just then, she saw him coming, her heart thundered. She took slow steps backward.

"Don't come near me," she said quickly. "I don't know who Carie is. That's not me."

His eyes darkened. "I know you. I know that face. That voice. That mouth."

"You're insane," she whispered. "You have the wrong girl."

He stepped closer, his gaze burning into her. "Then prove it."

"What?"

"Spend the day with me," he said. "Let me show you something. And if you still believe you're not her, I'll let you go."

Annabel blinked, then let out a short, cold laugh. "You want me to spend the day with a madman who thinks I'm his wife? No. Absolutely not."

She turned to leave, her heart was racing.

But then she saw it- a black suv parked in front of the restaurant.

Annabel recognized immediately. Her heart thundered.

Samantha stepped out.

And beside her, Caroline.

Of course. Nathan must have called them.

Annabel froze. Her pulse quickened with dread. She wasn't ready to face them. Not today. Not like this.

The stranger was still behind her, waiting. Watching.

She didn't turn to look at him. She just spoke.

"Yes," she said, almost breathless. "I'll spend the day with you. Just-get me out of here."

The drive was silent. He didn't ask her questions. But he kept stealing glances at her.

Except from the facial looked, she had changed so much from the Carie he remembered. She looked more beautiful, composed and soft.

Soon after, he drove into a beach house.

Annabel instantly regretted her decision to go with a stranger.

The beach house was beautiful. But extremely quiet.

He stepped out and opened the car door for Annabel.

Her heart thundered as she stepped out but the soft smile in his face, eased her tension a little bit.

He held her hand softly and then took her into the beach house.

The wide glass and white curtains flowing with breeze gave Annabel so much peace. The air smelled like salt and water.

She walked inside slowly. Everything was decorated with taste-soft colors, candles, flowers, framed photos. It didn't look like a random house.

It looked like home.

"Do you remember anything?" he asked from behind her.

"No," she said. Her voice was barely a whisper.

He walked over to an old record player and placed a vinyl on it. Soft jazz music filled the room. It was soothing and warm.

Then he came closer. Placed his hands gently on her waist.

She froze.

"What are you doing?"

He didn't answer. He just moved her slowly, leading her into a slow, smooth dance.

Her arms were stiff at first. But her body followed his, like muscle memory she didn't even know she had.

"Does this feel familiar?" he asked quietly.

She shook her head.

He leaned in closer. His breath was warm against her ear.

"Let me remind you."

Then he kissed her.

This time, deeper. Slower. Fuller.

She didn't stop him.

His hand pressed into her lower back. He kissed her like he could never stop. His hand caressed her neck softly.

Something told her this wouldn't end with just a kiss.

He pulled her closer, chest to chest, body to body.

Annabel's heart thudded wildly. She couldn't think. Couldn't breathe.

Everything about him felt wrong.

But also perfect.

And before she could process what she was doing-

She was in his bed.

Chapter 3: Marriage Alliance

Annabel rolled in bed. Morning light shone through the curtains, casting its warmth softly on her face

She was alone.

She sat up slowly. Her legs felt numb from her sleep position. She stared into empty with her half opened eyes. Just then, memories flashed through her mind.

Her heart thudded.

It all came rushing back.

His lips. His hands. The way he kissed her like she belonged to him. The way touch her softly like she could break if he went to hard.

She had slept with a stranger.

"Oh my God," she whispered. Her head dropped, burying her face within her hand as she shook her head in self blame.

She didn't even know his name.

And yet... the night had been unforgettable.

She couldn't lie to herself.

She had enjoyed it.

More than she wanted to admit.

Her skin still tingled from his touch. Her lips remembered his kiss. Her whole body ached with shame-and something else. Longing.

She stood up, drained, wrapped her robe around her and lazily walked towards her window. The ocean looked calm. Peaceful. Unlike the storm inside her.

"What have I done?" she whispered as she hit her head softly.

Just then she remembered Nathan. "Oh my God! He must have told Samantha about what happened."

With a sigh, Annabel grabbed her phone and quietly left the beach house. No note. No goodbye.

She just wanted to forget everything.

Back home, she walked into her room like a ghost. Her mind felt heavy. Her steps slow. She dropped her bag and collapsed onto her bed, burying her face in the pillow.

Then the door flew open.

SLAP!

The sound echoed.

Annabel stumbled, holding her cheeks in pain. Her heart flew. She froze as she saw Samantha standing there. Her eyes filled with rage.

"You shameless girl!" Samantha yelled.

Annabel didn't speak. She just held her cheek, blinking in disbelief.

"I begged you," Samantha voice dropped. She walked slowly closer to Annabel. "I begged you to stay close to Nathan for the family's sake. But no-you had to go and mess it all up!"

"I-" Annabel stammered, still stunned.

"Shut up!" Samantha snapped, jabbing a finger in her face. "You're so selfish. So stupid."

Annabel tried to hold but before she could, Samantha pushed her hard against the wall. Annabel gasp in pain. Her gaze was fixed on Samantha as tears welled up in her eyes.

"You know Dad always gave you everything," Samantha continued bitterly. "Even when Mom died, he still favored you. And now when he needs you, when this family needs you, what do you do? You throw it all away."

Annabel's lips trembled. "That's not true-"

"You ruined everything!" Samantha shouted. "It's all your fault. Just pray nothing bad happens to Dad or the company because you will only have yourself to blame."

she stormed out and then slammed the door behind her.

Annabel trembled, collapsing on the bed, weak and drained. Tears dropped from her eyes.

She couldn't breathe.

It was past noon when Annabel left the house, to clear her head.

She had gone to the hospital. The only place she found peace. She sat quietly by her father's hospital bed. The machines beeped softly. He looked so weak, so pale. Tubes ran from his arms. He couldn't speak,but breathe slowly.

She adjusted the blanket over him. A soft smile appeared on her lips though her vision was blurred with tears. "I miss you, Dad," she whispered.

Her mind drifted far back-years ago.

She remembered a field full of flowers. Laughter. Sunshine.

Samantha and Caroline ran through the field, chasing each other. She stood aside with her favorite doll, watching them. She wanted to join the fun.

She ran to them, excited. "You can have the doll if you catch me!" she shouted, giggling.

But their faces darkened.

Caroline grabbed her roughly while Samantha pushed her to the ground. The doll flew from her hands.

"Give it back!" Annabel cried.

Caroline just laughed and held the doll up. "It's mine now!"

Annabel's knee was bleeding. She cried harder. "I just wanted to play..."

"You killed your mother," Samantha sneered. "You're bad luck."

"No, I'm not!" Annabel screamed, running with tears to her father.

He dropped his book and caught her instantly.

"What's wrong, my princess?" he asked gently.

"I lost my doll," she sobbed.

He laughed softly as he carried her into his arms. "Is that why you are crying so hard, I have something for you," he whispered.

He took her into his room, pulled a gift box out of his drawers.

Annabel stared excitedly as she patiently wait for him to unbox it.

He brought out a pink doll.

"Wow!" Annabel grinned and then hugged her father tightly.

Back in the present. She stared at her father's weak hand, gripping it tightly.

"You always said my happiness matters, Dad," she whispered. "But how can I be happy... when you're like this?"

Tears dropped on the back of his hand as she lowered her head and cried silently.

Days passed.

One morning, she woke to loud screaming downstairs.

Panic rushed through her as she ran down in her nightwear.

"What happened?" she shouted.

But it wasn't fear.

It was laughter.

Samantha and Caroline were screaming with joy, holding hands, jumping up and down like children.

"Are you serious?" Samantha grinned.

"I'm so serious!" Caroline squealed. "The Emersons want a marriage alliance!"

"The Emersons?" Samantha gasped. "The most powerful family in the country?! Oh my God, Caroline! This changes everything!"

They hugged, screamed, and laughed again.

Annabel stood awkwardly, trying to smile. "What's going on?"

Samantha turned to her. "Well, since you've decided to be useless," she said sweetly, "Caroline has secured a marriage with the richest family in the country."

"Oh," Annabel smiled gently. "That's... great news."

But the joy vanished from their faces.

Caroline stepped closer, her voice sharp and cold. "Don't pretend to be happy for me. Once I marry into the Emersons, I'll cut you off completely. You won't be family anymore."

Annabel blinked, stunned.

"You bring bad luck," Caroline continued, eyes narrow. "And I won't let you ruin this new beginning for us."

Samantha laughed loudly. "Caroline Emerson... I love it!"

Just then, a phone beeped.

Samantha read the message, and her smile dropped.

Caroline's eyes widened as Samantha read aloud:

"We will be arranging the marriage for Annabel Willow."

Caroline froze.

"What?" she whispered.

Samantha looked confused. "What does that mean?"

Caroline grabbed the phone, reread it, and screamed, "WHAT?!"