SADIE

He calls back.

Terror had filled me. My brother shot me a murderous glare as he talked to him over the phone. I just wished this call would be calling off the wedding then we could both live our merry lives. But as I stared back at my brother, his expression even cowered down. So, the wedding was still on the go. Kill me now.

It was my third attempt to escape, but my father’s lackeys had done a pretty bang-up job keeping me in this horrible mansion since our engagement was official with a freaking twenty-five million dollars.

My fiance was a private person despite being a self-made billionaire. He was known to be a whale on Wall Street. I was curious to look for him online, but I might not going to like what I would find out. If Jasper was right, his brother, Cas did all the public appearances since he was the expert in cryptography—he was the face of the decentralized digital currency called Centhaddeus or known as CENTH by the Crypto marketers.

My heart had been beating a million a mile since Jasper caught me sneaking out through the window. My friend, Zhuri was waiting outside the gate. Jasper just threatened her if she helped me escape again.

Two days ago, it was my second attempt. My father caught me and hit me hard. My mouth bled out, and my face was bruised. Even a thick foundation couldn’t conceal. Then Jasper, not a few minutes ago, slapped me, causing my already bruised cheek to throb. 

This wasn’t the first time, even when I was a kid. If I made a mistake, either of them would hit me to teach me lessons, which I learned something—to be tough. If I didn’t, I might have gone crazy or ended up like my late mother. Dead.

Sure, this arrangement or business deal was a massive boost to my father’s business, but as a girl or the only woman in my family, I was a waste of their breaths. My family was known to be patriarchal. When my mother chose to follow her passion, my father kicked her to the curb. Even if they were not divorced, he started having mistresses, even as young as my age.

This marriage would be my freedom, at first, because there was no way I could go out from this hell hole, away from the tyranny of my father, if not arranged to someone else, even of their choice. My father never believed in women’s independence. He believed women had only two roles—give them pleasures and bear children.

He was a class A douchebag sexist.

When Cenric asked for my hand, or should I say, bought me with twenty-five million dollars, my father did not think twice but to seal the deal. Yeah, I was just a thing, a property to them—easily sold and expendable.

I was supposed to be happy that I finally got away from my own family, but sad to say, my fiance didn’t have an interest in me, even as his sex slave, or leash me like his pet dog. He never showed up during our supposed to be an engagement party. His brother gave me a massive yellow diamond ring, which, if I may guess, was just a coincidence that yellow was one of my favorite colors—it reminded me of a sunrise, that each time the sun rose, there was always hope.

“Looks like he’s interested in you, after all.” My brother’s upper lip twitched, making my rage soar high.

“And you don’t wanna scratch his property, or you’ll pay back his money, which I know it’s gone to the thin air by now,” I taunted him. Now that he could not touch me physically, the deal was off.

“Shut the fuck up, bitch. In two days, you’d be gone, and my life would be grand without you in it. While you, on the other hand, are tied up in his basement for the rest of your life. Or you’ll be off the grid as if you never exist.”

I swallowed hard. Cenric Wollf’s reputation preceded him. He was known to be cold-blooded and cruel, and to him, everything was a business deal. He was known to be a man of a few words, but his words meant authority to his employees.

“Do you think he cares about you? You’re now his property. He can do whatever he wants. Do you think being here is the worse because you think you’re held against your will? Well, wait until your wedding day. You’ll see what kind of demon he is or what demons he possessed. And if what I heard is right, my father is nothing compared to his barbaric nature, and he also suffered from post-traumatic. Shit, isn’t it?” 

“You’re lying!” That was all I could say because, honestly, I was already terrified beyond compare the moment I found out I was to be betrothed to a man I knew nothing about. His name alone sent a shiver into my bones.

My asshole of a father still believed in the old-fashion way, especially when it involved power and wealth. And if he thought he could manipulate Cenric or me, damn hell, he was wrong. It was either I would be faithful to Cenric or myself. But never would I take their side ever again.

I was not their property anymore, remember? I was Wollf’s.

I watched my brother order Devin, one of his men, to double lock the windows before he went out. 

“Don’t worry, Devin. I will make this easy for you. I will just sleep for two days until my wedding. Then your job gets a lot easier.”

I went to bed and laid down, hoping no one would come to disturb me. I had no appetite to eat, and sure as hell, I would die of starvation after the wedding. 

I drew a deep breath when my eyes started to sting. Maybe a homeless was much better than a daughter of a tyrant like my father. At least they were free to do whatever they wanted.

I felt Devin had not left the room. When I turned in bed, he was staring outside the window. 

“What are you still doing in my room? I don’t think my future husband would appreciate you being here, invading my privacy.”

He sighed deeply. “I don’t appreciate your father and your brother laying their hands on you.”

I watched him, seemingly in deep thoughts. “Do tell.” I wanted to roll my eyes.

“Just have patience, Sadie.”

My brow arched. “Until my death.”

“Mr. Wollf is a good person.”

“You’re the only one who said that. Didn’t you hear my brother? Everything is just a business deal, and that’s all to them anyway. I bet no one would buy me for more than twenty-five million, so it’s his loss. My family can’t provide that amount anymore, and I’m sure they would not even spend a dollar for me, if in any case.”

“You should not believe in anything you heard from your father or brother, Sadie. They want money from Mr. Wollf, yes, and that’s all, but why would Mr.Wollf spend a penny for someone he didn’t even know, let alone millions?”

“I kept asking myself that.”

“There you go. You have your answer.” He turned towards the door and paused. “Do you need anything?”

“Why changed of heart?”

“I did not change. You just did not notice it.”

I shrugged. “I don’t want you to get into trouble.”

“As you said, you only have two days left here.”

“Fine. Can I borrow your phone? But promise me you won’t tell my brother.” I was still skeptical. Honestly, I had never spent a minute talking to Devin, let alone connive with him with my plan. I didn’t know if my brother was testing us, or for once, today was my lucky day.

He pulled out his phone from his suit jacket and offered it to me. 

I eyed him suspiciously. 

“Hurry up before he gets back.”

I grabbed his phone and quickly scanned the screen for the message icon. I started typing. I memorized his number, just in case my phone got confiscated by my oppressors, and I was right to do it.

Sorry about earlier. I promise I will be there. Just don’t lock me up in your basement. I promise to be a good property. SADIE

I hit the send button. Once it was sent successfully, I deleted my text and gave it back to Devin. 

I smiled warily. “Thanks.”

Before he could put back his phone into his pocket, that thing vibrated in his grasp.

“Mr. Cenric?”

I watched him freeze, swallow, and nod with yes, sir. What the hell is going on?

Devin then faced me, offering his phone. “He wants to talk to you.”

I shook my head violently. “No.” I swallowed hard. “I don’t wanna be in trouble.”

“You’d be in trouble if you keep him waiting.”

I stared at the phone as if it had turned into a slimy alien. I shivered.

“Sadie, he’s a busy man.”

“Okay.” My hand was shaking as I took the phone from him.

I pressed it to my ear before I cleared my throat. “Hello?”

“Are you okay?” His voice was deep, raspy, and calm, which was a good thing, right?

“Yeah. Why did you ask? I mean, call?”

“I just wanna make sure you’re alright?”

“Why do you care? You’re gonna lock me up in your dungeon in two days.”

“I don’t have a dungeon. Where’s the phone you used earlier?”

“It was a burner my friend bought for me, but it’s gone now. My brother broke it in half.” I blew a breath. Finally, I talked freely, and it was a relief that the scary beast Cenric was not yelling at me or throwing words at me to behave as property should be.

“If you wanna talk to your friend or someone or me, use Reece’s phone. Just make sure you won’t risk his job.”

“Why?”

“I don’t want you to try escaping again.”

“I mean, why are you talking to me now? After almost three years?” Asshole. Because of you, I’ve suffered a lot.

“I don’t want to get married.”

CENRIC

Something is off.

I knew it. 

I could feel it in my bones. But why was I even surprised anymore? She was forced. Why did they also have to treat her terribly? I couldn’t blame her if she wanted to run away. If I were in her shoe, I had already done it a thousand times. Poor thing. 

Nowadays, this awful tradition should be banned, but a lot of old-fashioned, those powerful families kept this tradition alive for their transaction purposes—to keep the family business running.

I shut my eyes close for a moment. Gritting my teeth was as painful as the twist in my stomach. They would pay for this. 

Money could be earned and replaced. The pain and the trauma they had inflicted on her couldn’t be undone—it stuck in her brain like goddamn cancer. I knew how it felt—I’d been there, even until now, I was still haunted by it—the trauma—the mental trauma was difficult to be cured. I just hoped she hadn’t had gone that far. One broken person was enough in a relationship, but two? That would be too much.

I called my brother. As if he was expecting me, he sang my name, irritating me further.

“Who’s your inside man?”

“Who?” I knew he was messing with me. I could feel him grinning from the other line.

“Trust me, if you don’t take this seriously, I’m going to beat the hell out of Jasper—” I checked the time on my watch. “In less than thirty minutes, and I will drag her with me, whether it would cause havoc between Hanslo and me, I don’t give a fuck! They’re the one who’s in deep debt, not me.” My eyes gleamed against the reflection on the glass wall. 

“Wow! Since when do you care?” 

I growled. “Casimir?”

“Fine. Jeez, you’re grouchier. How did you even know I had someone inside. Don’t answer that. I’ll send the contact to you now.”

“Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it. Just glad you care.”

“Bye.”

I didn’t want her to get in trouble with her brother again than she already had. As much as I hated this arrangement, I made sure to keep up at the end of the bargain.

I called the contact as soon as I received it. 

The second I heard her voice again, instead of making me feel angrier and unapologetic, she made me feel relieved. 

Her tone seemed to relax as she talked out of her failed plan. 

And then the asshole that I was. “I don’t want to get married.” That was honest to the fault answer. At least, I wasn’t yet ready, and I hadn’t found my choice of bride. But maybe we could work this out. So long as she would not be a constant pain in my ass.

“So did I.” Her admission definitely didn’t surprise me. At least there was something I liked about her. And so as her honesty. “So, maybe we can talk about this before we both regret it.”

“No. And you promise to be there.”

“Aye yay, captain.” I could even see her saluting at me. “A promise is a promise. Unless my father or my brother would poison me before our wedding.” 

I blew out a breath. I knew she was joking, but it just validated my suspicions. They did not treat her right because she was a woman who didn’t have a place in their business. For Hanslo, the only good of women was for fucking and baring their heir. That was why he abandoned his wife for choosing what she loved to do rather than be his goody-two-shoes spouse.

“They won’t dare touch or lay a hand on you again. Did you hear me?”

“Then you don’t know my family, Cenric.”

“Then they’re about to know me, Sadie.” I grabbed my coat before I walked to my assistant. Theo was reliable. He’d been working for me since I started to make my way in cryptocurrency.

“I’m surprised you know my name, Wollf.”

“I know your name, your birthday, your favorite color.” That was a lie, but I was about to find out.

“Let me guess. You did a background check on me. Guess how many boyfriends I have? How old I was when I lost my virginity?”

“Don’t go there, Sadie,” I growled. My voice raised. My outrage blurred into fury, and I saw a dark tunnel ahead. It was painfully evident that this was the last topic I wanted to discuss. As much as I liked her untouched, I wasn’t a saint either. 

Knowing someone was touching her, giving her pleasure, it already terrified the living shit out of me. If this is how I started our relationship, then I fucking sucked at it.

I hoped I didn’t terrify her. “This is why I didn’t want to talk until we got married. Since we both didn’t have a choice at this moment, I’d rather not talk to you from the time being.” I entered my private elevator that headed up to my loft.

“You can’t make me bow to you or bend for you with your empty threats, Mr. Wollf.”

“We’ll see if that was an empty threat, Sadie,” I snarled. “Keep in mind that you’re worth my twenty-five million dollars. You can work as my slut a hundred lifetimes. You won’t be able to pay your family’s debt,” I groaned, pissed beyond reason that I just used a fucking debt against her. She provoked me, which I didn’t have time for this shit. 

I shouldn’t have called her.

“You’re right. Maybe I just pay it in hell.”

“It was out of line.” I swiped my card and punched codes to my penthouse. My patience started wearing thin. 

“Is that your way of apology? I could get used to it, but it needs a little practice, though.”

I sighed in irritation. This woman didn’t back down. Her picture didn’t do justice—she looked innocent, classy, and poised, and I was like talking to her evil twin right now. I didn’t know if I was thrilled or pissed off for her being strong. 

“I don’t apologize. Not to anyone, even to my future wife. So, suck up my attitudes. I won’t change a fuck. I just called to make sure you’re okay.”

“I get it. You said a thousand times, and I said a million times that I won’t ditch you at the altar. Since I am now your property, you can just put a leash around my neck, or you might also put a mind control technology on me so that I will just do what you want without my objection.”

“You clearly like to talk, my asset,” I snickered. I couldn’t remember someone had retorted to me like this to annoy me. In our case, it amused me as much as I didn’t like to admit.

“What else do you want, my master, before I kill you in my dream?”

“Naked?” I froze a little. Too late to take it back. I didn’t know why I said that, but I was sure I wasn’t flirting with her. No fucking way. Maybe I just felt comfortable talking without a filter, just like her to me.

“Asshole.” I know, I am.

“Watch your tone.” I slumped to my ass on the couch and took my shoes off. I massaged my temple. When I woke up, I never had a plan or even thought of talking to her this morning. Now, a few hours later, I was bickering with her and her filthy mouth—the kind that I dislike.

“You kept shoving into my face the obvious, which, I’m freaking fed up, hearing it from my family every freaking day.”

“If you need anything, call Devin, indiscreet. If either of your father or brother lay a hand on you, call Devin.”

“Yes, boss.”

“Stop being a brat.”

“Goodnight, sweetheart,” she sang. Jesus Christ.

I snorted. “Bye.”

Before I could toss my phone aside, it vibrated again. Fuck me. Did she call me again?

“What is it, Sadie?”

“Wow! You two seem to get closer quickly than I ever anticipated.” Fuck. Me. It was Cas.

“I was just messing with you. She doesn’t have a phone, asshole.”

“I bet you wish she’s the one in the other line.”

“What do you want? If it’s not important, then I need to rest. I’m exhausted.”

“Sweet dream, brother.”

“I hate you right now.”

“I love you too.”

My phone dinged, and it appeared I had received a message. 

You’re not what I thought you were. SADIE

Careful what you wish for. I replied

SADIE: Oh, I’m so terrified.

CENRIC: Are you gonna annoy me for the rest of the day?

SADIE: I was thinking. Maybe we should just elope.

I chuckled. 

CENRIC: Not gonna happen. You only get married once. At least let me make it memorable for you even you loath your groom.

SADIE: This is just a business deal. Why do you have to make it memorable since I am just a sacrificial lamb? 

CENRIC: I don’t want you and Devin will get in trouble, Sadie. Get some beauty rest.

SADIE: See you then.

SADIE

My heart had been beating so fast like I’d been running for miles. I wasn’t sure if I would pass out or from the discomfort of knowing that my future husband was waiting for me at the altar. 

I behaved like a royal princess for the last forty-eight hours as I kept telling myself that I wouldn’t want another mistreatment from my father before they handed me to my new owner wrapped in an oversized bowtie.

My father walked me down the aisle around these two hundred fifty guests that I didn’t even know any of them. The venue went dead silent except for the live band playing the classic At Last by Etta James. The music alone didn’t feel right. At Last, I was free? Or At Last, I was doomed? Either way, there was no way going back.

I would give credit to the event planner, though. They did a pretty good job. I felt like I had just walked into a fantasy land filled with flowers I didn’t even recognize. I wore a gown of my choosing, which was a strapless princess bridal gown with a v-shape back. The simple sweetheart bodice uplifted a transparent effect. I also put on the diamond set as part of the bridal trousseau. 

I would die in shame if I ever saw a disappointment in his eyes after he raised my veil. We skipped the dinner rehearsal like typical weddings usually did. Even this wedding was just a front because my father and brother already got what they wanted. They didn’t have to waste their money on this ceremony. We could just officiate this arrangement at the city hall, and they wouldn’t even care.

My lack of knowledge of this business transaction didn’t do me any good. People behind me started murmuring. I didn’t realize I had already arrived in front of my groom. Let me guess, my father was beyond relieved that he had won his prize.

In a few minutes, I was officially Wollf’s property. My legs started to shake. My hands trembled as I was passed on to my next torturer for the rest of my life. At least, I wouldn’t get a beating from my family anymore, and it would not look horrible coming from the person you barely knew. Nonetheless, nobody would want it if it could be avoided.

My asshole father just pressed his cheek against mine and didn’t even lift my veil. That was how an asshole he was. 

I tried to calm myself down before I went unconscious. The first thing I saw was the big hand in a three-piece tuxedo offered to me. I lifted my gaze and placed my slender and delicate hand over his solid and calloused fingers. 

The bouquet trembled in my grasp. My maid of honor, Zhuri, took it from me. Cenric gripped my hand as he might have just witnessed how frightened I was over this union, that I had finally sealed my fate to him.

He slightly ran his thumb through the engagement ring, and I knew he never saw it. His brother, Cas, handed it to officiate my engagement. In all in fairness, he was too lavish in choosing this ring.

Father Bartholomew started with, “Dearly beloved….” As much as I wanted to concentrate, I couldn’t. All I could think of was after this ceremony, after the reception. I hadn’t thought about it that much other than kneeling Cenric in his balls, and then I bolted away like in a freaking rom-com movie. Did I ever get that chance? I didn’t think so.

I’d already observed and counted on my fingers of the guards before I entered the venue. I had no chance unless I turned invisible and just vanished like I had a superpower.

“Cenric Thaddeus Gillean…” His name was so ancient. 

I wondered who suggested it. It suited him, though. I hadn’t thoroughly checked out his face, but judging by his smell and his posture, he could snap my neck just by his two fingers. 

“I do,” he answered.

My nerves calmed down a bit, knowing he accepted me. 

“Sadie Charmaine Armelle, do you accept Cenric…”

“I do.” I bit my trembling lip. I bet he would really snap me in half if I answered no. So, it was safe to say that I would not die at this hour. 

“You may read your vow, Cenric,” said Father Bartholomew to my groom.

I lifted my gaze, meeting his. I stared and studied him. 

I expect nothing but striking because Cas was handsome with a wicked smile. But his picture didn’t do justice. Not even a little. He looked like a modern Greek god. His dark curled hair pulled back in a fashion way. His dark hooded eyes held a lot of untold memories, and his lashes were to envy by women.

He stood like a warrior. His body was taut and trim, and those biceps. Damn, this man was a perfect masculine. He had a strong jaw, straight nose, and those lips were full and now spread into a full-blown smile.

“See something you like?”

“H-huh? Yeah.” What did he say?

“Should I repeat my vow?” he asked softly and quietly. His lips twitched.

Bastard. Gorgeous and hot bastard. My pulse quickened. My face flamed. He just caught me checking him out, and he didn’t seem to care. I bet he used to get attention like this from women. Jesus, help me over here.

He slipped the ring into my finger. “Mi Cielo.”

I swallowed hard. “I didn’t write my vows, but the very moment I laid eyes on you just a few moments ago, I knew you would be my forever. I promise to be loyal and faithful to you. I promise to honor you and respect you, and I promise to be your best friend, your number one supporter, and cry and laugh with you for the rest of my life.” I slipped the ring into his finger. “Now you’re mine, Wollf.”

I just heard him chuckle. “Yes, I am.”

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride.”

I didn’t know if I was to be excited or be terrified. But the unexpected happened. The crowd applauded. Cenric cupped my face, pressed a kiss on my forehead, and then whispered, “You’re beautiful. It hurts to look at you.” His voice was like silk, so smooth, unlike the way he talked to me over the phone. 

And then he kissed me on my lips. 

I froze. My heart stopped for a moment before it galloped so hard it could burst out of my chest.

 I wasn’t expecting him to kiss me, let alone say those beautiful words. It might be only his facade in front of these people, but I took it as a win over my father. And yay! I’m now married.

Thank God he didn’t notice the bruise on my lower right eye. Otherwise, this wedding would be doomed.