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.

CENRIC

“Congratulations, bro. You’re officially a married man.” My brother slapped my back just right after we signed the legalities for the registrar.

“Thanks.” I looked over my shoulder. “Then you’ll have to find a woman to marry. Not just for— ” I whispered the last word.

My beautiful wife might have just heard what I said as she shot me a look.

Cas was grinning, genuinely pleased of this ceremony that I and my wife did not get cold feet for the sake of this business deal, even if he was not aware of my entire motive.

“Mom and Pap would be so thrilled, bro. I wish they were here.”

I felt the same. I hoped they were proud. “Enough of this drama. We have guests to meet.” I grabbed my wife’s hand and intertwined my fingers with hers.

I still find it difficult to believe that I was married. On the other hand, I did my promise. That was what mattered most. I was going to make sure she got the best deal she deserved.

At the reception, I was pleased with the organizers. They did it with class. Considering Sadie’s father would not waste money for his own daughter, I wrote a fat cheque for this occasion. Sadie didn’t have to know that her father did not even spend a penny on her wedding day.

Heavy chandeliers with dripping crystals that refracted light made the place sophisticated. The floor had round tables, and each was decorated with overflowing fresh flowers at the center, trailing with ivy, making it look more exquisite. I wanted to make this wedding real for her.

Soft and classic music played overhead. To be honest, I only knew a few people, and I carefully selected them. The rest of the guests were boards of my company my brother invited, and half of these were from my bride’s side that I had never seen before.

Sadie was quiet and barely touched her meal. I knew how she felt and her mind was running a mile. She was probably thinking right now what would happen to her after this celebration.

When the dancing started, I felt the uneasiness run through her. I placed my hand on her lower back. And I just couldn’t help but stare at her. She was more beautiful in person than I ever imagined—beyond in her photo. Her voice over the phone didn’t go with the woman in my arms right now.

Her features were stunning, with bold and high cheekbones, and it wasn’t the makeup that made them prominent. Her blue eyes were bright and a shade of cyan. I liked her bushy eyebrows—they reminded me of one of Victoria’s Secret models. Her nose was pixie and slim. She could be one of those faces of luxury cosmetic brands if her father was not an asshole, keeping her on his leash.

And damn those lips. I already kissed them, but I wanted more. I wanted to taste them again, her mouth, her tongue, and every inch of this woman. I was beyond pleased at my precious prize. Now that she was mine, I didn’t know where to start from here.

Here in my arms, she looked fragile against my tall frame. I wondered if she could take me. Of course, she could. We were like a puzzle— we fit perfectly right.

“You’re staring.” Fuck. For how long?

“You’re a sight to behold.”

“Glad you like your property.” A small smile appeared on her lips.

“Damn right, I owned you.”

I wasn’t ready to let her go, but her father came to dance with her, and this would be the last time he had his hand on my wife.

***

After we bid goodbye to her family, we were headed straight to the private airport where my private jet was waiting for us.

I quickly noticed the space between us in the bridal car. She instantly built her walls between us, or I already made her uncomfortable.

“Do you really have to do this quickly?” I looked at her. Her hands folded on her lap, so demurely.

“What do you mean?” she asked innocently.

“I’m a good observant. You are distancing yourself from me. You have every reason not to trust me, but I just want to clear things between us before we travel on our honeymoon. This marriage is real. Whether you like it or not, business deal or arranged, we are married. You are my wife, and I am your husband.”

“I don’t see it that this is fair for me.”

“Just watch and see.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

I sighed deeply. “We’re still in the car, aren’t we?”

She jerked in her seat. Her eyes widened. “Are you gonna force yourself on me?”

I met her gaze, filled with terror. Damn right, she had the right to be scared. “What do you think?”

“I’ll do anything you want me to do. Just no dungeon or underground.”

I chuckled. “Never say you’d do anything, Sadie. People always find a way to take advantage of your own words. And I would take it as my bargaining chip.”

“Very well then. I take it back. Let’s act like we’re newlywed.” She closed the gap between us, leaning against me. She also placed her hand on my thigh, and I felt the tensing of my muscles right away.

“Good idea.”

We arrived at the tarmac and were greeted by our pilot and attendant.

We settled in. Sadie remained with her character as an in-love newlywed bride.

“We’re taking off in twenty-five minutes,” my pilot, Capt. Rhys informed us. “Welcome aboard, Mrs. Wollf.”

“Thank you,” she said bashfully.

Once Capt. Rhys was in the cockpit, I looked at Sadie. “Drop the act. I want to know the real you. I want to get to know you. You can be talkative and bitchy, as long as I’m in front of the real person I married.”

“Great.” I admired how she quickly split into the woman I just said my vows to earlier. “I’m used to acting a goody-two-shoe in front of my father’s asshole business partners. Honestly, just over dinners. When he didn’t need me, I’m literally locked up in my room. Since I was engaged to you, they became tight. I couldn’t even have male friends. After I finished college, I was not allowed to go out alone.”

“I agree with not having male friends. Male is still male, but not allowing you to go out, that’s a little bit harsh.” I stood up and grabbed the bag from the overhead cabin. “This is for you.”

“You don’t need to shower me with gifts. Twenty-five million is beyond my reach. I don’t know how to pay that amount in my lifetime. So, no thank you.”

I rolled my eyes. “Do you have a phone?”

Her reaction was funny. She shrugged, turning her head to me slowly.

“I get that as a no. What kind of people are your father and your stupid of a brother?”

“They’re afraid they’ll lose their payment. I thought it’s obvious?”

“You don’t actually worth 25m, wife,” I scoffed.

“You don’t know how to be subtle, do you? But I try hard not to be offended, husband.”

“You’re not royalty. Even if you are, your dowry won’t be worth 25m.”

She glared at me. “Now, I’m wounded.”

“Just stating the fact. But money isn’t important to me. It’s life.”

“Then why did you give them that kind of amount?”

“Let’s not talk about money right now, Sadie.” I pushed back the bag. “Take it. It’s yours.”

Without a shame, she quickly unboxed her new phone and grinned. “This is the best wedding gift ever.” She even kissed that thing. Poor thing. She had suffered too much because of our arrangement.

“No kiss for me or even a hug?”

“You don’t need it.”

“Save my number. I should be in your speed dial #1.”

“Controlling much?”

“Do you think your family will not pay a visit to you after our honeymoon?”

She stared at me, confused. “They threw me to you. What else do they want?”

“I can’t exactly be a controlling, possessive husband to you all the time. If you want to see them, I won’t say no, but you won’t be going alone. If they ever lay a hand on you again, trust me, I’ve kept locked the beast inside me, and they wouldn’t be thrilled to let it out.”

She looked surprised, at the same time, terrified. “H-how did you know?”

“When I looked into your eyes, I didn’t have to know what that called was all about.” I caressed the bruise she hid with makeup under her eye.

“Why do you have to protect me from them?”

“Because you are my wife now. Nobody mistreats or touch my wife, and what’s mine. Ever.”