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.”

SADIE

As much as I’d like to plan an escape, he, I mean my husband had not given me any reasons to do it. In fact, to start my freedom from my family, he gave me a phone. If he wanted to lock me up in his dungeon, he didn’t have to give me anything, did he? And small gestures should tell something beyond this stupid arrangement.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” His dark brow arched.

“To Mr. and Mrs. Wollf.” I raised my champagne. To my surprise, he did the same and sipped it before he went back to reading whatever was so important in that folder.

“We’re on a business trip, aren’t we?”

He didn’t even raise his gaze from that thing. “Both. Besides, I can’t force you to sleep with me, and I’m not the kind of man who raped women for pleasure.”

My jaw-dropped. I wasn’t sure what to say or how to react. I sipped my bubble drink. “How can you be so sure that you have to force me? I don’t even know if you wanted to sleep with me.”

Now I got his attention. He put down the stack of papers he was so engrossed with. His brow arched quizzically.

“Isn’t it one of the reasons why you bought me?”

“What? To fuck you?” He sounded offended. “I can buy girls younger than you, the kind who don’t question my purpose, but I don’t need sex slaves or fuck buddy. I can get women into my bed. As easy as snapping my fingers.”

“Of course.” I shut my mouth, feeling my face flame.

“You are still my wife. And I would respect you as my wife. Not as you cost twenty-five million in my bank account. All I want from you is to respect me as your husband.”

I shifted myself in the chair. I was totally speechless. I didn’t know how to respond or what to say anymore. Should I say thank you instead?

I grabbed my new phone instead. I took a selfie and ignored him as he was back to whatever made him so busy. I also took snaps of the entire luxurious jet.

“What’s my limit?”

“None. Just don’t be a pain in the ass. No males. No going to your family without my consent. We have a lot of things to discuss, but let’s not ruin this trip.”

“That’s a lot for none, but okay.”

“Hungry?”

“No, I’m good. I don’t wanna steal your attention from that. Looks so important that I can’t even steal your attention.”

He let go a deep sigh. “This bothers you?” He pointed down at the pieces of papers in the folder. “This will give us 10m a year if things go smoothly. My brother is supposed to be the one who seals the deal, but I suggested to catch birds in one stone since we’re going to the same country.”

“Which?”

“Jamaica. Have you been to GoldenEye?”

“Bond fan?”

“The classics, but that’s not the reason why I chose GoldenEye of all the resorts. Bali is great, Bora Bora, Maldives, but it was where my parents spent their honeymoon.”

My heart sank. “Wow. Sorry to hear about your parents.”

“Thank you.”

I lost track of time. I wasn’t aware I had already dripped off. I found myself in bed and was also tucked in nicely under the softest duvet, and the first smell that assaulted my nose was the fresh scent of flowers on the nightstand.

I got off the bed. I realized that I was still in the jet. The light cabin pressure and the humming of the engine proved it. I went ahead to the small door, which was probably the bathroom. I brushed my teeth and washed my face. I also cleaned off my makeup and tore off the false lashes I used during the wedding. My bruise was still visible, still purplish, but a little yellowish on its side.

I changed to comfy high-waist jeans and a dusty pink high neck tie-back blouse. When I got back to the earth tone lounge, Cenric wasn’t there anymore. I pressed the button for the attendant.

She came right away with a professional smile until it faded in a second.

As a defense, I touched my bruise and shook my head. “Oh, he didn’t do this.”

“Of course, ma’am.” She then smiled again. “He supports the campaign of elimination of VAW.”

“Oh.” My mouth formed an O-shaped. At the same time, a twist formed in my stomach. She seemed to know my husband very well, while I, the wife knew nothing about. How did they meet?

“Anyway, do you need anything, Mrs. Wollf?”

“I’m starving.” My stomach just grumbled. Awesome. I chuckled. “Do you have snacks?”

“Mr. Wollf hasn’t had dinner. He said to wait for you until you woke up. I’ll prepare the dinner.”

“Thanks.”

I pulled up the window shield. I saw nothing but dark clouds. I leaned my arms over the table, my palm against my chin.

Several thoughts came to my head. I may be free from my family, but I needed to plan something for my life. Since I got my degree in business management, I never applied it. I needed to work.

I nearly jumped in my seat when a strong hand touched my shoulder. But I knew exactly who it belong to as I felt my skin warmth against his fingers.

“Sorry. I don’t mean to startle you.” He took a seat beside me.

“No. I’m just jumpy.”

“Why?” In an instant, his gaze pinned into my eye. That was how he saw my bruise.

His expression darkened, his nose flaring. His jaw set. I thought I heard him groan. “It doesn’t hurt anymore.” I touched the area to show him that I meant it.

“Still. No one deserves that kind of mistreatment. Who did that to you?”

“It doesn’t matter. They can’t touch me anymore. Unless you will give me back to them.”

“Not in my lifetime.” His lips firmed.

“Do you always save women in distress?”

He stared at me. Suspicions lingered in his dark eyes. “No. What made you say that?”

“Your attendant said something about VAW.” I bit my lip. I was actually fishing for information and hoping it wasn’t juicy as I thought.

He snorted. “I didn’t sleep with her. If that’s what reeling in your pretty head, Sadie.”

I arched my brow, denying it. “I wasn’t.”

“You’re not a good liar and not good at hiding your emotions, mia.”

“I suck at Spanish, but I know what does it mean. And you also called me something like— ” I snapped my fingers.

“I’m not gonna tell you.” His smile was contagious.

I smiled back. “I’m gonna figure that out soon unless you won’t call me by that word again.”

Thankfully, the food arrived. My stomach grumbled again, and my mouth watered at the sight of our dinner.

My brother controlled the food I shoved into my mouth since I was engaged to Cenric. He forbid me from eating what I wanted, afraid that if I gained weight, Cenric would call off the engagement, and they had no choice but to return the money. I also went to the gym at least four times a week. I had never tasted chocolate or sweets of any kind for almost three years. And this was a relief that I didn’t have to starve myself to death anymore.

I smelled my food first. Before things happened, I loved to cook and eat, but I wasn’t fat either. I loved to cook more.

“You’re really hungry, huh?”

“I missed the meat, the fats, and sweet.” I sliced my steak. It was medium-rare, just the way I liked it.

“They also starved you?” Cenric literally growled.

“They didn’t want me to get fat before our wedding,” I told him the truth. “Afraid you might take your money back.”

“Your father is full of— ” He pursed his lips. “No more fucking diet, Sadie. I don’t care if you become a size of an elephant. You won’t starve yourself again. Do you understand me?” He held my wrist, waiting for my answer.

“You know I love food, right? I lost weight, but I also gained muscles and abs.” I pursed my lips, making sure not to laugh.

“Do I get a chance to see your abs?” He smirked. A sexy smirked. Damn, this man. He was striking and stunning.

“Time will tell, Wollf.”

“Good thing it won’t be too long. I packed your swimsuits. You should use them. Now, eat up.” He checked me out before he went back to our dinner. “I would still like you even if you weigh two hundred pounds.”