"Zara Berry, I'm not asking you!" Brianna retorted without taking a look at her but kept her eyes fixed on Liam. "Liam, I really need the money now. I will pay you back as soon as I make any."

Liam looked rather awkward, "Brianna, you know how the company is doing now. If it's a few thousand dollars, I can help you, but fifty thousand! How do I get you that much money?"

Fortune Construction Company was expanding and did need money for new investments. Though fifty thousand dollars wasn't a casual amount, it wasn't a large sum for Liam either. If he really wanted to help, it wasn't a problem at all.

Brianna tried to reach Liam's arm, but Liam slapped her hand away and shouted at her, "Enough! Don't make me despise you."

Brianna stumbled and fell over, the pain was so sharp that she finally broke down, crying, "Liam..."

However, Liam ignored her completely and turned around to leave. Brianna quickly got herself up and stumbled towards him, finally managing to hold onto his leg. "Liam, please... Please help my Mom. I will pay you back. I swear..."

"Pay me back? How? Without me, you and your mother can't even survive, let alone making money for the surgery." Liam looked at Brianna up and down and added, "Brianna, you know what, if you do what I say, you won't need to worry about money. Take it as a compliment. If you help me get the contrast signed with Scott Anderson, I will give you one million, and I will make sure your mother gets the best treatment."

This is the man I've been with for so many years? How can he say this to me?!

Brianna stared at Liam and suddenly found herself looking at a strange face. The gentleness and affection she used to see had completely vanished. She let go of his leg and collapsed onto the ground.

Liam and Zara walked into the house without taking another look at Brianna.

Scott had been in the car parked in the distance, watching Brianna. He glanced at his assistant Levi, and Levi got out of the car at once. He walked towards Brianna, holding an umbrella. "Brianna Warren, if you agree to be his woman and do whatever he wants, then he will find your mother the best doctor and get her the best treatment and cover all the cost."

"I'm not a toy. I'm not his possession! I will pay him back!" Brianna cried.

"Brianna Warren, to be honest with you, it's rare that Mr. Scott Anderson finds a woman that he's interested in, but when he does, he's sure to have her. Also, if you don't do what he wants, I can assure you that you won't be able to find any job." Levi persuaded.

Although Brianna wanted to retort, she knew deep in her heart that she could do nothing about Levi’s threat. Slowly, she got up and followed Levi to the car.

When they arrived at Scott's villa, "Get a hot bath and get changed," Scott ordered.

Brianna shivered and stood still. Is he asking me to sleep with him tonight?

Scott seemed to have guessed her thoughts, "I don't force a woman to have sex with me, especially someone who's injured. It won't be fun anyway."

Relieved, Brianna went for a bath and got changed. After that, Brianna decided to go to see her mother. Just as she went downstairs, Scott called after her, "Brianna Warren, from head toe, every part of you belongs to me now. Without my permission, you are not allowed to go anywhere."

From head to toe?! Isn't he a tyrant? Brianna thought, but she dared not to object, for he somehow carried such irresistible air of authority. "I'm just thinking of going to see my Mom." She replied meekly.

"Your job is to please me. You don't need to worry about your mother."

"But she's my Mom. I'm her only family..." Tears started to fill Brianna's eyes again.

Impatiently, Scott answers, "Alright, alright. You can visit her once a week, and you completely belong to me except this once a week."

"Can I live with my Mom?" Brianna pleaded, and Scott replied with a sneer. "You have sold yourself to me, Brianna Warren. Are you trying to bargain with me? Also, you are not allowed to see that dumbass Liam Williams again."

"Why? Scott Anderson, you..."

"You know he's an asshole anyway. Why would you want to see him again?" Scott retorted sharply.

"He is...He..." Brianna hesitated, and tears filled her eyes.

"He's an asshole," Scott added.

"When I was ten years old, he saved me and ended up in the hospital for a few months. He and his family have been very kind to me, and in the past years, he has been paying for my Mom's treatment... It's been so many years, and I..."

"What I know is that because he saved you, your father treated him and his family very well, too well perhaps. Your father made his father the boss of a construction company out of a labor worker. When your father died, and your mother was seriously injured, your family's company went bankrupt, and you gave all the money that your father saved for you to that asshole's father for expanding their company. Now that their company has grown, they have all sorts of excuses not to give you the money for your mother's surgery."

"Did you investigate me?!" Brianna was shocked, hearing Scott speaking the cruel truth.

"Shouldn't I know what I'm buying before I make the purchase?" Scott replied matter-of-factly.

Brianna looked down onto the floor and said helplessly, "Sure."

Scott glanced at Levi, and Levi said to Brianna, "Brianna Warren, I have something to show you, and you will know what a real man Liam Williams is."

It was a video recording of Liam having sex with a girl.

"This happened on the same night when he drugged you and used you as bait to seduce Nelson Berry. If Mr. Scott Anderson didn't take you to the hotel room, surely you know what Nelson Berry would have done to you..." Levi explained.

Brianna found it impossible to believe that the man in the video was the same man she was in love with all these years.

"Brianna Warren, you probably have no idea at all, but this stingy asshole is actually very generous to his women. He's only stingy to you and your mother." Levi added.

Brianna closed her eyes, and tears streamed down her face, which annoyed Scott. He held her chin tighter again and said, "How pathetic are you?! Why are you even crying for that asshole?!"

Brianna sobbed, "Right! I'm pathetic! What about you?! You bought me with money! What does that say about you?” She retorted without thinking, yet she regretted it right afterward. She was scared.

As expected, Scott Anderson's face turned stern immediately. He was furious. He lifted his arm up, about to slap Brianna, but Brianna raised her arm up instinctively, and Scott caught sight of her injured right hand. He heaved a sigh, and the angry feeling seemed to disappear. He said patiently, "I don't like to see women cry."

"Don't look at me then." Brianna retorted.

Scott sneered and gripped her chin even tighter. "Brianna Warren, you think too much of yourself, don't you? You are shouting at me for an asshole?! You wanna die?"

"No, I don't!" Brianna said subconsciously, then she thought of her mother in the hospital and regretted what she had just said. Meekly, she added, "I'm sorry. I should not have spoken to you like this. It won't happen again."

Scott took a thoughtful look at her and went upstairs to his bedroom. Brianna hesitated for a bit, then followed Scott upstairs, but she stayed in the room next door.

It was still early morning, and Brianna was asleep when the hospital rang. She was told that her mother had another mild attack and was now in a coma. They had to decide what to do next as soon as possible.

In a panic, Brianna rushed to ask Scott for help and found him eating breakfast quietly in the dining room.

After listening to Brianna's panicking explanation, Scott said casually, "Sit down and have breakfast."

"My Mom is..." Brianna retorted instantly but was cut short by Scott impatiently, "Sit down and have breakfast. And don't let me see you cry again."

Brianna sat down and picked up the fork reluctantly. Scott seemed to be completely unconcerned and went on eating gracefully, but he finished his breakfast within just a few minutes and made a phone call. He put the speaker on.

"Have all the doctors and specialists arrived?" He asked.

"Yes, they have. Brianna Warren's mother has been transferred to the Anderson's Private Medical Center. The surgery is about to start."

"Good," Scott said briefly and hung up.

Brianna was now feeling much relieved. She watched Scott for a short while. There was a mixed feeling in her. When she finished half of her breakfast, she stood up, ready to leave for the hospital, but Scott said rather sternly, "Finish it. I've asked them to prepare the right portion. It isn't much at all."

"Ok." Brianna sat down and went on dining.

He had arranged for a driver to take Brianna to Anderson's Private Medical Center. Mom will be ok. Everything will be ok. Mom will be ok. Brianna keeps telling herself, praying. Just as she got to the lift, someone walked past her and bumped onto her shoulder deliberately. She stumbled a bit and almost fell over.

"Brianna Warren, this is not a place for someone like you. This is Anderson's, only for the rich and noble." Zara Berry looked Brianna up and down with disdain and mocks at her.

"I guess I'm one of the rich and noble then." Brianna retorted coldly.

Zara sneered and said, "I bet you were begging everywhere last night. I see. You must have slept with some rich old man, and he's paid you generously. Ha-ha. Don't you feel ashamed at all?"

On hearing so, a few people who were also awaiting the lift looked at Brianna with contempt and moved a few steps away.

An expensively-dressed plump woman commented, "What is it with the young girls nowadays? They have no sense of shame at all, selling their body and self-respect for money! Aren't they worried about getting aids?"

Brianna clenched her fists and retorted, "Zara Berry, you seduced my fiancé and forced him to abandon his mother-in-law-to-be, who's seriously ill. You should be the one feeling ashamed. However, I'm actually rather grateful to you as I've discovered that he's a real asshole anyway. By the way, Good luck."

Brianna said and walked into the lift with her chest up.

Now the others looked at Zara with contempt, and she wished she could give Brianna a slap on her face.

The surgery had started. Brianna waited outside the operating room anxiously, pacing up and down, praying silently.

When the door finally opened, the doctor came out. Brianna asked anxiously, "How did it go?"

"It went perfectly well. Your mother will be sent to the ICU room for close observation and then transferred to the VIP room." The doctor said with confidence.

Brianna heaved a sigh of relief.

About three days later, Brianna's mother was transferred to the VIP room, and she was recovering well.

"Mom, the doctor said you are recovering well, and soon you can go home." Sitting by the bed, Brianna said to her mother gently.

"Brianna, did Liam pay for the operation? Did he?" Brianna's mother, Sue Loren, asked.

A bit taken aback by the question, Brianna hesitated. She didn't want to tell her mother the truth, at least not yet. "Yes. It was very urgent." Brianna said briefly.

"Has he been very busy? I mean, he hasn't even come to visit at all." Sue asked and observed Brianna closely. She found it difficult to believe that Liam had actually paid for the operation.

Her trust for Liam and his family had slowly vanished in the past few years. She had felt how differently they treated her and Brianna after her husband passed away.

She had tried to imply it to Brianna, but Brianna refused to believe her and so she gave up the thought and told herself that she was just overthinking.

"Mom, Liam has been very busy. He has asked me about you. He will come to visit as soon as he can." Brianna said carefully.

"I see. You should help him with work then. I'm fine here. There are three nurses looking after me anyway. Don't worry about me."

"I'm about to go to the company in a bit. I will come and see you later after work, ok?" Brianna lied. She gave her mother a kiss on her forehead and said goodbye, thinking Scott would get angry if she didn't contact him soon.

She had to plead with him for so long to finally get him to agree that she could stay with her mother for three days, and today, she had to return to him.

As soon as she walked out of the hospital, her phone rang, and it was Scott Anderson. "Hello?"

"Go to the Marriage Registration Center now. I will be there in 15 minutes." Scott said clearly.

Brianna was shocked. "Marriage..." she repeated. "Why?!"

"To register."

Brianna shook her head in confusion. "What?!"

"I've kept my promise, and now you should complete your duty and be mine legally," Scott replied matter-of-factly.

"Am I not just a toy to you? Why make it so complicated?" Brianna couldn't help muttering.

"To put a tag on you, stating that you are mine. Just for fun." Scott replied coldly.

"Are you sure, Mr. Scott Anderson?" Brianna asked again.

"When I'm tired of it, I will divorce you. It's completely up to me. Brianna Warren, all you do is obey unconditionally." Scott said casually. The girl I love is gone anyway. It doesn't matter who I marry anymore. When I'm tired of her, I will just pay her to leave. Grandpa will stop asking me about marriage once I tell him I'm married.

Brianna was speechless. Without further explanation, Scott walked into the Registration Center, and Brianna didn't have a choice but to follow behind.

Scott noticed and said, "What? You should be grateful that I'm marrying you."

Brianna put on an apologetic look and said, "Right. I am grateful, Mr. Scott Anderson! Very grateful. I'm sure millions of women dream of being Mrs. Anderson, but who would have guessed that you've chosen..."

"Good." Scott cut her short. "Don't fall in love with me. I'm only getting married for my grandpa's sake."

Brianna opened her eyes wide open in shock, then smiled a reluctant smile and said, "I see."

After they went through the procedure, the host suggested they take a photo together. Brianna stood next to Scott, thinking how surreal and pathetic this was. I've been hoping to marry the man I love, but who am I marrying now? The arrogant and demanding Scott Anderson. What's my life going to be like?

She was staring at Scott without realizing it till the photographer reminded her, "Mrs. Anderson, I'm sure you adore your husband very much, but would you please take a look at the camera?"

Mrs. Anderson? Adore him?! Brianna glanced at the photographer speechlessly. I simply find it unbelievable that I'm marrying this guy!

On hearing so, Scott chuckled, and intentionally, he put his arm around Brianna's waist and said, "Of course, she adores me."

As soon as the photo was taken, Scott moved his arm away from Brianna. When they received the certificate, Brianna still found it very difficult to believe. "Mr. Scott Anderson, we don't really know each other well, are you really sure about this? Won't you regret it?"

"It's just a certificate." Scott replied indifferently, "Also, don't we know each other well enough? I have slept with you. Or you want to get to know me better?"

Brianna heaved a sigh and managed to restrain her anger. She explained with a reluctant smile, "I mean in terms of personality and hobbies and that..."

"You are merely a possession. I bought you. Simple as that." Scott cut her short.

Brianna pouted her lips slightly and thought he was right. I'm merely his possession. I will just play along and make sure that Mom gets the best treatment.

Scott glanced at his assistant, and Levi understood straight away. "This is for your mother's treatment. It will cost around ten thousand dollars monthly. As long as Mr. Scott Anderson is pleased with you, you will receive the money towards the end of each month, if not, then we will..." Levi said as he handed Laura a bank card.

"Or you will deduct money or not pay me?" Brianna asked.

"Right. You are a clever girl." Scott lifted Brianna's chin up, looking her into her eyes, and said indifferently, "And when you don't have the money, your mother can't continue the treatment. So, you should know what to do to please me. And if you are a good girl, you will get extra pay."

So arrogant! Brianna thought, but she was clever enough to know not to express her thoughts. "Mr. Scott Anderson, I am your wife, after all. Surely you won't be so cruel to see my mother not getting the treatment she needs?"

"It's your mother, not mine," Scott said matter-of-factly. "Five hundred dollars deducted. I don't like your attitude."

"What?!" Shocked, Brianna exclaimed and quickly put the bank card in her bag. "Why?"

"What do you think?"

"I don't understand." Brianna frowned. She looked at Levi for help, but Levi turned his head away. Helplessly, Brianna pleaded, holding Scott's arm, "Oh, please, honey, I will do whatever you want me to do. I will be the best woman for you and please you whatever way you want."

A triumphant smile appeared on Scott's face. He looked even more dangerously charming when he smiled, and Brianna was aware of herself being charmed. She quickly looked away, not to show her astonishment. His good look is like the complete opposite of his cruel heart. She thought.

Scott did notice the sudden change on Brianna's face. Another shallow girl. He thought. He glanced at Brianna and walked away to the car.

Brianna followed but was stopped by Levi. "Mrs. Anderson, Mr. Scott Anderson is already about an hour late for work because of you. He's going to the office now."

"Ah. I see."

"Please understand that your marriage is supposed to be secretive. There's no need to tell anyone. Hence, there's no wedding ring or wedding. Also, please don't make any trouble, Mr. Scott Anderson's time is very precious."

Brianna nodded, thinking it would be best if it was kept a secret anyway.

Watching Scott's car drive off, Brianna thought she had to get a job soon. Who knows when he will suddenly deduct money? Brianna got her CV prepared and sent it to a few interior design companies. The interviews all went well, but as soon as they realized who she was, they changed their mind and refused to hire her.

Finally, she went to a decent café to try her luck. Brianna had learned to play the piano exceptionally and was a master in cooking and bakery. Whatever she cooked or baked was not only delightfully delicious but also a piece of artwork itself. She could make a cake that looked like a painting, a lovely creature, or a beautiful flower, and she had won a few national competitions.

She had to give up her hobbies when she started working for Liam as she barely had any time for herself. Now that Liam had betrayed and abandoned her and she had to, ridiculously, marry someone she hardly knew, for the sake of money, from now on, she didn't need to worry about having to get drunk, being drugged, and being taken advantage of for the sake of so-called work and love. She wanted to find a job she could enjoy, something related to art and design.

***

As Scott took off his jacket and sat down in his office, he asked casually, "Have you informed everyone?"

Levi hung up his jacket and answered, "Yes. All the interior design companies have been informed. No one will hire Mrs. Brianna Anderson."

Scott nodded and got down to work.

Levi coughed a timid cough and said, "By the way, all the clothes and shoes for Mrs. Brianna Anderson have arrived, ready in the closet."

"All designed and made by international top designers?"

"Yes. Every single item is unique and of the best quality." Levi paused for a bit and went on, "Mr. Scott Anderson, you are very generous to Mrs. Brianna Anderson, but I, err, I wonder why you are so strict with the money for her mother's treatment."

Scott waved his hand impatiently, and Levi dared not say another word. He bowed and left.

A victorious smile appeared on Scott's face. She's my toy. Of course, I won't let her gain independence. She should be kept in the cage for my own pleasure.

***

Brianna had just finished making a cake with the manager and the chief chef watching. Both the manager and the chef were amazed by her skill and presentation. It was pure perfection.

Just as the manager was about to tell her that she was hired, they heard someone walking in, high heels tapping the floor steadily. "Good afternoon, Miss Berry." They said courteously.

Before Brianna turned around to see who it was, Zara bumped onto Brianna's shoulder so hard that Brianna lost balance and again she landed her hand on the table, and her fingers happened to touch the tip of a sharp knife on the table. Blood gushed out instantly.

"Haven't you made enough money sleeping with rich old men? What are you doing here in my café?!"

Brianna closed her eyes and heaved a sigh. She glared at Zara and asked, "This is your café?!"

"Right! This is not an art exhibition center. We prepare food for our customers to taste, not to watch. We will never hire someone like you!" Zara said arrogantly.

Brianna sneered and retorted, "If I knew it's your café, I would not work here even if you paid me millions!" Brianna turned around to leave, but Zara stopped her. "Clean your dirty blood on the floor first! Or you are not allowed to leave."

"Zara Berry!" Brianna found her unbelievably mean and evil. "Don't be ridiculous!"

"Ridiculous?! You made my floor dirty. You should clean it. Or you want to ask your rich old lovers for help, huh?" Zara mocked.

Enraged, Brianna raised her other hand, intending to give Zara a slap, but Zara grabbed her wrist tight, and it hurt so much that sweat ran down her temples.

Just then, her phone rang. She fished her phone out of her bag with great difficulty. It was Scott. She hesitated. I'd better answer. She decided.

"Hello?"

Scott could hear the struggle and pain in her voice.

"Are you crying again? You know I hate hearing women cry."

It did hurt terribly, but Brianna tried to hide the pain the best she could, "No, I'm not."

"Come join me for lunch," Scott ordered plainly.

Brianna didn't want to be seen in such a state, "I'm just about to finish my lunch," She replied hurriedly.

"What's going on? Why do you sound so upset? Come to my company now. I will give you twenty minutes," Scott demanded.

"I'm...I'm sorry. I can't leave at the moment... I..."

Just then, Scott heard Zara shouting, "Bitch! Mop the floor clean now! Or you prefer to lick it clean?!"