AVERY'S POV

"Are you okay?" Mr Armstrong asked as I stared at him in disbelief. I just couldn't believe my eyes. Mr. Armstrong was angry because my Stepmom hit me? And he was worried if I was okay? no way.

He seems to be battling his anger and something else in his head. Shaking his head a bit, he touched my cheek, but I involuntarily pulled away from his touch.

"I am fine... Thank you." Why does he care?

"Good. Now, back to what you were saying. You have no interest in whatever is going on, but sadly, you can't get out of it."

"But-"

"No buts. We have five minutes to get this over with and leave here. You can get whatever you feel is important. As for clothes, you'll get new ones."

"You can't win me over with money, and I'm not marrying you." I don't know how I was able to object after everything I just witnessed.

"I take that as an insult, winning you over?" He looked pissed. Maybe I shouldn't have said that. "Your acceptance of this marriage doesn't matter. The five minutes starts now." He slipped his hand into his suit pocket and pulled out a lighter for his cigarette. I caught a glimpse of his gun. It made me a bit more scared. One more reason why I should not marry him. "I'm feeling kind today; I'll give you a few minutes to come to your senses."

The air in the room changed. It screamed danger, and I wished this was all a dream and I'd awaken soon. I saw my dad step forward.

"Mr Armstrong, if you don't mind, I would love to speak to my daughter for a second." I don't want to hear whatever my father has to say. He pulled me to the corner of the room to talk about god knows what.

"Look, Avery, this wasn't my idea."

"But you agreed to it."

"I have raised you all these years; just help me this once. I'm going bankrupt; Celia suggested all of this as a way out. But now, if you don't accept, we will all be doomed. You must marry him." Stated as an order.

"I will not marry him." Shouted back immediately.

"You will marry him willingly or not. You have no choice."

"I will not marry him! You cannot force me." My father looked at me with a wicked smile and said, "I can and I will. We have raised you; it's time for you to pay us back or all of your mother's belongings, the inheritance she left you – consider them all gone."

I felt a heavy weight hit my chest when I heard these words. He doesn't mean that, does he?

"You can't do that! How can you expect me to marry someone I've never met? Did you stop and think if I would want any of this?" He said nothing. "Of course not, you never cared. You let your wife and daughter treat me however they want, and you never say or do anything to help me, but you join hands with them to make my life a living hell."

"Let's put everything behind us and start afresh. I could be the father you have always wanted if you help me this once. I meant every word I said." I stopped trying to argue I turned to look at the man I was expected to marry. Why can't I just wake up from this horrid dream?

AIDEN'S POV

It's time to be as brutal as possible and teach these Kingston's never to mess with me, Aiden, the black boss. I gave the signal to Steve; more men came in, ready to act on my command.

"Your time's up!" I turned to the marriage officiant. "Let the marriage begin." I heard that brat that had been trying to get my attention shout

"Stop being stupid, you swine! Marry already, or do you want them to hurt Father?" I'll deal with her later.

I signalled for Avery to come to me. I watched as she scanned the room, noticing the change, she knew her father's security team could do nothing. Looking resigned, like there was no more fight left in her, she came over to me. We were married in seconds. I figured a smile would make her calm a bit, but she looked at me like I had grown horns.

"It's time to go home, wife."

"I have to get my mother's things." I knew she wasn't talking about Mrs Kingston. I had got info on them before coming here.

"Alright, Steve would go with you." To my surprise, she didn't argue. We were out of the house in like thirty minutes.

AVERY'S POV

I watched him get into the other car. I don't really care; I want to be far away from everyone right now. This guy that seems to be my husband's right hand held the door open for me.

"Boss loves his privacy," he said as a way to explain the need for a different car.

"Okay." I could not think of a better response.

"Mrs Armstrong, Is there anything you'd like to get on our way to the Mansion?"

"No, thanks." I couldn't help but wonder aloud, "What's your boss like? He seems normal and dangerous at the same time."

"With time you will get to know him, Mrs Armstrong." Of course they won't tell me anything. "I see."

Minutes passed; I couldn't wait to get out of the car and rest my head a bit. I saw a beautiful mansion; it was magnificent. I've never seen anything like it.

"Wow! This place is beautiful." To my surprise, the car drove through the front gate.

"We're glad you like it. This is your home now."

"This has to be a dream; my parents' home doesn't come close to this. Mr Armstrong sure has good taste and loads of money."

"Indeed your husband does."

"Yes...My husband." I almost forgot I was married to him. I wonder what life with him will be like. We got inside the house. It felt like heaven. The expensive-looking furniture, art, tall glasses and unstained white paint all screamed luxury and power. I caught a glimpse of a gold gun on the wall, displayed as art. I noticed everyone here looked at me in a strange way, like I was walking on glass. What is it about my husband that I'm yet to find out?

"Let me show you to your room." That was my husband's voice.

"Thank you." I was happy we wouldn't have to share the same room, but a part of me was disappointed. This wasn't a real marriage after all.

"I've contacted Sky Fashion; she needs to know the kind of dresses you'll like, your style and your size." He handed me the tablet. "Just fill it out here. You'll get some of your order today."

"Done." I handed him the tablet. "I would like to be left alone if you don't mind." He looked at me with raised brows.

"Of course, rest as much as you want. Food would be sent up soon. I'll be back later."

"Thank you. Back for what?" He gave me a weird smile and walked out. I wonder what goes on in his head.

After my nap, I decided to explore the mansion. I saw a door; it looked weird. Other doors were painted white, but this one was black with a red X in the middle. I was curious to know what was in there, so I twisted the doorknob.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. The room is off limits." I heard a female voice say. I was startled, so I turned to look at who the voice came from. She was beautiful with dark brown hair and green eyes.

"I was just curious. I'm sorry, who are you?"

"You will find out soon."

She looked at me from head to toe and walked away. It felt strange.

Just then I got a call from Keisha.

"Avery! Avery, I'm so sorry. How are you? What did they do to you? I couldn't get help because your stepmom had me tied up. I'm so sorry."

"Kiesha, I'm so sorry too. I should have known she wouldn't let you go. I'm alright; I'm married."

"Married?"

I could sense people's movement, like I was being watched. "Yeah, I'll fill you in tomorrow. Take care of yourself for me."

"Alright. Good night, Avery."

"Good night, Kiki." I ended the call and headed straight to my room to force myself back into bed. Where the hell was my husband, and why are everything and everyone here so strange?

AIDEN'S POV

My innocent bride has no idea what I have planned for her tonight. I'll let her be for now. Some time with the Cartel wouldn't hurt; it's a great way to pass time.

"Boss, you just got married. Shouldn't you be busy with your bride?"

"You called me "Boss" that means you can't question me."

"I'm sorry, Boss."

"So what business do we have with the Martins? I got a funny message from them earlier."

"They are trying to be the top in the business. Information from an insider is that they're trying to take you out and take over. One more thing, it seems they have a grudge against the Armstrongs."

"Why?"

"I don't know, Boss, but we're on it." I nodded and went to get some drinks.

When I checked the time, it was already eight. I have a marriage to consummate. I headed straight to Avery's room when I got home. She was asleep, curled to the side, looking so peaceful and perfect. I joined her in bed and pulled her closer to me.

"Get away from me!" She jumped up, startled to find someone in bed with her.

"Easy, it's me, Adrian, your husband." She calmed down and relaxed back on the bed.

"What are you doing here?" She asked, puzzled.

"What do you mean? I'm your husband." I kissed her before she could protest.

The kiss was long and hard. When I ended the kiss, she was breathless. "Do you like that?" She nodded her head. "Don't nod; tell me."

"Yes, I do."

"Good." I kissed her once more, and this time, I trailed kisses down her neck to the exposed skin of her chest.

When I gave her boobs a little squeeze, a soft moan escaped her lips.

Slowly, I stripped her of her nightgown and continued administering kisses to her bare skin. I took her nipples into my mouth and suckled. I could tell she wanted more from her reactions.

Inserting a finger into her heat, I confirmed what I already knew: she was dripping wet. To prepare her, I added another finger.

"Adrian!" That's the first time she's called me by my name. I knew the extra finger caused some discomfort.

"Yes, baby. It'll get better." I slowed the pace of my fingers and continued kissing her, her neck, her breasts, and her stomach, and then I went lower.

"Adrian! What are you doing?"

"Shhhh... you'll enjoy this." I continued trailing kisses down her abdomen.

"You can't do that." She whispered breathlessly.

"I will, and you'll love it." I parted her legs and buried my head in between them, kissing, licking and suckling.

"Stop! No, don't stop..." she muttered incoherently as she moaned her pleasure. I increased the pace of my fingers; she was close, I could feel it.

"Let it happen, sweet; don't fight it."

Waves of pleasure hit her, and she did not understand what was going on. Watching her come undone felt so good.

"Avery, I can't wait any longer; I have to take you now." I told her as I pulled away to undress.

To distract her, I started kissing her hot and fast while I lay between her legs. I had endured enough; it was time to get this over with. While kissing her neck and fondling her left boob, I plunged into her with one powerful thrust. I hushed her scream with my mouth, but she kept trying to push me away. As the pain rocketed through her body, I stayed still, waiting for her body to adapt to the invasion. The wait was driving me crazy, but for some reason, I didn't want to hurt her anymore than I had to.

"Does it still hurt? Can I move now?" She nodded twice. "Can I move?"

"Yes." I began to move. I started with a slow rhythm, and she met each thrust with her hip movement.

Moans and groans of ecstasy filled the room.

AVERY'S POV

"That was beautiful." I couldn't believe what I had just experienced. The pain lasted a little while and then it was replaced with pleasure. "Is it always like this?"

"No."

Aiden stood up from the bed, dressed up and was ready to leave.

"where are you going?" Aren't we supposed to cuddle or something?

"I'm leaving the room. I'm done here."

"Done here?" For some reason, those words stung. "Did I do something wrong?"

"Do not question me Avery, nobody questions me. Don't do that again."

"At least tell me what I did wrong?"

He walked out on me like he didn't hear a word I said. I could swear he enjoyed this just as much as I did. Why act all weird now?

Moments after thinking about what was the best course of action, I went downstairs to talk to Aiden. I felt so sore, but I had to speak to my husband. I headed straight to his room; it wasn't locked, and he wasn't there.

I was about to leave when my eyes caught a journal; it looked like he'd just written on it. Curiosity made me have a look at it.

"What is this?"

I can't explain how I feel right now looking at this. Page after page were pictures of young girls, all marked as virgins, each ticked like a completed conquest. The last was a picture of me! it appeared to have been taken just now.

"Lord, what have I gotten myself into?" Here I was fantasizing about a life we could build together. What is his obsession with virgins? The longer I sat on the floor, staring at the journal, the more confused I got.

I wanted to hit him, scream at him or maybe just give him a piece of my mind. I headed out of his room with the journal in hand, wondering where to find Mr. Virgin hunter. I heard a conversation downstairs, it was between my Adrian and someone else.

"Shouldn't you be with your wife tonight, Adrian?"

I don't know this guy, but he seems to be close to Adrian.

"The marriage has been consummated. I don't need to spend the night with her. I had a nice time with her; I can't deny that. I'm married now, like my grandma wanted, and I got a willing virgin in my bed."

"Be reasonable for once, Adrian. When are you going to put an end to this silly habit of yours?"

"That is none of your business, Steve; you have no right to tell me what to do."

"Don't ruin your life, friend. I've met the girl once; she seems like a nice person. According to what you told me, she's been through a lot already; don't add to it."

"Oh please! She'll be compensated. I'll make sure she lacks nothing. Her life here will be better than the life she had back home."

"With this attitude of yours, Adrian, I doubt that." He shook his head and took a sip of his drink.

"She's just another virgin I conquered; the marriage doesn't make her any more special."

The sting of these words hit me hard. It cut deep, my heart felt heavy. How could I have been so foolish? This wasn't a home, it was a prison, and I was a victim of a man's silly fetish for virgins. A sob escaped my lips, I tried to walk away before they saw me.

"Avery..." I didn't turn or stop; I just kept going.

"Mrs Armstrong, wait!" There was nothing anyone could say to me now to make me feel better. I don't want to listen.

"He doesn't mean it; he's drunk and-"

"Save it. I've heard and seen enough to know what to believe. If you'll excuse me, I'd like to go to bed now." I masked my shame and embarrassment with false confidence and nonchalance. I hurried into my room and let all the tears flow. Maybe my life was meant to be this sad, maybe my life is a mistake.

At this point, nothing else could shock me. He said I wouldn't lack anything. Aiden, watch me use this joke to my own advantage. I know exactly what to do. Would it work?

AIDEN'S POV

I woke up with a hangover. I had fallen asleep in the home bar. Memories of last night came flooding in. "Avery..." I could recall how wrenching her sob was; I couldn't go after her or soothe her because everything she heard was true. I got up with the strength I could muster and headed straight to my room to freshen up.

"Good morning Aiden." It was Avery. She looked lovely but way too excited to see me when she should be mad at me. It felt off.

"Good morning," I responded with a raised brow. "Is there anything I can do for you?

"Yes, actually. I'm meeting up with my friend Kiesha, and I'd like to do a bit of shopping for some stuff I need. And-"

I handed her a card I got ready for her. "Here, I forgot to give you this yesterday. There's twenty million in the card; let me know when it's exhausted. Steve would get a team ready to accompany you."

"Thank you, I-"

"No need to thank me. You're an Armstrong."

"Fine then, but I can go out on my own."

"You don't go out without proper security, understood?"

"Yes, sir." She turned to leave before I could say anything. Sir? After what we did last night? My eyes registered what she was wearing: a milky white silk gown that clung to her curves.

"Avery!" I don't know why I called, but I couldn't stop myself.

"Yes?"

"Ummm... nothing, I just... nothing." I mumbled like an idiot as I stared at the exposed skin of her cleavage. What was wrong with me?

"Okay, see you later." Nothing like a cold bath to calm a hangover and strong coffee. I didn't feel like dealing with work in the office today, so I stayed home, doing the little I could in my study.

"Hey darling!"

"What are you doing here, Lana? Leave." I told her to stay away. Her dad was a friend of my father, some sort of business partner. We had fun with each other every once in a while. She was dressed in a red short dress, exposing most of the package I've enjoyed countless times.

"Aren't you happy to see me? What, your new plaything got you hooked?"

"Get the hell out of here; I didn't ask for your presence."

"Calm down, baby. I know you love me, but you just don't know what that is. I saw your new plaything last night; she seems to be nosey, trying to get into the dark room."

"What were you doing here? Who let you in? Let me get something straight: she's my wife; stay away from her."

"Fine, I'm here to celebrate your marriage." She pulled out a glass from my shelf. "Unless marriage has ruined your taste for alcohol." I took the drink she poured me and drank its contents.

"Thanks, now leave; I have work to do." My head started spinning. I shouldn't have taken wine after yesterday's drinking. Lana seemed to have taken this as an opportunity to try and do something funny. The more I ordered her out, the more she came closer to me.

"You still refuse me?" She may have your name, but I have your heart." She came closer to me and lifted her skirt higher. She sat on my desk with her left leg between both of mine, revealing her pussy; she wore nothing underneath. "I am the only woman you've ever really wanted. You and I know that. I wasn't a virgin, but you were so crazy about me.

"That's in the past; now leave." I couldn't deny the attraction, but it was different. It felt like the heat of the fire had reduced drastically. I tried to move away as much as I was aroused, but she caressed my dick through my pants with her feet. I couldn't stop myself from reacting. I needed some release, but I wanted it to be with Avery. "Not right now, Lana." I said when I finally got some control. My control started to fade once more, and I just couldn't seem to keep my eyes open. She must have drugged me.

In my haze, I watch her do away with the tiny little clothing she had on and proceeded to undress me. Everything went blank.

AVERY'S POV

Faking a smile and pretending like nothing happened isn't easy, but it's what is best. I can't let him see how much this all hurt me. I've got plans and goals to achieve. I stared at the card Aiden had given me. Twenty million? I could get used to this life. I got to Delicio's, where I and Kiki had agreed to meet, and I called her as I stepped out of the car.

"Hi girl! I just arrived at Delicio's. Where exactly are you?"

"I headed to the second floor, the taco unit. I know you love tacos so I figured it'd be good to have some while we chat." How I love this girl! I was already craving tacos. I met her at the taco unit in a minute. Immediately she caught sight of me, and she rushed to give me a hug.

"Avery... I've missed you. I was so scared; I feared something bad had happened to you."

"Kiki, you saw me yesterday. I'm fine, I promise."

"I know, but still... Considering the situation yesterday, I have every right to miss you. I can see you're fine. Girl, you smell and look like money. What's going on?" I filled her in on all that happened yesterday.

"Let me get this right, he's a pervert that's obsessed with petite, blonde virgins?"

"I guess so. Everyone in his journal was blonde, blue-eyed, petite-looking and a virgin, so yeah, he has a fetish for blonde virgins.

"I'm so sorry I couldn't do anything to help. I can only imagine how you felt. He's such a jerk for making you feel safe just to hurt you."

Speaking about it brought the pain back, so I thought of talking about something else. "Doesn't matter anymore. On the bright side, I have money." I showed her the card, and she gasped, "some level of freedom and a comfortable bedroom. I know no one's going to lock me out of the house."

"You're right. I guess it's way better than life at your parents. Girl, that card... Tell me something!" A smile at her curiosity.

"It's twenty million dollars. He'll give more when it's exhausted-his words, not mine. Kiesha..." I signalled her to come closer as I scanned the room to ensure none of my security team was close by. "I have a plan... revenge, actually."

"Tell me." I filled her in on everything.

"Girl, I love this version of you. They wouldn't know what hit them." She smiled and took a sip of her drink. We spoke for some time, ate tacos and went for a little shopping, and then we called it a day.

"Take care of yourself, Avery. Call me when you get home." I watched her get into her car and drive off. I headed straight to my car... no, that sounds strange. Someone bumped into me. It was Serena, brat of the Kingston's.

"Hello swine! You look good, I must confess. I hope your husband isn't treating you badly?" She asked sarcastically. It was obvious she wished I looked a mess and badly beaten. I ignored her and continued walking over to the car, but that brat couldn't stand being ignored. She pulled me back forcefully.

"Witch, I'm talking to you. How dare you walk out on me?"

"I think you're forgetting who you're speaking to." I signalled my security to take control of the situation. I had no plans of ruining my look.

"Oh, now you think you can do as you please because you're married to the richest man in the city? You're just a toy to him." That stung. Serena was going to say more but was dragged into a nearby mobile toilet and locked in there. I must admit, my security team are creative; I wouldn't have thought of such a good punishment.

"Thank you, let's go." I couldn't wait to get home and talk to Adrian about my plans of employing Mr Brutus. He deserves better pay and a better environment. We got to the mansion, and I was helped with my bags while I asked Steve if Adrian was still home.

"Yes, ma'am, he wasn't feeling too well, so he decided to work a bit from home today. He's currently in his study." I nodded at his response. I didn't want it to look like I desperately want to be with Adrian. Slowly I walked away and hurried my pace when I was certain no one could see me.

I got to the study and forgot to knock in my hurry to talk. "Adrian, I-" Oh my god! My husband was fucking another woman right in his study and didn't even have the decency to lock the door.

"Oops. Sorry, I didn't know you'd be home early." It was the girl from yesterday.

"How? Why? But..." I couldn't get the right words out.

I heard her whisper, "You're shocked that I'm not blonde, right? I'm also not a virgin. He isn't my first but I'm his only love." She smiled mischievously.

"Soon you'll find out why he keeps chasing after girls like you for fun. When you find his truth, who and what he is, you'll pack your things and leave." Then she strolled out, barely taking time to clothe herself.

I turned to the man who was my husband for an explanation, but I got nothing. He just lay there, eyes closed, like he couldn't care less. I felt hurt even though it shouldn't hurt.

I couldn't stand the sight of him. "Avery...?" His voice sounded so weak.

Great, he exhausted all his energy while cheating and had the guts to say my name. I headed straight to my room. Pacing back and forth, I recalled what the girl had said. What could be the reason for his obsession with virgins? was he really in love with that girl? What else was he hiding?