I shoved him hard and tried to sit up, but he slammed me back down, pinning me tighter. He clamped down on my flailing hands and feet, then lowered his head and kissed me.

Fuming, I seized the moment when he let his guard down and bit him hard. Blood spread quickly. Theodore abruptly pulled back, blood trailing from the corner of his mouth, and his glare looked like he wanted to tear me apart.

Without hesitation, I slapped him across the face, eyes blazing. "Don't you ever kiss me again. You're disgusting!"

His whole body stiffened. Then he turned his face toward me, staring at my furious expression, and suddenly let out a cold chuckle.

Someone like him-dark, calculating-there was zero warmth in that laugh. Sure enough, before I even realized what was happening, he grabbed his tie from the floor and used it to yank my struggling hands up, tying them tightly to the headboard.

It was humiliating, even more than before.

I thrashed like crazy, kicked and yelled at him. "Theodore, you're sick! Let me go, you're scum!"

He didn't flinch, just stared at me steadily, leaned in close, and curved his lips into a mocking smile. "Got anything new to say besides that?"

"You jerk! I'm calling the cops! You have no right to treat me like this!"

He tilted my chin up, forcing me to meet his gaze, then kissed me again-but this time it was slower, gentler, his tongue greedily tracing mine.

Damn it, I had to admit-he knew exactly how to kiss.

As my focus blurred, he suddenly drew back. Calmly, he stood up and put on his shirt and pants, all while flashing a mocking smile. "Natalie, your body always gives you away faster than your mouth does."

That snapped me out of it. My face turned beet red with rage-and shame. I almost cried. "What do you want from me, Theodore? Is all this really fun for you?"

Something dark flashed in his eyes. He paused, gave me a cold look over his shoulder, and said, "Not until I've gotten my revenge. Not until you've paid the price."

He spat out those words like poison, then walked out without looking back. As soon as he was gone, I crumpled on the bed, finally letting go as tears poured down uncontrollably. My chest ached with bitterness.

Not long after he left, a maid from the villa came up, untied me, and handed me a fresh set of clothes.

My legs had felt like lead since last night, and every inch of me reeked of him. I didn't say a word and just followed the maid into the bathroom to clean up. When I was done and dressed, I headed toward the door-but someone blocked my way.

The maid had already set lunch on the table and now stood there, expressionless. "The gentleman gave instructions. Without his permission, Miss Reynolds is not allowed to leave the house."

I frowned at her, then glanced at the guards by the door. "What is this? He's trying to keep me locked up now? That's illegal!"

The maid stayed quiet, hands folded in front of her, respectful like a robot. "Lunch is ready, Miss Reynolds. Please eat."

My eyes widened in disbelief. I shot a glare at one of the guards and tried to push past him-only to run headfirst into a man in a suit, blocking my path.

"Miss Reynolds, it'd be best if you just cooperate. When Mr. Sterling has made up his mind, no one can change it unless he decides to himself."

I recognized him right away-Andrew Cooper, Theodore's personal assistant. I'd seen him before at his engagement party with Isabella. He was holding a suitcase, and the second I opened my eyes, I realized-it was mine.

"Where did you get that? I have a lot of important stuff in my apartment. Where did you put it all?"

Andrew handed the suitcase to the housekeeper and told her to take it upstairs. "Mr. Sterling has officially ended the lease on your apartment. He went through your things himself and picked out what he considered useful. The rest? He got rid of it."

"Are you kidding me?!" I snapped, yanking the suitcase right out of the housekeeper's hands. "What does he know?! I'm leaving. And if anyone tries to stop me again, don't blame me for flipping out!"

I pulled the suitcase with me, trying to make a break for it, but they moved in fast, blocking every exit like a wall. No way out-left, right, all sealed off.

Andrew stood in front of me with this flat, almost sympathetic look. "Miss Reynolds, you know what Mr. Sterling is capable of. Right now, you've basically cut ties with the Reynolds family. Even if Miss Green wants to help you, she wouldn't stand a chance against him."

I breathed in hard, forced a bitter smile, and lifted my chin. "You all seem to forget something-I'm still the Reynolds' eldest daughter. Hubert might've turned his back on me, but my grandfather is still the one with real power at Reynolds Corp."

As I reached to grab my phone, I realized I had nothing on me. Empty pockets. Then the housekeeper pulled one out of her apron like it was nothing. "Mr. Sterling says your phone stays with me for now."

I froze. Completely caught off guard. Before I could process it, Andrew suddenly picked up a call. Right after, he signaled to two bodyguards, who grabbed me and dragged me back to the villa. I fought like crazy and lunged to snatch his phone, losing it completely. I yelled into the receiver, my hands shaking in rage. "Theodore, you're insane!"

He was seriously locking me up? For what?

Didn't he hate me? Didn't he act like I disgusted him? And now just because I helped him see who Isabella really was and ruined his engagement, he had to pull this petty revenge stunt?

Heir to the Sterling family? More like overgrown man-child with control issues.

I screamed and cursed into the phone like I'd lost it completely. The room went dead silent. Everyone was just standing around, shocked.

On the other end, Theodore didn't say a word-just breathing, and the sound of it getting heavier.

I kept going until I was out of breath, then glanced at the screen. He hadn't hung up.

Then his voice finally came through, cold and low, like he was holding something back. "Feel better now? If you're done, go eat. And stop thinking about running. You can't win."

That fire in me flared up again. "This is all revenge, isn't it? Go ahead! Mr. Sterling, mighty as you are, show me how far you're willing to go. But don't forget-if I snap, I'll drag both of us down. You ruin my name, I'll make damn sure yours goes down with it!"

"Natalie!"

"You think I don't know? You pushed for that engagement just so you could secure the Sterling legacy. If I go public with what you've done, how many rich girls you think would still want to marry you? You really think Mortimer won't explode when he finds out? Just let me go. We'll both pretend none of this ever happened. Cross paths on the street one day? Don't worry-I'll act like I'd never even met you-"

Click.

He hung up.

I just stood there, stunned. Around me, everyone was watching, staring at me like I'd caused some sort of disaster. Like I had no idea what kind of trouble I'd just brought on myself.

The front gate slammed open with a loud bang.

The tires screeched as the car jerked to a stop.

Theodore climbed out, tall and imposing. His shirt was crisp, but the tie hung crooked, obviously yanked loose in haste.

Wind tousled his messy black hair as his jaw clenched tight. He looked absolutely furious, eyes locked onto me like lasers.

I instinctively stepped back, only to hear him roar, "Natalie, take one more step and I swear-"

I froze on the spot.

He stormed over in a blink, slamming his arms against the wall behind me, trapping me in place.

"You think you're bold now, huh?" he barked.

"I-" I barely got the word out when his head suddenly dipped, and he kissed me hard.

My eyes flew wide in shock. His hand slid down and landed square on my stomach. I flinched, trying to twist away. His dark eyes flared, and then-bam!-he pinched my thigh, hard.

A sharp yelp escaped me. "Theodore, have you lost your mind?!"

My struggling only made him rougher, fueled his anger. He didn't care if it hurt.

Around us, people stood still like statues, pretending not to see. No one dared step in.

Clenching my jaw, I bit him without warning. He grunted in pain and finally backed off.

His face twisted in rage, his eyes burning. In one motion, he grabbed my shirt collar and yanked-fabric tore with a loud rip.

Then he leaned down and bit my collarbone.

The flashbacks hit like a truck-every time he'd overpowered me before. I bit my lips till I tasted blood, heart sinking.

Why, in my whole life, couldn't I even have a moment of peace or warmth?

Vivian, Hubert, even him-they all did their best to break me.

"What did I ever do to deserve this?"

"If you dare lay a hand on me again," I warned, voice trembling, "I'll kill myself. Right here."

His whole body stiffened. Shock widened his eyes as he saw how pale and drained I looked.

No one said a word while tension thickened the air.

Finally, some trace of hesitation flickered in his eyes. He slowly let go, fists clenching by his sides.

"Don't let her leave. Or die," he ordered coldly, then stormed off, shoulders tense with frustration.

I slid down against the wall, trembling, breath ragged.

He never came back that night. But he didn't let me go either. I was locked in, under 24/7 watch. The message was clear: try anything, and I'd get what was coming to me.

Waiting for the housekeeper to head into the kitchen, I quietly tiptoed to the front door. Just barely cracked it open and-

Out lunged a huge German shepherd, jaws snapping, growling right in my face.

I shrieked and stumbled back. Thank God for the heavy-duty leash, or I might've ended up in the ER.

The housekeeper came out just then. "Miss Reynolds, Mr. Sterling told me to look after you. Why don't you rest in your room? I'll bring dinner when it's ready."

Her words were gentle, but the meaning was loud and clear: don't waste your energy. You're not getting out of here.

I glanced over at the housekeeper, then at that big wolfdog out front. My face darkened for a second, but in the end, I followed her up into the room they had prepped for me. Right now, I really needed to cool down and clear my head.

I shut all the curtains, laid flat on the bed, eyes wide open, just staring at the ceiling.

The light overhead was dim and yellow. After everything that went down with him today, I let out a long yawn-my eyes tearing up from the exhaustion. I tried closing them, focusing on how to escape this place. But despite myself, Theodore's face kept flashing through my mind.

That mocking smile of his again-like he was silently laughing at how useless I was, how scared I got over a damn dog, legs practically giving out from fear. I roughly shook my head, trying to physically throw the image of him out of my brain.

"Bastard," I muttered. The word worked like a slap-I instantly snapped out of it, thinking a bit clearer.

With someone like Theodore, there was no way he had that housekeeper here just to take care of me. Let's be real-that woman was here to keep an eye on me. Honestly, I'd bet good money she wasn't the only one spying either.

That thought made my heart clench, and I immediately got up and searched every inch of the bedroom. Even checked the ceiling real close. No hidden cameras, no bugs-nothing. That gave me a tiny bit of relief.

But the more I thought about it, the tighter my chest felt. Theodore was clearly obsessed with getting back at me, probably lost his damn mind in the process. If I stayed locked up in here much longer, forget how worried Lucille and Grandpa would be-I wasn't even sure I could survive it.

How the hell was I supposed to get out of here?

A few minutes later, an idea started forming.

I stood in front of the mirror, smoothed out my hair, dabbed at my face a little. I forced a small, natural-looking smile at my reflection. When I felt ready, I walked lightly down the stairs, acting totally chill, like nothing was wrong, then casually sat myself down on the leather couch in the living room.

The housekeeper noticed me, still smiling politely. She bent down and asked if I wanted anything to eat or drink. I nodded, flashed her the same kind of soothing, fake smile a flight attendant might give.

She froze for a second, clearly caught off guard and a little suspicious.

I looked up at her with a bitter curve of my lips. "Theodore's not gonna let me go that easy, right? So... might as well just play it safe, stay on his good side for now. Maybe once he cools off, we can talk things out. He might even let me go after that."

She bobbed her head right away, clearly pleased. "Glad to see you've figured that out," she said, turning to prepare some tea and snacks.

Seeing her head to the kitchen, I decided to really sell the act. I followed her in with my best obedient tone and said, "Do you need a hand with anything?"

The housekeeper gave a small laugh and waved her hands. "Miss Reynolds, please, just rest. If anything happens to you, I won't be able to answer for it."

"It's just a couple small chores. I won't hurt myself," I replied with a smile, then started scrubbing a few dishes to keep up the act. I could tell she was letting her guard down already. A little trust goes a long way.

But as soon as I sat back down on the couch, Andrew came in again.

I didn't say a word, just watched him out of the corner of my eye. He shot me a quick glance and left just as quickly as he came.

Only an idiot would fail to see what that was all about. Clearly, he was here to give Theodore the latest update... all about me.

And sure enough, by late afternoon, a few more "helpers" moved into the villa-all supposedly to make sure I was well taken care of.

I was fuming inside, cursing Theodore in every way I knew. That bastard actually thought he could just lock me away like this?

It was late, the moon hung low with a few stars scattered around. That stupid big dog out front had just been taken away to eat, so I quietly slipped out of the hall.

As expected, two guys in black trailed behind me.

I was already getting annoyed, barely holding back my temper. "You can go now. I'm not gonna try to run."

The bodyguards didn't say a word, arms behind their backs, just standing there stone-faced. No sign they planned on leaving.

The dog came back after eating. The moment it realized I wasn't in the room, it went nuts, barking its head off, spitting foam everywhere.

Surprisingly, I wasn't even scared this time. I'd checked-the chain tying it up was so strong, not even bolt cutters could snap it.

I glared at the mutt, ready to scream at it-and its jerk of an owner while I was at it.

Before I could open my mouth, the front door swung open out of nowhere.

Theodore was back.

Through the dim light, he walked in slowly. Every sound his leather shoes made echoed with pressure, like each step was stomping down on my nerves.

The dumb dog shut up immediately and started wagging its tail at him.

"Good boy," Theodore said, giving the dog a few pats, then shot me a glance out the corner of his eye.

"Oh yeah, super obedient-barking nonstop just like its lovely owner," I snapped back, practically grinding my teeth.

He suddenly straightened and walked right up to me, closing the distance fast. "Natalie, how many times do I have to remind you not to act all high and mighty in front of me? Still think you're the pampered princess of the Reynolds family?"

I didn't back down, took a step forward too. "If I'm so unbearable, then let me go. Out of sight, out of mind!"

His gaze darkened, locking on my face full of defiance. "Trying to walk off before I'm done making you pay? Dream on. Go ahead and run if you think you're slick-if one Cupcake isn't enough, I'll get a whole squad of those wolves to track your every move."

Cupcake?

So that drooling idiot of a dog was actually called Cupcake. What a joke.

I was so angry I could barely stand it. "Think I'm scared of that? You better be careful-if I stay too long here, I might just never leave. Let's see who regrets it then!"

For a second, Theodore looked thrown. Then, out of nowhere, he smirked, a twisted grin crawling up his lips. "Suit yourself."

The next second, he grabbed my wrist and yanked me back inside.

Once we were in the room, he shoved me straight onto the bed.

"Stay put. If you step one foot past that door, forget about ever seeing the outside world again."

With that chilling warning, he turned and walked right into the bathroom.

I blinked, stunned. Wait-was this him backing off?

A while later, I heard the sound of water. He had actually gone in to shower.

I shot up and darted toward the door.

But then his voice boomed out from the bathroom, sharp and icy, "Walk out that door and I swear you'll regret it."

His words felt like a bucket of ice water, freezing the air and freezing me too. My hand was already on the doorknob, but I couldn't bring myself to turn it.

The bathroom door slammed open. He came out with only a towel wrapped around his waist, steam still trailing his skin, droplets dripping down his chest.

My breath caught, out of nowhere. I averted my eyes, cheeks burning, trying to pull myself together.

But he wasn't letting me off that easy. He came straight at me, slow, firm steps.

I backed away. "Don't come near me!"

Too late. I hit the wall behind me. Nowhere else to go.

He pressed against me, his firm chest flush with mine-then suddenly, something hot and hard pushed against my lower abdomen.

He leaned down to my ear and said lowly, "Natalie, so you do know how to be scared."

As he spoke, his fingertips brushed lightly past my ear.

A sharp shiver ran down my spine, like a jolt of electricity. My voice trembled, "W-What do you think you're doing?"

"What do you think I'm doing?" His lips curled into a cruel little smirk, voice low and dripping with sarcasm. "Natalie, don't tell me you're actually hoping I'll sleep with you?"

"You're insane!" I snapped, giving him a hard shove as I sidestepped away. Another second spent talking to this twisted man and I swear I'd blow a fuse.

He calmly walked past me, headed to the bed like he owned the place and said lazily, like he was talking to Cupcake, "Come here."

I turned around and saw Theodore already stretched out on the bed.

"No way!" I shot back without hesitation.

"This isn't up for debate." In the blink of an eye, he lunged forward and yanked me into his arms, dragging me onto the bed with barely any effort.

"Keep it down."

His voice was deep and heavy, enough to crush any resistance.

After a long pause, he shifted slightly, and surprisingly, tugged the blanket over me. Then he wrapped one strong arm around me from behind, pulling me tight into his chest.

I lay with my back to him, eyes wide in silent shock. My mind was spinning-what was he doing?

"Theodore?" I called out cautiously, wanting answers.

But instead of replying, he suddenly rolled over, arms locking around me as he pulled me to face him. His sleeping face was up close-handsome and peaceful, none of the usual edge in sight.

His breaths were slow and steady against the top of my head. The room was dead quiet, with only the fading night around us. Somehow, that silence crept into me too, and before I knew it, I was closing my eyes.

Against all odds, I actually slept soundly that night.

No idea what kind of switch flipped in Theodore's brain, but for several days straight, he came home right on time for dinner, ate with me, then forced me to sleep beside him. I had tried to refuse, even went off on him a couple of times, but in the end, I gave in.

Time passed. No drama, no accidents.

I put on such a good act those few days, even the housekeeper dropped her guard.

Honestly, even I started to think I wasn't planning to run.

But this morning, out of nowhere, I found out Theodore would be stuck at the office all day. Might even hop on a private jet for some overseas meeting. If there's ever been a perfect chance to escape-this is it.

I strolled into the living room, casually checking out the place. The housekeeper didn't even glance my way anymore, which meant she thought I was a harmless little bunny.

Except this bunny? Totally up to no good.

"For freedom!" I screamed silently in my head.

I walked up quietly behind her.

She jumped a little. "Why aren't you in your room resting? What are you doing in the kitchen?"

I rubbed my stomach and said, "I got hungry. Thought I'd find something to snack on."

"Oh, sure thing. I'll get something ready."

She was about to leave when I quickly stopped her. "Actually, I want Amsterdam Gummy Bears, and the chocolate-filled Oreo cookies, and..."

"Wait, what?" She blinked in confusion. "Those are all snacks, right? Never even heard of some of them."

I gave her a mischievous grin. "I haven't had them in forever. Been craving them like crazy."

She chuckled and covered her mouth, "You're a grown woman and still into junk food? Nope. Not a good idea. Too much sugar's bad for you-Mr. Sterling would have my head for it."