ELYRA

“No.” Mum yelled after me I walked back into the house, searching for her phone frantically while she trailed after me in tears.

“No, Elyra. We can manage. You just got out of a toxic marriage and I'm not about to let you go into another one knowing fully well that this one would be arranged.” She yelled at the top of her voice when I spotted her phone on the top of the dinning table.

Dad was already fast asleep on the table and I snatched it before she could get to me.

“Yes mum! Yes. I'd get married to their son. That's what it takes to get back our company and save dad's life. Can't you see that we're the ones that doesn't have much of a choice here?” I screamed, scrolling through her phone to search for the number of Gates Hills.

That's the name of the company and the owner that my father gambled our company over to and once I spotted it, I dialed the number into my phone.

“Elyra. Please, let's just discuss this okay? You just got back, you haven't even had a meal or a drink. Just calm down so I can fix you something to eat first, please.” She muttered, with her hands up as she walked closer to me while my vision was soiled with tears.

“I don't need a meal, mum. Look at dad, he looks like he would die on us any moment.” I dialed the number and it began ringing and I gestured at my mum to seal her lips.

“Please, just let me do this and we'll see how this turns out. We'll see if it's something I can maneuver. Maybe I can even negotiate something else with them.” I nodded, tilting my head to a side to drive my point and she swallowed as the call went through.

“Hello. I'd like to talk with Mr Hills.” I stated, trying my best to mask my cranky voice while trying to sound confident.

“This is him. And you are?” I swallowed nervously as my mum took a seat slowly and I walked towards the door.

“This is Elyra Dranen, daughter of Van Dranen, Owner of Dranen's group.” I introduced myself and immediately the words fell out of my mouth, I could already hear him laughing at the other end of the phone.

“Oh well. This is about to get interesting but before you continue, I won't make any negotiations. I already told your father what I want and if he can't give me that, I'm not willing to make any other deals with him.” He said in a smug tone and I looked at my mum who gestured with her fingers, inquiring what he was talking about.

I put the call on mute and turned to stare at mum.

“He said he's willing for a negotiation.” I whispered and I watched as her eyes lit up while I put the phone to my ear.

“That's pretty clear, my mother already related it to me. I'd like to schedule a meeting.” I answered in a straightforward tone and there was hesitation in his voice before he continued again.

“You can get a meeting. 4pm today and that's only if you're giving what I'm offering.” I nodded at mum for reassurance while sucking in a really deep breath.

“I'll be there.” I answered and ended the call while heaving a sigh.

“What'd he say?” Mum queried, standing up to meet me as she held my hands tightly.

“He's willing to take something else and we set up a meeting. I think he was probably messing with you both when he talked about an arranged marriage. He already knows you have no other children to marry out.” I chuckled slightly and mum pulled me in for a hug.

“What would I have done without you?” I smiled slightly as I bit the insides of my mouth. It felt weird to lie to my mum but I couldn't stand her getting worried over this.

“You see? Now why not fix me a meal as you said?” She nodded, shifting the strands of my hair that had fallen across my face to the back of my ear.

“Of course.”

I stared at my watch and saw I had about 1 hour to meet with Mr Hills, I better hurry up.

I went off to my room as mum had gone to fix me a meal and freshened up.

Opening up my wardrobe, I smiled slightly as I pulled out one of the gowns that I used to wear before getting married.

It's actually weird that they still fit perfectly well.

“You're all dressed up?” My mum asked in low tones when I re entered the dining as she set the table with steaming dishes she had made.

“I have to meet with Mr Hills by 4pm this noon so that I can finalize everything with him. I still have some minutes to get there and it's not far so let me dig in. I'm famished.” There was a suspicious glint in her eyes but she overlooked it as she say directly opposite me.

“Make sure he doesn't coax you into giving him anything that would be too much for you.” She cautioned as I took up the fork and began digging.

“Of course.” I nodded.

In few minutes of silence, I was done eating and cleared the table, did the dishes and was ready to set out.

“Be safe.” My mum advised for the 100th time and I nodded as I got into the back seat while my driver drove towards the Hill's mansion.

“You’re right on time, Mrs Elyra.” Mr Hills commended as I stepped into his living room and I swerved to meet him seated on one of the sofas.

“I'm meeting with someone as important as you so I have to be on time.” He chuckled slightly as I took a seat.

“Of course. What would you have? A soft drink? Something hard?” He gestured towards his maid and I waved him off.

“I'd rather not have anything and go straight to the point why I decided to meet with you. My parents told me about the deal you made and the only negotiation you would rather have.” I started and he leaned forward.

“Yes and I said I wouldn't be negotiating so I wonder why they sent you here.” He said in a slightly smug tone and I heaved sigh.

“I know. As a matter of fact, I'm here to accept the offer.” He squinted his eyes, somewhat out of disbelief as he stared at me.

“That can't be possible. You're married.” He chuckled and I stood up, dropping a copy of my divorce agreement onto his table.

“Well you're in luck. I just got divorced with my husband.” He looked like his eyes would pop out of his socket when the door opened and the last person I'd rather see right now walked through the door.

“Elyra?” He called as soon as our gazes met.

ELYRA

Standing right in front of me was one of Nick's competitors that I had to meet a couple of times and from the occasions, we had decided it would be best we never meet ever again.

He was egoistic and rude and I wondered what his connection to the Hill's would be so I straightened my expression.

“Hello Mr Radriel.” I greeted, putting on a fake smile as I took my seat while Mr Hills beckoned on Radriel while his gaze remained fixated on me.

“What's she doing here?” He queried as he walked into the living room towards Mr Hills.

“It seems you both know each other but I'd still introduce. This is Elyra, heiress of the Dranen's group and she's here to accept my offer of marrying you to get back her father's company.” Radriels face turned to stare back ate with his mouth wide open and I swallowed nervously.

The person I'm supposed to get married to is Radriel? Of all people on the face of the earth, it just had to be him?

“Well I'll be damned. Isn't Mrs Elyra married?” He chuckled with a smirk on his face as he pulled off his tie and sank into a chair.

Now I see where he got the whole character and attitude from, his father was a good depiction.

“You're in luck, son. She got divorced to accept our offer.” He stated and I cleared my throat uncomfortably as I bit my lips nervously.

I felt like the world could do me and favour and make me invisible at this point, the earth can just open up it's beautiful mouth and swallow me whole because what the fucking hell?

“Is that so?”

“No, that's not the reason I got divorced and I absolutely didn't know that Radriel was the person I was supposed to get married to and I don't even care.” I turned to stare at him, straightening my back as I kept a stern expression.

“We might have gotten off on the wrong foot, Mr Radriel but this is business and I'm sure your father understands that. You're father put up this deal and I'm here to redeem it. If you feel uncomfortable accepting this, Mr Radriel, you can as well tell your father to give us a lighter option.” I stated, trying to mask the fact that I was breaking into a thousand pieces.

Radriel wouldn't accept this marriage.

He hated me, he hated Nick. It was pretty obvious so now I'm rest assured, I don't have to get married to anyone.

They would look for something else to bargain with and I'm more than a hundred percent sure that no matter what it is, I would redeem it.

“You seem very determined, Miss Elyra.” His father commented as I rubbed my wrist against each other slightly.

“And nervous if I may add. You're not hiding it well, Elyra.” He stated, exchanging knowing glances with his father and I wondered what the secret eye talks would be all about.

“Since you've met and would eventually get married, I might as well give you both soke space to bond.” His father stated and I shifted uncomfortably on my seat, tensed by the fact that I'd be left alone with Radriel in one space.

“I see you finally got a hold of your senses and divorced Nick.” He shrugged, picking up the divorce letter and skimming through it.

“My divorce none of your business, Mr Radriel.” I smiled, while shooting him a hard glare and he stood up, walked over to the mini bar they had at their dining and poured himself a drink.

“If you want to smile, you smile Elyra. If you want to give me death stares, give me death stares Elyra. Just pick a struggle and besides, it's quite a pity that you didn't even use the process of the divorce to get money out of your ex husband.” He came back to sit and I shattered my teeth slightly as I dropped the pretense of smiles and all nice looks.

“As I said again, it's none of your business. Your family has mine in a chokehold and I'd like us to be released from it even if it's to my detriment.” He nodded slightly, poker faced.

“You see how easy it is for me to get my revenge and have you recounting every single moment you ever met with me?” I squinted my eyes at his question as I made no sense of it at all.

“Who knew all it would take was get your father drunk and have him play casino. That was his very pride and he was willing to stake his company on it.” I tilted my head to a side in confusion as I still tried to pick the pieces of what he was saying.

“What do you mean by that?” I queried and he leaned back in his seat.

“Exactly 4 months ago, you met with me and literally embarrassed me in front of the board, gaining your husband that particular contract. I promised you that I would get my revenge, Elyra.” My eyes bulged out in surprise as I stared at him in shock.

“So all this, you planned all of this little scheme as your revenge?” All the scenes of that day I represented Nick played in my head like a fucking light bulb and it just dawned on me the kind of maniac I was dealing with.

This man is a fucking psycho.

A fucking literal maniac.

“You're crazy, Radriel.” My internal thoughts slipped out of my mouth as suddenly it felt hard to breathe.

“Good to know you're catching up.” He nodded and pulled his briefcase to himself.

“Here. That's the marriage agreement, I already had it drafted up and carried it with me at all times knowing that this day would finally come. Once you sign it, we're legally married. I can save you the struggle of having a wedding but I'm not sure my father would accept that.” I gasped as he dumped the copy in front of me and began walking upstairs while I placed my hands on my chest gasping.

ELYRA.

I walked into the large mansion, clutching my bag nervously as the movers took in my bag. It had been a week since I signed the marriage certificate that now binds that arrogant asshole and I.

I had tried to make him see facts, that we had no reason to live together since we could barely stand each other but he remained as stubborn as a mule.

The idea of running into him more than I needed to was not something I looked forward to.

"You must be Mrs Elyra, "A voice called my attention and I turned to find a lady standing behind me. She had a black suit on, her hair in a formal bun.

"I'm Mr Radriel's secretary. The maids could do this but he insisted I did. Let me show you to your room."

Before I could reply, she turned and headed upstairs. I took a deep breath, following behind her.

"This is all for my family." I muttered softly under my breath.

We got to a large corridor with just two doors.

Oh fuck! Don't tell me it's what I'm thinking!

I fought the urge to bury my head in my palms.

She pushed the door on the far left open and ushered me in ahead of her.

“Radriel says to feel at home.” She announced and shut the door before I could ask any questions.

I stared at the large room in front of me. It was elegantly decorated. The floors sparkled with marble. The walls were well polished as though they were scrubbed everyday.

There was a huge Queen sized bed with drapes. What was this? Morgana of Camelot's room? I looked around, there were two doors. I opened the first. It was a walk-in closet that went from floor to ceiling. My jaw dropped when I saw the cloth fully stocked in the wardrobes. I opened the drawers one after the other. There were filled with jewelries; gold, silver, diamond, bronze and what have you. Bracelets, rings, necklaces, wristwatches. Was this a show room?! My eyes lifted to the showcase of hand bags. There were different brands: Dior, Gucci, Hermes. They went on and on!

My eyes were fed so I decided to leave the closet cause I couldn't take anymore of it.

That's when I noticed a glass door, it was adjacent to the entrance, right across the room. I strolled towards the door and opened it. It led to a large balcony with the most beautiful view. What was Radriel trying to accomplish?

Angry, I stalked back inside and sat on the bed. It sank down due to my weight. My heart felt numb, everything felt like a strange drama. From Nick's mistress to divorce. And now my second marriage?

An empty laugh left my lips and I ran a hand through my hair trying to calm my shaky nerves but it did nothing. A tear slid down my cheeks and I wiped it away with the speed of light. I couldn't cry. I had no time for that, but my mind had other plans as another tear slid down, followed by another, then another. My body shook with sobs and I bit my bottom lip hard trying to stop myself from crying out loud. My eyes hurt from the tears and I could already tell I'd be hit by a headache soon.

Soon, my sobs died down and exhaustion got the best of me as sleep embraced me.

***

I peeled my eyes open, holding my aching head. I felt lightheaded so I took a cold shower fix it. Putting on a rope, I headed downstairs for a glass of water. My stomach rumbled but I ignored it.

The sun had set and I couldn't help but wonder if Radriel was home. A part of me prayed he probably had an apartment elsewhere but I knew it was too good to be true. Even if he did, he'd probably hang around here enough to witness my torture.

Taking the same route the secretary had shown me, I had turned only to meet a pair of cold gray eyes staring at me. Speak of the horned devil!

He sat at the dining table with a sinister smile on his face. Needles pricked my skin and I suddenly felt exposed and naked.

He on the other hand sliced through his steak meticulously. I had expected him to say something but when nothing came I pushed a strand of my hair behind my ear and walked towards the kitchen.

"Ma’am, I'll bring your dinner soon." A masculine voice said and I looked up to find a man who seemed to be in his early thirties staring at me.

"Oh no. No need, I'm not hungry." I explained.

"I just need water. My throat feels a bit parched." He stared at me with a questionably before turning away.

He walked into kitchen, emerging shortly afterwards with a bottle of water.

“Here." He muttered and I took the cold plastic from his hands with a smile.

I walked out of the kitchen, not sparing Radriel a glance. My hand had barely made contact with the stair railing when his voice tore through the thick silence. I wanted to ignore him or throw him a hard glare but I only sighed, turning to face him.

"Yes? What is it?" I asked giving him a tired look.

"Would you at least sound more excited talking to your husband?" He asked, placing his wine glass down. His smile seemed to grow every minute and so did the urge to scrape it off with a punch.

I refused to honor his words with a response but he refused to take the hint.

"The kitchen told me you've had nothing to eat since you moved in."

For some reason, I was tense at the observation and the flick of his eyes told me he noticed it. Was it possible to do anything without him noticing?

"You don't plan on starving yourself do you? Because that won't gain an ounce of my sympathy."

"Too bad I never planned to." I answered him for the first time turning to head up. I had only watched him talk for a few minutes and my headache had intensified.

"I didn't say you could go." His voice came out. This time it was harsh, and I stopped for the sake of my company.

"Take a seat." He took a spoonful of his rice, his eyes not leaving mine. I thought of arguing but I took the seat, maintaining eye contact.

A maid came in with a few plates later and I picked up my fork, poking the meat. My weak appetite had shrivelled at the fact that I would have to eat with him.

"I know this may be a dream for you but you have to know I don't look forward to eating with you. If anything I don't want much to do with you. Except for my amusement."

"Then why have me sit here?" I forced a slice of steak through my lips.

"Well, my secretary had not drafted the rules, so I decided to give them to you."

I raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to finish. He ran a hand through his hair before speaking.

"I had agreed to hand over the company since you agreed to sign the papers but that can still be changed."

Among the mix of emotions that flowed through me, shock wasn't one of them.

"You will do as I say, accompany me to any event or party, and shall not involve yourself in any project that may cause scandal."

"Now that we have that out of the way. I'll take my leave." He got off the chair, taking his jacket. "But of course, the list goes on so my secretary will still send that draft.”

My grip on the fork was so tight that it was a miracle it I hadn't dented it. I took a deep breath trying to calm my racing heart.

If Radriel wants a game, I will play. And I will play it well.