FIVE YEARS LATER....

The Reed family ranked fifth richest in the world and today, they're hosting their patriarch's 80th birthday.

The old man is a known philanthropist and he chose to hold his grand celebration with the kids at an orphanage down in Deventon.

For years, the number one medical center in Deventon had remained the Sanderson's family owned hospital, and thankfully, their hospital was chosen to accompany him to administer free health care services to the poor children. They would do that during the day and for the night afterparty, it was to be held in his new retirement villa here in Deventon as well.

The Reeds owned the largest private equity firm and the Sandersons are looking to have them invest in their hospital. This was a huge opportunity.

An opportunity in a lifetime that kept Talia Grey busier than her father-in-law himself.

It hadn't been any more than three minutes Talia Grey shut the door behind her and grimaced in exhaustion, that his car zoomed into the compound. The roaring engines reaching her ears. Her heartbeat escalated.

Her eyes narrowed down on her wristwatch. It was 4:30.

"God no!" she cried.

The morning party at the orphanage was over.

Her fingernails sunk into her skirt's light fabric. Her eyes closed. She counted in her head. At exactly the number 30, he was twisting the door knob to their room open.

"You're back....." her voice croaked in murmur, she mentally slapped herself.

He hated murmurings. She didn't mean to.

"You're back!" She repeated immediately, sounding firmer.

His tired brown eyes trailed up her figure, locking her gaze in his. Talia gulped. The slow blink of his eyes was an indication he'd heard her, but he didn't bother replying. He simply walked away, disappearing into his closet.

Talia exhaled...her eyes and shoulders dropped. She thought she'd grab a little rest before he returns after being tossed around all day by his family, but that wasn't clearly happening.

He was going to undress, shower and be out again, all in ten minutes. She'd lived with him long enough to know that.

Dashing for the mini kitchen immediately, she quickly reheated the meal she'd prepared. Thankfully, it was ready just in time as she heard his door unlock. Step after step, she counted subconsciously again till she heard the chair creak against the floor and he sat in to eat.

Another fact she'd learnt in her five years of marriage?

Standing close to his meal made him gag.

She moved away, not completely out of the room, but definitely out of his sight. She stood behind him, leaning on the wall in the living room and watched him eat.

Talia Grey - the eldest and adopted daughter of the Grey family. She was only 23 when she was offered on a platter to the Sanderson family....solely for business.

The man her eyes were locked on?

Julian Sanderson - 29years old and monstrous.

A fifth generation doctor and only son to the Sanderson family, with three crazy sisters.

Talia didn't want to be here, but what choice did she have?

She was paying back her family's kindness for adopting her sorry ass - their scapegoat.

She couldn't see the plate from where she stood, but she had her wristwatch on. She'd mastered counting and working with time in this family. Everyone had a way and time of doing anything, and not once has Julian Sanderson been at the table for more than three minutes.

At exactly the third minute, her feet moved. Truly he was done eating but the moment she grabbed the plates and turned towards the sink, the question hit her.

"Are the paintings ready?" He raised the glass of water to his lips...

SHIT!!

Her hands wobbled. Goodbye to her peaceful night. A day surprisingly could not pass without her falling into one problem or the other.

The plates touched the sink just as Julian laid down his empty glass with soft thud...

"I'm sure I asked a question?" His eyes locked in with her figure, she staggered backward but the monster in him had awakened.

The Sandersons lived in a huge mansion. Huge enough that each compartment seemed like a little mansion of its own... With a large living room, kitchen, bedroom, closet, bathroom, even a little storage area. And right in their own compartment, her back crashed hard against the dining table. Screaming meant death. She bit back the pain. Hot tears filled her eyes.

"Talia....." Julian drawled, completely bare chested and enraged. He shut his eyes and opened them again, staring down at her as she managed to sit up. "Can you...can you be a little understanding?"

"Talia....I... I'm trying my best," his tone was soft like he'd not just tossed her across the room like a bag of sack after gripping tightly onto her neck...his eyes...even softer like she was the devil and he was begging for his freedom.

"I'm trying my possible best to be nice but why can't you understand me? Huh?"

Talia coughed out tears. Her neck red from his grip..."I'm sorry," her voice came out in a whisper...her hands immediately wiping off the stubborn tears that fell. She has suffered so long to be stronger now, but maybe there are people that just can't hold their tears and she's one of them. Her tears flowed on their own command no matter her effort to bite them back. The more she'd struggle with her tears, the more the lump in her throat felt lethal and sore.

Her feeble frame whimpered beneath his towering build, not a single sound escaped her throat, but her body grew hot with pain. She'd gotten a good beating the night before, a stinging slap from her mother in law this morning and now, he wasn't anywhere near letting her recover when he grabbed a chunk of her hair.

"Hmmmm", she folded her lips in immediately, swallowing her scream.

Making a sound was as good as signing her death certificate. Screaming meant he'd gotten to her. It meant she couldn't hold it in. Though her tears disobeyed and disgraced her resolve, Talia wouldnt crack a scream. The pain was excruciating. It wasn't just the pain on her scalp or the pain in her back, the one in her heart cut deeper. Her heart bled. Every fiber of her being silently crying for help.

He dragged her by her hair into the living and sat on one of the cushions, pulling her forward to kneel before him. He yanked downward, causing her face to tilt upwards. Tears glistening her face like a skincare serum. He smiled ever so handsomely.

"you are sorry? Talia.. you're sorry?" His tongue ran over his lower lip into a smirk. He yanked on the chunk of her hair.

"Julian...." her voice whispered with fresh tears.

"Well ....sorry doesn't get the paintings on the canvas, do they Talia? Your husband is about partnering with the most powerful family in the world...the least you can do is contribute wifey! Why cant you understand that?" His grip tightened even more and subconsciously, Talia's hand moved to hold his, her eyes locked in with his. A plea to let her go.

"I'll get it done....i promise... I just had a lot to do. Your mom and your sisters needed my help with alot of things. I wasn't idle. I was really going to get it done... Please.. It won't ever happen again".

"You're blaming my family for your laziness?"

"No.....Never!" her lips quavered as she spoke, her tears flowing profusely, but he wasn't moved by tears: certainly not her tears.

The hatred in his eyes were full and overflowing....he hated her very existence and she'd been given to him on a platter to do as he pleased, but she hated him more.

His jaws clenched, his hand yanked again on the chunk of hair he held...her pain tripled...."are you trying to ruin me? Is that it?"

She shook her head profusely in the negative.

"Talia.... I really hate it when dogs think they've become human, neglecting the owner that holds its leash... Don't you hate it too?"

She nodded immediately...anything to let her go, but he wasn't done. Still holding onto his hand above her head, hot tears blurred her vision. This time she consented to the tears that flowed... Her body stung on every side.. It felt like she'd been thrown on the surgical table without anesthesia.

"it must never happen again Talia. It mustn't, but we're going to fix this.... Are you ready?" His smirk grew even more.

He left her hair and grabbed her top instead. She had on a knee length skirt and a blouse to match. He pulled the blouse over her head. Talia wasn't stupid to react. She just sat there in her skirt and bra, but he wasn't done... His hands reached behind for the skirt's zipper and he unzipped it, pulling it off.

Julian stood to his feet, tying her blouse's hand to the skirt's end. She didn't know what to expect, but definitely not what he did next.

Throwing the tied pieces over her neck, he pulled her with it like a dog and she followed on all fours, into the spare bedroom that was turned into her painting room.

If there was one thing Talia Grey was good at....it was drawing. A talent her family never approved of, but Julian was quick to turn it into his next source of income even though she never saw or knew how much was made off of them.

"you have two hours until the party Talia. Get it done and ready!" he growled and as though that wasn't enough.....he grabbed the AC's remote, increasing the cold air to his satisfaction and disappearing with it.

The cold air hit against her bare skin, she shivered all over. Talia rubbed her hands over her eyes, an attempt to get rid of the blur the tears had created, but the tears just flowed again and again and again.

Her mouth opened but her screams were silent.

Her heart wrenched in pains, she felt a million arrows piercing the feeble organ.

On the day of her wedding, she couldn't feel joy, but she felt lighter. She felt half her problems had been solved. She didn't want any part to this marriage but saying yes and accepting his ring was a deal she had made to protect someone.

She took comfort in the fact that she was leaving her hell, but since the night she drove in his car into this building with her single suitcase containing the little she took with her.. Talia had never stepped out without their permission. She thought she had it rough at her parents house, but this was greater hell. She was no different from their maids. She slowly picked up her brush.

Talia had tried in the first and second year of this loveless marriage to love and respect Julian. She'd tried to get him to atleast pity her if he wouldn't love her, but as days grew into weeks, months and eventually years.... She accepted the monster she married.

Not getting this painting done meant two things. The craziest beating of her life and manhandling of her soul...or he'd just tip her over the balcony to her death...but she knew the second option? He'd never do that. If she died, nobody would be his punching bag and his family's venting arena...and he wouldn't want that!

Talia froze with every passing second but in an hour and thirty minutes later, the painting was completed. Her hands rubbed against each other, her eyes resting on the art she created. She could see the difference. The little sketchings she made in secret at her parent's house bore so much live and purpose in it... What she stared at her screamed depression and a silent prayer to survive.

She looked away and stood from her stool, running to the door, she banged to get his attention.

"I'm done! Julian! I'm done!"

The door was unlocked and she jumped back in fear.

Julian walked in fully, his eyes staring at the painting. He'd always been amazed by her work but never showed it. He gave a fainty nod drawing the air conditioner's remote from his pocket, taking it back to normal.

His eyes travelled back to her. For a minute, it raided her body, taking in each and every curve. His member kicked, his feet moved in obedience to its command.

One step after the other, he stood just before her, Talia seemed to cower into herself as his hand met with her brunette hair...

Slowly his fingertips travelled down some more, sending shivers up her spine due to the cold. Those fingertips stopping just above her breasts....he smiled warmly. "I should reward you wifey."

Talia's heart flew out her chest...Julian was never nice anywhere....not even in bed. He pulled her in.

At the Deventon airport, his plane had landed.

He slowly opened his eyes, his face void of expression. His family had come home a week ago which he should have been part of them, but he just couldn't bring himself to this town.

With lies of extra work, Ethan Reed locked himself away in the office, mentally preparing himself for this visit he could not miss, yet even as he stared out the plane's window, the memories flooded in with a rush..

Why, of all cities, would his grandfather choose to settle here?! Why Deventon?!

This city had left a permanent scar in his heart and as his feet touched the ground away from the plane, Ethan shielded his eyes with darker shades. A black face cap sat on his head and he walked away to get his luggage.

Five years ago he was in this city, and the day he left, that same day he vowed never to return.

His phone rang in his pocket, the screen boldly displaying MOM. He swiped green.

"You're not planning on skipping grandpa's birthday are you?"

Ethan exhaled. He really wish he could if it was an option.

"I'm at the airport mom. I just landed", his voice weak and dry.

"I thought you're planning on keeping us waiting all day! You've missed the important part already. You know the orphanage is the main deal for your gra....."

"how about you nag me in person hmmm? I haven't even taken in ten breathes of Deventon's air and you're making me wish I didn't come". He sighed.

"Well if you didn't come, I'd make you wish you weren't my son", she scoffed and cut the call on him. Ethan managed a smile at the dimly lit screen of his phone. He threw it into his pocket and kept walking whilst reasurring himself that there was no way he'd run into her. He didn't plan on touring the city. He'd seen enough of it...and her family can't possibly be attending this party.

Yes! This crazy would soon end like it never happened and he'd go back to his life.

Meanwhile back at Sanderson's mansion, Julian tore her bra off. His fingertips pinching at her cold and pointed nipples...

She shivered......not in pleasure.

Locking her up was the kindest he could be and seeing her naked body like that....he just couldn't control himself.

Asides a beautiful talent, Talia had a beautiful body - what he called the perks of having your own human. She could be anything to him...at anytime he wanted her. She lived for his satisfaction.

With every thrust he gave, her heart bled even more, but he focused more on the adrenaline rush and dopamine that coursed through his being...caring less of the useless and worthless tears that fell from her eyes.

He bent her however he pleased over the couch. She'd been sold to him anyway, how could she resist him when he owned her.

Careful not to release in her, he spread it all over the floor and rose from her. His sweat-covered body glistening in the bright bulb that luminated the room. He slapped her legs close. A lone tear ran down her eyes. He saw it but he looked away. He pulled up his pants and began walking away.

"Get dressed and looking pretty", his voice came through just before he disappeared through the door.

Talia sat up and pulled up her panties. She cried badly. She'd expected the tears to stop flowing now. It's been five years already, but they weren't stopping. The hurt she felt wasn't stopping. This was her hell....but she couldn't understand why?

Wasn't hell meant for those who'd been evil? People who had done bad all their life?

The essence of life was hope....but there was no light at the end of her tunnel! It was plain darkness! And even scarier, she knew it was going to remain that way till her death!

Her death was only escape!

Her chest tightened in pain, but to avoid another hell breaking loose....she quickly stood and got to cleaning his semen off the floor first.

She walked into the storage room where he had her keep her stuff as her own closet and she got out the gown his sisters rented for her for the night.

The painting was for the old man who loved arts and collectibles, so Talia washed up quickly and packaged the painting first, then began dressing up.

She'd sustained too many marks to count, there was need flaunting her body. It wasn't perfect. But the black gown they'd gotten was perfect. It flowed to her heels and was long-sleeved as well. It covered the marks on her back and the little on her face, she did the magic with her makeup.

At exactly ten minutes after seven, she was done and stepped out to see him on a call which he ended right away.

"you're lucky, I would have hated to come check on you myself", he snorted and began walking.

Not a single compliment on how she looked. She wasn't even expecting it anyways. She simply trailed behind him...meeting the rest of the family in the larger living room.

"I really don't know why she has to come..." Bianca - the last daughter of the family rolled her eyes on seeing Talia.

Talia clutched tightly onto her purse, her eyes on the floor as she felt their million eyes on her.

"Don't fucking say a word and disgrace us there!" Aria - the second daughter warned.

"Where's mom?" Julian asked as he stared around the living room.

"I'm here," the elegant woman descended the stairs with grace, her husband solidly behind her with an even more commanding presence.

"you don't look so pitiable today..." her mother in law charged at her. Talia bit her lips.

"of course! I picked the perfect dress. How else would a rodent look manageably presentable on her own?" Bianca giggled and her mother nodded.

"Hmmm" chairman Sanderson cleared his throat, "let's go else we're going to be late". They all nodded and headed towards the door when Julian's voice rose again.

"And Where's Nora?"

"she said she'd meet us there" Aria responded dryly.

Nora was the eldest daughter and first child. Julian came after her and then Aria, before finally Bianca. She wasn't a doctor like the family wanted. She was more stubborn and studied law instead.

Chairman Sanderson and his wife drove in a separate car. Aria and Bianca drove in another, whilst Talia gauged her breathing as she sat beside Julian in another.

The ride was a suffocating and long one, but soon they were driving into the largest compound, littered with cars and flickering with lights and breathtaking decorations..

The compound was filled with people.

The Sanderson's cars parked in and they all alighted.

"if you don't want to sleep with the dogs tonight, do not cause a scene" Julian warned sternly buttoning his suit. His face relaxed into a smile, ready to mingle with the flow of affluence all over.

"I know you've never been to any gathering such as this... Thanks to us you're experiencing one...better stay out of trouble leech!" Bianca spat and walked away with aria.

Talia exhaled..

What could she possibly do to cause a scene? They just needed a reason to call her names tonight, but she exhaled and walked in. The night was yet to start but she wished it was over.

Stepping into the hall that was solely for the birthday celebration, she couldn't even admire the decors enough... Who knew? That might be her 'disgracing the family and causing a scene'

She tore her eyes off the chandeliers and the rested on Julian who was shaking hands with big smiles with men she guessed were wealthier than himself. His mother and father stood beside him with smiles as well.

She exhaled again, quickly grabbing a glass of champagne off from the waiter that passed with a tray full of it..

"they shouldn't be needing me for anything" Talia sighed and took the stairs on her right.... She didn't know where it was leading to but she wanted somewhere quiet.

It was definitely not that route. She returned to the hall and left through the doors.

If it was possible, she'd rather just go sit in the car and wait till its all over...but she kept moving, turning away from every corner that had atleast fifteen persons in it till her feet finally brought her to a glass door. She pushed open and came to face with a pool.

A smile spread across her face for the first time since today.

The way the lights above danced in the blue waters of the pool, it was calming to watch. Her eyes glanced around, finally a place without people.

Talia walked in fully, taking in the cool breeze till she finally stopped. The pool called out to her but she couldn't jump and 'cause a scene'... Even more, she couldn't wet the rented dress.

She settled for the pool chairs instead, releasing her feet from the shackles of the white heels she wore and gently placing her purse down. She emptied her glass of champagne and shut her eyes, savoring the taste and the way it worked down her throat, not to mention the quietness around her.

She smiled again, letting her eyelids part to capture the glory of the night stars in the sky, but from the corner of her eyes, an image formed. Blurry and slowly rising from the water.

Her eyes widened immediately. In reflex she flung the glass, her eyes tightening shut and a shrill cry escaping her throat..."ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!"

He was quick to dodge. His eyes widening at his neardeath.

"Hey!!!!!" he turned to her in a half-yell, but before he could have a say, she grabbed her heels and bolted out the door.

His eyes returned to the shattered glass. Is heart thudding loudly with each beat..

"is she a baseball player or what?" he scoffed at her perfect throw and slowly climbed out the water.

The light that once illuminated the pool water seemed to focus solely on him. The water dripped from his wet hair cascading down his abs and torso. He obviously didn't skip leg day at the gym either. Every part of him was perfect.

He grabbed the towel he'd laid down on one of the pool chairs, his crystal ocean eyes travelled back to the door she'd bolted through.

He'd seen her appear before the door, trying to make out what laid beyond the glass doors before pushing the door open. That was when he dived to the bottom of the pool. All he needed was minutes alone before he'd head in for the party. His mind was crowded more than he expected having been transported back to this city just an hour ago, but she crashed in on him and the pool area wasn't even part of the celebration zone.

He'd expected her to realize and walk away but seeing her walk in and even attempting to sit.... Staying longer at the bottom meant he'd die soon. He slowly rose to the top, definitely not to scare her, but he'd hidden because he wasn't ready for another foolish girl fawning over him and to think he was barechested.

He ran the tower over his face, picked his bottle of water and began walking away...

.

Talia didn't stop running, only halting when she could hear the chattering and clicking of glasses again.

She panted in heavy breathes. Her eyes darting backwards... She was surprised at how far away from the hall she had wandered.

Her heart thudded even more as she remembered the man from the pool... She didn't wait to see his face... She didn't even want him to see her own face... That was the 'scene' they warned her to avoid.

She quickly wore her heels on, but her legs grew wobbly the moment she remembered throwing the glass.

_what if it killed him? _

_what if he's knocked out?! He's in a pool! He might fall back in and drown to his death?! _

Her mind raced.

Her body shook with fear.

She turned towards where she'd come from... Her mind fighting her. A part wanted to go check if he was alright. Another reminded her to stay out of trouble.... The first warned her about cctv that might have captured her in the pool should the mind wind up dead. She was in a billionaire's mansion! It was only logical they had cameras everywhere!

Her hands trembled.

Her grip tightened around her purse.

"and where are you headed looking like a lost pig?" a voice spat from behind her. She turned in fear to face Nora Sanderson.

She'd finally come, looking really elegant as always from the rest of the family. Something about the way she carried herself and the way she spoke, but Talia staggered backwards as she realized the one person that would gladly take on the role of prosecuting her in court and maks sure she rots in jail should that man be dead....is Nora.

"Even if you might be completely stupid, your eyes and ears should be working as compensation... The hall is that way.... That's where the laughter you're hearing is coming from" she scoffed and began walking towards the hall.

Talia had never retorted when Nora spoke to her, she didn't have the right. She chanced the pool's direction one more glance but Nora was back and pulling her arm towards the hall.

"Do not annoy me tonight Talia".

She dragged her in and towards their family.

"Nora," her mother threw her arms around her daughter like she hadn't seen her in ages.

"I heard the Reed's grandson is present tonight" the older woman giggled with excitement.

Talia just stood behind Nora shaking like a leaf. Aria scoffed at her mom's words...

"Nora would rather be buried in her office than care about a mom's touch mom. Leave Ethan Reed to me" she smirked.

Nora didn't say a word. Her mind was barely there... It all remained on the man in the pool...

"Ahhh Ahhh", the sound doubled with the aid of the microphone. Everywhere fell silent and everyone turned to the voice. The real party was about to start.

He'd gotten their attention, his mic was loud enough, his voice was clear, he carried on.

"Goodevening ladies and gentlemen... Introducing myself would mean stealing the spotlight from the man of the night", everyone chuckled but there was not a single soul in the room that didn't know him... Well asides Talia.

He was Ronan Slade... The Reed's patriarch's Secretary. He had grown with the family over the years that he had basically become family to them.

"Well.... Tonight! We have gathered to honour a man who has touched so many lives with his love, wisdom and generosity! But tonight wouldn't be happening without you all present.... So I'm saying thank you once again... For coming tonight"...

The claps were uniformed and died uniformly.

He continued....

"Now without further ado.... Please... Help me welcome the man of the hour....the walking Saint.... Chairman Victor Reed!!!"

The doors behind opened and cheers filled the hall.

The old man stood tall, his pretty wife beside him. They both walked down the path, almost a reiteration of their wedding.

They looked stunning beside each other.

His immediate family followed behind. His two sons and their families(his grandchildren), but someone was missing....

"Where's Ethan?" Bianca whispered to Aria.

Aria tapped her mom who was looking confused as well. She was sure her intel was trustworthy. Nora pretended not to care, but her side eye glanced at the locked doors hoping to catch a glimpse of the city's most elite bachelor walk in, but the doors remained shut.

They walked up to the front and took their seat, but the old man and his wife continued up to the stage. He took the mic from his secretary and in his own voice and witty slangs, he welcomed the audience yet again. Urging them to enjoy the night to the fullest.

Their claps erupted again, and even though Talia had her eyes on the man on the podium, she heard nothing he said. She'd completely zoned out until Julian nudged her roughly.

"what are you moping around for?! Go get the painting!"

Talia apologized and ran out immediately. Carefully, she took it out the trunk after finding their car in the cluster of the garage.

She exhaled and walked towards the hall again, pausing briefly to glance towards the pool arena.... Her mind painting a picture of his body floating already and the pool turned to red with his blood.

She shook her head profusely.... Refusing to accept such imagery. She hurried into the hall and other families had already stepped forward to present their gifts and greet the old man.

"You're really going to be slow with everything" Julian hissed.

Of course the painting wasn't their family's gift. It was his personal gift. They all had prepared something individually to impress the family and as it finally got their turn... Chairman Sanderson spoke first.... Greeting the older man chairman to chairman.

Chairman Reed didn't hesitate to express his gratitude for his help at the orphanage earlier during the day and just as they kept going back and forth in conversation.... Talia heard the most familiar voice she'd recognize even in her grave.

"lady in black..... You nearly maimed me back there", his warm breathe grazed her shoulders....

Talia froze...

"Ethan!" his mom called out to him, causing every eye to turn.

His lips spread into a smile so charming, "Grandpa," he walked forward from behind her, his cologne melting her being.

"He's fucking hotter in person" Bianca squealed, but Talia couldn't move.

"You're late," his grandpa frowned as Ethan kissed his grandmother's cheek.

"I nearly got killed and then I missed my way. It's one big mansion you know.... "

"got killed?" his grandmother queried, but Ethan chuckled.

"just kidding, am I right lady in bla......."

His words trailed off, his smile disappeared, his expression turned into one of horror...

"Lia..." her name rolled off his lips.