"Well, look at that," Cloe muttered as the severed strands slipped from her fingers and fell onto the floor. Satisfaction showed on her face as she stepped away from her sister.

"How... how could you do this to me?" Kiara asked through trembling tears. Her eyes stayed fixed on the floor where the long strands of her hair were scattered.

"You know what?" Cloe said with a loud laugh. "I was mistaken before. Short hair makes you look terrible. Meanwhile, I'm still the beautiful one."

"What is going on in here?" Samantha's voice cut through the room as she stepped inside Kiara's bedroom. Her expression immediately turned sour.

"Mother..." Cloe greeted her with a knowing smile.

"Kiara, you actually cut your hair!" Samantha snapped. "Are you trying to copy your sister's haircut? This only proves how jealous you are of your sister!"

"No, Mother... I didn't cut it. She..."

"Enough! You keep disappointing me more every day." She looked at Kiara with open contempt. Then she turned toward Cloe. "Cloe, go get ready. You have an engagement to attend."

Her finger pointed at Kiara. "And you, Kiara. For once in your life, try behaving like a proper Watson." Without waiting for another word, Samantha walked out, leaving Kiara no chance to defend herself or explain what had happened.

"Enjoy the moment while you can, little sister," Cloe said with a mocking tone as she started toward the door.

"Cloe!" Kiara called after her. Pain weighed down her voice.

"What is it now, Kiara? The guests are waiting for their queen, and that queen happens to be me," Cloe replied without a hint of concern.

"We're sisters. We share the same blood. Tell me... how can you hate me this much?"

"Still trying to figure it out?" Cloe lifted a brow and smirked. "You're more cunning than you pretend to be." With that parting remark, she turned and walked away, satisfied with what she had done. Yet even as she left, the bitterness she carried toward her sister burned stronger inside her.

All the strength left Kiara at once, and she sank to her knees beside the scattered strands of her hair. A hollow ache spread through her chest as she realized her family didn't care. To them, her feelings meant nothing. The last place she wanted to be tonight was that party. Still, she had no choice but to go. Refusing would only give her mother another reason to cut off the money that paid for her university. Without that support, her dream of becoming a Digital Animation Designer would vanish. Animation meant more to her than anyone in that house could understand.

Every day she looked after her little sister, Lia. At night, the two of them curled up together to watch princess cartoons. Lia adored those stories, and Kiara's imagination always ran wild while watching them. Deep down, she believed she could turn that creativity into something real.

"I gave you my word, Grandpa," Kiara whispered. "I promised I'd chase my dreams and walk away from this place with my head held high. I won't break that promise." She wiped the tears from her cheeks and inhaled slowly, forcing herself to steady her emotions.

Before everything fell apart, her grandfather had been the one person who truly cared for her. Kiara held a special place in his heart. When he died from a sudden heart attack, that small piece of happiness vanished, and her life slowly became unbearable.

Her hair hung loose over her shoulders as she stepped out of her room. She kept her usual clothes. Jeans, a loose shirt, and worn sneakers were all she wore as she walked into the lavish party filled with the city's elite. Curious stares followed her the moment she entered, and many looked at her as if she didn't belong.

"The moment my mother notices me, I'm definitely going to be punished," Kiara murmured under her breath while quietly observing the graceful women gathered around the hall.

"Mother!" Cloe called out the moment she spotted Kiara across the room. The sight of her sister in casual clothes immediately irritated her and threatened to ruin the evening she had planned.

"Cloe, sweetheart, you look absolutely stunning tonight. Go greet the guests properly. Tonight is important, and you need to secure a husband as soon as possible."

"I didn't walk over here just to hear something I already know, Mom. What you should really do is take a look at your other daughter. That woman is humiliating this family. Just look at her. With that ridiculous short hair, she resembles me even more now. Fix this problem immediately."

"Lower your voice and control yourself," Samantha scolded sharply after witnessing her outburst. "I'll deal with it."

She began moving toward Kiara, but a guest suddenly stepped in front of her to greet her politely. The interruption instantly irritated her, yet she forced a courteous smile and exchanged a few brief words. After ending the conversation, she glanced toward the place where Kiara had been standing.

"Where did she go?" Samantha muttered while scanning the crowded room.

"Sir, please let go of me!" Kiara struggled as she tried to pull her arm free from the large man gripping her firmly.

"Miss Watson, running away won't change anything. Your destiny can't be avoided."

"Destiny?" Kiara repeated in confusion while trying to twist out of his hold as he dragged her toward the mansion's exit. "I don't even know what you're talking about!" she shouted. "Let go of me right now, or... my escorts will deal with you!"

"I have official authorization to take you, Miss Watson!"

"This can't be happening! You can't force me to go with you! This is kidnapping! Someone help me!" Kiera's shout barely echoed before the man pressed a handkerchief firmly over her mouth, cutting off the rest of her cries.

"Your father warned me you might cause trouble," the man said calmly as he forced her into the car. "He said you wouldn't cooperate." Desperation flashed across Kiara's face. She blinked and tried to speak through the cloth, but no words came. A strange weakness spread through her body as she struggled to stay awake.

The sharply dressed man settled behind the wheel and started the engine. Escape was impossible. Every door was locked, and the handkerchief carried a faint perfume that slowly made her head spin.

"Sir... please... don't hurt me..." Kiara pleaded weakly as her body slumped to one side until she was lying across the back seat.

"I'm simply doing what I was instructed to do, miss," he replied without emotion while keeping his eyes on the road.

"Instructed...?" she whispered with difficulty. Her vision blurred, and the world around her seemed to double. The dizziness worsened, forcing her to shut her eyes for a moment.

"The person I work for is already waiting to see you," the man said with a faint smile. "You made a serious mistake, and now you'll have to deal with the consequences."

"I... I didn't do anything wrong." Kiara struggled to say while attempting to push herself upright. "Please... just let me go."

"There's no point resisting, Miss Watson. From this moment forward, you belong to Mr. Villarreal."

The name struck her like a sudden jolt. Hearing it reminded her of the conversation she had once overheard between her father and Cloe.

"Sir, you've made a mistake. I'm not Cloe. Please... don't take me to that Mr. Villarreal."

"Well, at least you still have a sense of humor," the man muttered as he glanced at her through the rearview mirror. Kiara had already lost consciousness. Her head rested against the seat as sleep overtook her.

A short while later, the bodyguard named Jason guided the car through the gates of a lavish mansion located on the quiet outskirts of the city.

The residence stood out with its rustic design, which somehow made the entire place appear even more captivating.

Once the vehicle came to a stop, Jason stepped out and opened the back door. He carefully lifted Kiara into his arms and carried her toward the grand entrance.

"You finally made it!" the housekeeper, Mercedes, exclaimed with clear worry in her voice.

"It wasn't exactly easy," Jason replied with a tired breath. "Miss Watson put up some resistance, and the place was crowded. Fortunately, she didn't cause too much trouble at the beginning." A long sigh escaped him. "My task is done."

"Mr. Villarreal is in a terrible mood tonight. I have a feeling this evening will be exhausting for everyone. He ordered me to take her straight to her room the moment you arrived. He's already waiting for her."

Archie Villarreal sat alone in the corner near the window. The young man had dark blond hair, deep brown eyes, and a strong, well-built frame. Even while seated, he carried himself with a steady, masculine composure.

Moonlight slipped through the thin white curtains and softened the darkness inside the room. A cigarette rested between his fingers as he took a slow drag. Smoke curled upward while he tried to suppress the anger burning inside him. His resentment toward the Watson family refused to fade, and thoughts of the woman who would soon become his captive only fueled that rage.

Determined to make her answer for the way she mocked him, he kept his gaze fixed on the door. The moment the door opened, the fire in his eyes flared stronger. Jason stepped inside with Kiara unconscious in his arms.

"Sir," Jason said breathlessly as the smoke lingered in the air. "I've brought her."

"Put her down," Archie instructed coldly. Jason walked toward the bed and carefully laid Kiara on the mattress. Once he stepped back, Archie gave another order.

"Get out!"

Jason bowed his head slightly in acknowledgment before turning and walking out of the room.

After the door shut, Archie flicked the cigarette to the floor and crushed the burning tip beneath his shoe. Then he rose to his feet, his eyes never leaving the girl lying on the bed. Just as he took a step forward, her body shifted. A faint murmur slipped from her lips. He stopped and folded his arms across his chest.

"Help..." she whispered weakly. "No... please don't hurt me..." Archie's brows drew together. That voice didn't sound like the one she used when she mocked him before.

The difference in her tone only stirred his anger further. Without looking away from her, he sat down again and continued watching. Suddenly, Kiara jerked upright on the bed. Her eyes darted around the unfamiliar room as panic spread across her face.

"Where am I?" she asked. A wave of dizziness struck her immediately, forcing her to press both hands against her head. "Damn... something's wrong. I don't feel well."

She tried to steady her breathing in hopes of calming the spinning in her mind, but the unfamiliar surroundings only deepened her fear. Panic pushed her to her feet. Slowly, she moved along the wall for support until she reached the door. Her hand grabbed the handle, and she tried to pull it open.

The door didn't budge. Jason had already locked it. "No... no!" she cried while pulling harder. "Open!" Desperation crept into her voice.

"Oh God... where am I? Where did that man bring me?" She tried the handle again, unaware that someone inside the room watched her without saying a word.

"What if they're planning to sell me? Or take my organs... or do something worse!" she blurted out in rising panic. Her thoughts spiraled further.

"That old man Villarreal must be behind this," she said breathlessly. "He's probably waiting for the chance to take advantage of me."

Fear pushed her into a decision. "I have to get out of here." She suddenly turned. A tall silhouette stood nearby. The sight made her freeze.

"Who... who are you?" she asked. Her legs began to tremble beneath her. "Are you... Mr. Villarreal?"

"You should know something. I practice martial arts. I didn't come here willingly, and I won't stay. I'll escape from this place no matter what." Her heart pounded violently in her chest. From where she stood, she could only see the outline of the man in the dim light.

She couldn't make out his face. She didn't know who he was. She didn't know what he wanted. But what frightened her most wasn't the silence. It was the moment he slowly rose to his feet.

Her throat tightened as she stared at the looming figure before her. Even without seeing his face clearly, she could sense the cold intensity of his gaze.

"Take another step, and I won't be responsible for what I do, Mr. Villarreal!" Kiara pressed herself against the wooden door behind her. The room felt suffocating, both chilling and strangely warm at the same time.

Archie didn't stop. Anger radiated from him as he advanced slowly. His hands tightened into fists while he moved closer.

"Stop!" Kiara shouted, her voice echoing through the dark room. Fear gripped her chest.

She had never been alone with a man before, and certainly not like this in a locked room with a stranger standing in the shadows and no way out.

"If you're truly skilled in martial arts," Archie said in a low voice, now only a breath away from her, "then prove it."

"Trust me, sir..." Kiara murmured, swallowing nervously as he stood just inches from her. "You really don't want to see that."

The scent of his cologne drifted toward her, mixed with the faint trace of cigarette smoke. The unfamiliar closeness made her nerves tighten even more.

"This is a mistake," she added quietly.

"Shhh." Archie raised his hand and placed a finger gently against her lips.

From that touch, a strange tension rushed through Archie. He wasn't prepared for the reaction it stirred in him. The simple contact lingered in his mind longer than it should have. Kiara's breathing turned uneven. Fear filled each breath, yet a faint, involuntary sound escaped her that only drew his attention further.

"From this moment on, you're my wife. And you won't be running away from me."

"What!?" Kiara blurted out in shock, barely noticing that his finger still rested against her lips.

"That means you're under my authority now. And you'll answer for the way you mocked me."

"But I..." she stammered, desperate to explain.

"Quiet," Archie cut in sharply. "My word is the only thing that matters here. Whether you like it or not, you follow my orders. Martial arts won't help you here. I'm the one who decides what happens. You laughed at me before. I warned you there would be consequences."

"You are—" Kiara tried to say, but the words died in her throat. Archie suddenly gripped the side of her neck, not squeezing, yet holding her firmly in place as he pressed her closer against the door. Her body trembled like a startled rabbit caught in a trap.

"You'll remember that mistake for the rest of your life. So stop pretending and do as I say."

"What...?" Her voice faltered. Her heart pounded wildly as fear tightened its grip on her.

"Stop shaking like I'm about to kill you," Archie murmured near her ear. "You're already married to me now, so stop wasting time. Welcome to my world. And here, you'll learn what happens when someone chooses the wrong man to mock."

The order to remove her clothes left Kiara feeling trapped and helpless. The moment he said it, a bitter memory surfaced in her mind. She thought of Cloe, her twin sister. Rage burned quietly inside her chest because she had spent her entire life suffering the consequences of Cloe's mistakes.

"I don't want anything to do with your world," she murmured under her breath.

"If you refuse to follow my orders, your family will lose everything. You have no idea how far I'm willing to go just to see you kneel and beg."

"My family..." Kiara whispered. Her eyes filled with tears. Among all the members of the Watson family, only one person truly cared about her. Her younger sister, Lia.

"I can strip your family of every last cent," Archie continued with cruel indifference. "They'll be left with nothing. They'll starve in the streets. Is that what you want?"

Tears slid silently down Kiara's flushed cheeks. "Do as I say. And none of that will happen."

"Sir... please..." Kiara's voice broke as she spoke. "Please don't hurt my family. Especially my little sister. She's different from the rest of them. Lia... she's innocent. She doesn't deserve any of this. I'll do whatever you ask."

For a moment, Archie stepped back. It wasn't eagerness that made him move away. Something about the situation unsettled him. The same woman who had mocked him with such arrogance before now stood in front of him, crying and pleading for her family's safety.

"Sir..." Kiara's voice trembled again. Slowly, she removed her oversized shirt. "Please... just show me mercy." The shirt slipped from her hands and fell to the floor as she forced herself to continue.

Villarreal no longer paid attention to the questions directed at him. His focus drifted completely to the outline of the young woman before him. Hunger stirred inside him, and his body responded without the slightest touch. Desire rushed through him with frightening force, wild and impatient, as though it demanded to be satisfied.

"I'm ready..." she said in a faint whisper. Yet she knew the words weren't true. She had never given herself to anyone before.

Clear judgment abandoned him. A darker look settled in his eyes while the warmth spreading through his body pushed him forward. Step by step, he closed the distance between them. He caught her hands and guided them over her head, trapping her there so she couldn't move away. Her uneven breathing filled the air, and quiet sobs slipped from her lips.

"You belong to me until I grow bored of you," he said coldly. One of his hands kept her wrists firmly under control while the other moved upward and slowly brushed across Kiara's chest.

Kiara shut her eyes as tightly as she could. Her brows knotted together while she wished she could vanish from the feelings rushing through her body. Panic stiffened her muscles when his touch began sliding lower across her stomach. When his hand reached the inside of her thigh, shock ran through her because no one had ever dared touch her in that hidden place before.

"Oh..." The quiet sound escaped her before she could stop it. His fingers shifted her underwear aside, and his touch grew more deliberate.

Archie understood he should have stopped, yet the urge inside him pushed him to keep going. A faint tremor ran through her body beneath his touch, and the quiet sobs she had been letting out slowly faded.

"Say you're sorry," he insisted. His hand moved over her while she tried to pull away, but he wouldn't let her. "Ask me to forgive you." He released her wrists and lifted her face toward him, though his other hand still lingered where it shouldn't.

Kiara couldn't understand why he wanted an apology from her, nor could she figure out what her sister had supposedly done to provoke him. "I..." She tried to answer. The strange sensations moving through her body overwhelmed her. Because she had never experienced anything like it before, the words she wanted to say never made it out.

"Do it now!" Cloe had wounded the pride of someone from the Villarreal family, and Archie had decided she would pay for it. He intended to push her further and further until she lost control of herself. In his mind, she would eventually beg him to claim her.

His hand moved again with that thought in mind. However, the moment he tried to go further and felt how painfully tight she was, everything changed. When she cried out from the sudden pain, he pulled back right away. Confusion crossed his face.

Kiara bent forward slowly as she struggled to steady her breathing. The pain he caused her hadn't faded yet. "Were you untouched before this?"

"Y-yes... sir," she murmured. Her strength seemed to give out as she sank down onto the floor. Slowly, she folded her knees beneath her and crouched there. A shaky breath slipped past her lips while she wrapped both arms tightly around her legs. Her fingers gripped her knees as though they were the only thing keeping her steady. Quiet tremors moved through her body. She lowered her forehead against her knees and curled inward, retreating into herself as confusion and fear swirled through her mind. In that small, protective posture, she tried to make sense of what had just happened.

A tight frown crossed Archie's face. None of it made sense. The woman he brought home wasn't supposed to be untouched. She had been with other men before. He still remembered the moment she laughed at him and walked away, leaving him frustrated and humiliated. That memory fed his anger and his need for revenge.

The realization deepened his sense of betrayal. Without warning, he slammed his fist against the wall. The impact echoed through the room. Kiara stayed frozen and didn't dare raise her head.

Moments later, Archie turned and walked out, leaving her alone and confused. Fear crept into her chest as she wondered what she had done to anger him.

"Jackson!" His voice rang through the house as he moved toward the stairs. "Jackson, damn it!"

"Right away, Mr. Villarreal!" Jackson hurried over at once.

"Explain something to me," Archie snapped. "Who exactly did you bring here tonight?" Anger was written all over his face.

"I brought Miss Cleo Watson, sir!" Jackson answered quickly, unease in his voice. He had only worked for Archie a few months, and the thought of losing this job terrified him. The salary was far better than anything else he could find.

At the Watson Mansion.

"How is that even possible!?" Maxwell shouted, outrage in his voice. The plan had been simple. He had ordered Archie's men to bring his daughter, Cloe, to him whether she agreed or not. It was meant to secure the deal and keep his company from bankruptcy.

"Lower your voice!" Samantha snapped at him. "Cloe and Kiara are identical twins. No one will ever notice the switch. They'll never know we deceived them."

"Enough, Samantha!" Maxwell scoffed, stabbing a finger in her direction. "You should've never encouraged Cloe with that ridiculous scheme. What gave you the right to go against me?" His voice rose with fury, and the sound of it made Cloe flinch. She had never seen her father lose control like this before. "If Mr. Villarreal learns what we did, he'll ruin us. We'll be thrown out with nothing!"

"Relax, darling... you're overreacting," Cloe replied with a pout. "No one even knows Kiara exists. My life won't change because of this." She crossed her arms stubbornly. "There's no way you were going to force me to marry some old man."

"You have no idea what you're talking about, you foolish girl!" Maxwell's face flushed with rage, and sweat gathered along his forehead.

Samantha gave him a cold look. "I don't see why you're making such a spectacle of yourself, Maxwell," she said with clear disdain. "Your behavior is embarrassing."

"Damn it!" Maxwell shouted. "To the outside world, Kiara might as well not exist. Even we treated her that way. But Mr. Nguyen, my father's lawyer, knows the truth."

"What are you talking about?" Samantha asked, completely confused.

"Kiara is the only heir my father ever recognized," he admitted. "I falsified the records and hid the truth so everything would stay under my control. If that secret came out, we'd lose everything and end up on the streets. Now she's married to Mr. Villarreal. If Mr. Nguyen discovers this arrangement, we're finished. My father made it clear that Kiara had to marry a powerful man before she could inherit anything."

"No... Dad, that can't be true," Cloe said in a shaken voice. The thought of losing her comfortable life filled her with dread. Yet the idea of marrying someone she considered an old man frightened her just as much.