Helen searched everywhere for Alina, calling out her name, but there was no sign of her. Fear tightened in her chest as panic consumed her. Without wasting another second, she rushed back to the car, her hands trembling as she ordered the driver to head straight to Alina's house.

The drive felt like an eternity. Helen's heart pounded rapidly, her breaths coming out shaky and uneven. What if something bad had happened to Alina? The thought gnawed at her, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't push away the terrifying images flooding her mind. What made it worse was knowing that Alina didn't know her way around-how could she have wandered off alone?

Finally, after what felt like hours, they finally arrived. Helen didn't wait for the driver to stop fully before throwing the door open and sprinting inside.

"Helen, what happened? Where's Alina?" Mrs. Cole demanded, rushing forward as Helen burst into the living room, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"What's wrong, Helen? Why are you crying?" Mr. Cole's voice came from the stairs as he quickly descended, his face etched with worry.

"It's... Alina... I- I can't-" Helen stammered, choking on her words, her sobs making it hard to breathe.

"Calm down, Helen," Mr. Cole urged, though his own voice trembled, his breaths growing uneven. "Take a deep breath and tell us-where's Alina?"

Helen's knees nearly gave out as she finally screamed, her voice cracking under the weight of fear.

"I don't know... but I think Alina has been kidnapped!"

...........

Alina slowly opened her eyes as a ray of sunlight peeked through the slightly opened window. She blinked several times, her mind foggy, until reality hit her like a punch to the gut. She remembered sitting at the beach, waiting for Helen to return with cotton candy. Then suddenly, someone had covered her nose with a cloth drenched in something strong, stealing her consciousness away. Now, she was here in a place unknown.

Her heart raced as her eyes darted around the dimly lit room, searching for an escape. The air felt heavy, thick with dread.

Then, footsteps echoed in the distance. Slow. Steady. Getting closer.

Moments later, a man appeared, towering over her. His cold, predatory eyes locked on her like a cat about to pounce on its prey. A chill shot through her entire body, every hair standing on end.

"Well, well," the man said in a deep, chilling voice. "Looks like I've got myself a pretty little thing."

Alina stared at him in terror, her breath uneven. Why am I here? What does he want? She had only a few months left to live; all she wanted was to spend them happily with her family not like this. Not tied to a chair, not in pain.

"Please," she stammered, her voice trembling, "what do you want from me?"

Instead of answering, the man let out a cruel, mocking laugh. "How could someone with such a pretty face be so foolish?" he sneered. "What do you think kidnappers want when they take someone? I want money, a large sum of it. I'll call your parents and demand the ransom. They have five hours to pay... or else I'll make sure you regret being born before I end your life." His eyes glinted with malice as he added darkly, "And I won't be the only one having fun before that happens."

Alina felt her heart plummet. Death itself didn't scare her anymore, she knew it was coming soon. But this? This horrific end wasn't what she wanted. She wanted to pass peacefully, surrounded by love, not in pain and fear. Tears blurred her vision as she glanced around desperately for a way out, but there was none. Even if there had been, her wrists were tied tight against the chair, leaving her helpless.

The man smirked and walked over to a table where a phone lay. "Call your parents' number," he ordered coldly.

Alina stayed silent, staring at him with pleading eyes, hoping that somehow, deep down, he might let her go. But his gaze was merciless, his heart seemingly made of stone.

"Oh, you don't want to talk?" His voice turned darker, dangerous. "Fine. I'll start making you scream for a different reason." He set the phone down and began moving toward her.

"No! I'll call it!" Alina cried out frantically. She quickly recited the number, trembling all over, as the man dialed.

Seconds later, the line connected.

"Hello?" Mr. Cole's voice came from the other end.

"Who am I?" The kidnapper's tone was calm, chilling. "I'm the one who has your daughter."

Mr. Cole froze, his stomach dropping. Only he, his wife, and Helen knew Alina had gone missing, they haven't inform the police. Sweat formed on his forehead as panic overtook him.

"What do you want from my daughter?" he asked, his voice trembling.

"Nothing much," the man replied casually. "Just a little money. Ten billion dollars. You have five hours to get it ready, or you won't like what I'll do to your daughter."

"What?!" Mr. Cole almost shouted. "Ten billion? Where do you expect me to find that kind of money? Even as a successful businessman, that's impossible! Please, I beg you, don't hurt her. We'll give you what we can, but lower the amount!"

Before he could say more, Mrs. Cole snatched the phone, tears streaming down her face. "Please," she pleaded, her voice breaking. "Don't harm our daughter. We'll do everything we can to get you the money. Just don't hurt her."

The man laughed darkly. "That's the spirit. Daddy you need to find a way to save your daughter." He was about to hang up when Mrs. Cole quickly added, "Please, let us speak to her! We need to know she's alive!"

The man hesitated, then slowly walked over to Alina, holding the phone near her lips.

"M-Mum..." Alina whimpered, her voice shaky and weak.

Mrs. Cole sobbed loudly, clutching the phone like it was her lifeline. Why can't my baby have just a little peace? she thought bitterly. She's already fighting for her life every day, and now this?

"Alina, sweetheart," Mrs. Cole said through her sobs, "nothing will happen to you. I promise we're coming to get you from that monster."

Before Alina could speak again, the man yanked the phone away. "Enough with the family reunion," he said coldly. "Five hours. Get me my money. And don't even think about involving the police unless you want your daughter's corpse delivered to your doorstep."

With that, he ended the call.

*******

In a deserted house near the ocean, Mr. Cole held his trembling wife close with one arm while clutching a heavy suitcase in the other. The air inside the abandoned building was thick with dust and tension, every creak of the wooden floorboards amplifying their fear.

As they stepped inside, they spotted a man sitting lazily on a dirty, torn sofa, his face hidden behind a black mask. His posture was relaxed, but there was something dangerous in the way his gaze followed them.

He rose slowly and approached them, his voice cold and commanding. "Where's my money?"

Mr. Cole tightened his grip on the suitcase and took a deep breath before extending it toward the masked man. "It's here. Now, where is my daughter?"

"Chill, old man," the kidnapper drawled, smirking beneath the mask. "Your precious little girl is safe."

He clapped his hands once, and a few seconds later, a huge man emerged from the shadows, leading a blindfolded Alina by the arm.

"Alina!" Mrs. Cole gasped, rushing forward with tears streaming down her face. She threw her arms around her daughter the moment the blindfold was removed, holding her as though she'd never let go again. "Baby, are you okay?" she asked, frantically checking her over.

"Yes, Mom... I'm fine," Alina whispered, clinging to her mother as if afraid she'd disappear again.

Mr. Cole quickly joined them, wrapping his arms around both of them.

Without sparing another glance at the kidnappers, Mr. Cole guided his wife and daughter out of the house.

A MONTH LATER.......

"Honey, I'm tired of everything," Mr. Cole said, rubbing his temples in frustration. "I've tried my best to convince 'the Devil' to invest in our company, but he won't budge. And if he doesn't invest..." He sighed heavily, his voice cracking. "I'm afraid we might lose everything-even this house."

Just as Mrs. Cole opened her mouth to reply, a soft voice came from behind them.

"Why would we lose the house?"

Both Mr. and Mrs. Cole turned around to see Alina walking toward them, her brows furrowed in concern.

"Hmmm... nothing much," Mr. Cole said quickly, forcing a smile. "We were just... discussing something."

"Dad," Alina said firmly, crossing her arms. "I'm not a little kid anymore. I'm twenty. You can't fool me."

Mr. Cole exchanged a helpless glance with his wife, unsure what to say. He didn't want his daughter to worry, not after everything she'd already been through.

"Alina, it's just..." Mrs. Cole began but trailed off, struggling to find the right words.

"Mom, please," Alina pleaded, her voice trembling slightly. "Just tell me what's going on."

Mrs. Cole took a deep breath and finally met her daughter's eyes. "Alright," she said softly. "I'll tell you."

She hesitated before speaking again, pain evident in her tone. "When you were kidnapped, the kidnapper demanded ten billion dollars. Your father didn't have that kind of money, so he had no choice but to borrow it from the bank... using the company as collateral."

Alina's heart tightened as she listened, her lips parting in shock.

Mrs. Cole continued, "Now, the bank is pressing us hard to repay the money with fifty percent interest. If we fail, they'll seize the company... and even this house."

Alina stood frozen for a moment, her mind blank. Then tears welled up in her eyes, rolling down her cheeks uncontrollably. Because of me... they're losing everything. She felt cursed, like bad luck followed her everywhere she went.

"Darling, stop crying," Mr. Cole said, pulling her into a gentle hug. "Everything will be alright. I just need 'the Devil' to invest in the company, but so far he's refusing. I'll find another way, I promise."

Alina sniffled and wiped her tears, then looked up at her father, confused. "The Devil? Who is that? Is he... is he really the devil from hell?"

Mr. Cole scratched the back of his head nervously, avoiding her gaze at first. But Alina's determined stare left him no choice but to answer.

"The 'Devil'," he said slowly, "is a man feared by everyone. They say he came straight from the darkest parts of hell, a man with a face as beautiful as Adonis, yet more dangerous than any enemy. His voice is deep and enticing, like an angel's whisper... but his smile can freeze your heart and make you feel like you're standing at death's door."

Alina swallowed hard, curiosity and dread mixing in her chest. "What's his name?" she asked softly.

Mr. Cole looked straight into his daughter's eyes, his voice low and heavy.

"Liam Harrington."

........

A man stood beneath the blood-red glow of the setting sun, his hands drenched in crimson, his once-pristine shirt dripping with the blood of his latest victim. The lifeless body at his feet lay twisted on the ground, eyes frozen in eternal terror.

His pitch-black hair clung to his face, partly shadowing eyes so sharp and hypnotic they seemed to pierce through souls. Alluring yet deadly, they were the kind of eyes no one dared hold for more than a heartbeat lest they be consumed by the darkness within them.

Caleb, Liam Harrington's ever-loyal assistant, stood a few steps away, his face impassive though his heart pounded. He had seen his master like this countless times, yet the sight always sent chills crawling down his spine. Clearing his throat carefully, he spoke.

"Master... regarding the Cole family matter," Caleb began, his voice respectful. "They've requested a meeting with you tomorrow afternoon. They'll be bringing their daughter with them. Should I... refuse their request?"

Liam remained silent for a long moment, still gazing at the dying sun as if drawing strength from its fading light. Then, slowly, a cold smile curved his lips.

"Refuse them?" he said, his voice low, velvety, yet laced with danger. "No... why would I refuse?" He finally turned, his gaze locking on Caleb like a predator sizing up prey. "If they're desperate enough to offer me their daughter to save their empire... who am I to deny such a delightful sacrifice?"

His tone dripped with mockery, his eyes glinting with merciless amusement.

Caleb swallowed hard, a flicker of unease flashing across his features. He had witnessed what happened to those who tried bargaining with the Devil before, it never ended well. Still, he bowed his head in obedience.

"As you wish, Master."

Liam's smile deepened, darker this time, as he glanced back at the corpse beside him. The setting sun bathed him in a hellish glow, making him look less like a man and more like the demon the world believed him to be.

"Tomorrow," Liam murmured, his voice a chilling whisper, "will be... interesting."

The next morning, Alina slipped into a loose, pastel-colored t-shirt tucked neatly into a pair of light blue denim jeans. White sneakers hugged her feet, and her hair was tied up in a messy ponytail that framed her delicate features. A small backpack hung casually over her shoulder, giving her a simple yet effortlessly cute look.

Grabbing her phone, she walked out of her room and headed downstairs, where her parents were already waiting, tension heavy in the air.

"Alina," Mr. Cole began, his voice low and hesitant, "I think you should stay home today. The Devil... he's not a man to be trifled with. I don't want to risk your life."

Alina stopped halfway down the stairs, her expression unreadable for a moment before a stubborn fire lit her eyes. "Life? What life, Dad?" she said firmly, surprising even herself with how steady her voice sounded. "The same life that's slipping away in just a few months? If risking what little time I have left can save our family, then I'll do it."

She was startled by her own defiance. Normally, she never argued with her parents, but something inside her refused to back down this time. Something pulled her toward this meeting, as if fate itself was dragging her forward.

Mrs. Cole reached for her hand, worry etched on her face. "Sweetheart, listen to your father. The Devil isn't someone you can reason with. He's dangerous-deadly."

Alina tightened her grip on the strap of her backpack, lifting her chin with quiet determination. "Mom, I'm going," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I can't just sit here doing nothing while you both fight this battle alone. If this is happening because of me, then I'll face him too."

Her parents exchanged a helpless look. They could see it in her eyes-she had made up her mind, and nothing could sway her now. With a heavy sigh, Mr. Cole straightened his jacket and cleared his throat.

"Fine," he said reluctantly, his voice grim. "Let's go."

He turned and walked toward the door, Mrs. Cole following close behind. Alina trailed after them, her heart pounding with a strange mix of fear and an unexplainable pull toward the man they called the Devil.

*****

They had been waiting for over an hour in the spacious meeting room, and Alina's patience what little of it she had was long gone.

She had come here to meet the so-called devil. And yet, here they were the ones in desperate need of his help being made to wait as if their time was worthless.

Her eyes narrowed at the clock. What kind of arrogant man makes people wait this long?

It was unfair. No infuriating.

The words slipped out before she could stop herself.

"Where is the idiot called the Devil?"

Her voice was sharp.

The room froze. Every head snapped toward her in disbelief.

The door opened and a man dressed in black tailored suit entered the room with his assistant following him behind, keeping at least five steps away from him.

Liam entered the room nonchalantly and sat at the head table. As soon as he sat, his eyes glanced at every single person who sat in the room. Soon, his deep voice sounded. "Who said those words"

When he spoke, his voice was deep, calm, and far too controlled.

Everyone stiffened. The very air felt heavier, as though oxygen itself was rationed in his presence.

"I hate repeating myself," Liam said, the cold edge in his voice making sweat prickle on the backs of necks.

Mr. Cole stammered nervously, trying to defuse the suffocating tension. "Please, nothing like that was said. We were... only discussing how good you are."

Liam's lips curled into a slow, humorless smile.

"Do I look like a fool?" He leaned back in his chair, gaze locking on Mr. Cole. "It's fine. I already know who said it."

He raised a hand slightly, and Caleb stepped forward, placing a small, gleaming pocket knife into his palm.

Gasps rippled through the room as Liam rose from his seat. Without a word, he walked to where Mrs. Cole sat.

Then he stood behind her and without hesitation rested the blade against her neck.

The room collectively stopped breathing. Mr. Cole's face drained of color, his hands trembling visibly on the table.

"Let her go!"

The voice came from the far side of the table.

Alina.

She had risen from her chair, her back straight, her eyes locked the devil.

Liam turned his head slightly, his gaze narrowing on the girl who dared interrupt him. A faint smirk touched his lips.

"And if I don't, little one? What if I slit her throat right here and feed her body to my dogs?"

Murmurs of horror filled the room, but Alina's glare only sharpened.

"Then you're a fool."

It was as though the temperature dropped ten degrees in an instant.

Her father's heart nearly stopped. Did she just-?

"Do you have a death wish?" Liam asked, his voice low and dangerous, every word laced with venom.

Alina wanted to tell him the truth-that death was already knocking at her door, and she had nothing left to lose but instead, she only let out a short, mocking hiss.

In a flash, he was in front of her. His hand shot out, gripping her throat with a firm, unyielding hold. His other hand grasped her jaw, forcing her to look up into his eyes.

Their gazes locked.

For a heartbeat, the world around them ceased to exist. His stare was endless and suffocating, like being pulled into the depths of a black ocean. Her pulse hammered against his palm, and yet, she didn't look away.

"I'll ask again," Liam said, voice a deadly whisper. "Do. You. Have. A death wish?"

Before she could respond, he leaned in abruptly, his mouth brushing hers-not in a kiss, but in something painful. His teeth caught her lower lip, biting down hard enough to draw blood before pulling away.

A thin crimson line welled on her lip.

Liam's tongue flicked across his own lips, tasting her blood. "Nice," he murmured, his voice almost amused. "I love the taste."

Heat flushed Alina's face, not from embarrassment, but from sheer fury. Never in her life had anyone treated her like this.

Her parents rushed to her side, pulling her back before she could hurl her rage at him. They dropped to their knees before Liam.

"Please," Mr. Cole pleaded, voice breaking. "She's our only daughter. Don't hurt her. She didn't mean it.... please, Sir."

Mrs. Cole was already crying, her hands clasped together desperately.

Caleb, leaning against the wall, almost scoffed. They should be grateful she was still alive. Anyone else who'd dared speak to his master that way would already be lying cold on the floor.

Liam regarded the couple coolly, then finally said, "It's fine. I will not harm your precious daughter."

The relief on their faces was instant. "Thank you, Sir, thank you-"

"Don't thank me," Liam interrupted. "In fact... I'll invest in your company."

The room stilled. Even Caleb's brows rose slightly.

"Really? You'll... invest?" Mr. Cole asked, hardly believing it.

"Yes," Liam replied simply.

Mr. Cole's shoulders sagged with relief. "Thank you so much, we are beyond grateful-"

"But," Liam's voice cut through, "I want something in exchange."

Caleb's lips twitched. Here it comes, he knows his master would definitely asked for something.

"What do you want? Name it, I promise to give it to you," Mr. Cole said desperately.

Liam's gaze slid to Alina. The faintest smirk tugged at his mouth.

"All I want... is your daughter."

The room was so silent, it felt like the air had frozen. For more than twenty minutes, no one spoke-until Alina suddenly burst into laughter.

Her head tilted back, deep dimples appearing as she laughed so hard that tears welled in her eyes. Anyone watching might have thought she'd gone mad.

Even the Devil himself-Liam-watched her with faint surprise. Did she not hear him? He had just said he wanted her... and she was laughing. Did she think it was a joke?

"Please, ask for anything else," Mr. Cole finally said, his voice cracking. "Alina is our only child."

"I don't want anything else," Liam replied smoothly. "Only her."

Mr. Cole opened his mouth to argue, but Alina spoke first.

"You really want me?"

"Yes," Liam said without hesitation. "That's the only way I'll invest in your father's company."

"Please," Mrs. Cole pleaded, tears streaming down her face. "Not my daughter. Ask for something else."

"But you heard your husband," Liam said coldly. "He promised me anything I asked for. And what I want... is her."

His gaze sharpened. "If you refuse, then I won't invest. And don't dare come to me again."

"You're heartless," Alina muttered, clearly annoyed. What did this man actually want from her?

Liam's smile turned lethal. "Say that again, and I'll have my men take you in public-middle of the road. Dare me." His voice was ice.

"Please, request something else," Mr. Cole begged.

"It's fine, Dad," Alina said suddenly. "I'll go with him."

Everyone stared at her in shock. Caleb, standing in the corner, felt a wave of pity for her. She had no idea the kind of hell she was walking into.

"Keep quiet!" Mr. Cole snapped, glaring at his daughter. This wasn't her. Normally, Alina was quiet and obedient. But today she had insulted the Devil... and now she was agreeing to follow him. Was she trying to die before her time?

"Dad, if this is the only way out, then I'll go," Alina said firmly. In her mind, her life was already ticking away-just a few months left. If she was going to die anyway, why not spend it with the so-called Devil? Maybe it wasn't such a bad decision after all.

Liam studied her with curiosity. Where was this girl getting her courage? Most would be on their knees, begging for mercy. But she stood her ground. One thing was certain-he'd make her regret it.

"Good," he said finally. "Since she's agreed, there's no problem. I'll give you whatever amount you need to rebuild your business. Thank you for your daughter."

He turned toward the door, but halfway there, he stopped and glanced over his shoulder.

"Aren't you coming? Or should I have someone carry you?"

"Why so impatient? Can't it wait until tomorrow?" she asked.

"No. You're my property now, and I don't like my property out of my sight. Now, come here."

Ignoring him, Alina knelt beside her mother, who was still sobbing. "Mom, please stop crying. I'll be fine."

"Fine? With the Devil?" Mrs. Cole's voice trembled. "He could hurt you-"

"I'll be fine," Alina interrupted softly. "I'll visit home when I can. Tell Grandma I love her." She hugged her mother tightly before standing and turning to her father, whose eyes shone with unshed tears.

Wrapping her arms around him, she whispered, "Don't worry about me, Dad. I'll be okay."

They held each other for a long moment before she finally pulled away. She gave them one last wave, then walked toward Liam.

Outside, a sleek black Rolls Royce Phantom waited at the curb. Caleb opened the back door, and Liam slid in first. Alina followed without a word.

The door closed with a heavy thud. Caleb got behind the wheel, started the engine, and the car pulled away.

The car had been moving for nearly two hours in complete silence. Not a single word was exchanged between them, the only sound being the hum of the engine and the occasional crunch of tires against the road.

When the vehicle finally slowed and came to a stop, Celeb, the driver, was quick to step out, circling to open the door for Liam.

Alina followed suit, stepping out into the crisp air only for her eyes to widen in shock.

Before her stood not just a house, but something that looked straight out of a fairy tale.

It was massive, elegant, and gleaming white under the sunlight so pristine it almost hurt to look at. The grand building rose like a modern-day castle. For a moment, Alina forgot herself and simply stared, her mind flashing back to the pink castles in the Barbie movies she used to watch with Helen when they were little.

The sight was... magical.

Her lips curved into an unintentional smile as she imagined what the inside must look like.

"What?" Liam's cold voice sliced through her thoughts. "You like the house so much you can't stop staring?"

Alina blinked, caught off guard by his tone, but chose to ignore him. Since when did admiring something become a crime?

They passed through the towering double doors and entered a long hallway that seemed to stretch forever. Alina beginning to feel her legs ache from the walk.

By the time they reached the end, she found herself stepping into an enormous living room... and her eyes instantly caught the color.

Black.

Everything was black.

The massive sectional couch was deep charcoal, the thick rug underfoot was midnight black, the walls were painted in the same shade, and the heavy curtains matched perfectly. It was as if someone had taken the concept of darkness and decorated an entire space with it.

The only thing keeping the room from looking like a dungeon was the magnificent chandelier hanging from the ceiling. It shimmered with golden light, scattering warm glows across the dark surfaces, almost fighting to keep the room from drowning in gloom.

Before she could say anything, Liam's voice rang out. "Joe!"

From the corner of the room, an elderly man in a perfectly pressed suit hurried forward, stopping precisely five steps away from Liam.

"Have you cleaned the room I told you to?" Liam asked, his tone brisk.

"Yes, Master. Everything is sparkling clean," Joe replied in a curt, respectful voice.

Liam gave a single nod. "Hmmm." He waved the butler away without another word.

Alina, meanwhile, was still gazing up at the chandelier, her eyes following the way the crystals caught the light.

"Stop staring at the chandelier," Liam said flatly. "It might fall just from having to look at your ugly face."

Her head snapped toward him, eyes wide. Did... did he just call me ugly?

He smirked faintly at the look on her face, clearly enjoying her outrage. "What would you do if I called you ugly?" he teased, his voice low but laced with challenge.

Alina's heart skipped, then thudded hard against her ribs not from his words, but from the sheer audacity of him. She clenched her fists but refused to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.

Without waiting for her reply, Liam turned and started up the grand staircase. "Follow me."

Alina let out a slow sigh to calm herself before trailing behind him, silently wishing the staircase would swallow him whole.

On the first floor, he stopped at the first door to the right, pushing it open and stepping inside.

The room was spotless, simple yet well-kept. The bed was neatly made, the floor gleamed, and the air smelled faintly of lavender. But there was one glaring problem.

It was black.

Black bed sheets. Black pillows. Black drapes. Black furniture.

Alina stood there, blinking as if trying to process the monochrome nightmare.

"This is your room," Liam said, turning to face her.

She hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line. "It's... fine. But maybe you could change the color? Orange and white would be perfect." She gave him her best pout, like a spoiled child asking for candy.

Liam stared at her as though she'd grown two heads. Did she think he was her father, ready to fulfill her every whim?

"What's wrong with the color?" he asked.

"I don't like black," she admitted bluntly. "It feels like... death."

At that, Liam chuckled, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "Good. Then you've realized you're standing in hell... and the fire might burn you any second."

Her mouth fell open, but before she could retort, he said, "If you don't like it, you can always sleep in the passage we walked through earlier."

Her jaw dropped. Did he really just suggest I sleep in the hallway?

"Never mind," she muttered quickly. "Thanks for the room."

He simply gave a short nod and left.

As soon as the door closed, Alina grabbed the nearest pillow-of course, it was black-and began swinging it in the air, muttering under her breath about arrogant, heartless man. She was so caught up in her pillow assault that she didn't notice the door opening again.

The pillow flew from her hands and smacked straight into Liam's face.

For a moment, time froze.

Alina's eyes widened. "Oh... crap."

Liam stood there, the pillow still in his hands, staring at her with an expression that was a mix of shock and something dangerous.

The air in the room suddenly felt heavier.

Liam had returned to the room to tell her to inform the butler if she needs anything-only to be met with a pillow hitting him square in the face.

"Do you really have a death wish?" Liam asked, his tone bone-chilling.

"Sorry... I didn't mean it. It was a mistake," Alina stammered.

His eyes narrowed. "Do you realize you've been getting on my nerves? Do you really want to die?" His voice was low, dangerous, each word dripping with menace as he began walking toward her-step by step-like a predator closing in on its prey.

Instinctively, Alina stepped back, their movements matching in a slow, tense rhythm until her back hit the wall.

Liam braced one hand against the wall beside her head, effectively caging her in.

Alina avoided his gaze, staring anywhere else to escape the suffocating intensity in his eyes. But when she risked a quick glance, she couldn't help noticing despite the fury etched into his features, the devil in front of her was... devastatingly handsome.

The faint scent of sandalwood clung to him, filling the space between them, making it harder for her to breathe. Just when she thought she might lose control, his voice cut through the air.

"The next time you hit me, whether it's intentional or not. I'll chop off two of your fingers."

With that, Liam pushed away from the wall and left the room, leaving Alina struggling to steady her breathing.

She looked around, her gaze landing on the dark walls. She hated them. One day, she knew, she would close her eyes and never wake again only endless darkness would greet her.

After getting tired of staring at the black wall, she sighed and pulled her phone from her pocket only to see countless messages from her family and Helen.

She scrolled to her dad's number and called him. The moment he picked up, different worried voices began speaking over each other.

"Alina, are you okay?" That was her mother's voice.

"You stupid grandchild of mine! Why would you agree to go with the Devil?" her grandmother scolded.

"Alina, can you hear us? Please speak, are you okay?" her father asked.

"I'm fine. You people shouldn't worry too much about me," Alina replied.

"Really? What if he gets you killed?" her grandmother snapped.

"So what's the difference? It's not like I have much left to live for," Alina said. There was silence for a moment, she knew she had just dropped a bomb.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way. I'll be fine, please believe me," Alina added quickly.

"Please try visiting home soon," her mother said.

"Yes, Mom," she answered.

"We love you, dear," her grandmother said before the call ended.

She sometimes hated how worried her family could be, but she understood that's what a good family does.

Next, she scrolled to Helen's number. She knew her best friend would also be worried to death.

"How could you, Alina? Oh my goodness... Tell me what your mom told me is a lie, that you're staying with the Devil!" Helen blurted the moment she answered.

"Helen, calm down. I'm fine. I'm sorry I didn't call earlier... I was going to once I settled in," Alina explained.

"Are you sure? Or are you hiding something from me?" Helen pressed.

"No, honestly, I'm fine," Alina assured her.

"Okay, so tell me... I heard the Devil's house is the biggest in the city. Please, can I take a look?" Helen asked.

"First of all, his house isn't a house-it's like a castle from a Barbie cartoon, only difference is, it's black," Alina said.

"Black? Please just show me on video call," Helen pleaded.

Alina hesitated, unsure if Liam would allow it. But in the end, she agreed and switched to video call.

"Oh my goodness... It's huge!" Helen exclaimed as Alina showed her around the room. "Wait, why all black?"

"I don't know. I guess the Devil's favorite color is black," Alina replied.

"That's weird... and kind of annoying. What are you going to do now?" Helen asked, knowing her friend disliked black.

"Nothing. I guess I'll have to get used to it," Alina said.

"Listen, Alina, please be careful. Do whatever he asks you to, and if you feel uncomfortable-just run away, okay? We can leave the country, go somewhere he'll never find you," Helen said, sounding like a worried mother.

"Thanks, Helen. You don't have to worry too much about me, I'll be fine," Alina said with a smile. She was truly glad to have a friend like Helen.

They talked for a while before ending the call. Then Alina fell back onto the bed.

It was 6 p.m., and Alina was still lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. Suddenly, her stomach growled loudly, pulling her back to reality. She glanced at the clock on the wall-it was dinner time. With a reluctant sigh, she dragged her lazy body out of bed to look for the butler, but a knock sounded on the door before she could leave.

When she opened it, a young, beautiful woman stood there, smiling sweetly.

"Good evening, Miss. I'm here to let you know that dinner is ready," the woman said politely, bowing slightly. She looked to be in her early thirties, dressed in a maid's uniform, and was strikingly attractive.

Alina smiled back, silently wondering why everyone working for the Devil was so good-looking. She followed the maid as she led the way.

The maid brought her to an enormous hall-the dining room. Alina's eyes widened as she took in the long table, which could easily seat about twenty people on each side. The table was made of sleek black wood, adorned with shiny bronze candelabras holding tall, thin candles spaced at measured intervals. Overhead, a glittering chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow. At the head of the table sat an ornate golden chair, with rows of elegant chairs extending down either side.

She walked to the right of the golden chair, where a single plate and dishes had been set out, clearly meant for her. As soon as she sat down, Joe, the butler, appeared behind her.

"Please feel free to ask if you need anything," Joe said with a respectful nod.

Alina nodded in return, her gaze falling on the lavish spread before her. The food looked mouthwateringly delicious, but something caught her attention only one place setting was arranged. All of this... for her alone?

What about Liam? she wondered. But before she could ask, Joe spoke again, almost as if he had read her mind.

"The Master is working," he explained.

"Oh... okay," Alina said softly, turning her attention back to the food. She began eating but couldn't manage much. Maybe it was because she wasn't used to dining alone. Back home, meals were always lively, surrounded by her family. Here, she supposed she'd have to get used to the silence.

After forcing herself to eat a little more, she rose from her seat and left the dining room.

Back in her room, she decided to take a shower before sleeping. Without a second thought, she stripped off her clothes and stepped into the bathroom.

Twenty minutes later, she emerged, a short black towel wrapped around her body-just barely covering below her hips.

That was when it hit her: she had followed the Devil to his house without making any preparations. She hadn't brought a single change of clothes.

What was she supposed to wear now? She definitely couldn't put back on the clothes she'd just taken off-they were dirty.

********

Liam sat in his chair, eyes fixed on the laptop in front of him. The steady tapping of his fingers on the keyboard filled the quiet room-until a knock at the door interrupted him.

He frowned. At this hour? Caleb knew better than to disturb him while he was working.

"Come in," Liam called, his tone clipped.

The door creaked open, and light footsteps approached. Oddly, no one spoke.

"What is it?" he asked without looking up. Silence.

His jaw tightened. "Have you gone dumb? What's cut your tongue?" He swiveled his chair around-only to be the one left speechless.

Alina stood in front of him, draped in a large blanket that pooled at her feet. A few damp strands of hair clung to her face, and her long, wet lashes made her eyes seem softer, more alluring. Liam guessed she'd just stepped out of the bath. The blanket hung over her head and down her back, but left the front open.

His gaze traveled-briefly, unintentionally-from her eyes to her light pink lips, then to the delicate curve of her collarbone. Her skin still held the faint flush from the heat of the bath, a warm baby-pink tone that, against her fair complexion, looked almost... tempting.

The towel she wore underneath barely reached mid-thigh, exposing a glimpse of smooth skin.

"What are you doing here? Trying to seduce me?" Liam asked flatly.

"No! Why would I do that? Do I look like a prostitute to you?" Alina shot back.

Liam exhaled slowly, his irritation barely contained. "What do you want before I throw you out?"

"I... I don't have any clothes to wear," she admitted.

That caught him off guard. "What?"

"You didn't let me bring my things," she said defensively.

"So? Just because you have nothing to wear, you show up in my room half-naked?"

Alina looked down at herself, baffled. "Half-naked? I'm wearing a towel and a blanket."

"Let me rephrase-half of you is covered, half of you isn't. I can see... everything." His finger pointed toward her chest in deliberate emphasis.

Her cheeks warmed. She looked down, fiddling with her fingers to hide her embarrassment. "It's your fault. If you'd given me a day to go home and get my clothes, I wouldn't be here."

"So? Aren't you afraid of what I might do to you?"

Her mind stalled. That was when it hit her-she was alone in a man's bedroom, late at night, wearing nothing but a towel beneath a blanket. The thought made her feel ridiculously reckless.

"I... I..." she stammered, unsure how to respond.

"Follow me," Liam said, rising to his feet.

She hesitated, but reasoned that if the devil really intended to harm her, he would have done so already. Keeping five steps behind him, she followed.

His room was as vast as she expected, every corner drenched in black. This man is obsessed with the color black, she thought.

Liam stopped at a door and pushed it open. Inside was a walk-in closet lined with neatly arranged suits, business attire, and a few casual outfits-nearly all in black.

"Pick one," he said simply.

Alina scanned the racks with visible distaste until she finally spotted a white T-shirt and black shorts. They looked far too big for her.

Liam's eyes flicked from her to the clothes in her hands, but he said nothing except, "You can change here." Then he turned and left.

Rolling her eyes, Alina closed the door and quickly changed. The T-shirt was long enough to touch her knees, with a wide neckline that revealed the pale line of her neck and collarbone. The shorts were loose, so she tied them tightly with the drawstring-but they disappeared under the oversized shirt anyway.

When she stepped back into the room, Liam was already at his desk again, his long fingers gliding over the keys, eyes locked on the glowing laptop screen.

"I'm done," she said softly.

He looked up. For a split second, his eyes lingered. She looked... cute. Too cute, actually. But his face remained cold.

"Get out."

Alina muttered a quiet "thank you" and left the room.