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.

When Alina got to her room, she lay down on the bed to sleep, but after a few minutes of lying there, she kept turning and tossing. For some reason, sleep seemed far away maybe because she didn't like the room.

She got up from the bed, picked up her phone and tucked it into her shorts pocket. Then she grabbed the big black blanket and left the room.

*

The next morning, Liam was already awake. He came downstairs for his early coffee and newspaper when he noticed something unusual on the couch-a small figure curled up under a blanket. For a moment, he couldn't tell if it was a kitten or a girl.

Curious, he walked closer. It was Alina, sleeping soundly. Her whole body was wrapped up in the black blanket, with only her head peeking out, making her look like a little cat.

As he studied her, he noticed her lips moving. She was murmuring in her sleep. Leaning down, he strained his ears to catch her words.

"I hate him... the devil... he's so mean to me."

Liam's brow twitched. Did she just say she hate him? He stayed there for a moment, staring at her, wondering what to do. Maybe he should just toss her out the window. Why would she say she hated him? Wasn't he good enough to her? He had even given her his clothes to wear-something he had never done for anyone before.

And yet here she was, badmouthing him in her sleep.

No... she deserved punishment.

With a smirk, he nudged her lightly with his foot. When she didn't wake, he prepared to kick harder-until she finally stirred and slowly opened her eyes.

The first thing she saw was his face-handsome, but with an icy expression that sent a shiver through her. She sat up, hair a messy bird's nest, eyes still heavy with sleep. Rubbing them, she forced a small smile.

She hated being woken up, especially from her precious sleep. If she had the strength, she would have hit him. But instead, she smiled politely.

That smile... it made something in Liam's chest lighten for a brief moment. But he hadn't forgotten her words.

"Good morning," Alina greeted.

"Are you sure this morning is good for you?" Liam asked, his voice cold.

"Yes... it's good," she replied, confused.

"Alright then, good morning," he said. "There's a sports car parked in the garage. I'll have one of the maids take you there." He paused before adding, "I want you to wash it. And when I say wash, I mean sparkling clean-so clean you can see your reflection in it."

Alina blinked. "...Are you kidding me? Wait, did you bring me here for that?"

"Is there anything wrong with washing my car?" he asked.

"Of course there's something wrong! Do I look like a car washer to you?"

"No, you don't," Liam replied calmly.

"Do I look like a slave?" she pressed.

"Nope," he answered flatly, like a machine.

Her anger spiked. "Then why on earth would you ask me to wash your car?"

"Because you committed a crime, by saying you hate me. No one says that to me and lives... but I'll let you off lightly this time. And if you think I brought you here just to eat and sleep..."

"When did I say I hate you?" she interrupted.

"Oh, you don't remember?" he said with a faint smile. "You said it while sleeping-probably dreaming about me. And all you could say was how much you hated me."

Alina's eyes widened. She remembered her dream-complaining to her grandma about the 'mean devil'-and realized she must have spoken out loud. No wonder he looked murderous when she woke up.

"So... you really want me to wash your car?" she asked, hoping he'd change his mind.

"Yes, little kitten," he said with a smirk. "Wash it well. And until then, no breakfast for you."

One look at his expression told her there was no point arguing. She grabbed her blanket and stood.

"When you're ready, ask one of the maids to lead you to the garage," Liam called after her.

Alina ignored him, stomping up the stairs in protest.

"Don't break my floor," he warned. "Or else, you'll be cleaning the entire house."

****

Three hours later, Liam had already taken his bath and dressed in casual wear. He went downstairs to check if Alina was done washing the car. If she had finished, he figured she might be eating by now. But when he reached the dining room, there was no sign of her.

He knew she wasn't in her room, so she was probably still in the garage.

When he stepped into the garage, he was greeted by an unexpected sight.

Alina was sitting on the floor, completely soaked. She had her knees pulled to her chest, hugging them tightly. The car beside her was only half-washed.

For a moment, Liam didn't know whether to laugh or sigh. Washing the car wasn't even that hard, it wasn't like it was filthy. He'd only given her the task as a light punishment. All she really needed to do was spray it down and wipe it with a cloth. But apparently... she was really dumb.

He walked over and looked down at her.

"Hey," he called.

No response. She didn't even move, as if she hadn't heard him.

Liam crouched down to her level and poked her wet hair with his finger.

That was when Alina finally lifted her head. Her golden eyes were brimming with tears, ready to spill.

"Why are you looking like this?" Liam asked.

"I look like a homeless person, right? Actually, I thought washing a car was simple... but it wasn't. When I tried to turn on the water pipe, it wouldn't work. After a long struggle, I finally managed to switch it on-but just as I was about to spray the car, the pipe twisted and sprayed me instead. Not only that, I slipped while trying to stop the water, and now my hand hurts."

Liam bit back a laugh.

"You're twenty years old, but you don't know how to turn off a water pipe?" he said, amusement in his tone.

"I... I usually stay in my room. I never go out or do much," Alina admitted, feeling a little embarrassed. If not for her health condition, she would've learned these things, but her family never allowed her to do anything.

"Interesting," Liam said, studying her. He didn't quite understand her comment about always staying in her room, but he decided not to pry.

"Get up," he told her. "I'll have someone else wash the car. Go take a bath."

"Which clothes am I supposed to wear?" Alina asked, glancing down at her dripping outfit.

"I already ordered clothes for you. They're in your room," Liam replied.

Alina raised an eyebrow in surprise. So this devil can actually be considerate enough to buy me clothes, she thought. She stood up and walked away slowly.

When she got to her room, she walked straight into the bathroom and took a bath.

Afterward, she came out, opened the wardrobe and froze.

It was filled with clothes. So many that she stood there for a moment, mouth slightly open, trying to process if they were truly all hers. She ran her hands over the fabrics, feeling the textures. What surprised her even more was that every single outfit was either white or orange.

She frowned. Why would he order only two colors? Is he dumb or what?

With a small sigh, she grabbed an orange gown. In one of the drawers, she found neatly arranged underwear and bras-also in white and orange. Her cheeks warmed. This was the first time a man had ever bought her underwear. Still, she picked a set and put them on.

The gown was soft, ankle-length cotton with a loose, flowing fit that felt light against her skin. The main fabric was a warm pastel orange, while the neckline, sleeve cuffs, and hem were accented with a clean white border. It had short, slightly puffed sleeves and a round neckline, finished with a small white ribbon bow at the center for a touch of charm. It was beautiful on her, and she couldn't help but wonder how he had known her exact size.

On the dressing table, she noticed bottles of body lotion and oil with a sweet honey scent. She applied them to her skin, enjoying the subtle fragrance. By the time she finished, her stomach was already growling.

She thought of checking her phone, knowing her family might have called, but hunger was stronger. She decided she would check it later. With that, she left the room.

Liam sat on the couch, leisurely sipping his coffee, when Alina walked up to him.

"Why did you buy clothes all in the same color?" she asked, crossing her arms.

Liam raised an eyebrow, his gaze traveling from her head to her toes. He gave a slow nod, clearly pleased with how perfectly the dress fit her. At least his money hadn't been wasted.

"Don't be ungrateful. You said you like white and orange," he replied.

"When?" Alina frowned, trying to recall ever saying that.

"When you told me to change the room's color from black to white and orange," Liam said matter-of-factly.

Alina was speechless. She opened her mouth to argue, but at that moment, her stomach growled loudly. She turned to head to the dining room, but his voice stopped her.

"I have three rules for you," Liam said, his tone suddenly cold.

She turned back to face him. "What are the rules?"

Even though hunger gnawed at her, she gave him her full attention. She didn't want to unknowingly break any of his rules and end up punished.

"First," Liam began, his gaze locking onto hers, "you are not allowed to leave this house unless I give you permission. You're mine now-my property. Understand?"

Alina blinked, stunned. What kind of rule was that? She had already been inside a room since she was eight years, and now he wanted to cage her again? What was she supposed to do in this enormous house?

"I understand... but isn't that a little too mean?" she asked cautiously.

Liam's eyes hardened, but he continued. "Second, as long as you live here, you must obey everything I say. Even if I tell you to jump into fire, you will do it."

If his first rule had shocked her, this one left her reeling. Still, she gave a slow nod.

"And third," Liam said, his voice dropping lower, "you're not allowed to hate me, no matter what I do. Break any of these rules, and there will be punishment."

Alina stared into his cold, icy eyes, her heart pounding. "Is that all?" she managed to ask.

"Yes. Why? Do you want more rules?" he said with a hint of a smirk.

"No. I'm fine with that," she said quickly.

"Good girl."

"But I have a question," she said hesitantly.

"Ask."

"What am I supposed to do while staying here? Just sleep and eat?"

A faint smile curved his lips. "Good question. Go eat first... you'll find out soon enough."

She lingered for a moment, then turned and walked away.