Just as the elevator climbed. Ivy stood beside Damian West, her wet clothes clinging to her skin.Neither of them spoke.The ride up felt endless. Her heart pounded with fear and heat. Not just because of what she'd agreed to—but because of the man beside her. Calm. Still. Dangerous.When the elevator opened, she expected a cold hallway or maybe guards.What she saw was a penthouse straight out of another world.Marble floors. City lights glowing like glaciers. Everything smelled like wealth and power—and none of it felt real.Damian stepped inside without looking back.
"Come."Ivy followed. What else could she do?He led her past a sleek kitchen and down a long hall to a bedroom that was somehow both soft and terrifying. There was only one bed. Big. Neat. Intimidating.""
This is where you'll sleep," he said. "And where you'll stay unless I say otherwise."
She turned to him. "So I'm your prisoner?"
"No." His eyes met hers. "You're my wife. Or you will be by morning.She felt shivers all the way to her feet" .
"But you don't even know me or like me".
"You don't need to bother yourself ". I need the press to believe you're mine. You'll wear what I give you. Go where I tell you. Smile when you're told."
."And what's in it for me? Besides being dressed up like some doll?"
Damian stepped closer. "You get your brother's life. You get authority, if you want it."
She wanted to take a step back but she stood firmly .she could feel her heart pounding. "what exactly is your gain from all these.
His eyes dropped to her mouth—just for a second. "well, it depends on you ,if you are ready to pay the price."
She could feel his stare burning her body."I will never warm your bed,"she said it quieter this time.
He moved closer. "You already said that."Their faces were inches apart now. Somehow her breathing was irregular.
"But just so you know," he said in a low voice, "if I wanted you for my bed I won't need to even sweat it."
His words weren't cruel. They were calm. Certain.This only made her scared and excited.
He leaned close to her and she could feel his heat.
"But I am not a fan of free things.I prefer expensive."
And then, he stepped back.
"There are clean clothes are in the closet.Take a Shower. You look like you're homeless."
He turned to leave but stopped at the door.
"Don't try to run," he said. "This building has more eyes than windows. And tomorrow, everything changes."
Then he left.The door shut behind him.
Ivy looked around her room. Everything felt too clean, too quiet. She was inside the cage now.And the cage had rules.The warm water made her body relax which was perfect for her because everything she had gone through was just too much like it was a dream.After she had taken her shower, clean clothes waited on the bed—black silk pants, a soft cream top. No tags. Just her size.
She dressed in silence, then crawled into the massive bed, not even trying to get comfortable. Her mind spun.Was she really doing this?Would this man really help Liam or had she just stepped into something darker than she could imagine?She closed her eyes—but sleep didn't come.And then—a soft knock.She sat up fast.The door creaked open slowly… but it wasn't Damian.It was a man she didn't know.
Sharp eyes. Suit too cheap for this place. A crooked smile on his face
"Sorry to barge in," he said, stepping inside. "But I thought
I'd like to introduce myself."Ivy's blood went cold."Who are you?"
Ivy didn't dare move. The strange man stood by the door, like he was entitled to be there. But there was something about his smile,so casual and deadly.
I said "Who are you?" she asked again, this time with more authority.
The man ran his gaze over her, like she was something strange. Or stupid.
"Call me Grey. I'm part of your husband's... security."
"do you mean you just invade people's privacy just for fun?"
Grey chuckled. "No, Ivy. I make sure you don't run. Or talk. Or touch things you shouldn't."
Ivy took a step back. "This is my room."
Grey's eyes darkened. "This is his house.All you have is a ring."Before she could utter a word, the door flew open.Damian.
He didn't say anything. Didn't ask questions. In no time he landed a heavy blow on Grey's jaw.Grey crashed into the wall, blood dripping from his mouth. But even after the blow, he laughed.
"Still got that temper," he muttered, wiping his lip. "You might want to train your bride better. She's curious."
"She's under my protection," Damian said coldly. "Which means she's out of your reach. Get out."Grey took one last long look at Ivy then exited.The door shut again.Silence.
Ivy stared at Damian. He was angry. "Who is Great?"
"No one important."
"Liar."
He looked at her then, really looked. "He works for someone I don't answer to. He shouldn't have come near you."
"But he did." Her voice was shaking now. "He knew my name. He knew about the marriage. He said I'm just wearing a ring—"
"You are."
She stepped closer. "What am I to you, Damian?"
For a moment, she thought she saw something but he stopped .
"You can only tell the truth." he said softly. "That makes you useful."
Her breath caught. "That's all I am to you?"Damian stepped closer. The air changed.
"No," he said. "Not anymore."
His hand brushed her cheek. Just once. A single, soft touch that made her heart race.
"But remember this," he whispered, eyes locked on hers. "You're in my world now. And in my world, everyone wears a mask."Ivy stared at him, chest heaving.
Then, just like that, he turned away.
"I have a meeting. Don't leave this room. Don't talk to anyone. And if Grey comes back—""I'll scream."Damian smiled with that hint of mystery.
"Good."He left.
The door clicked shut again.Ivy stood there, breath shaking.This wasn't just about saving Liam. It was about surviving whatever Damian West had dragged her into.She turned to lock the door behind him—just in case—but stopped.There was something tucked into the crack where the door met the frame.A small folded paper.Her hands trembled as she opened it.Five words.
"You're not his wife, you're his bait".