Selena stared at the contract on the desk, the words blurring into tears. She'd signed. She'd trapped herself in this billionaire's game. The weight crushed her. She collapsed onto the couch, sobs wracking her body.
Why had she done it? Why had she let her father's ambition sell her? Sarah's face swam in her mind – had her sister cared? Had she pushed her into this?
Adrian walked in, his expression unreadable. "Selena, what's wrong?"
Selena looked up, face streaked with tears. "I... I don't want this. This marriage."
Adrian's jaw tightened. "Selena, it's done. You signed. You're mine now."
Selena pushed up, anger flaring. "I was forced! You knew it wasn't me you wanted!"
Adrians's voice was loud and domineering,"And so,your father gave you to me"
Adrian's eyes flashed dominance. "Selena, don't play games. You're my wife. You'll do as I say."
"Do as you say?" Selena laughed, tears streaming. "You don't care about me. You care about deals and power."
Adrian grabbed her arms, holding her still. "Selena, listen carefully. You'll represent me. You'll obey me. You'll be the perfect wife."
Selena struggled against him, rage burning. "No! I won't be controlled!"
Adrian's grip tightened, his voice cold. "You'll do as you're told. You'll smile, you'll host, you'll look the part. Or you'll face consequences."
Consequences. Selena's heart pounded fear. "Let me go!"
Adrian's eyes narrowed. "Selena, I own you now. You'll learn."
Selena's scream was cut off by Adrian hand on her mouth. "Shut up. Now."
The room spun. Selena bit his hand. Adrian cursed, releasing her.
Selena stumbled back, sobbing. "I HATE YOU!"
Adrian's face turned cold. "Selena, don't test me. You'll do as I say."
Selena's anger broke. She launched at him, fists flying. Adrian caught her wrists, pinning her against the wall.
"Stop. Now."
Selena's tears mixed with rage. "I WON'T BE SILENCED!"
Adrian's lips crushed hers, hard. Selena fought, but he held her tight. The kiss was punishment.
Selena bit his lip. Adrian pulled back, blood on his mouth. "Bitch."
Selena spat at him. "I hate you!"
Adrian wiped the spit, his eyes icy. "You'll pay for that."
Selena's heart pounded – she'd pushed too far.
Adrian turned to leave. "You'll behave. Tomorrow, we'll announce this marriage. You'll smile."
Selena slid down the wall, sobbing. Trapped. Dominated.
Adrian looked back. "Selena... don't fight me."
The room fell silent. Selena's tears slowed. She whispered, "I... I'll fight."
Adrian's smile was cold. "I'll break you first."
Selena's gaze locked on his. "Try."
The tension hung like a knife. Selena's heart pounded – she'd started a war.