**Chapter 3: The Cage Tightens**
Morning light spilled through the heavy curtains, but Amina barely noticed. She had spent the night staring at the ceiling, replaying Kofi's message in her mind. *"I'll find you. I'll fix this."* It was the only thread of hope she had left to hold onto.
A knock at the door startled her. She sat up quickly, clutching the blanket around her. Without waiting for her response, the door opened, and a housemaid stepped inside, her eyes downcast.
"Madam," the woman said softly, "Mr. Obinna is waiting for you in the dining room. He asked that you join him for breakfast."
Amina hesitated, her stomach churning. The thought of sitting across from him, pretending this was normal, made her feel sick. But she didn't have a choice.
The dining room was as intimidating as the rest of the mansion grand, cold, and sterile. Obinna sat at the head of the table, a newspaper spread out before him. He didn't look up as Amina entered.
"Sit," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
She obeyed, lowering herself into the chair opposite him. A plate of food was placed before her by the maid eggs, toast, fresh fruit but she couldn't bring herself to eat.
Obinna folded the newspaper and set it aside, finally meeting her gaze. "You'll be attending an event with me this evening," he said. "A gala. It's important for my business relationships that you… play your role."
Amina frowned. "What role?"
He leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing. "The role of my wife. You'll dress appropriately, smile when spoken to, and keep your head held high. Do you understand?"
She clenched her fists under the table. "I don't want to go."
Obinna's expression darkened. "This isn't about what you want, Amina. You'll do as I say, or there will be consequences—for you and your family."
Her heart sank. He knew exactly how to control her, how to keep her trapped.
That evening, Amina stood before the mirror in the bedroom, staring at her reflection. The dress Obinna had chosen for her was elegant but revealing, its fabric clinging to her in ways that made her uncomfortable.
The door opened behind her, and she turned to see Obinna. His eyes roamed over her, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
"You clean up well," he said, stepping closer.
Amina turned back to the mirror, avoiding his gaze. "I don't want to do this," she said quietly.
Obinna placed his hands on her shoulders, his grip firm. "You don't have to want it. You just have to obey."
She stiffened as his hands slid down her arms, his breath warm against her neck. "You'll learn, Amina," he murmured. "The sooner you stop fighting, the easier it'll be."
Amina bit her lip to keep from crying, her reflection blurring as tears filled her eyes.
Meanwhile, in the city, Kofi was pacing in his small apartment. He had spent the last two days trying to track down Amina, calling in every favor he was owed. Finally, his phone buzzed with a message from a friend who worked in the local government.
*"The man who took her is Obinna. Wealthy businessman. Dangerous. Be careful."*
Kofi's blood boiled as he read the name. He had heard of Obinna's his reputation was as ruthless as his wealth was vast. But Kofi didn't care. He had waited years for Amina, and he wasn't about to let her go.
He grabbed his jacket and headed out the door, his mind racing. He didn't know how he would do it, but he was going to get her back.