Anna opened her eyes in the dim light.
Her head was throbbing. She tried to sit up, but her body still felt weak from the effects of the anesthetic she’d been given.
“Where am I?” she muttered, massaging her temples.
Anna looked around. The room was small, with no windows. Only an old light bulb flickered occasionally on the ceiling.
Memories of the previous night began to return.
Before she could recall any more, the door opened.
Anna jumped.
Finley Maxwell stood in the doorway.
The man known as the leader of the city’s largest criminal organization entered calmly, then closed the door behind him rather roughly.
“Good morning, Miss Wesley,” Finley said, the corners of his lips curving into a faint smile.
Anna backed up until her back touched the wall. “What do you want from me?” she asked in a strained voice.
Finley slipped both hands into his pants pockets, his gaze sharp, and stepped slowly toward Anna. “We don’t have much time. So, I’ll get straight to the point.”
Anna furrowed her brow. “What point?”
“Today you’re going to be my wife,” Finley said calmly, as if it were a decision that couldn’t be challenged.
Anna’s eyes widened and her mouth fell open. “What?”
“We’re getting married today.” Finley reiterated his words as he continued to step closer, his expression now beginning to relax.
Anna immediately shook her head. “No. I’m not going to marry you.” Her voice trembled, but she tried to keep her gaze fixed on his eyes.
Finley stopped a few steps in front of her. “It turns out you still don’t understand the situation.”
“I don’t care about your situation.” Anna clenched her fists and said again, “You kidnapped me. You can’t force me to marry you.”
“Oh, I can.” Finley’s smile returned. “Everything’s already been arranged. The guests have even started arriving.”
Anna stared at him in disbelief. “Why are you doing all this?” she asked, anxiety beginning to fill her face.
Finley stopped not far from where Anna was sitting. “What if this is all about Alden?”
Anna’s expression changed instantly, and she asked quickly, “What did you do to him?”
“Nothing yet,” Finley replied casually, tilting his head. “I’m still giving you a chance.” He said this with a smirk that seemed almost intimidating.
“A chance for what?” Anna stared at him with deep concern.
Finley clicked his tongue in exasperation. He’d clearly already said it, but the girl in front of him kept repeating the same question. “Are you deaf, Miss Anna? You’re going to be my wife.”
Anna fell silent for a moment, then said defiantly, “I’ll never marry you, Mr. Maxwell!”
Finley gave a faint smile. “All right, you’ve made your decision. I’ll start with Alden first.”
Anna’s face immediately turned pale.
“Don’t you ever touch him! If you dare touch him, I’ll finish you off,” Anna said, raising her voice slightly.
Finley laughed loudly, causing Anna to clamp her mouth shut. “You really do love him. This is so much fun, sweet girl.”
“I told you, don’t ever hurt Alden or I’ll…
Anna screamed as Finley yanked her hair hard. His movement was so quick that their faces were inches apart; Anna could clearly see that Finley’s gaze was filled with emotion. “Don’t ever yell at me, or I’ll cut out your tongue!”
Anna winced in pain and tried to struggle. “Let me go, Finley!”
Finley immediately released his grip, causing Anna’s head to jerk sharply to the side.
“I can do anything. You know that, right?” he said with a piercing stare. “With this marriage, I’ll destroy Alden’s only weakness. And you, Anna, are the key to it all.” Finley said as he stood up and took a few steps away from Anna.
The man’s gaze was so piercing it filled Anna with fear and despair. She didn’t want to marry a cruel and dangerous man like Finley, but she couldn’t imagine what would happen to Alden if she refused.
“Does any of this have anything to do with Feya?” Anna asked, mustering her courage.
Hearing that name made Finley’s gaze grow even sharper. Without mercy, he grabbed Anna by the hair again, dragged her, and then slammed her head roughly against the wall. The impact caused Anna excruciating pain.
“If it weren’t for Alden, Feya would still be by my side right now!” Finley snapped, his face contorted with rage.
“Didn’t Alden already explain everything—that he’s innocent? He didn’t do it, Finley,” Anna replied, trying to defend Alden.
Anna’s words only further inflamed Finley’s anger. A hard slap landed on Anna’s cheek, causing her lip to bleed. “Shut up!! If you say another word, I’ll skin you alive right here!” Finley threatened, breathing heavily.
Anna chose to remain silent, holding back the tears welling up in her eyes.
Without looking back, Finley walked away, leaving Anna alone in the silence. A moment later, the sound of the door slamming shut echoed loudly, causing Anna to flinch slightly.