CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 1

Atlanta, Georgia

~Ariella~

"If you move your head, you will die, so you better stand still, woman," Emily said, as Luis stood next to her without saying anything. I am not sure how a wife and lover can live together.

Examinations were quickly approaching, and I had not yet paid my outstanding examination fees. As a law student, things have been difficult, but holding onto the hope of one day making my father proud has kept me going. I know things would not have progressed this far if my mother, the only person who truly provided me with everything I needed, was still alive. A brave and supportive woman who had always fueled my desire to become a top lawyer left when I did not expect her to, and now I am stuck in a mess I do not know how to get out of.

I took on a serving job for the night because I knew the money I would make would be more than enough to pay for my exam and buy a gift for my father's birthday. I had never served before but was eager to do so because I did not have any other option, but when the worst happened, all hell broke loose. I was kidnapped and awoke to confront my worst nightmare in person. I was terrified and had already entered the lion's den; we all know what the Delucas are capable of, not to mention their heir Luis, the last man anyone in Atlanta would want to mess with. When I saw him for the first time at the party, I knew it was over. I was still wondering why he had not killed me yet.

I was in a dark room for about a week, and only delicious meals were brought to me; I had no idea how I was going to survive because death was the only fate that those who messed with them faced. I heard footsteps approaching, and I realized I had failed my parents. When the door opened, Luis Deluca walked in; I still did not dare to look up, so I remained looking down. "Sign these damn papers," he said, and I looked up in alarm.

I could tell which papers I was signing just by looking at the color. ‘Marriage?’ When a drop of blood landed on the paper, I said at the back of my head, unsure whether to sign.

"Look here, young lady, it is either you sign that paper and go get tortured out there, or you stay and let me send you back to your family, OK, in a body bag," Luis said, his voice commanding and fierce.

"No—I will sign, sir," I responded, signing the paperwork.

"Please keep that lame excuse to yourself; it must have been your plan all along to take my—”

"Emily, you, of all people, should know that we do not kill our assets," Luis responded to the woman.

“Seriously, you're taking her as a wife?”

"Come on, you know that is not what I want her to be. But since she is valuable I am sure Enrico will love this news when it reaches him," he said, and I could not believe it.

I looked up and was about to say something when I realized I could not because of the blood on his face, which appeared to be the result of a violent fight. "Hello, little Miss, I hope you are ready for what is coming your way; nobody except me rules the devil's heart, so you might as well cooperate or have your days cut short as a result of messing with me," Emily said, roughly freeing my chin.

“Oh," I said softly, as Emily had not yet left my room. I would never have heard of her, but the way Luis spoke to her suggested they had a deeper connection. I am not even sure how I became an asset to Luis. "I will send the maids to bring you some clothes, but do not be overconfident because Luis is mine," Emily said before walking out.

I freed my hands and wondered, if she could hear herself, what would I want to do with a murderer like him anyway? When I get out of this mess, she will undoubtedly be the first person I get locked up. I was deep in thought when a woman dressed in white approached me and bowed. ‘Goodness, what is happening here?’ I questioned myself before they both greeted me and invited me to follow them to my room.

I was going to ask them a lot of questions, but I could not because I needed to process everything that was happening. How on earth did I get a room in the Deluca mansion? "Madam, this is your room. Please let us know if you want us to make any changes," one of the women said, placing some clothes on the bed.

“No, it's OK you may leave," I said.

They left, and I took a deep breath before deciding how I was going to get myself out of this mess. I had not taken a shower in days, so I went for one right away, and it was extremely comforting. I got out and went to dress up when I noticed Luis sitting on the bed. "Impressive; I did not know lawyers could look this good," he said, looking me over from head to toe.

“Why did you marry me?" I asked in a serious tone.

"Ms. Johnson, please look around before saying anything you might regret later, okay," he warned.

“Look Mr.Deluca I'd advise you to let me go before —"

"Before what? Hmm, I admire your courage but keep in mind that this is not a courtroom. OK, get ready. Your father is waiting for you downstairs, and I believe you do not want him to find out about our marriage being forced, given his health," he said as he walked out.

"What!” I exclaimed shocked that my Dad was here.