Chloe Madison had a plan.
She and Liam were supposed to be halfway across the country by now. But instead, she was on her knees, her wrists bound behind her back, her cheek pressed against the cold marble floor of Xavier Cole's mansion.
Liam lay a few feet away, blood pooling beneath his head.
"No!" Chloe screamed, thrashing against the ropes. "You bastard! You almost killed him!" please take him to the hospital, he's bleeding.
Xavier sat in his wheelchair like a king watching a peasant beg. His sharp, eyes didn't blink as he turned to his men. "Make sure he's dead."
A gunshot rang out.
Chloe's scream was raw, animalistic. She lurched forward, but rough hands yanked her back. She fought, kicked, bit her foot connected with someone's shin, her teeth sank into flesh but it didn't matter. Xavier's men were trained for this.
"You should've known better, Chloe." Xavier's voice was quiet, almost bored. "Running away was a stupid move."
Tears streamed down her face. "I hate you!"
"You'll get used to it." He nodded toward his men. "Get her cleaned up. The wedding is in an hour."
She lunged at him. "You think I'm just going to marry you after?"
A slap cracked across her face.
Not from Xavier. He never lifted a hand against her. But his men weren't so restrained.
The room spun, her head snapped to the side, her cheek burning. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth.
Xavier simply watched.
Then he wheeled forward, gripping her chin between his fingers, forcing her to look at him. "You belong to me now, Chloe."
She spat in his face.
He didn't react. Just let out a slow exhale and wiped his cheek with the back of his hand. "You'll pay for that later."
And just like that, she was dragged away.
Chloe stood at the altar, her wedding dress a suffocating cage around her body. Her wrists were free now, but the bruises remained.
The guests whispered behind their hands, snickering.
"Poor girl."
"She must be desperate."
"A gold-digger marrying a cripple?"
"If I were her, I would've killed myself first."
The priest spoke, but Chloe barely heard a word. Her gaze flicked to the exit. Two guards stood there, arms crossed. No escape.
Xavier, dressed in an expensive suit, sat beside her, his expression blank.
When it was time for her vows, she stayed silent.
"Chloe," Xavier murmured.
She turned, hatred burning in her eyes. "I'll never be your wife."
A ghost of a smirk crossed his lips. He lifted a hand, and immediately, a guard pressed a gun to her back.
Chloe's breath caught.
Xavier leaned in, voice low. "Say the words."
Her throat tightened. The gun pressed harder.
She gritted her teeth. "I... do."
The crowd cheered.
Xavier smirked, and before she could react, he pulled her close and crushed his lips against hers.
Chloe shoved at his chest, but he was stronger than she expected. He didn't stop until he was satisfied, then he leaned back, amusement in his eyes.
"Welcome to hell, Mrs. Cole."
******
She tried to run again that night.
Dressed in a simple nightgown, barefoot, she slipped through the halls of the Cole estate, heart pounding. She knew there were cameras, but she didn't care. She had to try.
She made it to the garden. To the tall stone walls.
Then hands grabbed her.
She screamed, kicked, struggled but they were stronger.
Xavier rolled up beside them, a glass of whiskey in his hand. "Really, Chloe?" He took a slow sip. "Did you think I wouldn't be watching?"
She glared at him, breathless. "I'd rather die than stay with you."
He hummed, considering. "Fine." He gestured, and one of his men pressed a knife into her palm.
She froze.
Xavier tilted his head. "Go on, then. If you'd rather die, do it."
Her fingers trembled. The blade felt heavy, cold.
Xavier just watched, waiting.
Seconds passed. Her grip tightened.
She couldn't do it.
Xavier's smirk was slow, victorious. He gestured to his men. "Take her back."
As they dragged her away, she screamed, "I'll kill you for this, Xavier! I swear I'll kill you!"
Xavier only chuckled, swirling his whiskey.
"I look forward to it, my love."
