BOUND BY BETRAYAL

Chapter Seven

"I need…… to get my bag," 

"Sorry, miss, everything you needed is already packed in the car," I instantly snapped my head at the man behind me, shock flashing through my face. Everything I need is already packed….. How? 

His face was cold but my confused stare had him speak up again, "A servant from your household brought out your bag and is inside the car so Miss if you don't mind we need to go," 

I took a deep breath as he stepped forward and pulled open the back door for me. My heart raced as I gulped hard and quickly slid inside the car. With a resounding "bam!" he closed the car door and made his way to the other side. He opened the passenger door and smoothly entered the car. The anticipation was palpable as I prepared to embark on this mysterious journey with them.

****

After five agonizing hours on the road, my butt is seriously hurting, and my stomach is growling like crazy. Finally, we pull up to a building that looks like a hotel...or at least I hope it is. I can't help but ask myself, "Is this really a hotel?"

As soon as the car came to a stop, the gruff, huge man got out and walked over to my side. He opened the door for me, and I slowly emerged out of the car. While I was getting out, I noticed the driver, a young guy who looked like he was in his early twenties. He grabbed my bag from the back of the car.

Our eyes met, and he greeted me with a subtle nod and a faint smile. I couldn't help but reciprocate the gesture, grateful that at least someone acknowledged my presence. Unlike the man lurking behind me, who seemed to be ignoring my existence.

I gulped hard, feeling a lump in my throat as the man's terrifying voice snapped me out of my trances. He instructed, "This way, please."

I followed him closely, my curiosity piqued as we entered a grand entrance that seemed to defy all expectations of a hotel. I tilted my head, hoping to catch a glimpse of a receptionist, but the place was anything but ordinary. It felt like stepping into paradise! But then, reality came crashing down on me.

     OMG! This is not a hotel but his house, is this the Albrecht family house? No……. Not really! Everybody knows that their family house is located at the center of Los Angeles but this one is on the outskirts of the town. 

Wait a minute! Is this Damien's house? He looks so young but again, looks can be deceiving and again what was I expecting from the only heir to the Albrecht family and the head of a mafia troop? 

I silently trailed behind the imposing man and the driver, making our way to the second floor. The hallway felt eerily quiet, like a graveyard, despite the presence of numerous guards stationed throughout the house with pistols in their hands.

Their hands on the triggers and their imposing stance sent chills down my spine. It's hard to fathom how someone can sleep soundly, knowing that the slightest pressure on that trigger could end their life in an instant.

I took a nervous gulp and quietly trailed behind the two men. The guards stood there like programmed robots, pretending not to notice us, but I knew they were fully aware of what was going on.

If it was me, I could have died of leg cramps and boredom when standing at a particular spot all day. 

We passed more than five rooms before stopping at the last room at the extreme. Phew, finally some breathing room! I let out a sigh of relief as we reached the last room. It's a relief not having those guards and their pistols constantly in sight.

The huge man opened the door. I stepped into the room and was immediately frozen in awe. Wow! I've never seen such a stunning room with such luxurious furniture. The Albrecht family's wealth is on a whole other level. It's crazy to think how much richer they are compared to my dad. We are like a low life in their presence despite my father's wealth just to tell you how wealthy they are. 

The room feels like a combination of my own room back home and Olivia's. It's got a king-sized bed right in the center, and the whole place feels so vibrant like someone has been living here. The walls are painted white, and the black tiles add a nice contrast. There's even a cozy two-seater white couch by the side, next to a huge transparent glass window that overlooks a beautiful garden outside. The view is just breathtaking!

This room is absolutely stunning and massive. It's such a relief to know that I'll be spending your time here, surrounded by such beauty. It's like a little slice of paradise amidst all the pain.

There is a door across the room which I am sure is an ensuite bathroom, the door is slightly opened giving me a little peek of the inside, and oh! My gosh, it seems beautiful. And there is another door which I'm sure is a walk-in closet. 

As I approached the neatly arranged room, my eyes were drawn to the beautiful pink flower on the table. It had such a captivating presence. Just as I reached out to touch it, a voice suddenly broke the silence, giving me quite a scare.

"The boss also sleeps here, so I'd suggest not messing anything up and leaving things as they are. He's quite particular about cleanliness and doesn't appreciate people invading his space," the gruff man warned, his gaze fixed on the flower. I quickly retracted my hand, feeling a mix of anxiety and caution.

Immediately after the gruff man finished speaking, he turned and walked away. I shifted my gaze and saw the young driver placing my bag next to the bed. He flashed a smile, but the intensity in his eyes served as a clear warning.

I sighed as I heard him walk out and close the door behind him, how long have they been standing there? I didn't even know that they were still there. The thought of sleeping in the same place as Damien Albrecht sends shivers down my spine.

But as I looked up, my attention was immediately drawn to the pictures adorning the walls. Among them, one stood out - a photograph of Damien and a woman, prominently displayed at the center. And beside the bedside drawer, there was another frame holding their photo, further capturing my curiosity.

In that picture, the girl with silky, glowing skin was hugging Damien from behind, planting a kiss on his cheek. I can't explain why, but a twinge of jealousy tugged at my heart.

I shouldn't be jealous. What was I expecting from a world handsome wealthy billionaire to be single? Just like myself, he might also have had a woman in his life before this whole incident. 

         Yeah, it's tough to say how his lady would react to this whole marriage thing. Albrecht can be pretty ruthless when it comes to getting what they want, regardless of the circumstances. It's a messy situation, and I can only imagine the mixed emotions involved.

Though I am his wife. It's devastating to realize that this marriage was all a ploy to gain control of my father's company. Seeing those pictures in front of me brings tears to my eyes. 

        What have you done to yourself, Ashley? I can't believe what I've gotten myself into.

If only I hadn't sneaked out that night, my life could have been different. I could have been happily married to Mason instead of being caught up in this mess with Damien. It's hard not to think about the what-ifs.