His Caged Bird | Dark Romance

Officially His

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Ivy's pov

My mind was a tangled mess, and I felt trapped in a nightmare. I had no other choice but to marry him, the man who had taken my family hostage. If I didn't, he would harm them in ways I couldn't even imagine. He had already instructed his men not to kill them, but I knew he was capable of unspeakable cruelty.

"Go and freshen up, baby," he said, his voice dripping with false affection. I glanced at him, wondering if he was bipolar. One moment he was charming and loving, the next, cruel and ruthless. He noticed my gaze and raised an eyebrow, prompting me to quickly look away, fearing his wrath.

He held my hand, his grip hard and rigid, like a vice. I tried to pull away, but he tightened his grasp and glared at me, his eyes flashing with anger. We walked, and when he suddenly stopped, I bumped into his back. He chuckled and turned around, his face amused, but I shrugged and muttered an apology, trying to appease him.

We reached the bathroom, and he opened the door, his tone mocking, "If you need any help, call me. Come quickly, hmm..." He patted my cheek, and I quickly entered, locking the door behind me. I was panting, my heart heavy, and tears streamed down my face like a river.

I scanned the beautiful bathroom, thinking it was exactly what I wanted. The marble countertops, the huge tub, and the separate shower stall were all so luxurious. But my subconscious mocked me, "After your marriage, it will be yours too." I sighed, feeling trapped, like a bird in a gilded cage.

I looked in the mirror, and my reflection showed a pale face, red cheeks and nose, puffy eyes, and dark circles. My vision blurred, and I felt a lump in my throat. I splashed cold water on my face and looked again, my brain urging me to fight back, but my heart reminded me of the consequences of disobedience.

I heard a voice in my head, arguing with itself. "Fight him... Marry him... Fight him... Marry him..." I covered my ears, screaming, "STOP!" I knew I didn't want to marry him, but I had no other choice. I didn't even know where my family was or what condition they were in. He would only let me see them if I agreed to marry him.

I wiped away my tears, adjusted my clothes and hair, and took a deep breath before exiting the bathroom. I had to be strong, for my family's sake. But as I walked out, I saw him waiting for me, his eyes gleaming with triumph, and I knew I was walking into a nightmare from which I might never awaken.

As I emerged from the bathroom, he was waiting for me, his eyes fixed on me like a predator. I halted, feeling a sense of trepidation, as he scanned me from head to toe. His gaze made me feel like he was stripping me bare, and I couldn't help but feel a shiver run down my spine.

"Let's go," he said, his voice low and commanding, his eyes locked on mine. I nodded, trying to appear compliant, but my heart was racing with anxiety.

He rose from the couch, his movements fluid and graceful, and closed the distance between us. I felt a sense of invasion as he entered my personal space, his towering frame looming over me. He took my hands in his, his grip firm but not harsh, and began leading me out of the room.

I couldn't help but feel like a prisoner, being escorted to my doom. His touch sent shivers down my spine, and I struggled to maintain my composure. Where was he taking me? What did he have planned? The questions swirled in my mind like a maelstrom, but I dared not ask, fearing his wrath.

He took me out of the bedroom and into a beautiful hallway. The walls were painted a soft color, and there were big windows that let in lots of light. The floor was covered with a thick, soft carpet that felt nice under my feet. I looked around and saw a lovely living room with a big TV and comfy couches that looked like they would be great to snuggle up on.