Chapter 2 Chapter 2

~Elowen POV~

For the third time, he rejected the million-dollar compensation offered to him. Who the hell does he think he is?!

I stared at the rejected document crumbling at the intensity of my grip on it, a bitter laugh escaping my lips at my own question. Of course, I know who he was. He was a man full of himself. A man whose name made any ear that heard it tingle.

Someone I had never seen before yet stuck in an arranged marriage with him. A man whom I relied on stories told about him, stories that brought creeping fears to me since the day my father told me I would get married to him.

He never showed his face to the public, his face was always hidden behind a mask that shielded a little of his daunting scars. Living in a secluded mansion and doing deeds that up till now seemed mysterious to the people. Those who had seen his face, the story was never a pleasant one to tell.

Owens Vitmoz.

The name alone brought crawling irritation to my skin.

Despite the scarring stories about how he looked, miraculously, the man had kept his slate clean. No scandal. No dirty politics. No crime seemed to be recorded, yet whenever his name is mentioned, fear manages to creep down the neck of the people.

"What are you going to do now, Elowen, he rejected the offer again." Emily's voice barely came audible, the doubt in her eyes was evident the moment they met mine.

She tagged along beside me as we headed to the parking lot. It was 5: 30 pm, the time I should be heading home to rest my mind after a long day at work.

But here I am. My mind in chaos.

Ever since my father told me I would be getting married to Vitmoz, the world had dulled around the edges, and Emily seemed to see it too—see through me—far more clearly than I wanted her to.

"Since he doesn't want money, I'll proceed with plan B. I'm confident it will work," My voice made a strong tone. There was no going back.

I can't believe how much I've held onto believing that Owen would give in to the offer this time. But no. I was fooled again. Rejected like a lost cause.

This confirms it. My feelings about him were right. This was far beyond a debt that needed to be paid. He says Father owes him money. Technically, debts that have to do with money should be paid with money.

But he didn't want it. Rejecting every offer, said he only wanted me.

Now it's clear he only manipulates Dad to pay his debt through a marriage proposal.

The feeling that even after the marriage he would still come after Dad and Mom hung heavily on my chest. But I'll not let that happen. Whatever reason he has in wanting me, I will end it with me. I will protect my family from this.

"Plan B? Are you sure you're willing to sacrifice your first night with a stranger after keeping it all these years?"

"What's the need for a special first night when the life of my family is involved?"

"You'd never wanted it this way."

"I have no other choice."

I've always dreamt of a first night lit by flaming candles that danced in the gentle breeze. A night when somewhere in the distance music played—soft, slow, almost blending into the hush of shared breath and lingering touches.

A night not born out of obligation, or the hunger to break free from the judgement of morality—not from a forced marriage, not from loneliness or because I'm broken or in a moment of weakness.

I wanted something real, a memory worth keeping, a bliss never to be forgotten, not just from anyone, but from whom I have given my heart to. Not a man like Owen. A man I didn't love.

"But are you sure it's going to stop the marriage? A scandal? You know how dangerous this could be. You know Owen, what if he comes back for your parents and...?" Her expression never softened, skeptical and wary, the way someone looks when they fear the truth is far worse than what’s being spoken aloud.

"I'm sure of it, Emy. There's no way after the scandal he would push for marriage. He is one proud man who keeps his reputation flawless, clever enough to stay under the radar. If he ends up married to a woman who everyone believes sleeps around with several men, then his reputation would be tainted which I believe he would never let happen."

"But Elowen I'm scared. You just signed a new important debut. It will destroy your reputation, your lifelong career you had built."

"Well then, since there is no other way to save my family and me from the hands of this man, I will end his plans myself and bear whatever consequences it may bring." This time my words were final before I took a last glance at my friend.

"Don't worry, Emy. I will conquer this. Inform the man you'd already hired for me that I will push with the plan. He should meet me tonight at Haven's hotel as planned."

"Alright, Els." She nodded. I knew she was scared for her friend, knowing me as a woman who respected her dignity, knowing how much I had fought to keep myself from scandals to save my career. But to do that which I hated just to save myself and family, it brought tears to her eyes.

"We'll talk later. See you." With that, I slid into my car. The pity in the way she looked

at me never left a minute as I drove out of the parking lot.