Congratulations flooded in, toasts were raised, and crystals chimed. I managed to squeeze out the most authentic plastic smile I could muster. I nodded at the guests around me and embraced those who hugged me.
My hands were trembling, my lip quivering, and my mind was jiggling a million thoughts at once. I was mad, confused, shocked, and embarrassed. But at the same time, I was forced to act all happy and pleasantly surprised.
He made me the center of attention even after I told him I hated being in the spotlight. He put me in a position where I had no choice but to smile through my pain and entertain our “well-wishers.”
Artur climbed down the podium, walked straight to me, and wrapped his hands around my waist. His touch was as protective as it was suffocating. He drew me closer to himself, stared into my eyes, and sealed the announcement with a soft kiss.
I had no choice but to kiss him back, even though I was furious inside. Somehow, the event was now all about the two of us. The live band in a corner began performing classical music, its gentle melody drifting through the air.
The crowd cleared the floor, as if inviting us to dance. I looked into his eyes, discreetly shaking my head, but he wouldn’t have it. This man took my hand and pulled me onto the makeshift dance floor.
“I don’t know how to dance,” I murmured, anxious and angry at the same time.
“Just follow my lead.” His fingers intertwined with mine, and with his other hand, he started guiding my waist.
We moved slowly to the rhythm of the music, his steps practical and easy to imitate.
“You’re pissed,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
I locked my jaw, replying through gritted teeth. “Of course I’m pissed. What’s the meaning of what you just did?”
He faked a small smile. “I told everyone you belong to me. You should be grateful.”
My face twisted into a faint scowl. “Grateful? For what? Ruining my life?”
“No, for saving you from predators.” He raised my hand and spun me around for a second before his arm found my waist again.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I placed my manicured hand on his chest, eyes locked with his.
To everyone else, we were having a good time, dancing and enjoying each other’s company. They had no idea about the storm brewing beneath the surface. Because our voices were so low, nobody knew what we were talking about.
“I told you before,” he answered. “No one here is nice. Claiming you publicly is the only way to let them know you’re off limits.”
“That’s very poor damage control, if you ask me,” I said, swaying steadily in his arms. “Because none of this would’ve been necessary if you hadn’t exposed me to these not-so-nice people in the first place.”
He paused, his eyes squinting by a fraction. “I thought you wanted to leave the mansion.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t ask you to bring me to a hall filled with wolves in sheep’s clothing.” My eyes scanned the crowd, noticing the fake smiles on people’s faces.
“Don’t worry about the wolves,” he replied. “They won’t harm you. Not onmywatch.”
“I’m not worried about me, Artur. I’m worried about our unborn child. I don’t want him or her growing up inyourworld. It’s too risky.”
“Well, too bad,” he said. “The child carriesmyblood, and they’ll grow up undermyroof where I can protect them and keep an eye on them.”
“That’s not your decision to make—”
“It is,” he cut me off. “And I’ve made it already.”
I glared at him, feeling my blood boiling with rage. “Since you’re the one in charge of making decisions around here, what’s gonna happen to me?”
He paused, his grip tight around my waist. “You’ll marry me and help raise our kid.”
The music stopped.
The crowd applauded.
I watched him sketch a bow with an evil smirk on his lips.