Tease Me, My Arrange Wife — Free Preview

“Riri–” Steven called on seeing Rita walk into his apartment.

From the look on her face, he could tell that something wasn't right. She looked dull and sullen.

“ Is anything wrong baby? You looked upset. What happened?” He asked, concern etched on his face.

Rita's eyes welled up. She took a deep breath and tried to control her emotions, but her voice trailed off. "Let's break up. I'm going to marry someone else."

Her words were mixed with a distinct sob, and her voice grew faint and vague. She looked down, barely able to look Steven in the eye.

Once those lips of hers made that utterance, a thick round of silence descended in the room. Steven couldn't believe his ears. He scoffed, taking a good look at her, wanting to be sure it was his Riri who was standing in front of him.

His eyes grew sharp and angry, green eyes that seemed to pierce Rita's soul. Anger burned in his eyes and spread. "You better be bluffing, Lily! What are you talking about, marrying someone else? So what do we do?"

Rita felt his anger, and she knew that was how anyone would react under the circumstances. However, she is powerless to change the situation and can only suffer in silence.

"Baby, I know you're angry, but please hear me out. I have no right to reject-- my father insists that I marry a stranger, and..."

"You don't want to marry him, do you? Then let's run away!" Steven suddenly interrupted her, taking her hands eagerly. His eyes were firm and hopeful as he locked eyes with her, searching for a final solution. His voice was filled with determination. "We can get out of here, run away to anywhere, and start a new life."

"No! I can’t!"

Rita avoided his gaze, clearly disapproving of the plan. If she ran off with him, what would happen to her sister Hannah?

If she ran away with Steven, their stepmother would make Hannah's life a living hell and even force Hannah to marry the stranger in her place.

Absolutely not. She couldn’t be that cruel to Hannah.

"Steven, I'm sorry, I can’t go," Rita whispered, looking away from him.

"Nonsense!" Steven hissed, squeezing her hand. "I know that three years of our relationship means nothing to you. Do you love me or not? Because if you did, you wouldn’t be here talking about some stupid breakup!" he shouted.

"I do love you, Steven, but—"

“Don't fucking say anything. Get the fuck out of my house now, you cheater!” He snapped at her in anger, letting go of her or pushing her instead.

He released her with so much force that Rita stumbled backward, managing to

keep her stance.

“But–” Rita's voice trailed off. Steven was pissed and he wouldn't listen to her.

It was not as if she would change her mind later on, so it was best she left.

She took one good look at him, her heart shattering at the sight of his dejected face.

“I'm…sorry.” she sniffed once more then slowly walked out of the apartment.

Steven watched in disbelief as Rita walked out on him. She fucking left him.

He let out a growl, grabbing one of the lamps in his sitting room which he smashed on the wall. He hissed, punching the wall as well.

Rita fucking left him.

“Fuck!” He gritted his teeth hard, then ruffled his brown hair with his bloody hands in frustration.

“You can't get married, Riri. You're mine alone — whether you like it or not!”

After leaving Steven's apartment, Rita’s tears caused by heartbreak had already calmed down, though she kept sniffling from time to time. She halted in front of the biggest strip club in the state — The Angel's Lounge, where she needed to earn enough money to cover Hannah's college tuition.

Shortly, Rita made her way into it, and then using a hallway workers used, she emerged at the backdoor of an overly loud stage.

“Rita? What the fuck's your problem? You're late!” The voice of a middle-aged man caught her attention.

“Good evening, Zay.” No smile crossed her face.

“Fuck your greetings! Go get dressed. The show’s about to begin.”

“Yes sir.” She mumbled, making her way out of Zay's presence.

She arrived in the dressing room, where she swiftly began to wear her stripper outfit. Once she stepped out in her slutty stripper's outfit, her appearance was fucking hot and she could feel gawping eyes on her.

Her hot appearance had awarded her the nickname ‘Angel’ in the stripper club.

She arrived at the back of the large curtains and let out a shaky breath.

Once the large curtains gave way, she was greeted by the roars of men she considered shameless. She ignored all their cheers and focused on what she was doing.

As she continued dancing to the music, she noticed the loud men at the front row who kept cheering, whistling and making kissing sounds.

She tried to ignore them at first, but their comments escalated, becoming more vulgar and disrespectful to her, they even began to make those lewd gesture and continued with their crude words.

One of them even tried to grab her, but it was noticed by the bouncer who stepped in and asked the men to behave.

The moment she was done, she went straight to the dressing room, anger written all over her face as she changed into her normal outfit.

“Here's your pay for the night, Angel,” Zay appeared soon after, leaning at the entrance of the door, throwing some dollar notes at Rita who caught them.

However, instead of sneaking straight out the back door of the club as she usually did, Rita turned and walked toward the club’s bar, sitting down in front of the table. Her fingers tapped gently on the table, her eyes deep and preoccupied.

"Give me one," she whispered to the bartender, her tone calm but slightly weary.

The bartender watched helplessly as Rita downed several shots of tequila, shaking his head at the girl who was already drunk and on the verge of unconsciousness.

As she raised her hand for another drink, a warm, strong hand suddenly stopped her movement.

Rita’s wrist was gently pressed by the hand. She looked up and, through her blurred vision, saw a tall man with his face shrouded in shadow.

"It’s enough!"

“I don't know who…the fuck you are…but…screw you! Screw You!” Rita was completely drunk and disoriented.

Her life was a mess. She was suffocating under the reality that she had to break up with Steven, whom she loved so deeply, simply because she was being forced to marry a jerk she barely knew.

She angrily shook off the hand of the man who had tried to stop her, her heart in turmoil. Who was he? Why did he care about her? He didn’t know anything about her pain and struggle; he didn’t even know her.

Rita didn’t care if she passed out drunk or what happened next. The more chaotic things became, the more it seemed to distract her from the awful reality, even if just for a little while.

“Th-the moon…take me to the moon!” Rita tipsily drawled with her head lying on the counter.

Soon after, she dropped a few notes on the table and she struggled to get on her feet.

Rita staggered, trying to walk out of the bar but her arm was yanked by one of the hungry-looking men that had been gawking at her.

“And what's a beautiful woman like you doing all alone?” He asked, disgustingly licking his lips.

The bartender felt pity towards Rita, but he knew better than to interfere unless he wanted to lose his job.

“L-let me go.” Rita slurred. She was not in her right senses, but the man holding her, disgusted her to the extent she felt like puking.

“I'll let you go, dear. But that's when I'm done. No worries, I'll treat you well.” He smiled and his friends cheered him on, while they stared lustfully at Rita.

“G-et off. You stink.” Rita mumbled, trying to push the man off, but his grip on her tightened.

“I like the wild cat.” One of them said and the others laughed, their laughter tinged with a rude irony.

Just when the one holding Rita was about to grope her waist, she was suddenly yanked off by a force. Her body was pulled off balance and she hit something hard with her back.

Rita let out a yelp as her back landed on a wall. No, a chest. She let out a relieved sigh, his mesmerizing scent filling her nose, unlike the other men, his scent did not give her a nauseous feeling.

“Fuck off. All of you.” The man growled at them, his voice full of warning of danger.

“How dare you–”

"Don't make me say it again. Now, go away," he murmured threateningly as he drew a sleek black pistol from his waist and began to idly twirl it in his hand. The gun glinted coldly in the dim light, a stark reminder that the man before them was not someone to be trifled with.

They instantly looked frightened, exchanged understanding glances, and silently retreated. They knew all too well that confronting this man was never a good idea.

He settled her bills along with his and he stood up from his chair, making way to carry Rita.

A pair of muscular arms were wrapped around Rita, but she was too drunk to say anything as he placed her on his shoulders.

“You smell so good.” She mumbled in a sultry voice and it took all the self-control in the stranger not to flip her on the table and fuck her. Hard.

Fortunately, her dress was long enough to cover her legs properly, yet her rounded backside was in clear view, which was gasped upon by the men around while they made their way out.

He walked straight to his red Bugatti Veyron that was packed at the side of the bar.

“Stay still.” He mumbled, while trying to wrap the seat belt around Rita who kept muttering on how good he smelled. He was almost done with the seat belt when she landed her lips on his, taking him unaware.

To say the taste of her lips was enticing was an understatement. It felt like being kissed by an aphrodisiac!

The woman was a temptation.

He tried to push her off. He volunteered to take her out of the bar to protect her, not sleep with her. But Rita wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him deeply. That was when Michael Romeo lost control.

His right hand went for her flawless face, caressing her freckle-covered cheeks, then gave her lower lips a quick bite.

“Oh…”

The most arousing moan he had ever heard in his life elicited from her lips, it sounded like music to his ears and Micheal took that as an initiative to deepen the kiss.

He nibbled and sucked on her lips hungrily, as he drove his tongue into her mouth, he tasted alcohol. And that turned him on the more.

“Take…take me please!” Rita moaned in between the kiss, her arms wrapped around his neck. Her dark eyes were rare yet sparkled beautifully. Micheal cursed himself slowly for giving in to his demons.

“We need a hotel room.” He muttered, disengaging from the kiss.

Next morning, Rita woke up feeling pains all over her body.

This wasn't as a result of overworking herself or the bearing from her stepmother, but it ached from between her legs.

A painful groan escaped her slightly swollen lips as she sat upright on the king-sized bed.

It took a while for her brain to fully recollect what had transpired last night, and fearfully and hoping profusely that her thoughts were wrong, she moved the sheet away from her legs.

She went to a bar and got drunk. And..the stranger.

“Oh fuck me!” Rita yelled at the sight of blood on the bed.

She fucking lost her virginity to fucking stranger. A stranger!!

“Riri, you're such a fool.” She mumbled, burying her face in her palms out of shame.

The last thing she remembered was kissing someone then… Asking to be taken, and…he took her.

“Shit.” She cursed, lifting her head only to meet him standing there.

The gorgeousness of this man should be considered illegal cos… he's insanely dashing!

The blue suit he had suited his oceanic blue eyes perfectly, and it was undeniably how mesmerizing he was.

This was the man she lost her first time to?

Rita was still naked and a duvet was wrapped around her chest, but the hard gaze in his eyes made her feel naked..

“10 million dollars, is that enough for a fee?” He threw a check in front of her broke her out of her trance.

Rita picked the check and frowned deeply.

“I am not a whore!” She muttered under her breath.

“Considering your actions of last night, you are one.”

Yeah, — this handsome stranger was emotionless and insensitive as hell. Rita hated him instantly.

“I said one more time, I’m not a whore! And I do not need your money!” Enraged, she tore the check apart at once.

Michael scoffed at her, then made his way out of the hotel room.

“Don't you dare walk out on me! Take this piece of paper with you — I don't need it!” Rita gnashed infuriatingly and he didn't spare her a glance before leaving.

“I…! I fucking hate that bastard! Argh!!!” She mumbled, running her hand through her hair and letting out a frustrated sigh.

Rita's body ached all over as she walked into her house, the only thing on her mind was to have a cold shower and a good sleep.

But she was greeted by the cold eyes of her family.

It was very rare to see them standing together waiting for her, of course.

But due to their formal and elegant clothing, Rita knew the reason — they were going to visit her betrothed.

“Why you'd come back home so late is unexplainable! Do you want to leave a bad impression on your soon-to-be in-laws?” Her father's voice sounded in her ears, a frown on his face.

Rita rolled her eyes inwardly, not caring if he was displeased.

“Who knew? Perhaps she was out there selling her body to countless men!” Jane, her father's wife, snapped, her voice dripping with venom.

In her right hand was lipstick, and in the other was a face mirror. As always, she was so obsessed with checking her ugly face. She thought she was pretty, but to Rita, Jane was far from it.

One would expect a father to defend his daughter when spoken ill of, but when it was Rita, her father, Kingsley acted nonchalant about it. He did not care about them.

“You're already dressed. We're leaving now.” Jane stated.

“We can't waste time, Kingsley.” She turned to her husband, who nodded in agreement.

Rita did not say anything to that, aside from the ache she felt, she showered back in the hotel. Rita felt glad that she did that or they would have reeked of sex.

Rita turned and walked to the SUV that was already packed outside, not making any comment.

“Your daughter is so insolent.” Jane seethed.

Rita completely ignored them. They all got into the SUV that drove off afterward.

The ride was utterly quiet, and no one spoke to the other, aside from Jane, who kept telling Rita not to be useless and mess things up.

They were headed for the Romeo Manor.

And why?

Today, she'd be meeting the jerk she was going to get married to in about a week or so — it felt utterly shitty to Rita.

Who would want to get married like this? She didn't even know the person she was getting married to

“This is bullshit.” She muttered under her breath, evidently displeased about the whole thing, yet Mr. Peter would be the last person to give a damn about his daughter's feelings.

“Riri.” Someone held her hand, and Rita lifted her head to see her sister Hannah, who stared at her with worried-filled eyes.

“Oh Hey,” She smiled lightly, yet Hannah's worry didn't lessen.

“Are you okay? You came back late from work, and you were… limping."

Rita gulped down emptiness nervously — everyone noticed that, huh?

Well, how wouldn't they when her virginity was lost to a man who rammed her like a beast!

Inwardly, she hadn't stopped cursing him; that handsome stranger was a jerk.

A massive one that she despised and wished never to meet again.

“It's nothing — I'm fine, okay? How's studying?" She tried to divert their conversation to something else from last night.

Hannah, although suspicious and worried about Rita, decided to let the matter be.

Her sister wasn't involved in anything unholy — she's a waitress by day and a bartender at night. That was all.

As the sisters conversed, the wheels of the fleshly SUV halted in front of a big mansion that reeked of wealth.

“Get down, and Rita, be on your best behavior. Don't screw up.” Mr. Peter spoke warningly and got no response or reaction from Rita.

As they alighted from the car, and their eyes fell on the Manor, jaws were dropped in awe.

The Palace was… otherworldly magnificent! It was almost like a Palace from the olden century or so, yet outrageously classy.

“It's my honor to welcome the Peter Family. Please, this way.” An aged man, dressed formally in a suit, had his head lowered while speaking.

Undoubtedly, he was the Butler of the family. While being led into the Manor, Hannah unceasingly made gushing remarks about the place.

“I know you're upset about breaking up with Steven, but look at the bright side — you're going to be part of a fucking rich family!” She whispered happily to Rita.

Rita remained expressionless about it — fuck their wealth. All she wants is Steven's love — it doesn't matter shit to her that he was rich.

The massive yet brilliantly crafted wooden doors were parted to pave the way for the Peters as they walked into the glamorous living room.

It was twice the size of their whole penthouse!

So this was the Romeo Manor? — it certainly did live up to its hype.

“Mr. and Mrs. Peter. Welcome!” The kind voice of a middle-aged woman was heard, and, glancing ahead, came Mrs. Romeo.

Even the simplicity of her gown dripped in richness, and Rita grew worried. Rich folks were usually haughty, right?

However, Mrs. Romeo was far from that. They were welcomed warmly, and then Rita's hand was held.

“You must be Rita — my, you're so beautiful!”

“Thank you… Ma'am."

“Call me mother. Please.” It was truly a sweet compliment, yet Rita couldn't bring herself to smile at all.

She would rather not get married to anyone else, but Steven — was that too challenging to ask for?

Afterward, they were led further into the living room, and Hannah was still dumbfounded by the beauty of the Manor.

“My son will be here soon. And he is a bit…cold, but he truly is a sweetheart once you get to know him." Mrs Romeo whispered to Rita who forced a smile at her.

Throughout the entire thing, Rita's hands were held by Mrs. Romeo — her sweetness was wholesome, but she felt uncomfortable.

As the adults drove deeper into their conversation, Rita had to excuse herself.

“Please can I use the restroom?” She asked in a low voice and could feel Jane's cold gaze on her.

“Do take the fourth staircase dear— it'll lead you to the restroom.” Mrs Romeo explained.

“Thank you,” Rita mumbled and she made her way upstairs.

Climbing up the stairs, Rita noticed the rails were made of gold.

“I still want Steven.” A frown curved on her plump lips, Fuck their wealth.

She was so lost in her thoughts that she did not notice the wet floor she accidentally slipped, landing in her butt.

“Rita!!” Hannah shouted worriedly as it caught everyone's attention.

While they all ran to her, a cute 6-year-old girl descended the same stairs.

Anyone could tell she was part of the Romeo family due to her beautiful blue eyes, and walking behind her in a maid's outfit was unarguably her personal Nanny.

“I don’t want a woman who can’t walk to be my mother! Fool!” The little girl, Lola, looked at Rita coldly, her eyes filled with hatred. She stood on the glass-marble floor, completely ignoring Rita’s presence.

Rita felt a surge of anger and couldn’t help but ask, “Did you spill water here on purpose to make me slip?” Her voice was tinged with anger, perhaps because yesterday’s pain felt even more unbearable.

Lola frowned and stared at Rita, making no effort to hide her displeasure. She stuck out her tongue and made a face at Rita, clearly dismissive of her accusation.

“Lola, apologize,” Mrs. Romeo urged as she tried to help Rita up, but Lola stood by coldly, making no attempt to apologize.

Just as Mrs. Romeo was about to speak again, a man’s voice suddenly interrupted her: “Apologize? Why would my daughter need to apologize to a gold digger?”

Rita looked up, shocked by the sudden sound. Her eyes widened, and asked in surprise, “Why are you here?”

“Daddy!”

Lola shouted excitedly and ran to Michael. Almost instantly, the man crouched down and gathered his little girl into his arms, his eyes filled with adoring love.

Without hesitation, Lola jumped into his arms and kissed him lightly on the cheek. Michael smiled and hugged her back, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Rita, on the other hand, stood still in shock, staring intently at Michael, the man with whom she had once had a one-night stand. Her breathing became rapid, her heart pounded, and the unexpected encounter threw her completely off balance.

“How could it be him?” Rita murmured, her voice low and filled with disbelief.

“He’s really... gorgeous, isn’t he, Rita?” Hannah whispered to Rita as she stood nearby, oblivious to Rita’s flustered expression.

“What the hell did you just call me?” Rita finally reacted, her anger rising. She made a desperate run at Michael, but her legs were weak, and the exhaustion and pain had made her lose her footing—just as the idiot had done to her, and now his daughter had caused her to fall.

As she rushed toward Michael, Rita lost control of her body and fell to the ground. The people around her gasped, but Lola laughed unabashedly.

“Daddy, are you really going to marry this fool?” Lola asked scornfully, a mischievous gleam in her eyes.

Michael remained silent, looking coldly at Rita on the floor. There was no warmth in his eyes, and his cold attitude seemed to isolate Rita completely from his world.

Mrs. Romeo smiled and tried to relieve the embarrassment, softly but with a hint of instruction: “Michael, help your fiancée up.”

Michael, however, remained unresponsive. He gathered his daughter in his arms and, without looking back, walked upstairs, leaving an awkward silence.

Rita sat on the cold floor, staring at the rude and indifferent man with a sudden, unspeakable fear. What would her life be like if she married him? She could not imagine enduring such disregard and indifference as a norm in her future.

***

3 Weeks Later

Every lady has fantasized about her dream wedding day, hoping it would be the best and happiest moment of her life. For Rita, however, it was just the beginning of her nightmare.

Standing at the altar, the groom was not her beloved Steven, but a rude, cold, and disagreeable stranger. How could she possibly be happy with him here?

She hated him so much. Each time she saw his face, she felt the need to punch him hard. That was the same need she was feeling, standing with him, in front of the altar.

The day she realized that she was getting married to arguably the most good-looking man on Earth, she felt like crying.

It wasn't based on his looks — Micheal Romeo was a Greek god, and every lady would be glad to have him as her husband.

Yet, his attitude infuriated her to the core — he was insufferable. And in addition, he birthed a replica of his stupid attitude. His little brat of a daughter.

Lora — the cute six-year-old daughter of Micheal Romeo.

Everything about her was dipped in utter wealth — the lusciousness of her brown hair, and sparkling blue eyes gave her an angelic appearance.

Then again, her personality was distasteful — Rita, for one, couldn't stand both father and daughter. She despised both of them.

“You're beautiful, Rita!” Mrs Romeo fawned as Rita stepped out of the dressing room in the wedding day.

“Thank you.” She forced out a smile.

A marriage that'd last roughly a year just to benefit their businesses, but the Romeo family spent crazily on it.

Business partners and associates were invited.

Rita was led to the Range Rover that would take her to the church, dressed in a beautiful overflowing wedding dress.

On it were stoned diamonds that radiated expensively, and its silver sleeves were made from the colorist material.

Since it was backless, her lengthy dark hair was left dangling, and although her makeup was light, Rita was truly an angel.

Her beauty was blinding!

One would assume she'd be accompanied to the altar either by her stepmother or Hannah.

Rita wanted Hannah to do that, but to her surprise, Hannah refused to do so.

Rita felt something was wrong somewhere as Hannah had been acting so enthusiastically since she discovered how rich the Romeo's were.

But Rita did not think much in her refusal, she did not want the wedding.

Soon, they arrived at the church.

Rita could be seen walking elegantly angelic on a white carpet that led into the church, and her dead-drop gorgeous soon-to-be husband, Micheal, stood there.

The soon-to-be-married couple were utterly breathtaking, and the guests couldn't even take their eyes off the couple. It was going to be the wedding of the year.

"I hate you," Rita cursed under her veil, her voice brimming with resentment and frustration. Michael, however, remained completely indifferent, as if he had not heard her. Expressionless, he took her hand firmly and led her to the altar, as if the wedding were a doomed performance.

As Hannah watched her sister exchange vows with Micheal, she felt her blood boil. She bit her lips nervously, clenching her fists tight. Her nails, digging into her palms.

Why wasn’t she the one standing next to him? Why had Michael chosen to marry her sister Rita instead of her?

Countlessly, she tried to talk her father, Mr. Peter, into replacing Rita with her, yet he mentioned how fond Mrs. Romeo was of Rita.

She gritted her teeth and watched the ceremony with reluctance. But Hannah was not the only one unhappy about the wedding. Little Lola, seated nearby, stared at Rita with fierce eyes, as if she wanted to banish her from the sacred occasion.

Within an hour, the due procedures were concluded, and the church was filled with congratulatory claps.

When Rita and Michael got into the posh limousine, the air inside was almost frozen, filled with repressed silence. Rita was the first to break it, her voice icy with determination, “I'm not sharing a fucking room with you.”

Still, Michael said nothing. He simply reached for the laptop lying nearby, set it on his lap, and began to work on it, as if Rita didn’t even exist.

Rita’s anger became increasingly uncontrollable. “I’m talking to you! You can’t keep ignoring me!” She waved her hand angrily in his face, trying to get his attention.

Michael’s patience finally wore thin, and there was an edge of irrepressible anger in his voice. “You can do whatever you want. But let this sink into your head. I hate you and we have nothing in common, okay?”

“So. Stay. Away. From. Me!” She pointed out word by word but was only greeted by the same silence.

Micheal didn't give a damn about the loud lady sitting beside him.

Still, in their wedding attire, both said nothing else after she made her last statement.

He ignored her, and Rita stopped talking. He won't answer her after all.

“Steven…” She muttered, staring outside the window as the car drove to the Romeo manor where she'd be spending her first night with Micheal.

Suddenly, the phone on Rita’s lap vibrated, breaking the silence inside the car. She picked it up and glanced at the screen almost casually, but then froze when she saw the text message. Her eyes widened, and her heart seemed to skip a beat.

It was Steven!

“Riri, I want to see you! I've never seen you in a wedding dress. I’ll meet you at the apartment!” The text message felt like a knife, cutting deep into Rita’s heart. Her breath caught in her throat, and tears welled up in her eyes. She was trapped in this marriage, and for Hannah’s sake, she had to stay and play the role of Michael’s wife.

Rita’s eyes kept falling on the text message, her fingers frozen on the screen. She lacked the courage to reply, and the conflicting emotions in her heart made her feel as though she were being torn apart.

Shortly, the limo pulled up in the insanely spacious compound, and once the chauffeur opened the door, Rita alighted impatiently from it.

“Being in the same place with a gold digger's suffocating as hell," Micheal muttered insensitively then alighted from it.

On their paths were countless white daisy petals scattered, surely, it was his mother's doing, she was always extra.

“Then why don't you let this gold digger go?” Rita asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Or do you think this gold digger is happy being with you?” She scoffed.

“This shit is unnecessary.” his countenance remained blank, not minding her words at all.

Then he snapped his fingers. Three maids instantly stepped forward, then bowed decorously. He completely ignoring Rita's displeasure.

“Get this shit out of here.” He pointed at Rita's bags.

“Yes, Master.” They all chorused at the same time and moved to carry the bags. It seem like just another routine task.

Rita watched all of this with anger, but she was powerless to resist. She could only follow Michael as they walked silently up the stairs to their new room.

Fortunately, Michael went directly to another room without giving Rita a second glance. The maids, guided Rita in the opposite direction and led her to the room where she belonged.

As she walked into the room, her amusement about the room nearly displayed on her face, and Rita helplessly curved her lips in awe.

The bed in the center of the room was enormous, nearly twice the size of any bed Rita had ever seen. Its white sheets were adorned with roses, and the luxury of the room seemed almost unreal.

Rita walked in, her eyes wandering around the room. She felt trapped in this exquisite cage, deprived of freedom and choice.

The maids silently placed her luggage aside without making a sound, then quietly withdrew, leaving Rita alone in the room.

“Mrs. Romeo's so… Gosh!” Rita had no words as she walked further in. There were roses on the bed and the room smelled of Micheal.

She rolled her eyes at the thought of that and she attempted to take off her dress.

The dress was suffocating and she needed it off her body.

She was about to pull it off when she felt a nauseous feeling.

Her wedding gown swung funnily as she rushed into the bathroom. There, she went for the sink and poured out everything in her stomach.

“I'm…dizzy,” Rita muttered weakly. She'd been feeling so tired and dizzy these past few days and always felt the need to throw up whatever she ate.

It wasn't a fever, so she concluded it must be the stress of the wedding.

After rinsing her mouth, she walked back to the bed weakly.

She threw herself on the bed and attempted to catch some sleep.

She had almost fallen asleep when she received a notification on her phone. Rita groaned, sitting up from the bed slowly. She reached out for the phone, and her eyes widened at the sight of the screen.

It was a picture of Steven cutting his wrists!

When Rita saw the image on her phone, her blood ran cold. Without hesitation, she leaped out of bed, her only thought in her heart—Steven couldn’t die!

Rita did not think twice and jumped off the bed, she ran to where her bags to get an outfit. At the moment, she had no time to think of the consequences of leaving, all she thought of was getting to Steven as quickly as possible.

Rita dashed out of the room and luckily for her, there was no one around. She managed to leave the compound without being seen by anyone. She found a taxi almost immediately and Rita was glad that everything was going on smoothly. She boarded the taxi, heading to the location where Steven wanted to meet.

Rita’s heart raced as the car sped along. She prayed fervently that Steven would be okay, but every time she called his phone, there was no answer. Her anxiety intensified, tears welling in her eyes, her heart aching with pain.

Finally, the car pulled up in front of Steven’s apartment building. Rita nearly stumbled up the stairs, her fingers trembling as she fumbled with the apartment door.

Just as the door opened, Steven's voice called out, "Riri!" He spoke her name eagerly. Rita, hardly waiting for him to react, rushed up to him, relieved to see he was okay. Without hesitation, she threw herself into his arms. "Thank God! You’re all right!"

“I missed you so much, I had to lie...” He placed a light kiss on her forehead as they disengaged slightly, and teary-eyed, she stared at him.

“Me too! I… I was so heartbroken after our last conversation, and Fa-father took my phone and didn’t give it back until today, that's why I hadn't contacted you!” Rita explained, tears filling her eyes.

“It's okay Riri. I understand. How was your… Wedding?” He asked, his teal green eyes gawking obsessively at her flawlessly beautiful face.

Her lips quivered at the question, and she avoided his gaze due to the guilt she felt.

“I…hate this Steven, b-but I… need to back. I dread to think what they'll do when they find out I'm gone.” She muttered.

She expected Steven to flare up and yell at her as he did before, but instead, he began to laugh maniacally.

“Steven…?” Rita gasped once she felt a cold metal encircling her wrists.

She took a step away from him immediately, and her eyes landed on her wrists. She was shocked to see handcuffs around her wrist.

“Steven–” She called, panic written all over her face.

“I knew you were a bitch Rita, but you see you're my fucking bitch!” Steven deadpanned.

He was no longer the calm and loving Steven she used to know, he had a cold look in his eyes, one that reflected that of a sadist.

Frightened, she tried to run away, but instead, her long hair was roughly dragged from behind.

“Where do you think you're going?”

Her body slammed against his and so aggressively, Steven grabbed her cheeks.

Fear was visible in her dark eyes as their eyes were locked.

“Steven, please. What are you doing?” Her lower lips trembled, fear sweeping through her body.

“You're mine, get that?” Steven growled dangerously and he slammed his lips on hers.

Rita tried to push him off, but his grip on her hair only tightened as he kissed her possessively.

She clasped her mouth shut, not giving in to the kiss, but he bit her lips so hard that Rita tasted blood. He forced his tongue into her mouth, kissing her roughly.