Chapter 04: Don't you dare!

~Cassandra~

Finally, after what felt like a decade, we arrived at his mansion. He opened the door for me with the practiced grace of a gentleman, but I wasn't even infatuated at all. As I stepped inside, I made sure to walk more cockier than expected.

My eyes hovered around the house, taking in the grandeur of the marble walls and floors. We had to take some steps before reaching the main parlor. It was spacious with high ceilings and large windows that allowed natural light to flood the room. The chairs were made of fine leather, with intricate wood carvings.

My eyes lingered on the kitchen, I couldn't see much, but there was an opening where I could see what was happening in the dining room.

”Come, let me show you our room,” he ushered and I halted in my steps.

“Our room?” I raised a brow.

“You know we can't stay in the same room, it's not possible,” I said bluntly.

He shouldn't push his luck; I already told him what to expect in this marriage.

“I’ll tell Maurice to arrange another room for you.” He offered while I scoffed at his attempt at politeness.

“Just take me to one of the guest rooms as long as it's clean,” I replied curtly and he nodded his head before taking me upstairs to the supposed room.

The room he took me to was exquisitely furnished. A large plush bed with a tufted headboard stood against one wall, the wall was painted in a soft, calming shade of blue. Heavy drapes framed the window, which offered a view of the garden.

After deeply scrutinizing the room, I said, “You can leave.” Sebastian pressed his lips but said nothing and left. Seeing him close the door, I locked it from the inside before moving to the dressing mirror, weariness was evident on my face, my whole body was drained out and I felt tired.

I couldn't wait to pull off this dress.

Mom's words rang in my head, “It’s a new beginning for you my dear,” she had said them when it was time for the temporary goodbye.

“Tch,” I scoffed, there is nothing like a new beginning. It's just me switching environments and putting some fvcked up ring on my finger. I should better have enough rest because tomorrow is going to be a long day for me.

There is so much work needed to be done without Amaya being around. I put on a bathrobe that I had packed with me and walked into the bathroom. I had a long refreshing bath before retiring to bed. A long sigh filled with relief left my mouth before I succumbed to sleep.

[The next morning…]

“Today is going to be such a good day,” I said to myself feeling more confident as always. I do not know the reason for this unusual happiness but it sure feels good. I did some touching to my make-up before descending downstairs.

I guess I would have to get used to the unwelcoming presence here.

I skipped breakfast and went straight to the door, but before I could leave the house two bodyguards stood in my way. I cocked my head to the side and raised my brows. All they did was stare back at me without offering an explanation for their stupid obstruction.

“If I were you, I wouldn't dare,” My voice hinting at a threat.

Why would they want to be a killjoy this morning?

“I’m sorry ma'am, but the boss strictly instructed us not to let you out of the house no matter what,” a new voice chirped in from behind me.

I turned around and came face to face with the old lady with freckles to know whether that douchebag gave them that order or not and she nodded her head in affirmative

“Where is he?” I sneered.

The old lady pointed at the door not far from where I was standing… that must be his study room.

I clenched my fist and bolted to that side, my heels clicking harder than before.

“How dare you?” I brawled as I banged the door closed, my chest fuming with anger as I glared daggers at him.

“Excuse me?” he raised his brows, acting as if he didn't know what I was talking about.

“Don’t you act funny with me, Sebastian? Why the heck would you tell those filthy men not to let me out? Are you insane?” I lashed out at him.

He leaned back on his armchair and folded his arms to his chest, “I know I'm perfectly sane, so to that question, no I'm not.”

I gnashed my teeth and growled, “Don’t you forget that this is just an arranged marriage. A marriage benefiting both of us and–”

“Exactly why you need to stay at home, we have some unfinished business arrangements to talk about,” He cut me off rudely.

“I don't care about whatever it is you want to say. You stay in your lane and I stay in mine and– you have no right to tell me what to do and where to stay,” I snapped at him with gritted teeth, my patience wearing a thin line and if Sebastian doesn't withdraw his words then I'm going to murder somebody's son.

I stumbled back when Sebastian stormed towards me like a raging predator with some kind of imposing power. I was too angry to be bothered with the change of attitude.

How dare he get angry when he is the one crossing the line?

“Who says I have no right over you?” he said as he poked my shoulders, his voice was calm but then there was this authoritative aura underneath the tone he used. I stood firm and slapped his hands away.

“I’m warning you, Sebastian, do not cross your boundaries or you won't like what I'll do to you,” I warned.

“And what would you do?” He challenged and before I could retaliate, Sebastian had already caged me to the wall, his hands on my neck anchored me to the wall, not too tightly but enough to make me leap in terror at his unexpected demeanor. Gone was the cheerful Sebastian, this time his jaw tightened and his posture tensed.

“Let me go, you bastard,” I tried to wriggle off his hold. I expected him to tighten his hold, but to my surprise, he set me free.

“Sure,” he gave me a dry smile while adjusting his slick platinum hair.

“You sick fu-”

“I have a gift for you sweetie,” he said sweetly, cutting me off as he walked to his desk, opened his drawer and brought out a brown envelope. He dropped the envelope on his desk while returning to his seat and sat down with enough composure as if nothing had happened earlier. I cleared my throat, took some subtle steps till I reached the table, picked up the envelope, and opened it.

As I read the contents, my eyes grew wide. The legal document bore my signature and transferred all of my company's shares to him.

My face contoured with anger, “You think I'll believe this?” I threw the paper at his face.

“If that's the excuse you would give for being incompetent then that's your problem. You've signed your shares in my name and that makes me the largest shareholder of your company,” He said with a sly smirk on his face.

“Impossible, I didn't sign this. I wouldn't give up my shares to anybody no matter the circumstances. This is all bullshit, You!” I blurted out as I pointed my fingers at him. I didn't want to believe this, deep down I knew I did not sign the papers but that's my fvcking signature there.

“I suggest you be on your best behavior before I dissolve this alliance and leave you with little to feed on or nothing,” He warned. As much as Sebastian’s tone sounded calm, I could hear the hint of threat in his voice.

My whole body and soul flared in anger and the reason is I have failed to recognize what kind of man Sebastian is.