Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Gemma happily went off to finalize the death scenario with the system.

I returned to Damian's estate to pack up my hidden stash.

I had hidden tons of jewelry and valuable assets in the villa's private basement.

The moment I stepped inside the dimly lit room, a large hand covered my eyes from behind.

Damian pressed his palm tightly against my face.

"Where did you go?"

A faint scent of blood lingered on his skin.

My stomach dropped as terrifying possibilities flashed through my mind.

Even after three years with him, I was still terrified of this man.

My lips trembled slightly. "I went out to buy you a present."

I reached into my pocket and held up a sleek silver ring.

No matter how wealthy he was, Damian always loved receiving gifts from me.

He scooped me up and placed me onto the large wooden desk.

"What do you want me to paint today?"

I lowered my eyes obediently. "Whatever you paint, I'll love it."

Damian's father had despised him growing up, locking him away in an isolated mansion with an abusive nanny.

He had contemplated ending it all countless times back then.

Until one day, he found an easel in the open courtyard behind the villa.

He spent every day painting in silence, completely lost in his own world.

During that time, a little girl used to watch him paint every single afternoon.

She just sat beside him, keeping him company.

That little girl was Stella Rhodes.

After Damian took me in, he built an identical courtyard estate.

He made me sit beside that open field every day while he painted.

Today, his mood seemed unusually restless.

He barely finished half the canvas before violently smashing his easel to the floor.

He grabbed my arm and pulled me roughly into his lap.

I let out a soft gasp, caught off guard by his sudden aggression.

Damian crushed his lips against mine.

His kiss was fierce, demanding, and full of raw possession.

My breath hitched, and my heart raced wildly against my ribs.

"Don't ever leave this house without my permission again," he growled against my lips.

"Okay."

I gave him the sweetest, most obedient answer.

Yet Damian still didn't seem satisfied.

He ripped at my clothes and pulled me even closer against his chest.

I had to admit, I had it a little better than Gemma.

Gemma only got satisfaction from spending Carter's money.

My perks came with a little extra physical pleasure.

Still, I couldn't let Damian suspect that I was planning to run.

As he held me tightly, his skin slick with sweat while kissing my cheeks, tears began streaming down my face.

Damian paused and kissed away my tears. "Why are you crying?"

I looked straight into his dark eyes. "Do you love me?"

Damian froze, his expression instantly turning frosty.

For three years, he had spoiled me with whatever material things I wanted.

The only thing we never talked about was our actual relationship.

We had maintained an unspoken boundary.

I was just a stand-in, and I was supposed to be smart enough not to ask for his heart.

Pestering a powerful benefactor for love was amateur behavior.

His silence was answer enough.

Yet I pushed further. "Do you love me, Damian?"

He stood up, coldly fastening his shirt.

"Where are you going?"

He glanced down at me with pure disdain.

"Sadie, you're crossing the line."