Chapter 1

I was eight years old when Mason Lockwood adopted me.

He told me that as long as I remained obedient, I would be the happiest girl in New York.

At eighteen, I obeyed him. He crooked his finger, and I climbed into his bed.

At twenty, I saw another woman in his room. He told me that as long as I stayed obedient, I would always be his favorite.

At twenty-three, he arranged a business marriage for me.

He said he had been waiting for this moment for years.

I realized this would be the last time I ever listened to my uncle.

1

Mason loosened his tie and leaned back against the sofa with lazy arrogance.

Then, he crooked his finger at me.

"Summer, come here."

I hesitated for a few seconds before walking over and sitting down on the opposite end of the couch.

Mason frowned in displeasure. "Why are you sitting so far away? Come closer."

I had no choice but to shift closer.

"Closer," he commanded again.

This time, I didn't move. I just looked at him in complete silence.

Mason sighed, slid over, and pulled me forcefully into his arms.

"What is it? You have been avoiding me for days. Are you still upset about the arranged marriage?"

I kept my head down and remained quiet.

Ever since Mason adopted me at eight, I became the sole heiress of the wealthy Lockwood family.

I was pampered with luxury, and everyone treated me with respect. Anyone who saw me would say how incredibly lucky I was.

Yes, going from an orphan to Mason Lockwood's precious darling was something countless people envied.

Now, he simply wanted me to marry someone to repay him for raising me. What right did I have to be angry?

"I'm not angry," I whispered. "You helped me, and now I'm helping you. It's only fair."

Mason seemed pleased with my compliance.

"That's my good girl. Even though you don't know young Mr. Prescott well, it doesn't matter. Love isn't necessary."

"You won't even need to live with Silas Prescott after the wedding. You will stay right here at the Lockwood estate with me. You are still the lady of this house."

With that, Mason leaned in to kiss me.

Once upon a time, I cherished every touch from him. But not anymore.

I shoved him away abruptly and stood up under his startled gaze.

"Please respect yourself, Uncle Mason."

I looked straight into his eyes, forcing a tight smile.

"I'm about to marry into the Prescott family. I have to keep my distance from you, or it will turn into a massive scandal."

"I won't stay here after the wedding either. If you need company…"

A woman's face flashed across my mind.

"Haven't you been very close to Miss Drake lately? You can invite Veronica over more often."

Mason narrowed his eyes, his expression darkening instantly.

"Summer, are you jealous of Veronica?"

His tone turned sharp. "I told you, as long as you behave, Veronica will never threaten your position. Are you really throwing a tantrum over something so trivial?"

Before I could reply, he added, "I'll overlook your childishness this time. I'll pretend I didn't hear that."

"Are you already trying to save yourself for Silas Prescott? Word has it he has stayed away from women for years. Even if you marry him, it will only be in name."

He stood up and closed the distance between us, stopping just inches away.

Instinct warned me of danger. I tried to back away, but Mason locked his arms around me.

He yanked my hair, forcing my head back so I had to look up at him.

"Don't worry, Summer. I'm not tired of you yet, so how could I let you sleep in another man's bed?"

"You belong to me," he murmured with a dark smirk.

That look was chilling. He was looking at me like an amusing toy.