Lilian Carson POV

My voice trembled and my lips quivered in fear as I pleaded, "Please no, I can't swim."

I begged him to refrain from pushing me into the pool's deep end, but he ignored me. I struggled desperately to keep my head above water as I submerged, gasping for air. His mouth formed a broad smile.

"What's the purpose of this? Please stop, I beg you," I inquired.

My cheeks were flushed with tears. He was laughing as I bawled like a baby, filling the entire space. I was feeling weak, but I was unable to control my tears. I felt worse after his callous response.

I was falling more and more with each passing second. They were giggling in the background, as if everything were a joke to them. I made an effort to collect my thoughts and relax, but panic had taken over. Before it was too late, I needed to find a way out of this predicament.

I forcefully opened my eyes and began coughing as I continued to try to breathe. I look around the room with suspicion and paranoia, despite the fact that it was just a nightmare, fearing that horror may have followed me here. I carefully stand up and rub my eyes in an effort to become fully awake. I inhale deeply and remind myself that everything is still fine and that it was just a dream.

Why can't I let go of the past? Why does it continue to haunt me? Perhaps because I am frail. I can't sleep because of insomnia, but the fact is that I'm afraid of falling asleep.

When I looked around the room properly, a stunning realisation hit me. This isn't my room!

This is a whole other room. What the heck am I doing here? Was I genuinely kidnapped? When I glance around, I notice that I am in a bright room with arched windows and a single door. I attempt to recall what happened before I passed out, but my mind goes blank. It's possible that I've been abducted, but it's also possible that my father is playing a joke on me.

Dad might be the source of all of this. My gaze was drawn to my clothing; I swear I wasn't wearing a nightgown. My clothes have been altered! I felt a rush of terror and bewilderment as I attempted to remember what had happened the night before, but my recollection was foggy and disjointed. It hurts to think about it, but I may have done something inappropriate last night. I need to find out what occurred.

I closed my eyes and tried to recall what had occurred the night before, and suddenly it hit me that I had fainted the day before, but someone had lifted me up in their arms. It may be that mystery man's place; perhaps he took me here while I went out from intoxication. Nonetheless, I owe him an apology.

At the very least, my head feels lighter, and the alcohol helped me cope with my grief; it was only momentary, but it felt wonderful. When I glanced around the house, I saw how neatly designed it was and how pricey the furniture was. That piqued my interest as to who this strange man was and what he did for a living.

In any case, I need to leave this place. I should stop bothering the stranger. He has already offered me a spot to stay the night when I was unconscious. In the future, I'll figure out how to return his compassion.

I snatched up my bag and headed out the door. Everything had the aroma of freshly cut flowers. The corridor appeared deserted. This location is unknown to me. This house seems enormous. I moved along the corridor with caution, looking for any signs or instructions. A staircase leading down caught my attention as I rounded a corner. There were additional rooms lined up in a row. Perhaps there was an exit down the steps, I pondered as I followed the stairway. I observed that all of the rooms were locked as I passed them.

An elevator was located next to the stairwell. Even my own home lacks an elevator. I made the decision to use the stairs since I get anxious about elevators.

There were several windows, and I inferred that I was on the second floor based on them. There are just two floors, so I hastily took the stairs. My entire body reacted with relief.

I scan the corridor as I ascend the final flight of stairs. I'm still unsure about the exit's location. Down the corridor, there are a number of doors, but none of them appear to lead outdoors. I should probably ask the enigmatic man or his servants for instructions. Yet the odd thing is that nobody is in sight.

I was startled to hear noises coming from one of the rooms to my right. After a brief moment of hesitation, my curiosity overcame me, and I carefully entered the room to look for the source of the voices. Maybe I should seek assistance from someone in that room.

When I drew nearer, I could make out a crowd of people circling, and it appeared like there was a commotion at the circle's centre.

"Finally you are awake. It's fortunate that your father is in the living room."

I turn to face the female voice; it was coming from a lady who appeared to be in her mid-thirties. Her appearance reminds me of Florence. She indicated the direction of the room and motioned for me to enter. Did I hear that right, though?

How did my father get here, I wondered? My father's phone number isn't even on my list of emergency contacts. Hence, there is no way for anyone to let Dad know where I am.

Maybe Dad dispatched his guys to locate me when I wasn't returning home. After all, my father has a large network of resources and subordinates. However, he could have merely wanted to monitor my whereabouts and make sure I wasn't eluding him. I am his source of income, therefore he won't give up on me that easily.

I give the woman a grin before entering the space. After looking around, I quickly found my father. Dad was conversing with a man while seated on the red sofa; the man was facing Dad, so I couldn't make out his face. They were being accompanied by two additional individuals who were standing nearby and were all dressed in black.

I questioned the mysterious man's identity and the necessity for so much protection. Dad just needs one bodyguard; thus, he doesn't travel with many others like him.

As I approached them, I could hear snippets of their conversation but couldn't quite make out what they were discussing. Dad must be making some shady business deals; all he cares about is money. Does my father know the man? I once overheard Dad talking about a big investment opportunity that sounded too good to be true. Maybe he's engaging in risky task, and I won't even intervene.

The rectangular-shaped living room is rather large. Although the space was white, the window frames were crimson. At the farthest corner, I see a white piano. I've always wished I could play the piano, but it never materialised. As usual, I should blame my father because he never encouraged me to participate in extracurricular activities. Under his watch, I still feel like a caged bird.

"Lilian, Do you feel alright, sweetheart?" My father stepped off the couch and gave me a worried expression. Sweetheart? Dad has never used an endearment to me, so I was astonished to hear him say it.

"I passed out last night, and someone took care of me. So, yeah I am fine."

The atmosphere in the room abruptly altered, as did my dad's demeanour. I was terrified, even though I couldn't read the room.

"Someone? You didn't let her know?" I was surprised by the voice's abruptness; it was gruff and deep.

Dad said uncomfortably, "No, I haven't had the opportunity to yet."

Despite the air conditioning being on, I saw that Dad was sweating a lot. Is this man frightening him? Who is he?

Dad talked once more not long after, and I soon had my response.

"Meet Alexander Agnor, Lilian. You'll remain in his company till you are married."

As I heard my dad's remark, my heart skipped a beat. Anxiety made my gut hurt. My hand balled into a fist as my eyes widened. As I braced myself for what was about to happen, I could feel the adrenaline rushing through my veins. Several scenarios raced through my imagination, each one scarier than the previous.

How is this taking place? I'm his own daughter; Dad can't possibly treat me that way.

I immediately recognised the man as the identical one from last night as he turned to face me. He saved my life. No! I feel more like I've been abducted. This man and my father are coworkers. It kills me to even think of my dad doing anything like that since I never expected him to.

I'm not going to live with a stranger, and I'm not getting married to him. I wish I could bargain with my father. Yet for him, money is the only thing that matters.

I said "N-no" in a trembling voice.

A calmer appearance from Alexander is scarier. When a person appears emotionless, it can be hard to read them, and this man certainly seemed scary. He is attractive, yet appearances may be misleading. I was apprehensive due to something about his demeanour. Maybe it was the way he carried himself or the stern expression on his face. I was inebriated last night, so I was unable to detect his deceptive aura.

"I brought everything you need, so there won't be any issues."

Dad spoke to me in an expressionless, emotionless tone without even looking me in the eye. Is he really leaving me here? When I got the chance, I should have taken flight.

'Please, Dad, give me a quick glance. Feel my emotions,' I said to myself.

I've got to get him to quit. He cannot abandon me here for financial gain.

"Would you still be unconcerned if this man killed me?" I spoke loudly, neglecting the surroundings.

Dad made a pause. I asked him to turn around and take me with him in my prayers and hopes. Yet I quickly realised that my own father had deceived me. He simply left with his security without saying anything. Tears started to collect in my eyes as I stood there staring at the empty room. I've reached hell at last.

I considered leaving via the entrance, but then I noticed the guards' armed stance. They would immediately shoot me if I made an unwise move. I inhaled deeply and made an effort to evaluate the situation before moving quickly.

"So now I'm a murderer? But I wouldn't say it that way."

Once more, the raspy voice murmured, and I turned to look at Alexander, who was grinning. He must think it's funny how powerless I am.

"I can tell by the look on your face that you're not quite sure what I mean," he continued, "but trust me, it's a valuable skill to have in this line of work."

"Are you threatening me?" I answered with a clinched teeth furious tone, "I am not afraid of you."

He cocked his left brow, then moved gently in my direction. I maintained my ground and made an effort to project confidence. But as I watched him draw nearer, I was overwhelmed with terror, and my pulse was racing. Does he really intend to murder me?

The little space behind me prevented me from moving back. He drew nearer to me, and I could feel his heat. My hands and feet began to shake. I felt as though I was drowning in his aura because of how overpowering his presence was.

"Why do you hurt yourself?" Alexander softly inquired.

He lifted my right arm gradually. He was stroking his fingertips over the slender scars on my arm. I keep staring at him in shock. How did he know that? He must have heard about my self-harm from my father. I deliberately angered him by yanking my arm out of his grasp.

Alexander cradled my chin and tucked a hair behind my ear as he drew his mouth closer to it.

"You'll be happier here if you get rid of this attitude," he remarked.

My eyes sprung open, and a chill rushed down my spine.

I decided! I will make this man suffer. He will perish because of me.