"James, she looks so weak? Is she alright? When will she wake up?!" whispering was all she heard, with great difficulty she opened her eyes and a familiar milky white ceiling came into her view, vision blurred. She sat up and inspected her surrounding, like a lost child, three tall figures were standing some feet away from her bed. as her sight cleared, heart lost its beat when glossy green eyes met with icy blue. He was leaning against a wall, hands in pocket, eyes focused on her, void of emotions as always... Emily broke the eye contact and properly sat on the bed, "Finally, you are awake!", Amanda approached and hugged her younger sister. Emily, I missed you a lot", Amanda confessed, rubbing her back with affection, "I missed you too," Emily whispered,

Amanda gently pulled apart," then why did you leave us?"

she looked away, "you know better why",

"but it was your decision. as much as I know, no one forced you for this marriage",

'only if you know, she thought and cast a glance at King, expecting any sort of guilt or remorse in his eyes but found nothing.

'from whom I am expecting, huh! the same as expecting snow in summer.'

Amanda followed Emily's gaze, then look back at her, "look at me. if someone forced or threatened you in this then tell me, We know how to deal with it. you don't have to be afraid of anyone"

"Right, James?", Amanda turned to James, who nodded with acceptance but his eyes were saying the opposite.

'this devil standing right here! he forced me! he threatened to kill you and brother!....my only family.', as much as she wanted to tell everyone the truth, she can't. with a heavy heart, she lied," no one forced me. I did it willingly."

"But why?!"

"because everything was happening in hurry! the engagement, preparation of the wedding, each and everything! I was not mentally prepared! I needed some time to prepare myself for a new life", she hastily rumbled in one breath.

"Em, you could have told us and we could figure out something for you, "

"I didn't want to worry you guys. that's all", Emily whispered. Amanda sighed and asked gently, "do you still need time? If yes then it is all fine-"

"Amanda honey, we will talk about it later. She needs rest. Let's go downstairs", James interrupted and hinted at her to give a room for privacy for King and Emily. She nodded and left the room with her husband.

As they both left, King went to the door and closed it. The temperature of the room dropped. He walked towards her with slow threatening steps. Her heart pondered as he sat in front of her. She mentally prepared herself for the booming outcome.

Instead, heard a gravelly calm tone," how are you?" Buffle by his behaviour. 'is he guilty? or playing tricks on me?... ' he gently took a hold of her hand to get her attention,

" Love? I ask you something?"

She came out of thoughts and snatched her hand from his, with gritted teeth she seethed,

" I.Was. Fine and Happy back in Paris".

He checked her from top to bottom with a raised eyebrow and said," "I can see that." she frowned and looked at the right side in the dressing room mirror to check her reflection and saw a frail girl with bones peaking out, having dark eye bags and a dull face.

"This is how you glow when you are fine and happy?"

Her temper sparked at his statement, "what do you want to hear huh!?

"the truth"

"truth huh! So Yes! I was not happy! neither I am now and all this happened because of you!. You make my life hell! A complete hell!", she blustered,

He smirked, " If I made your life hell then, what does your sweet lover brings? peace?"

"Enough, with your nonsense," she got out from the bed and went to the door and held the door open for him, "I don't wanna hear shi*! Get out!".

"Behave, Lady", He warned while trying his best to ignore the tone she was using but his focus went from her manners to her finger.
"where is your ring?", He asked,

she shrugged," I don't know maybe in a trash bin"

his jaw clenched at her absurd response but he controlled it, " Emily, do not test my temper. Fucking answer my question. Where is the damn ring and why are you not wearing it?!"

she was on the verge of losing her mind, she went to the side table and took out her engagement ring and handed him, " here it is. Now go away!". 

"wear it.", he ordered, 

"Never", she stated daringly and about to sidestep but he stopped her,  grabbing her hand in a tight grip, he forced her to wear the ring. " King, what are you doing?! leave me! I don't want to wear it!"  as he was succeeded in placing the ring on her finger, he threw her old ring out of the window and let go of her. A wave of fury crashed through her by his action and the first thing she did is pushed him and slapped him harder.

 " I am not afraid of you anymore..."

He chuckled darkly while wiping the blood from the corner of his busted lower lip.

" think twice", he whispered and crashed his lips into hers. He pinned her to the wall, she struggled against him, tried to push him away but in vain. he was stronger beyond her expectations. he bit her lower lip, making her yelped in pain. he felt something salty in the kiss, probably her tears.  That kiss was a punishment. Punishment, not only for her audacious behaviour but was also a reminder to her that who she belonged to, who she belongs to and whom she will always belong to... Although he didn't want to break the kiss, he stopped as he realized that she was losing her breath and almost drained out of energy. he sealed the kiss with a gentle lick of the blood oozing from her wounded lips. He let go of her limped body and she dropped on the floor, struggling to inhale oxygen. Menacing blue eyes met terror-filled bloodshot ones. 

"Next time think before defying my orders. ".

he got up went to the door and whispered, "Welcome Home" leaving his damsel in distress...