Jenna’s POV
Pagkapasok ko sa bahay niya, malaki at malawak, may isang babaeng nag-approach sa akin na mukhang katulong sa bahay ni Felix. Her uniform was crisp and professional, and she had an air of quiet confidence about her. I could tell she was used to being in charge of things, and for a moment, I felt a flicker of hope that perhaps she could help me.
“Good evening, Miss Jenna,” she said politely, her voice smooth and warm. “I’m Maria, the housekeeper. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
I forced a smile, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. “Thank you, Maria. It’s nice to meet you.”
Felix stood nearby, arms crossed and watching us with a bemused expression. “Don’t get too comfortable, Jenna. You’re not here for long. Just remember who you belong to now,” he said, his tone laced with arrogance.
I turned to him, my irritation flaring up again. “I don’t belong to anyone,” I retorted, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging inside me.
Maria glanced between us, her expression neutral, but I could see a flicker of concern in her eyes. “I’ll show you to your room,” she offered, gesturing for me to follow her. “You can settle in and make yourself comfortable.”
As we walked through the expansive hallway, I took in the lavish décor—expensive artwork on the walls, intricate chandeliers hanging from the ceilings, and plush furnishings that screamed opulence. But all I felt was a sense of unease. This place was beautiful, but it felt like a gilded cage.
Maria opened a door to a spacious room, the décor elegant but cold. “This is your room,” she said, stepping aside to let me enter. “If there’s anything you need, just call for me.”
“Thank you, Maria,” I replied, stepping inside and looking around. A large bed dominated the room, and there was a balcony with a view of the city skyline. Despite the beauty of the place, I felt trapped. This wasn’t home; it was a reminder of my captivity.
“Is there anything else you want to know?” Maria asked, her eyes searching mine.
I hesitated, unsure of how much I could trust her. “What’s Felix like? Does he always act this way?”
She sighed, a look of empathy crossing her face. “Felix is… ambitious and dominant. He gets what he wants, and he’s not afraid to go after it. He’s cold but kind. He’s also cocky and a narcissist. Just be careful around him. He can be charming, but he also has a dark side.”
Her words hung in the air, each one deepening my sense of dread. I nodded slowly, trying to absorb the reality of what I was facing. “What do you mean by ‘dark side’?” I pressed, my curiosity mingling with fear.
Maria glanced toward the door as if ensuring we weren’t being overheard. “He has a temper. If things don’t go his way, he doesn’t react well. He can be ruthless to those who cross him. Just… don’t provoke him.”
A knot tightened in my stomach. The more I learned about Felix, the more I realized how precarious my situation was. “Thanks for the warning, Maria,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “I appreciate it.”
She offered me a reassuring smile. “You’re welcome. I know it’s hard, but just keep your head down for now. You’re safe here, but it’s best to follow his rules until you figure out a way to get out.”
With that, she turned to leave, but I called out after her. “Wait! Is there any way to contact the outside world? My friends or… anyone?”
Maria hesitated, her brow furrowing. “Felix keeps a tight grip on communication. He doesn’t want anyone interfering with his plans. But if you need something urgent, you can ask me discreetly. I’ll do what I can.”
I felt a flicker of hope. “Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.”
As Maria left, I sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the ornate rug beneath my feet. The room felt suffocatingly quiet, and the lavishness that surrounded me now felt like a prison. I had to find a way to escape Felix’s clutches.
A soft knock broke the silence, and I jumped to my feet, heart racing. “Come in,” I said, bracing myself.
The door swung open to reveal Felix, his expression playful yet predatory. “How are you settling in, Jenna?” he asked, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.
“Just fine,” I replied, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace. “Thanks for asking.”
He leaned casually against the doorframe, studying me with an intensity that made my skin crawl. “You know, you’re quite lucky. Most girls would kill for a chance to be with someone like me. I can give you a life most can only dream of.”
I crossed my arms, unwilling to let him see my unease. “I don’t want a life that comes with a price. I didn’t choose this.”
Felix chuckled softly, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Ah, but you’re here now. You’re part of this world whether you like it or not. You’ll learn to appreciate the finer things in life, Jenna. Trust me.”
“Trust you?” I scoffed, shaking my head. “You made a bet with my boyfriend, Felix. You think I would ever trust someone who treats people like pawns in a game?”
His smile faded, and for a moment, his eyes darkened. “You should tread carefully, Jenna. You may think you’re in control, but I assure you, you’re not. I have plans for you, and they don’t include any resistance.”
I took a step back, feeling the weight of his words sink in. “What do you want from me?” I asked, my voice steady despite my racing heart.
“I want you to adapt,” he replied, a hint of menace in his tone. “You’ll see how much better life can be under my guidance. You’ll forget all about Aiden before long. He’s a loser compared to what I can offer you.”
“Stop!” I snapped, my frustration boiling over. “You don’t know anything about him. You don’t get to decide who I care about.”
Felix stepped closer, invading my personal space. “Oh, but I do get to decide now. You’re mine, Jenna. Accept it. The sooner you do, the easier it will be for you.”
I fought the urge to recoil, anger and fear battling within me. “I won’t be your possession,” I declared, trying to find strength in my words.
He studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he broke into a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “We’ll see about that. I have a way of changing minds, Jenna. And I think you’ll find my methods quite… persuasive.”
With that, he turned on his heel and strode out, leaving me alone in the quiet room, my heart racing and my mind spinning. I felt a mixture of anger and dread swirling within me. I had to find a way out, and soon. Felix may have the upper hand for now, but I wouldn’t give in without a fight. I refused to let him win.