Midnight cast its dark veil over the deserted street. The streetlight's faint glow had faded, plunging the world into an inky blackness. The only sound was the soft crunch of gravel beneath the feet of a mysterious woman.

Clad in a flowing white gown, she emerged from the shadows like a ghostly apparition. Her face remained hidden, obscured by the darkness. As she stepped into the road, the silence was shattered by the distant hum of a car engine.

The woman's pace slowed, her senses heightened. Suddenly, a pair of blinding headlights burst forth from the darkness, illuminating the scene with an intense, otherworldly glow. The woman's eyes snapped shut, her hand instinctively rising to shield her face.

The air was electric with tension as the car hurtled toward her, its tires screeching in protest. Time seemed to slow, the world narrowing to a single, heart-stopping moment. The car's brakes shrieked, and the vehicle skidded to a halt mere inches from the woman's trembling form.

The sudden rush of air disturbed her hair, sending it dancing across her face. The car's headlights continued to burn, casting an eerie glow on the surrounding buildings. The woman's face remained hidden, but her ragged breathing was audible in the stunned silence.

The driver's window rolled down, and a low, smooth voice drifted out. "Madam, please step aside. If you want to die under a car, find someone else to oblige."

The woman's hands rose, and she swept the tangled hair from her face. The driver's eyes narrowed, taken aback by her striking features. Her eyes sparkled like diamonds in the harsh light, and her full lips, painted a deep crimson, trembled slightly. The elegant white gown hugged her curves, and the high heels added a touch of sophistication. Her raven-black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night.

The driver's gaze lingered on her face, and for a moment, he forgot to breathe. The woman's eyes flashed with anger, and she strode toward the driver's window. Her slender fingers closed around his collar, her grip surprisingly strong.

"Mister," she said, her voice husky and confident, "it was you who was speeding recklessly, forgetting that highway roads have limits for a reason."

The driver's eyes locked onto hers, a spark of defiance igniting within him. "Ma'am, your actions and words don't match your face and voice," he said, his tone laced with a hint of sarcasm.

The woman's eyes narrowed, her grip on his collar tightening. "And what, exactly, do you think my face and voice should be saying?" she asked, her voice dripping with a subtle menace.

The driver's response was cut short by a cold, deep voice emanating from the backseat. "What's wrong?" it growled.

The woman's eyes snapped toward the rear windows, her gaze intense as she tried to see who was speaking. But the black tint obscured her view, and she couldn't make out any features.

The driver's eyes flicked toward the rearview mirror, his expression uneasy. The woman's grip on his collar remained firm, her eyes still fixed on the rear windows.

Behind them, a row of cars waited silently, their engines purring softly in the night. There was no honking, no revving, just an expectant stillness, as if they were all waiting for some unseen signal to proceed.

Inside the car, a man sat with his legs crossed, dressed impeccably in a black suit. His voice was low and commanding as he spoke into his phone, his words laced with a hint of frustration.

"I cannot do this, Uncle," he said, his deep voice firm but respectful.

The response from the other end was immediate and authoritative. "Today, I am not requesting you, Viktor Carnifex. Now, it's an order. You have only tonight to complete this task."

The call ended abruptly, and Viktor's grip on his phone tightened. He slipped his fingers between his, the tension in his body palpable. His chiseled features, framed by perfectly styled hair, seemed carved from stone, his eyes burning with intensity.

As he gazed out the window, his eyes locked onto the woman standing outside, her face illuminated by the faint moonlight. A spark ignited in his eyes, and he turned to the manager sitting across from him, who was engrossed in his laptop.

"Grab that lady and take her with us," Viktor ordered, his voice firm and commanding.

The manager's eyes widened in surprise, and he opened his mouth to protest. "Sir, but—"

Viktor's gaze silenced him, a sharp, deathly stare that brooked no argument. The manager swallowed hard, his face pale. "Okay, sir. As you say."

The manager's hand emerged from the window, his finger pointing discreetly toward the woman. The signal was subtle, but the men stationed in the cars behind them sprang into action.

The woman, still engaged in a heated argument with the driver, didn't notice the approaching threat. "I'm going to complain about this. And..." she continued, her voice rising.

But her words trailed off as she caught sight of the men closing in around her. Dressed in sleek black attire, they moved with a precision that belied their menacing intent. Guns glinted in the faint moonlight as they formed a semi-circle around the woman.

Her eyes widened in alarm as she released her grip on the driver's collar. She stumbled backward, her hands raised in a defensive gesture. "Who are you all...and why are you pointing guns at me? Is it just because I stepped in front of a car?" she asked, her voice trembling with fear.

The men remained silent, their faces impassive. They seemed to be waiting for a signal, their eyes fixed on the woman with an unnerving intensity.

The woman's gaze shifted to a new figure emerging from the car on the opposite side. He was impeccably dressed, carrying a laptop and a bag of files. His calm demeanor and soothing voice were a stark contrast to the menacing atmosphere.

"Sorry, miss...or Mrs.," he said, his eyes locking onto hers. "Does that bother you?"

The woman's eyes searched his, trying to read his intentions. The tension in the air was palpable, but the man's body language reassured her that he meant no harm.

"Nah, that doesn't," he continued, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Looking at you, maybe it's miss. So, miss, we're sorry, but it had to be done. No other option."

He nodded toward the men standing behind her. "Grab her and take her with us."

The men sprang into action, their hands closing around her wrists like vice grips. "What...hey, what is this? What are you guys up to? Who are you all?" she screamed, struggling to break free.

But her cries fell on deaf ears. The manager, seemingly unfazed, slid back into the car, which began to move. The woman's desperate attempts to escape were futile; the bodyguards' grip was too strong. They dragged her to a nearby car, tossing her inside.

As the doors slammed shut, the convoy of cars roared to life, following the lead vehicle into the darkness.

The demanding voice echoed through the car, sending a shiver down the manager's spine. "I want detailed information about her."

The manager's voice trembled slightly as he asked, "But, sir, why...I mean, a lady...?" He trailed off, his courage faltering.

Viktor's gaze narrowed, his eyes glinting in the dim light. "Do as I say. I'll tell you later."

The manager nodded hastily, his fingers flying across the keyboard as he conducted a rapid search. After a few tense moments, he looked up, his face pale. "Sir, by analyzing her dressing sense, I've found a possible match. There was a party tonight hosted by Sunset Dealers, a local company. My sources indicate that she's an employee there."

He swallowed hard before continuing. "Her name is Aria Morano, age 22. She lives with her brother, who's a high school student."

Viktor's expression remained unreadable, but his voice sent a chill down the manager's spine. "Tell Brazo to kidnap her brother and wait for my call."

The manager's eyes widened in alarm, but he dared not question Viktor's intentions. He nodded silently, his hands shaking as he made the call. "Brazo, sir...Viktor Sir's orders...kidnap a boy I'm sending you his location ...and wait for further instructions."

As he ended the call, the manager's face reflected his growing unease. He couldn't comprehend Viktor's motives, nor did he have the courage to ask.

Aria's frustration grew as she demanded answers from her captors. "Who are you people? What do you want from me? Why are you doing this?"

But her words fell on deaf ears. The men surrounding her remained statue-still, their faces expressionless. They didn't even acknowledge her presence, their eyes fixed on some point beyond her.

The car screeched to a halt, and Aria's captors dragged her out into the night air. As she looked around, her confusion deepened. "A church?" she whispered, bewildered.

The men exchanged uneasy glances, their composure faltering for a moment. But before Aria could press her advantage, a new figure emerged from the shadows.

A towering giant of a man, his muscles rippling beneath his suit, stepped out of the car. Aria's eyes widened as she took in his imposing frame. "Who in the world is this now?" she breathed.

The men surrounding her bowed their heads in respect, their faces pale. The giant approached Aria, his black eyes glinting in the dim light. His face was chiseled, his features sharp, and his gaze seemed to bore into Aria's very soul.

"So, you're behind all this," Aria accused, trying to keep her voice steady. "Mister, can you explain what's going on? Why you've kidnapped me?"

But the giant, Viktor Carnifex, didn't respond. Instead, he grasped Aria's wrist, his grip like a vice. Aria struggled, digging her heels into the ground, but Viktor dragged her toward the church.

With a surge of adrenaline, Aria wrenched her hand free, her eyes blazing with defiance. "What are you up to? Wait...aren't you...Viktor Carnifex, CEO of Carfax Company?" Her voice trailed off, her eyes wide with shock.

Aria's gaze remained unwavering, unimpressed by Viktor's charismatic presence. Viktor, amused by her fearlessness, flashed a sly smile. "Fortunately, I'm spared the trouble of introductions."

Aria's eyes narrowed, her voice firm. "Let's get to the point. What do you want from me?"

Viktor's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Simple, really. I propose we get married."

The words hung in the air like a challenge, leaving Aria breathless. Her eyes widened in outrage. "What?!"

Viktor's expression turned matter-of-fact. "It's just a two-year contract. After that, we part ways, as if we'd never met."

Aria's face set in determination. "Marriage isn't a game, and I won't be a part of it. Find someone else for your contract."

As she turned to leave, Viktor's hand shot out, grasping her wrist. He pulled her close, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You have a brother, don't you?"

The air seemed to vibrate with tension as Aria's eyes locked onto Viktor's, a spark of fear igniting within them.

Aria's eyes flashed with alarm as she grasped Viktor's intentions. She shoved him away, her voice trembling with urgency. "What have you done to my brother?"

Viktor's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. "Nothing... yet." He paused, pulling out his phone. "But let's just say I have leverage."

He dialed a number, and a deep, menacing voice answered. "Brazo."

Viktor's instructions were crisp. "Put him on video call. I want her to see."

The screen flickered to life, revealing Aria's brother bound to a chair, a hulking figure looming behind him, gun in hand. Aria's face drained of color, her legs buckling beneath her.

The voice from the phone growled, "What do I do with him, sir?"

Viktor's response was icy. "Nothing. Just wait for my orders."

Aria's world narrowed to a single, terrifying thought: her brother's life hung in the balance, and Viktor held the reins.

Viktor's eyes locked onto Aria's, his gaze piercing as he bent down, his face inches from hers. Aria stood frozen, her mind reeling from the shock.

"So, may I have your answer now?" Viktor's voice was low, husky, and menacing.

Aria's voice trembled with rage. "You're blackmailing me? This is a cheap trick."

Viktor's expression remained unyielding, his eyes glinting with a cold intensity. Suddenly, he grasped her wrist, lifting her off the ground. Aria pounded his back, struggling to break free. "Let me go, you coward!"

But Viktor's grip only tightened. He strode toward a nearby room, Aria kicking and flailing in his grasp. The room was small, with a single bed and a bridal dress laid out on it. Viktor tossed Aria onto the bed, his eyes flashing with warning.

"There's your dress. Don't keep me waiting. The servants will help you get ready."

His voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "Don't force me to harm your loved ones. Remember, I'm not forgiving."

With that, Viktor turned and left, the door slamming shut behind him. Aria lay on the bed, her heart racing, her mind reeling with the impossible choice she faced.

Aria lay numb, her mind paralyzed by the impossible choice. "Why always me, God?" she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes.

Just then, a soft voice spoke, "Sometimes life takes you to a point where you need to make tough decisions, but who knows God's will?"

Aria turned to face the speaker, an older woman with a kind face and a hint of wisdom in her eyes. The woman approached Aria, gently helping her to her feet.

"For your own good, I'm begging you, please do as he says," the woman urged, her voice laced with concern.

Aria looked at her, confusion etched on her face. "Who are you?"

The woman's expression turned solemn. "I'm the grand lady, the master of servants. I've worked for him since he was a child, and I know him better than anyone. Trust me, child, you don't want to cross him."

Aria's eyes narrowed, a spark of defiance igniting within her. "And what if I don't?" she asked, her voice steady.

The woman's face turned pale, her eyes filled with a deep-seated fear. "Then you'll regret it for the rest of your life. He's a living devil, child. He does what he says, and he won't hesitate to hurt those you love. Please, wear the dress and go. Don't make him wait."

Aria stood frozen, her mind racing with the impossible choice. The old lady's words hung in the air, a desperate plea to avoid Viktor's wrath.

Just then, a knock at the door shattered the silence. Viktor's deep, commanding voice sent a shiver down Aria's spine. "You're running out of time. If you're not dressed, I'll be coming in."

The old lady's eyes widened in panic as she rushed to respond. "Master, it's done. Just her hair needs to be styled."

She grasped Aria's shoulders, her eyes begging her to make a wise decision. "Please, child, don't test his patience. He won't hesitate to hurt you."

Aria shook off the old lady's grip and marched to the door, flinging it open. Viktor stood tall, his piercing gaze sweeping over her.

"If I marry you, will you leave my brother alone and never bother him again?" Aria demanded, her voice shaking with desperation.

Viktor's gaze lingered on her, his expression unreadable. He turned to the old lady, his voice dripping with menace. "Only her hair is left..."

Aria's hands shot out, grasping Viktor's shoulders as she pleaded with him. "Tell me, will you?"

Viktor's voice was icy, his words dripping with malice. "I guess you still don't understand. If you don't marry me right now, your brother will suffer greatly. But if you do, I'll leave him alone. It's simple."

He shrugged off Aria's grasp, his eyes glinting with amusement. "And as a bonus, I'll even pay for your brother's admission to Harvard University. Wasn't that your dream?"

Aria's eyes widened in shock, her face pale. She was too stunned to respond.

Viktor's smile grew wider as he pulled out his phone. "Brazo, proceed with the plan."

He turned the phone's screen to face Aria, and she screamed as she saw her brother being beaten, blood streaming down his face. "No, please! Leave him alone! I'm begging you!"

Viktor's expression turned cold, his voice dripping with venom. "You've tested my patience for the last time. No one has ever made me wait this long. You'll pay the price for that, and it will cost you a life."

Aria's world came crashing down around her, her heart shattering into a million pieces.

Aria collapsed to her knees, her eyes streaming with tears as she begged Viktor for mercy. "Please, leave him alone! Just leave him! I'll do whatever you want, just please..."

Her voice cracked as she heard her brother's cries growing fainter, and she felt her heart shattering into a million pieces.

Viktor's voice was cold, detached, as he spoke into the phone. "Brazo, stop."

He hung up, his eyes glinting with triumph as he bent down to meet Aria's gaze. "I think you understand your task. I'm waiting for you in the church. You have 10 minutes."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Aria shattered, broken, and helpless.

As Aria struggled to her feet, the master maid rushed to her side, guiding her into the room and closing the door behind them. "I warned you to obey him," the maid said, her voice low and urgent. "It's not too late. Please, for your brother's sake, get ready." Aria's eyes narrowed, suspicion etched on her face. "Why do you care so much about me and my brother?" she asked, her voice laced with skepticism. The maid's gaze dropped, her eyes clouding with a deep sadness. "I've been in your shoes before," she whispered. "Please, just do as he says."

In the majestic church, Viktor stood tall, awaiting Aria's arrival. His black suit accentuated his chiseled features, making him irresistibly attractive. Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed through the hall. "Viktor?!" It was Kaid, Viktor's trusted friend. Viktor turned, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Kaid, you're always punctual. I appreciate that." Kaid chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

As the church doors swung open, Aria stepped into the threshold, a breathtaking vision in white. Her long, flowing gown cascaded down her slender figure, and her loose hair framed her heart-shaped face. Viktor's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes burning with intensity. Aria's heart skipped a beat as she approached him, the master servant by her side.

The priest began the ceremony, his voice echoing through the church. Aria's heart pounded faster, her world spinning out of control. Regret washed over her, threatening to overwhelm her. The priest asked Viktor, "Are you ready to take Miss Aria Morano as your wife?" Viktor's response was curt, his voice low and husky: "Yes."

The priest turned to Aria, but she was frozen, unable to speak. The maid nudged her gently, urging her to respond. The priest repeated the question, his voice firm but gentle. Viktor's eyes narrowed, his gaze intense, as he growled, "Say yes, Aria." Aria's voice trembled as she whispered, "Y...yes." As soon as the word left her lips, Aria felt a pang of regret, as if she had sealed her fate forever.

As the word "yes" escaped Aria's lips, she felt an eerie sense of finality, as if she had surrendered to a fate worse than death. The priest's next words cut through her thoughts like a knife: "Now, seal your union with a tender kiss, and accept each other as husband and wife." But Aria's heart recoiled at the thought. She had expected Viktor to steal every shred of her dignity, but his next move caught her off guard.

With an air of boredom, Viktor spoke up, "Can we just skip the formalities? Signing papers and taking pictures should suffice." His gaze was devoid of emotion, sending a chill down Aria's spine. The priest's eyes widened in shock, but he dared not protest, cowed by the menacing glint in Viktor's eyes and the armed men stationed around the hall.

With a curt nod, the priest handed them the papers. Viktor grasped Aria's trembling hand, his grip like a vice, and dragged her to the table. "Sign this," he growled, his voice dripping with impatience. Aria's heart was racing, her mind screaming in despair. She felt like she was signing away her soul, condemning herself to a life of hell. With shaking hands, she scribbled her signature alongside Viktor's, the ink bleeding into the paper like her shattered dreams.

Kaid's voice boomed with excitement, "Now, everyone! It's time to capture the magic of our newlyweds! Cameraman, take your position!" Kaid's enthusiasm was palpable, but beneath the surface, he seemed detached, reveling in the spectacle rather than the sentiment.

As Aria and Viktor descended the stairs, Aria's heel slipped, sending her stumbling. Viktor's reflexes kicked in, and he swiftly grasped her wrist, then her waist, pulling her close. Their faces were inches apart, the air thick with tension. Seizing the moment, Kaid signaled the cameraman, who snapped away, capturing the intimate pose. The flashbulbs illuminated the awkward yet tender moment, freezing it in time.

Aria's face turned bright red with embarrassment. Viktor gazed at her, his expression unreadable, and said, "You're looking like a tomato." Aria's embarrassment deepened, and she turned her face away, unable to meet his piercing gaze.

The air was thick with tension, the atmosphere strained and unnatural. Kaid cleared his throat, a teasing glint in his eye. Viktor sprang into action, adjusting Aria's posture, his touch brief but unsettling. They stood side by side, a palpable distance between them.

Kaid's voice cut through the awkwardness, his tone bored, "This looks like a corporate photoshoot...a boss and his secretary, or something. I'm really bad at this, but...guys, can you please get closer?" He strode over to them, his hands grasping their shoulders, pushing them together.

Aria and Viktor exchanged an awkward glance, their faces inches apart. The proximity was suffocating, their bodies stiff with discomfort.

As the cameraman announced, "Done!" Aria and Viktor sprang apart like magnets with the same polarity. "Now, your demand is fulfilled, can you leave my brother?" Aria asked, her eyes blazing with anger.

Viktor's response was swift and ruthless. "He's safe and sound at your house now. But you can't go," he stated, his expression unreadable. Aria's eyes widened in shock, and she demanded, "Why?!" She couldn't fathom what more Viktor wanted from her; they were married, they'd taken pictures – what else was left?

Viktor's explanation was cold and calculating. "Because you're my newlywed bride, we've just married, so it might get suspicious if you leave. So, I just want you to stay for some days in my house so that I can make our marriage look six months older." Aria's anger boiled over, and she spat out, "As you demanded, I married you, and now you want me to live in your house and behave like your wife? You're asking for too much! I just can't live under the same shade as you, a nesting devil."

Viktor remained calm, his expression unyielding. He pulled Aria by her shoulder and hissed, "You know there's always my man's eye on your brother, so just my one call, and there he's done... with life." Aria's anger deflated, replaced by a helpless, desperate fear. She swallowed hard, her eyes welling up with tears as she looked down, defeated.

Viktor pushed her away and instructed the maid, "Take her with you to my mansion and explain everything." With that, he turned and walked away with Kaid, leaving Aria feeling trapped and helpless.

Aria composed herself, her eyes locking onto the lady, who seemed frozen in place. The lady's eyes betrayed a deep-seated guilt as she hesitantly gestured for Aria to follow her to the car. Aria trailed behind, her heart heavy with sorrow.

As they reached the car, the driver opened the door, and Aria slid into the luxurious interior. Her heart ached, and tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. Before the lady could enter, Aria turned to her, her voice trembling. "Can I please meet my brother just once? Please?" Tears welled up in her eyes, and the lady's expression softened.

The lady servant, seemingly unable to resist Aria's plea, nodded in agreement. "I'll take you to see your brother," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She sat down beside Aria, and the driver closed the door behind them.

As the car engine roared to life, Aria gave the driver her address. Turning to the lady, she asked, "By the way, what's your name?" The lady's expression hinted at a deep kindness, and Aria sensed that she might be an ally.

"EmberLyn, but you can call me Aunt Ember," the lady replied, her eyes locking onto Aria's. Aria nodded, attempting a weak smile.

Aunt Ember's expression turned somber, and she began to speak in a hushed tone. "I've been working in this house with utmost loyalty and dignity since I was 18. I'm now over 45." Aria's eyes widened in surprise, impressed by Aunt Ember's dedication, yet saddened by her circumstances.

Aunt Ember's voice dropped to a whisper. "I've known Viktor since he was a child. You know, he's a living DEVIL." Aria's heart skipped a beat.