Chapter 9 A Dark Promise

• "I'm so thrilled that my favorite daughter is marrying your nephew, Lauren," Dad said with a smile, looking at Lucien's aunt, Lauren Halloway.
• We were all in the dining area, and I was seated next to my sister Eleanor, who had been silent and bewildered by the sudden appearance of Marcus. I was sure she didn't know him because she wasn't really into business. Mom, on the other hand, stayed quiet beside Dad, not mingling with Marcus' aunt, Madame Lauren. I wasn't sure what my reaction would be or what to say because I still couldn't believe that Marcus had changed his decision and now wanted to marry me. Why? Why did he change his mind?
• "I'm also excited for the Halloway and Wilson families to finally become one! Isn't it amazing, my dear?" Madame Lauren asked Marcus with a beaming smile. Marcus, who was sitting next to her, just nodded, maintaining a serious demeanor. I was about to look away from him when I caught him looking at me. My heart pounded, and I felt like melting in my seat due to the intensity of his gaze.
• "Evie, are you okay?" I blinked my eyes and avoided looking at Marcus when I heard my sister's soft voice beside me. She also held my hand, sensing its coldness. I gave Eleanor a simple smile and nodded. Trying to hide all the stress that I felt on this dinner alone.
• Dinner was silent in the dining area. The atmosphere was awkward, and I could tell that my sister felt it too. We had been exchanging glances for a while. After finishing our meal, we still couldn't leave the dining area as Dad and Marcus' aunt continued their conversation. They were discussing Halloway business matters, and I hesitated to join or intervene.
• While Dad and Madame Lauren were talking, I tried not to stare blankly at my seat. I picked up my water glass and took a sip. I almost choked in surprise when Marcus spoke, mentioning my name.
• "Can I talk to Evelyn in private?"
• My parents and Madame Lauren were visibly taken aback when Marcus spoke. Dad, however, quickly nodded and smiled.
• "Sure! We've finished our discussion earlier, and dinner is over, so you can talk to Evelyn now," Dad said.
• I swallowed hard, feeling the coldness intensify. I glanced at Marcus, and I saw him stand up, glancing at me. He signaled for me to follow him, so I had no choice but to stand and follow him. We exited the dining area, and he continued walking until we were outside the house. When we were outside, I was surprised when he suddenly grabbed my arm, pulling me and leading me to a dark area behind our house where no one else could see.
• "Marcus, what are you doing? Where are you taking me? Let me go!" I struggled to break free from Marcus's tight grip, but he was stronger, and I felt pain every time I resisted his hold. "AHHH!" I screamed loudly when he forcefully pressed me against the wall. I hadn't realized that we had reached the back of our house, a dark area where our workers didn't go at night. There was no one else to see or hear us at this hour. "M-Marcus, let me go! What are you doing!" I shouted angrily while glaring at him.
• He held both my wrists, raising my hands above my head and pressing them against the wall, preventing any movement. No matter how I struggled, I couldn't break free from Marcus. I was trapped, and there was no escape.
• "Stop fighting with me, Evelyn. We're getting married, so you need to obey me all the time," he said huskily, smirking.
• My body reacted to Marcus's words, my skin tingling, and my heart beating rapidly. I felt breathless.
• "W-Why did you agree? Why do you want to marry me?" I asked him weakly. Fear started to creep in because I didn't really know Marcus, and I was afraid he might do something harmful to me now.
• He released one of his hands holding mine and gently caressed my cheek. I blinked, feeling paralyzed by his actions.
• "Hmmm. Why indeed, Miss Evelyn Grace Wilson? First of all, you ruined my life."
• I looked into his eyes when he said that. I could see the intense anger in his gaze. Despite the visible anger and my fear, he remained calm in front of me, making him even more intimidating.
• "Please, Marcus, whatever you're planning, don't do it," I pleaded softly, keeping my gaze on him.
• He took a deep breath, his demon-like smirk still evident on his face. He barely blinked as he spoke.
• "Oh, weirdo, you should be thankful because you're marrying a powerful man. Isn't that your plan from the beginning? That's why you went to my condo unit to execute your plan to seduce me," he said coldly.
• I glared at him. "I didn't want that! Okay, I admit I was wrong, it's all my fault! I messed up by not double-checking the room I was entering, and I got drunk that night! You don't have to marry me, Marcus. I can handle my dad, so please, reject the wedding. I will do my best to convince my dad not to push through with this planned wedding for us," I said seriously.
• Even if it hurts me, I will do everything to prevent our wedding. I want to show Marcus that I regret what I did, and it wasn't my intention to do that, contrary to his accusations.
• He didn't speak. He just stared into my eyes with a serious expression on his face. I felt him slowly releasing my hand, so I lowered it, and I breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that I might be finally convincing Marcus.
• But all my hope vanished when Marcus held my waist and pulled me closer to him. I was so surprised that I instinctively held onto his chest.
• I couldn't move as he brought his face close to mine, gazing into my eyes. He caressed my cheek and brought his face to my ear, making my hair stand on end when I felt his tongue there. I clung to Marcus because I suddenly felt weak. He licked my earlobe, and I gasped.
• "M-Marcus..." I moaned softly.
• He traced his fingers over my cheek and my lips, which were slightly parted due to his earlier actions.
• "I'm not going to let you go, Evelyn," he said seriously.
• I blinked in surprise at his words. I felt the strong beating of my heart again, and I burned under the intensity of his gaze. He continued speaking, and his words shattered my world.
• "I will make you suffer while you are married to me, Evelyn Grace Wilson. Face your consequences and good luck on your new journey as Mrs. Halloway."