Chapter 5

Hazel's POV

I cracked my head trying to formulate something to tell him, but getting that boldness in front of Arnold was almost impossible.

The man had the aura of a king, and it made me feel naked.

"You are testing my patience," he groaned, dropping the gun by his side.

I let out a sigh of relief unconsciously and when I realized this, I closed my mouth.

"Where do you get your boldness from?" He asked.

I felt a wire in me snap, and I almost screamed at him, but I controlled myself, remembering that my shoulder was still bandaged.

Why was this damn man asking so many questions?

"If I find out that you and your brother tried to play games with me, both of you will ascend or descend to your maker"

I felt myself break into cold sweat as I bowed my head.

What has Josie done? Didn't he know who he was dealing with?

No!

I couldn't die with that damn lousy Josie, especially not in the hands of this ruthless man.

Opening my mouth, I tried to defend myself but he raised his hand.

"Do you even know your position in this mansion?" He questioned and for the first time, it dawned on me.

Since my arrival, everyone has been a bit distant but at the same time, extremely respectful to me.

Then, Damien would never allow me to stand with the others when receiving Arnold.

My position must be extremely important, but why?

I looked at Arnold, and he seemed to be waiting for my reply, but after getting none, he shook his head.

"Your brother said you were smart, so I bought you. Not as a maid or slave but as my spouse.”

“To the world, you are my spouse, but to me, you are nothing." his voice was laced with a certain seriousness that made everywhere congested.

Right now, I was finding it too hard to breathe but he hadn't dismissed me yet.

"So, I am your wife," I mumbled breathlessly, trying to understand my situation.

The next thing I heard was a gunshot followed by the crash of a vase beside me.

I fell on my knees due to fear.

I stared at my sitting palms, and I touched my chest, feeling my heartbeat accelerating.

Taking a deep breath and trying to calm myself down, I smelt his cologne envelope on my nose, and I looked up to see him in front of me.

I was about to shift back when I felt something grab my throat.

"Arnold, you are hurting me" I muttered, trying to free myself as tears streamed down my face.

"Never call yourself my wife! That is a position you can never have!  You are nothing to me so don't ever let that title get into your head!" he ordered and then pushed me.

I fell, coughing while trying to catch my breath.

I touched my neck, and then I hissed; his grabbing had left a sore spot.

"Leave!" He ordered coldly and without waiting for another word, I dashed out.

Getting to my room, I shut the door and fell on my knees.

Why was life so unfair to me?

I hurriedly cleaned my tears not wanting my eyes to be red or swollen by tomorrow.

I was the spouse to Arnold, so I had to look the part.

It's a must to always be prim and proper.

Standing up, I looked at my reflection and my eyes fell on my bandaged shoulder.

Curiously, I took out a pair of scissors and cut it open to reveal a familiar symbol.

Brushing my hand through it, I could feel the roughness and softness of my skin.

"Hazel, be strong." I reminded myself, and then I went to bed, hoping to wake up in a better place.

...

The morning came sooner than expected and before I knew it, I was dressed up in a black pleated dress and wedge heels.

I was never one who enjoyed this type of dressing style, but I had no choice; this was the style Arnold demanded.

Finishing the lightest makeup routine I had, I walked downstairs.

It was past the time for breakfast and I prayed that I wasn't in trouble.

As soon as I entered, everyone stood up.

This treatment made me feel a bit off, but I knew I had to take the honor, so I walked gently and sat down in my seat.

Subconsciously, I noticed that Arnold had his head bowed while I walked in but I didn't pay close attention to it.

Everyone sat down and we began eating.

Looking around briefly, I noticed that the majority of the men were not present at the table; even Damien wasn't there.

I became instantly worried, and thoughts began flying through my mind; one was if Arnold had killed his most loyal subordinate.

I shook my head and stuffed bread in my mouth as I tried to control myself.

There was no way Arnold could be that heartless.

Yes!

He must have sent Damien on a mission.

Barely halfway through my food, Arnold tapped me.

I looked at him, the thought of last night's incident flashing through my mind.

"Follow me" he ordered and turned his chair.

I was behind him but I was conscious, conscious to the point that I was taking in less oxygen to avoid making a sound.

After some minutes, he stopped at a room and gestured that I should open it.

I did and he pushed himself inside.

Confused on whether I should follow him or not, I stood waiting for his instructions but his thunderous voice filled my ears.

"I said follow me!" he reminded me.

Immediately, I let go of the door and followed him into the room.

He stopped abruptly and I almost fell over.

I looked around where we stood and I couldn't help but grumble.

What in the world are we doing here away from breakfast?!

Just then, the lights were turned on, and the next minute, Damien came in, pulling with him a woman and a child.

He set them both in front of us, then handed the gun over to me.

My eyes popped and I could feel my knees grow weak.

What was Damien doing? I wondered.

"No, thank you " I rejected politely and Arnold grabbed the gun and forced it into my hand.

"Kill them both" he ordered causally.

I could feel my throat itch, I had never killed someone before and I planned never to do it no matter the cost.

In my moment of hesitation, I felt something cold on my neck.

Slowly, I turned to see Damien pointing a gun at me as his eyes were fixed on the woman and the baby in front of me.

"Please, have mercy on us. Let us  live" she begged sobbing as she hid the baby's face in her bosom.

The scene made my stomach twist.

"I don't care Arnold, I am not killing these people even if you end my life" I stated trying to be firm.

"Suit yourself" he said coldly and waved at Damien.

The next minute, I heard a gunshot.