Achilles Heel

Chapter 2: Entering the Lion’s Den

Faith’s POV

I was standing in front of Edward Mack's private home, gazing up at the colossal, icy building. This place exuded dominance and power in every way. I could feel it bearing down on me like a weight. I would marry Edward Mack today not out of love, but out of concern for my brother's survival.

The air inside was equally frigid. No music, no flowers, no happiness. Edward's close colleagues were the only ones in attendance, and they watched the ceremony as if it were a business transaction. And it was precisely that.

I turned to Edward. In his fitted suit, he stood straight and impassive, his cold blue eyes showing nothing. I was not wanted as a wife by this man. I had no choice but to comply with his desire to use me as a piece in his scheme.

I hardly paid attention as the officiant's voice continued to ramble. This wasn't my heart. I wanted to flee, but I couldn't get anywhere. This was the only way to preserve Tom's life, and his life was at stake.

"Do you, Faith Robert, consider Edward Mack to be your legally recognized spouse?"

With a dry throat, I paused. I looked at Edward, who was staring at me without flinching. There was no cosiness or warmth. Just command.

"Yes," I said in a scarcely audible whisper.

"And do you consider Faith Robert to be your legally wedded wife, Edward Mack?"

Edward spoke in a steady, forceful tone. "Yes, I do."

"By the authority granted to me, I now declare you husband and wife," the officiant went on. The bride is yours to kiss.

Share a kiss? Edward leaned in and my heart raced. For a fleeting instant, his lips touched mine, icy and aloof. It was a seal to a deal, not a kiss of love. That was the end of it. Mrs. Edward Mack is who I am now.

Edward wasted no time in acquainting me with his world the world of crime, wealth, and power after the wedding. Although I was aware of his peril, it was a whole different experience to witness it firsthand.

We walked into his mansion, which resembled a fortress more than anything else. The walls were adorned with pricey artwork, and the floors shone with marble. Although everything in this place seemed opulent, it all seemed empty. Despite being surrounded by wealth, I had never felt more impoverished.

As we passed into the opulent hallway, Edward declared, "This is your home now." "Become accustomed to it."

I felt like a prisoner in a golden cage as I forcefully gulped. "What am I supposed to do?" Not sure if I even wanted to know the answer, I asked in a low voice.

"My wife is you. I'll safeguard your brother in exchange for you staying out of trouble," Edward stated impassively. As he talked, he avoided looking at me, as if I were merely a shadow following him.

A man was waiting for us as we came to a stop in a huge dining area. His dark hair and sharp features gave him a younger appearance than Edward. There was something strange about his smile when he spotted me. Too amiable, too practised.

"This is Marcus," Edward said, introducing him to Faith. "He takes care of my business when I'm not there."

Marcus shook hands and remarked, "Nice to meet you." His smile did not extend to his eyes, but his hold was solid. "Greetings from the family."

Even though I was uncomfortable, I faked a smile. Although Marcus was kind, there was a coldness behind his eyes that made me think of Edward, only worse. He looked at me for too long, as though I were a conundrum that needed to be solved.

I stepped back and mumbled, "Thank you."

The tension was broken when Edward's phone rang. He responded to it sharply, and then he turned to Marcus after a few words were clipped. He said, "We'll continue this later," and left the room without giving me another look.

Marcus and I were left standing there feeling even more alone.

"So, how is married life treating you so far?" Marcus asked, taking a step closer.

I didn't respond. All I wanted to do was get out of this nightmare, but I couldn't.

Marcus whispered, "Don't worry," yet his voice made me shiver. "You will get used to it, I'm sure."

I ended up in the bedroom Edward had designated for me later that evening. Despite being opulent, with pricey furnishings and dim lighting, the place felt alien. I was reminded that I didn't belong here by everything.

Edward entered through the open door, his face unreadable. The quiet between us now seemed oppressive because we hadn't spoken much since the wedding ceremony.

"What did you do?" I couldn't contain myself any longer and blurted out. "Why me?"

Edward paused and gave me a chilly, dark gaze. "You were in a desperate situation. I required someone under my authority.

I felt like I was slapped by his comments. "Do you have to control everything? To you, that's all this is?

He sat down in the chair across from me and shrugged. Faith, it's business. Both you and I needed something. We both have what we desire now.

I was filled with rage as I looked at him. "This is not what I wanted."

His eyes met mine as he leaned forward a little. "Therefore, you ought not to have signed the agreement."

Tears were hurting my eyes, but I fought the need to cry. "I saved my brother by doing it."

Edward stated in a chilly tone, "And I'm keeping my end of the bargain." "As long as you act appropriately, Tom is safe."

He was treating this like a game, and I wanted to yell and shout at him. However, I said nothing. I wouldn't get anywhere by yelling at Edward Mack.

Edward said, "You should get used to this," and got up to go. "You are now a part of my world. You will survive if you don't ask too many questions.

I felt cold when he said it. Make it through? Was this all a matter of surviving in his world of power and crime?

There was a brief moment when I saw something in his eyes as he left. Was it remorse? Anguish? I had no idea, but it vanished as fast as it appeared.

I was unable to fall asleep late that night. My mind was racing, the bed was too big, and it was too soft. I got up and tried to decompress by walking along the dim hallway.

I heard noises coming from one of the rooms. I stopped and put my ear on the door.

"We must move quickly, Victor," a deep voice replied.

One of the voices was Marcus, and I recognized it.

Another voice questioned, "And what about the girl?" It was a new one.

"She's helpful," Marcus said. She can help us reach Edward. He is not as impervious as he believes.

As I listened, my heart was pounding. Make use of me? What did they intend to do?

The other man said, "We must exercise caution." "Edward cannot yet be aware that we are working against him."

To prevent myself from gasping, I covered my mouth. I found myself in the centre of their conspiracy against Edward.

"We'll get in by faith," Marcus stated. "She holds the secret to defeating Edward."

My blood became icy. With my head spinning, I retreated from the door. In their game, I was a pawn. I was complicit in whatever they were plotting, and I was clueless about how to defend myself.

Panic struck as I slipped back to my room. The danger was all around me, and I was stuck. Although Edward was vicious, I now realized that there were even more deadly individuals scheming in the background.

what have I gotten myself into?

Faith lying awake in bed, her mind spinning with fear and uncertainty. She’s caught between Edward’s control and Marcus’s dangerous plot. And now, she realizes she’s a pawn in a deadly game she never wanted to be a part of, but escaping may be impossible.