Chapter Thirty-four

**Bummi's POV:**

What on earth have I gotten myself into? What disaster have I invited upon my life? How did I end up in this mess?

It feels like my entire existence now hinges on the whims of a self-absorbed lunatic.

I'm doomed... completely and utterly doomed.

Eh?

Oh no!

Bummi Pearl Ademola, you are in serious trouble.

If only I had known, I would have nipped this filthy charade in the bud. All for the sake of chasing my job?

"What are you still brooding over, Bummi? You should be thrilled to be entangled with one of the world's most eligible bachelors," Lola tries to calm me, but my head is throbbing. I can't think straight after signing that cursed contract.

Yes, I had no choice but to sign it.

I can't bear the thought of walking into prison like a queen because of my mistakes. He promised to release me once he's fed up, but that clause was suspiciously missing from the contract. I can't help but wonder if he'll truly honor his word.

I feel like crying and losing control right now. "Look at you two. He even compensated you before dropping the charges. And me? I'm stuck with a monster." Don't get sentimental, Bummi. Don't waste your tears on him. He's not worth it.

"Beauty and the beast," Ojo chuckles softly. I can't fault him.

Seeing the tears welling up, Lola pulls me into a tight embrace. "No, no, don't cry. Come here." She wipes away my tears and holds me close.

"Why wouldn't she cry?" Ojo grumbles.

"OJ." Lola shoots him a warning look, and he immediately starts inspecting his polished nails.

(UNKNOWN TO THEM, DAMIAN WAS WATCHING FROM ABOVE, ENJOYING THE SHOW WITH A GLASS OF WINE IN HAND. NATHANIEL ARRIVED TO DELIVER A MESSAGE, CAUSING DAMIAN TO LEAVE.)

"Try to be empathetic and see things from her perspective," Lola advises. "Do you really think this is her fault?" She pats my back.

"So what's the plan now?" Ojo asks, dismissing Lola.

Plan? Again? "What plan?" I shake my head. "Please, no more scheming. I'm exhausted from this game."

Lola rolls her eyes and places a hand on my shoulder as we approach Ojo's car. "Don't get it twisted, B. How are you going to explain this to your family when you get home?"

Get home?

Why does Lola sound like I'll be heading home tonight?

I'm not even free to leave this place, let alone visit my house.

He says I can have visitors, including family, but now that I'm his property...

I can't visit them. I'm confined to this place. I can't even think about my belongings at home anymore.

The contract is clear.

I'm allowed to work and work from home if I choose, like a caged queen in a castle with an unknown release date.

Why the hell did he ban me from returning home or seeing my family?

He said I could call them, but that's not enough.

He'd have to kill me before he changes anything in my life.

I think, "Whatever I need to explain to Mom will have to stay in our chats."

Lola sighs and hugs me again as if we might never see each other. 

"I'll miss you terribly," Ojo adds.

It truly feels like I'm heading to my execution and won't see them again. "Me too."

She pulls away and flicks my forehead, causing me to frown. She mimics my pout, making a silly face. "Come on, we'll see each other at work. It's not like he banned visitors, right?"

Right.

I can sense his intentions. He probably thinks that if he keeps me from going anywhere else, I'll focus on him and maybe develop feelings.

Romantic, right?

Sorry, but no.

"So, this is it."

"Yeah, this is it."

I watch my friends leave without me. It feels like a research gone wrong where only two out of three return.

Horrible.

"They can still visit if they want," I hear a deep voice behind and arm around my shoulders. I spin around to find out who it is and jerk off his arm.

I don't care about his public image or status. "Listen to me carefully." I see he's ready to mock my words. His hand reaches for my face, but I swat it away. "First, I'm not afraid of you. Second, don't you dare come near me. I might kill you." I mean every word. I won't hesitate to break his head if he tries anything.

"Well, bitch. I don't mind dying if it means I die a happy man," he winks.

He—

Maybe he's not taking my words seriously. "It's your mother who might be the bitch, maybe you slipped up."

His expression darkens. "Stop it." Oh, he must be quite fond of his mother.

That's his weak spot, Bummi.

Ugh!

Okay, Bummi, calm down. Take a deep breath. "Fine. What do you want from me? I'm sorry for my foolishness, and I'm willing to do anything, but please, don't punish me this way. Have some conscience…"

I stop when he starts laughing uncontrollably.

"What's so funny? I'm serious—"

"And I'm serious too, Pearl," he grins. "I'm not punishing you. Okay?" He moves closer, and I instinctively back away. He chuckles. "It's just our first day, and you're already acting like this? Not fair—"

"Wait," I cut him off, raising my hand. "What's your name?"

"Damian."

"Great. Now Damian, listen to me—"

"Come on, at least be romantic for once. It's our first day. Have you forgotten the sweet names you used to—"

"Ugh!" I cover my ears. Enough with that. "Just stop, okay? Eww! You're talking about fairness, but have you considered if keeping me here is fair?"

"Hey…" He advances, and the more I retreat, the closer he gets. He grabs my hips and pulls me towards him. I try to loosen his grip, but he tightens his hold. "Can't you see in my eyes that I like you?" Let go of me, you maniac. "I did all this for you, sweetheart."

Sweet—what?

"Get your fucking hands off me!" To my shock, I slap him as he leans in like he's going to kiss me. I can't believe I actually slapped someone.

I expected him to react, but he doesn't. Is he one of those men who respect women so much they wouldn't retaliate?

He seems decent in that regard. Unlike my father, who hit my mother for the smallest reasons.

He simply rubs the spot where I slapped him and smiles. Why is he smiling?

Is he happy about being slapped?

I meant to apologize, but I swallow my words when he says, "You know what? I like women with sharp tongues. Your fierceness is just like my mother's. It's as if it was her who slapped me." The slap? "I can handle you, you know that, right? Let me brief you—tonight will be our first night together. How about we share a bed?"

God forbid!

Over my dead body! "I'm not sharing a bed with you—now or ever. I'd rather take a photo with the toilet seat than spend another second with you." If it comes to it, I wouldn't mind facing a murder charge rather than staying here. "I'd rather have a photo with the toilet seat than another minute with you, disgusting creep."

My harsh words clearly hit a nerve. I see the veins popping on his forehead. I know my words are upsetting, but I don't care.

"I want to go home." I state firmly, crossing my arms.

His brows raise, "You want to go home?" When I nod, he snaps his fingers, and a burly man appears from nowhere, scooping me up over his shoulder and carrying me into the mansion.

No matter how much I scream and curse Damian, he doesn't ask the man to put me down. He remains engrossed in his phone.

************* 

**Damian's P.O.V.**

The next morning, I woke up without an alarm; my body is in sync with the routine. My eyes blinked open, greeting the dawn like a newborn exploring the world for the first time.

It wasn't full daylight yet, but my routine began at 5:30, stretching until 6:30. In my mansion's private gym, I slid into my routine. 

Last night, I shared the bed with someone after an intense confrontation. She lay beside me, and I couldn't help but notice how strikingly beautiful she looked while sleeping—and even more captivating when she's angry. 

I think I'm falling for her. She's the woman of every man's dreams, with her fiery attitude only making me want her more. But that dinner last night? Damn, I wish I could rewind time.

Her behavior was unexpected—she set aside cutlery and ate with her hands, nearly ruining my appetite. I knew she was testing my patience to drive me away, but giving up isn't in my playbook.

When I discovered she was behind the scam from the start, I didn't retreat. I wanted to see where this would lead. Turns out, I'm in deeper than I planned. Now that I'm invested, I'm committed to making her fall for me, too.

I never had feelings for Lola; it was always Bummi, my Pearl. One day, I knew she'd end up in my arms, just like she did yesterday. Thanks to Lola, I achieved my goal and got rid of her—well, almost.

Looking at the woman beside me now, I'm tempted to kiss her sharp tongue—the same one that makes her so audacious. I chuckled softly at the thought, then leaned in to plant a kiss on her forehead.

I hope she doesn't lash out when she gets my gifts. Last night, she called herself a 'lioness,' and the memory made me smile. I quietly got up, not wanting to wake her, and imagined myself as the pillow she cuddled with.

Enough daydreaming. Time to hit the gym.

Nathaniel, my ever-punctual bodyguard since childhood, handed me a towel as I began my workout. 

"Your younger brother, Sir Darin, has been seen with a woman we don't know. Have you noticed?" he mentioned. "I'm glad he's changing his habits."

A woman? I increased my treadmill speed, skeptical. "He's been distant since he got back from the hospital. Maybe he's just busy. I'll check on him later."

Darin used to be lively and engaged with family, but lately, he's been a ghost, even avoiding our sibling chats. A woman taking his attention? This is deeply unusual.

Nathaniel's next remark caught me off guard. "But sir, this woman might be married."

Nathaniel and his wild theories. "Nat, you're overthinking."

I glanced at my watch. I'm drenched in sweat. "When did my baby brother started going after married women? He used to be a flirt. And chasing a married woman? This is odd. Very odd to be even."

Nathaniel confirmed with a serious face. "Same woman, boss. It seems he is stuck to this one, making him too committed. She was wearing a ring too."

I stopped my workout, stunned. Was this really happening?

I need to verify this myself. I will.

When I returned to our shared room, she was still fast asleep, serene and undisturbed. I couldn't help but smile at the sight.

Quietly, I tiptoed to the bathroom, careful not to wake her. By the time I finished my shower, it was already 6:55. I rifled through my closet, choosing my outfit for the day.

I'm not particular about what I wear or eat—whatever feels right in the moment. Today, I opted for my usual casual look. Unlike my father's insistence on business attire, I prefer casual wear even for meetings, whether local or international, sometimes with a touch of plain Ankara fabric. Suits and tuxedos aren't my style.

As I combed my hair, I watched her roll over on the bed like a page in a book. I could easily spend all day admiring her, lost in her beauty. My gaze wandered from her hips up to her serene face.

I almost gave in to the urge to kiss her lips instead of just her forehead. I was curious about the taste of those plump lips of hers, wondering if it was different from any of my past lovers.

The word 'Lioness' kept echoing in my mind, making me smile. "Let's see how long you can keep up this game of yours, my love. You've made a bold move, and I'm not letting you go. You've made me fall for you, and no woman has ever dared to unlock my heart before. Kudos, Pearl." I covered her partially exposed body with the duvet and kissed her earlobe before slipping out.

I headed to my study to tackle some online work. To my surprise, I completed what usually takes hours in just one. It felt like I'd won a million-dollar contract. The thrill was exhilarating, a new high in my life.

Even Nathaniel noticed. "Boss, you seem unusually elated today. What's the cause?"

Curious? It's a secret—for my beloved new wife. She's the reason behind my current joy.

I took the car key from my chauffeur. "Thanks, Ade, but I'll drive myself today. You can take the rest of the day off." I knew Nathaniel would want to join me once Ade left. "Nat, you stay behind too."

"But boss—"

I patted his shoulder with a grin. "I appreciate your dedication, but all work and no play makes John a dull boy. Enjoy your day off too."

Nathaniel hesitated, but I insisted. "This is me giving you the day off, okay?" He reluctantly agreed. "And please, keep an eye on my wife. Ensure she keeps her ring on, and if she decides to go out, Simon should drive, and Maxwell should help secure her in your absence."

He nodded dutifully. "Yes, boss."