trapped

I stood frozen, my eyes locked on Ryder's as his words echoed in my mind. "I'm not going to be your wife, Ryder," I said, my voice firm but laced with a hint of fear.

Ryder scoffed, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Many women would be lucky to be in your position," he sneered.

I raised an eyebrow, defiance burning within me. "Then why don't you ask them?"

Ryder's smile grew wider, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Well, I will, but first, let's discuss a certain lady in my hospital who's wasting all the medical tools... without paying a single bill."

My heart sank, my mind racing with dread. "You can't throw my mom out," I pleaded.

Ryder's voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "I can, and I will, unless you cooperate."

I swallowed hard, desperation clawing at my throat. "I'll pay by the end of the month," I promised.

Ryder's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched. "I want it now, not later."

I glared at him, my anger boiling over. "I... don't have the money," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

Ryder's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with triumph. "Okay, then your mom will be thrown out."

He pulled out his phone, his fingers flying across the screen. "Andrew, I want you to throw Mrs. Jenkins—"

I interrupted, my voice shaking with fear. "Fine, I'll do it! Just don't throw my mom out of the hospital."

Ryder's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he hung up the phone. "Wise decision, sweetheart."

I glared at him, my anger and fear simmering just below the surface. Ryder chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Stop glaring, sweetheart. Your eyes will pop out of your head."

He adjusted his suit, his movements sleek and confident. "Like I said before, meet me in my office by 8 am. If you're late... your mom gets thrown out."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me feeling trapped and desperate.

As I stepped back into the hall, the infectious laughter and music enveloped me, but my mind remained trapped in the dark cloud of Ryder's words.

"Took you long enough," Leo said, his voice laced with teasing amusement.

I gazed up at him, my eyes locking onto his concerned expression. His brows furrowed, creasing his forehead.

"Hey, are you okay?" he asked, his tone softening.

I forced a bright smile, trying to shake off the lingering unease. "Yeah, why not?" I replied, hoping to sound convincing.

The tension was palpable, but he let it slide, choosing not to push the issue further. Just then, a booming voice echoed through the room, "Ladies and gentlemen!"

Every head swiveled towards the stage, where Mr. Miller stood beaming with pride. His eyes sparkled like diamonds as he began to speak. "I'm grateful for all who came to wish me a very successful birthday!" The room erupted into applause, a thunderous ovation that shook the very foundations of the building.

As the applause died down, Mr. Miller's smile grew even wider. "And now, I have some extraordinary news to share with you all. Today marks the beginning of a new era – a groundbreaking collaboration between Miller Enterprise and Blackhood Enterprise!" The room exploded into a frenzy of camera flashes, the sound of shutters clicking away like a thousand tiny drums.

I turned to Leo, my voice barely above a whisper. "I had no idea the media would show up today." Leo's eyes crinkled at the corners as he leaned in, his voice low and conspiratorial. "They're always lurking in the shadows, waiting for a scoop. You can't have a high-profile event like this without them."

I nodded, my gaze drifting back to Mr. Miller as he continued to speak, his words dripping with excitement and promise. The room was electric, the air thick with anticipation. What other secrets lay hidden, waiting to be revealed?

"As I welcome the enigmatic Mr. Blackhood to the stage," Mr. Miller announced, his voice dripping with anticipation. I felt an inexplicable shiver run down my spine, my body stiffening in response. The mystery of Ryder's presence was finally solved.

Ryder Blackhood emerged onto the stage, his lithe frame gliding effortlessly across the floor. His tailored black suit seemed molded to perfection, accentuating the chiseled contours of his physique. A hint of arrogance danced in his eyes as he buttoned his jacket, his movements fluid and deliberate. His raven hair was slicked back, revealing a face that could have been chiseled by the gods themselves – sharp jawline, piercing gaze, and a hint of a smile that seemed to hold secrets.

I tore my gaze away from Ryder, mentally scolding myself for ogling him. "Wow, what's the fascination with him?" Leo whispered, his voice laced with amusement. "Almost every girl here is drooling over him like he's the last slice of pizza."

I turned to survey the room, and sure enough, every female eye was glued to Ryder. They stared at him with a hunger that bordered on ridiculous. "Why? Are you jealous?" I teased, facing Leo.

Leo scoffed, his expression mock-offended. "You wish. I'm ten times more handsome than him." He struck a pose, his eyes sparkling with mirth. I giggled and patted his shoulder. "Good for you, then," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

Leo's eyes widened, and he opened his mouth to retort, but I cut him off. "Shh, it's starting."

Ryder's voice commanded attention as he began to speak. "I'd like to extend my gratitude for the cooperation between our two companies. I look forward to working together towards a brighter future." The room erupted into applause, with everyone except me joining in. I remained still, my eyes fixed on Ryder, wondering what secrets lay beneath his polished facade.

Ryder's gaze swept across the hall, his eyes locking onto mine with an unnerving intensity. A glint of mischief sparkled in their depths, and his smirk sent my heart racing. My breath hitched as he began to speak.

"I have an announcement to make," he declared, his voice commanding attention. The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on him. His gaze remained glued to mine, refusing to budge.

"Is it just me, or is he staring at us?" Leo whispered, his voice laced with concern.

I gulped, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. "What if he remembers that incident at the restaurant and wants to expose me in front of the media?" Leo speculated.

But I knew better. Ryder's intentions were far more sinister.

"Sometimes, I wonder if you're a girl trapped in a man's body," I quipped, trying to deflect the tension.

Leo shot back, "Don't insult my manhood like that."

Ryder's voice cut through the chatter, his words dropping like a bombshell. "I'm delighted to announce that I'm officially engaged."

The room erupted into gasps and applause. Ryder's eyes never left mine as he continued, "And I'd like to introduce my beautiful bride-to-be."

My heart sank as Ryder strode towards me, his eyes burning with an inner fire. He stopped in front of me, his lips curling into a devastating smile.

And then, he kissed me.

The room fell silent, with only the sound of cameras clicking and people gasping in shock. My eyes widened, my mind reeling as I tried to process what was happening.

But before I could react, Ryder pulled back, his eyes glinting with triumph. "Meet my fiancée," he declared, his voice dripping with possessiveness.

The room erupted into chaos, with everyone clamoring for a shot of the happy couple. I stood frozen, my mind racing with questions.

What had just happened?

Why had Ryder claimed me as his fiancée?