MUSIC RECOMMENDATIONS: "Space song", by Beach house.💙

"Gnome's and fairies", by Marco cuntini.🤍

"Following the sun ft Neeka".💜

"Nothing breaks like a heart". Marco Ronson ft Miley Cyrus ❤️

"Harvesting." by lovely music library.💚

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ADARA'S POV...

"Smile for the camera, Adara." Liliana's voice resonated with a clap bringing me back to reality. She puffed her gum, it's sound echoing around the room. 

Liliana as always wore her grumpy attitude with pride which I barely cared about. She's always like this if thing's didn't go her way.

"You don't seem like yourself today are you alright?" Liliana asked and I quickly nodded. I wasn't alright but I had to pretend. Father had only informed me about my marraige with the Bancroft's. 

I was going to be married to a man I've never seen in my god damned wretched life. He said I'm useless and bring nothing to the table and the least I can do was get married.

That is why I need this job, cause this job is my ticket to leaving a normal life.

"Then smile Adara, remember this is your last chance into the fashion world." She was right, this photoshoot will determine my future today.

And as much as I didn't want to smile, I obediently followed her instructions, my radiant smile illuminating the room as the vibrant flashes from the cameras bathed my face in a captivating glow. 

I effortlessly shifted from one pose to another, embodying the essence of grace and the beauty they sought.

"Good..." I heard the photographer say and my smile expanded.

Deep down, I knew that being in front of the camera was where I truly belonged. Though I wasn't as good as my sister when it came to this, modeling was my passion, my calling, and I yearned to become the country's most revered and sought-after model. 

However, a shadow loomed over my aspirations – My father.

He's hated the idea from the beginning. I wanted to be a model and I will be one day. 

Maybe that day is today. who knows? 

This here is my ticket to being the best model in the country, after so many try and failed attempt.

"When will the pictures be ready Lily?" I asked Liliana once we were done carefully packing my bags, readying to depart. She conversed with the photographer, carefully analyzing the captured images. I was so sure I would get the job this time cause I have been my best all through the photoshoot.

Liliana turned her gaze towards me, and in that instant, her expression revealed the news I dreaded.

No no no no...

The disappointment was etched upon her face, and I instinctively knew that the outcome wasn't in my favor. I shook my head, silently pleading for a different outcome, but deep down, I could sense the rejection.

"I'm sorry, Adara," Liliana began, her voice filled with regret. "The pictures turned out flawless, but the company has expressed their preference for a more experienced model for the promotion. Please understand that it's not a reflection of your talent. I promise to find another opportunity for you in the future." She placed a sympathetic hand on my shoulder, her guilt palpable.

I knew this was going to happen and it's obvious who they had picked over me. My Nemesis...

They say your nemesis never leave till either one of you dies and I don't think this nemesis of mine would die anytime soon and neither will I.

My perfect step sister walked through the door almost immediately. A smile lingered on her lips as she walked in elegantly. I saw the men in here drool at her presence, even the women too. I rolled my eyes at them.

Just moments ago they were all frowning and murmuring but now...

"Wow she's a goddess." One of the women in there couldn't hide her amusement. The one that had eyed me disdainfully when I arrived.

"I've never had a woman turn me on so naturally." A girl said biting her lips.

"I would gladly be her baby daddy if she wants one." Even Marlo the cleaner drooled at her. I gulped the silent anger rising in my throat.

My shoulder slumped, a heavy feeling of disappointment enveloping me. Scarlett was more beautiful than I was and had the body type everyone tagged as perfect and I'm just the invisible little sister still trying to fit in.

She shot me a look as she stepped in and I tried my best to ignore her. We're arc enemies and would not try to be friends outside even if we bare the same surname and have similar father.

Scarlett has hated me since the day I was born. I wouldn't blame her, not after my mum stole father away from her mother. Father never left us till mum passed away.

And even if we bare similar surname, no one knew who I was. I've never been publicly introduced to anyone before as a Langford. I'm always the one in the shadows and I'm tired of it.

Mother said it would be an embarrassment if people found out I was created so it's best I stay hidden.

The dreams I had meticulously crafted over the years were now crumbling before my eyes, each trial and setback only serving to reinforce the challenges I faced.

It almost felt as if someone was sabotaging me. I forced the tears that threatened to fall out back in, blinking my eyes multiple times. I've hated myself countless times cursing my appearance everyday on why I didn't take after my mother. Why I inherited my Dad's features.

While I had thick brown hair and blue eyes, Scarlett had blonde hair like her mother, and the perfect green eyes. Pointed nose, a perfect chin, thin sexy lips...

Her skin was pale. We both had pale skin only that mine was paler than hers.

I'm fatter and a bit shorter than she is, I always have to let go of a lot of food to get the perfect body, while Scarlett gets to eat whatever she wanted whenever she liked. 

She was the countries most sort after model, and is now set to further her career into acting too, while I'm stuck with finding a job as a model. I wouldn't mind if I end up being a local model for a restaurant or mini boutique. But that's only in my dreams.

I'm also a restaurant and boutique reject...

Maybe I should do a career switch, but even if I wanted to I can't anymore. Father has already set me up for Marraige. I pushed my glasses up from the bridge of my nose as it turned slightly uncomfortable.

They said I was ugly and if I get past 20 I may never find a husband anymore cause I would be looking old and used, that's why I have to get married now.

They weren't wrong though. Even under this thick make-up, I'm still the ugly sister...

I arrived at a bus station after a few hours of streaking alone cussing and hating on myself all through the walk. I usually use this isolated station to save cost of ticket most times.

Getting this job was my last chance to making decisions for myself, to bringing something to the table as father wanted.

He said If I failed today he would decide my future and as if he knew I had already failed he sent a text immediately.

"Get ready for dinner with the Bancroft's tonight. Dress properly." I almost smashed my phone against the floor but I held myself from doing so. If I did, I wasn't sure I would be able to get another phone anytime soon. 

We aren't as rich as we used to be anymore. It was usually mother who handled the businesses, but they all crumbled after she died years back. My father and step mother stole all of my inheritance cause I wasn't of age and now I'm left with nothing.

Though Scarlett helps most times, she was just one person and just began her modeling career father would say. Scarlett is just three years older than me, yet has achieved things that I might never be able to achieve ever. I puffed my cheek, sighing at my thought.

I was jealous of her. She has everything she could ever want in life, while I'm looking forward to being a house wife.

It's funny how I hated the comparisons yet I did it often. I guess she's the perfect daughter and I'm the useless rebellious one.

"Ha!" My laugh was loud, loud enough to draw attention but there was no one around. I sniffled the air forcing my tears back in. I was tired of crying and had vowed I would never cry because of anyone anymore.

I felt so disappointed at myself, I wanted to be something other than being a trophy wife to some billionaire. I wanted to pursue my dreams and career. 

I knew getting married to a Bancroft would assist my family a lot, but it was my life I was ruining for them.

As if the day couldn't have taken a more drastic turn, the once clear sky suddenly transformed into a dark, ominous canvas. 

A gentle drizzle began, its delicate drops soon evolving into a torrential downpour. The rain mercilessly pelted down, accompanied by fierce winds that whipped through the air, drenching everything in their path.

I sought shelter under the inadequate cover of the bus stop, but it offered little protection against the relentless assault of water.

The chill of the rain seeped through my clothes, settling deep within my bones. My bag, clothes, and shoes were drenched. 

It seemed as though the universe had conspired against me, as if every element of nature aimed to amplify the disappointment that had plagued my day.

To make matters worse, there were no cars in sight, and the arrival of the bus seemed like an uncertain hope. 

I glanced at my surroundings, where I stood was miles away from the photo shop.

Judging by the time now, they could even be closed now and I couldn't walk over there under this downpour.

Regret washed over me, I had walked down here with the intention of saving on transportation costs, only to find myself stranded in this unfortunate predicament.

The weight of the day's events pressed upon me, and I couldn't help but feel defeated. It was as if all the odds were stacked against me, testing the limits of my endurance and resilience. Doubt gnawed at my spirit, and frustration welled up within me like a tempestuous storm.

I stared at my phone to realize the time for the dinner was almost approaching. I had spent hours under this relentless rain that has refused to stop.

Being late or not attending would put me in big trouble with father. It would cost our family a lot and even ruin my reputation with the Bancroft's. I bit my lower lips thinking of what to do.

I couldn't possibly walk under this rain. Hell I'll be sick by the time I get back home.

My skin turned paler than usual cause of the rain and I shivered from cold. The clothe I had on wasn't enough to cover my body. It was a white long sleeve net top and a black skirt. Right now I regretted why I hadn't worn something else.

I couldn't take it anymore, the tears I had hoarded in me began to pour out and I couldn't different the rain from my tears anymore but I cried. I cried so much, cursing everything around me inwardly including the rain and the man up there.

Maybe my life would have been a bit different if mother didn't die. Maybe it would have been better if I was never born.

As if the universe finally changed their minds, I saw light flicker on the road, the closer it got I realized it was a car. I had no idea who it was, but I didn't care as I dived into the street to stand at the center of the road amidst the heavy downpour.

I was standing in an unknown place that was far from any residence. Anything can happen to me and no one would know. There was no difference between entering this car and waiting here but I would take the one that felt safer at the moment.

I waved my hands jumping for the car to stop and it did surprisingly. It stopped right in front of me. 

By this time my entire body had been mercilessly beaten by the rain.

A man in black suit stepped out of the car holding a black umbrella in his hands and I ran towards him. I had no idea who he was but I cared less, all I wanted was to get out of this place. I hoped there were still a few good people In the world and he was one of them.

"Please help me good sir." I begged almost kneeling on the wet floor but he quickly held my shoulder from going lower.

"Come this way ma'am, you don't have to kneel." He opened the car and I stepped in immediately. The man placed my bag on my legs and closed the door before getting into the driver's seat.

"Thank you sir." I tried not to relax on the seat for fear of wetting the seat but the man didn't look like he cared. I smiled grateful he had been kind enough to help me.

"You're welcome." I flinched at the sound of the deep voice that came from my side. I turned to see a pair of silver eyes staring back at me.

I had no idea there was another man in the car until I had settled in. His piercing eyes bore into my soul, instantly sending a shiver down my spine. 

His presence commanded power, his aura exuding an air of authority and mystery. All I wanted to do was scream and run but I found myself stuck on the seat. It felt like I was being hypnotized.

"Don't be scared princess, I don't bite." His deep voice echoed, tinged with a hint of amusement. A smile graced his lips, which turned into a chuckle.

Everything in me screamed run right now, hide away from this monster, but this place was better than being in the cold, waiting for a bus that may never come at the middle of nowhere...

The car was dead silent and the only noise in there came from the heavy rain that continued pelting down the roof of the car relentlessly drenching everything in its part. I glanced at the man seated beside me in silence. Though the car was dark, I could still make out a little glimpse of his face from the dim street light we drove by.

His expression could be regarded as shrewd, but he was good looking. I could make out his perfect chin and face from the darkness.

"Having an eyeful Princess?" He suddenly turned to me. With eyes as bright and spellbinding as lode stars, they bewitched all those who fell under his steady gaze.

They were like a sparkle with mirth and shone like two eternity-silver jewels enwrought with intrigue.

I blinked rapidly and turned my face away from him adjusting my glasses and sniffling the air. My cheeks burned from embarrassment. I let my curiosity get the better of me and now I'm being caught. I bit my inner cheek to suppress the embarrassment I felt.

"What is your name?" He asked and I turned to look at him again.

I hesitated for a moment biting my lower lips as I contemplated inwardly whether to tell him my name or not. This man looked dangerous and I wasn't sure I would love to meet him ever again after tonight. 

BUT...

"Adara," I whispered still unable to find my voice. I had no idea when the word slipped out of my mouth but it did and I felt so betrayed by my mouth.

A predatory smile played at the corners of his mouth, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer. "Adara," he repeated as if savouring the sound of my name. 

"A name as enchanting as the stars in the night sky." He murmured.

His words caught me off guard, intertwining a subtle hint of flattery with an enigmatic charm. 

There was something about the way he spoke as if each word held a deeper meaning yet to be unveiled.

"What shall I call you?" I dared to ask, my voice barely above another whisper.

His lips curled into a wicked smirk, his voice dropping even lower. "You can call me whatever you desire, princess. But for now, you can simply call me your deepest temptation."

Deepest temptation? I repeated the words unable to understand why he would want me to call him that.

"Though names are inconsequential in moments like these," he continued, his voice low and husky. "What matters is the connection we share from now on Adara." His eyes trailed from my face down to my chest lingering there longer than he should and I had to look at what he was staring at.

I quickly crossed both hands around my chest. My wet shirt stuck to my body revealing the red bra I wore inside. I knew my hands weren't enough to cover anything but at least he stopped staring.

"C... connection?" I stuttered even if that was the last thing I wanted licking my lower lip and that didn't go unnoticed. Nothing I did went unnoticed. He watched my every movement like a hawk ready to strike.

"Tell me, Adara," he murmured, his voice caressing my name once more as he spoke. "Have you ever been drawn to danger?" There was a hidden sin lurking in his voice. Something evil.

"D... Danger?" I whispered. A knowing smirk tugged at the corners of his lips when I repeated his words. I had no idea what he was talking about. Or why I would want to meet danger.

Right now I regretted getting into this car. Maybe it would have been a lot better if I stayed by the bus stop and waited for the bus.

"I... I." I couldn't think of anything at the moment. My brain and mind were clouded with fear. My head was in chaos. I'm not always like this. I'm not always so speechless and fragile and I couldn't tell why I acted this way before this man.

He leaned in closer, closing the safe space I had kept between us and my heartbeat intensified. I moved a bit creating more space but it seemed as though his large frame kept closing the gap till I was trapped between the car door and his large frame.

"Do you want me to show you?" All words failed me at that moment. My brain turned fuzzy that I couldn't think of a thing.

"S... show me?"

"I'm the danger Adara, and I think I'm drawn to you." He said in a low voice tilting his head to the side as he watched me tremble beneath him in satisfaction. My heart pounded harder than it has ever pounded before and I was scared he might hear it.

How could he be drawn to an ugly girl like me? Or could he not see how unattractive I was because of the dark sky?

The mysterious man tilted his head closer and closer to mine. His eyes were fixed on my lips and I gulped.

"W... What do you want from me?" I manage to voice out and he returned his gaze to my eyes.

"You." He said plainly and I almost choked at his words. Why would he want me? I was nothing to be wanted by this man.

"I just told you I'm drawn to you. Is that so hard to understand?" He brushed a strand of wet hair away from my face, his touch sending an electric current through my body. I quickly slapped his hands off my face as if realizing myself.

"Sir I don't think you're in the right state of mind." I tried pushing him off me with both my hands, but I should have known my strength was no match for him.

"A fierce little woman, I love it. What state of mind do you think I'm in?" He growled so low in his throat, his hot breath brushing against my skin. I knew I was in trouble, there was no escape from this man and I couldn't imagine what he wanted to do with me.

"Please stop the car I want to get off." I tried to sound as firm as possible even though the words came more like a whisper than actual words. He had turned me breathless by just sitting so close to me.

He held both my hands with his large ones when I kept fighting against him raising it high and pinning it against the wined-up glass as he clasped my legs together trapping them between his thighs.

I looked so vulnerable and defenceless before him. He had easily held every moving part of my body like it was nothing. His eyes stared down at my cleavage and then back to my face.

"Please don't, I beg. Don't do this."

"Do what?" He suddenly asked as if he hadn't just pinned me against his car door. I licked my lips unable to give him an answer. What am I thinking? But the position he had placed me in was far from being normal.

He took the glasses off my eyes and smiled.

"You're so beautiful, Adara. Do you know that?" He placed the glasses back on but I said nothing to him. I had nothing to say. This man was messing with me and I hated it.

"You'll be mine from now on Adara. Mine alone do you understand?" He said nonchalantly and my eyes widened at his words unable to still grasp what he just said.

I couldn't believe my ears. This man is really crazy. What man claims a woman they just met?

"You haven't given me an answer." He said impatiently. I had nothing to say to him. There's no way in this life he could be serious right now.

"I... I'm already getting married." He frowned instantly groaning slightly.

"To who?" He asked, his face darker than that of the devil.

"D... Dalton Bancroft."

I was going to be married to Dalton Bancroft. And I knew that after tonight's meeting, either I or Scarllet will be given out. I blinked rapidly not to cry before him.

"So you're the one they're looking for." He murmured. 

"What are you talking about?" I asked for his smile to only widen. This man has a thing with smiling cause he hasn't stopped smiling since I met him.

"I don't care if you're taken by the president or even the devil himself. You're mine alone princess. Tell me you understand." His grip tightened around my wrist as he bit on my chin causing my entire being to tremble. 

This man is crazy. How can a man who barely knows who I am want to claim me this very Instant? Even after telling him I was getting married to a Bancroft, he still wants me to be his.

Just who is this man that doesn't fear the Bancroft's? Is he bigger than them?

I doubted. The Bancroft's are the biggest families in this city. They've been in power for years before I was born, there's no way anyone could be as rich as they are or even surpass them.

When I said nothing to him, he bit on my left chin but this time it was a bit harder and I whimpered cause of the sharp pain I felt. "I'm still waiting Princess, unless you want me to claim you here and now." He said next to my ears biting my earlobe and my breath rushed out of me.

"I... I am your's." I said to hear him groan so deep in his throat. He clicked his jaw.

"You're lucky I have an important meeting right now princess. I wouldn't have let you go until a week after you're barely on your feet." I reddened at his words. No one has had the boldness to say such words to me before. No one would even say this to me cause I wasn't attractive enough.

He sat up letting me go immediately, he took out his well ironed suit at a corner to spread on my body. "You'll be going to a place filled with people soon, I wouldn't want anyone looking at what's mine in this state." He said as if explaining why he had covered me and almost immediately his phone rang.

His deep voice was low as he murmured a few words to the caller. I had no idea what he was talking about and I didn't care. All I wanted was to get out of this car but I'm locked in here with a crazy man.

A man who has brought out emotions I just never thought existed in me.

His perfect jawline clicked again as he ended the call.

"Berrycloth turn to the Bancroft's residence."