Do I Have a Choice?
Chapter l
I never thought my life would take such a dark turn. One minute, I'm just a poor girl in a struggling family, and the next, I'm being sold off to some cold-blooded Mafia boss to pay off my father's debt. My dad made some bad decisions, and now I’m the collateral.
Ella Louise
💭: I can't believe this is happening. I never thought my life would end up like this...
Ella Louise
(being shoved forward) where are you taking me?
Ella stumbles but keeps her balance, looking around at the opulent mansion.
Ella Louise
This place... It's like a movie set
They enter a grand room filled with men in suits. Dominik Volkov sits at the head of the table, looking up from his papers.
Dominik Volkov
So, this is the payment?
Ella Louise
My name is Ella
Said it with boost confidence
Dominik Volkov
(chuckles) Ella, huh?
Ella Louise
💭: why his voice is so hot
Ella Louise
I'm not here by choice
Dominik stands and walks towards her, his steps slow and deliberate.
Dominik Volkov
No, you’re here because your father couldn’t pay his debt. Now, you belong to me.
Ella Louise
(clenching fists) I'm not a piece of property
Dominik Volkov
(smirks) In my world, you are
Ella Louise
(glares at him)
Ella Louise
I'm not scared of you
Dominik Volkov
(lean closer) you should be
A tense silence follows as they stare each other down.
Dominik Volkov
Take her to her room. Make sure she understands the rules.
The goons grab Ella and lead her away.
Dominik Volkov
that's a start
Chapter ll
goon 1
This is your room. Better than what you're used to, huh?
Ella Louise
(sarcastic) Oh, I'm thrilled
goon 2
Listen up. There are rules
Ella Louise
Rules? What am I, a prisoner?
goon 1
You're whatever the boss says you are. Rule number one: don't leave the manor without permission
goon 2
Rule number two: don't talk back to the master
goon 1
And most importantly, rule number three: don't urge the master's temper
Ella Louise
Yeah, whatever
The goons leave, and Ella sits on the edge of the bed. Tears escape from her eyes.
Ella Louise
(whispering) how could my own father... After all I did for him..
A minute later, she wipes her tears away
Ella Louise
No.. I'm not just gonna sit here and cry. I've gotta get out of here. I can't stay in the hellhole forever..
She takes a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions
Ella Louise
Alright, Ella. You’ve got this. Just gotta be smart and patient.
Chapter lll
Ella Louise
(opens balcony door) fresh air... Maybe this will help me think
She steps out, taking deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart. A knock on the door startles her
Ella Louise
(sighs) what now?
She opens the door to find a stern-looking woman with a group of maids around her
Head Maid Marissa
Good evening. I'm Marissa, the head maid. May we come in?
Ella Louise
(reluctantly) fine, come in
The maids enter carrying various outfits and beauty supplies
Head Maid Marissa
Master Volkov has invited you to dinner. We're here to help you get ready.
Ella Louise
(surprised) dinner? with him?
Head Maid Marissa
Yes. It's not a request
Ella Louise
(groaning) alright, let's get this over with
The maids start preparing Ella, brushing her hair, doing her makeup, and dressing her in a beautiful yet simple dress
Ella Louise
(looking in a mirror) I barely recognize myself
Head Maid Marissa
You look lovely. Now, follow us
Ella is led to the dinning room, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and defiance
Dominik sits at the head of the table, his finger drumming impatiently. He looks up as the door opens
Ella enters, looking stunning despite her reluctance
Dominik Volkov
(smirking) you cleaned up well. Sit
Ella Louise
(frown) do I have a choice?
Dominik Volkov
(smiling coldly) no, you don't
She sits down, glaring at him as the tension in the room becomes palpable
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