Chapter 25
Jian sat stiffly in the opulent room after her first, humiliating failure. The guard had left, satisfied she was once again subdued. Her wedding dress, a simple flowery gown, felt like a shroud. She clutched the folds of the skirt, retreating inward to escape the crushing reality of the mansion.
Her mind immediately fled back to what she had lost: her family. Her kind Aunt, who had raised her. Her younger brother, whom she adored. And her almost soon to be husband,Arisu. She wasn't passionately in love with Arisu , but their life was simple, safe, and honest. She would take his quiet certainty over Jinman's dangerous obsession any day.
A sudden, sharp memory cut through her fear:
FLASHBACK
PRESENT-DAY:
"I will not accept this marriage. You cheated. I was supposed to marry Arisu, not you. I have had enough of this fearful life! You can't do this to me. I have my own life and I have the right to do whatever I want. I have already told you that I hate you, and I'll always hate you. So, with due respect, please go away from here, Jinman . I will not go anywhere with you." She stood her ground, her voice shaking but defiant. She said as fast as she could.
It didn't matter to her whether she was addressing him as 'sir' or not. Truth to be told, she was addressing him as Jinman, because her Onna was near. She didn't want to give her Onna the intention, that she had any relationship with Jinman.
Jinman stared at her while processing what she just said. A vein pulsed visibly in his temple.
"You will come with me because you belong to me. And if you want to make this difficult, so be it." His voice was dangerously low and controlled, he said getting furious.
He turned towards the man who was behind her and signaled him. A curt, deliberate motion of his head.
The man took out his gun and placed it over her brother's head. She turned to look at what he was signaling and realized what was going to happen. A choked scream caught in her throat. She saw the gun pointed at her brother's head, and her eyes widened.
"No, no, no....this is not required..... Why are you doing this?" Jian dropped her hands, palms up, desperation flooding her face. She begged him.
"This won't be required if you come with me quietly, without making a mess. I am not interested in anyone else and you know that; so don't make this difficult..... Take my hand!" He extended his hand toward her, his jaw set in a hard line. He offered his hand again. This time she took it. Her fingers barely brushed his, cold with dread. She knew it was worthless to fight now.
'My life is done! Why Lord Suviran, why did I go to that traffic signal that day! Why did I play with those dogs that day! Why did I offer my help to him that day! Why!' She asked herself, her mind racing with frantic, regretful thoughts, remembering all those moments when he saw her.
'Finally, I have made you mine, love. And I assure you that you won't be regretting any single moment of it. I'll give you everything, money, power, family, and love. I will make sure no one hurts you and that all your wishes are taken care of. I am thankful for the day when I first saw you. It was the best day of my life. You are the best thing that ever happened to me. Now, I have to work upon this to show you, how much I love you!' Jinman promised himself. A predatory smile briefly touched his lips.
He threw her over his shoulder like a bag of rice, her flowery wedding dress crushed against his expensive jacket. He walked out, past the paralyzed guests and the terrified priest, claiming his prize with brutal finality.
His men followed behind him. His men's car followed his car. They had almost reached out of the house when Jian screamed . Jinman put her down to see what happened. His impatience was visible in the sharp turn of his body.
"Please let me meet my parents." Tears streamed down her face, staining her wedding makeup. She begged. Her tears weren't stopping, and it hurt him like hell. But, thinking about the consequences, he denied it. What if she runs away from the house! What if she hides? Even though Jinman was sure he will find her from anywhere, he didn't want to take the risk.
"No, Love! You have disobeyed me already. I can't trust you, being alone." He said curtly and pulled her again. But, she didn't move. She herself didn't know, from where this strength came. She could never dream of defying Jinman. But, today, something was different. Was it because he was her husband now? She didn't know.
"Please, Jinman. Please. If you love me, you will let me meet them. At least for the last time. Please. I am begging you." She said while a lone tear escaped her eyes.
Yes, he loved her. He wasn't sure of his feeling till yesterday. Everything about her made him happy and excited. But, till yesterday, he couldn't name this feeling. When he found out that his Love was marrying some other man, his rage was out of all limits. He was so furious, that he wanted to kill everybody and take Jian with him. It was Pasin who calmed him down and came up with a proper and appropriate strategy. It was then, when he realized that he has fallen in love. He was in love with Jian. And, he would never ever let her go. Never.
"Fine. But only five minutes. And if I see anything unusual, I swear Love, there will be bloodshed everywhere." His voice dropped to a terrifying whisper. He said furiously.
"Th-thankyou." She whispered, her relief mixed with sheer terror, and turned around. But, Jinman didn't let her hand go. Rather, he followed her inside.