Everything was spinning. I couldn't bring myself to focus. I was crying so hard that I was simply unable to do anything else. Part of me wanted to beg Zhayne not to do this to me, to tell him that this was going too far...Marriage? Being married to Zhayne? My heart clenched in despair at the mere thought of having his last name.

I couldn't do this. This was way too much for me. I can't handle it. What would I say to my mother if she sees this ring on my finger? She will already have so many questions, but this? This was absolutely crazy. I always say that I never know what to expect from Zhayne, as he is a man full of unpleasant surprises. But this was the last thing I ever thought I would hear slip from his mouth.

I kept shutting my eyes closed as I sobbed, hoping this was some sort of dream that was just too realistic for me to be able to tell that it was fake. But I was left disappointed as my sight was welcomed with the horrid scene playing out before me every single time. This was real.

I clutched the box in my hand as my body violently shook with each hiccup I released. Now that I knew what was inside, I would have been much happier if it were someone's eyeball instead. Anything was better than a ring. That was the worst thing Zhayne could ever give me.

I sniffled continuously as I kept my blurred gaze pointed toward the tile floor. My tears seemed to form a small puddle gathering beneath my feet. "Zhayne-" I was so shaken up I couldn't find the right words to say in this moment. "I-I dont think you t-thought through this. Y-you can't just rush into marriage." I knew by the way he remained unfazed by my words that me trying to convince him to take it back would simply be like beating a dead horse. His word was final and I knew it. I knew it. Zhayne never went back on his decisions.

"I've had this ring for longer than you think." He revealed to me, making my stomach drop. "This is something I have wanted for a while now, Angel." He crosses his arms in front of his chest as he stared down at me blankly. "I was being patient with you and I held back. If it were up to me you would have had my last name a long time ago."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "B-but Zhayne you c-"

"I can and I will. I told you I'm done fucking waiting. You are testing my patience right now, love." He leaned his head back against the wall, gazing up at the ceiling. Zhayne's eyes trailed over the lights hanging above us as if he were counting them. "I want an answer. I'm giving you the option to choose." My breathing became uneven. He won't let this go.

"Zhayne. P-please I need time to think about this."

He drew in a deep breath. The simple yet frightening action caused me to shut my mouth. That familiar awful gut feeling settled in my stomach as I sensed the tension in the atmosphere thickening, meaning Zhayne's mood was slowly beginning to spoil. I held the trembling box tightly in my fingers as Zhayne lowered his eyes to meet mine again, but said nothing. "I don't think I-I'm ready for something like marriage. I-I'm only 19 years old I can't just-"

"Your age has nothing to do with this. Stop beating around the fucking bush. You know that shit pisses me off." Fuck. I wanted to scream. He wasn't listening. He never does. Why was I being so stupid? It was dumb of me to think he would hear me out about this.

"I-I'm not- I just- Zhayne- think about it." I said to him breathlessly. "M-marriage? R-right now? I'm still way too y-young- there's so much I have-" I trailed off, rattling my brain for the right words to say without trying to get myself killed. In the back of my mind I knew I was rambling for the right excuse but I couldn't find a decent one that would get through his head. Deep down I was aware nothing would. But that foolish part of me just keeps trying despite my futile attempts.

"So much you have to what?" He raised a brow, gazing at me expectedly for a response. The question caught me off guard. "Don't speak as if you still think you're going to live a life without me, Angel." He released a deep and dark laugh, filling my entire being with fright. "So what you're fucking young? You will spend the rest of your days with me. I'm the first and man in your life. There's no need to question this. I have no fucking time to let you think. I want you now."

"But-"

"Angel." He cut me off, licking his lips. "If you waste any more of my time I will blow your fucking head to pieces." That was all it took for my body to nearly stop functioning. I caught my bottom lip in my teeth as I held back the tears again. "I'm giving you a choice, after all. You should be more than happy to give me an answer."

It was "Do I really have a choice, Zhayne?" I whispered.

"Yes." He answered me right away, blank expression unchanging. "Marry me or you die."

His words made me pause, quickly considering the second option. The ultimatum seemed tempting at first, until I really thought about it. I know who I'm dealing with. A fucking psychopath. Zhayne wouldn't just kill me because that's exactly what I want. He knows that I want nothing more than death. But he also has something else against me that I am not willing to lose at all. I wouldn't be selfish enough to choose death if it meant that I wouldn't be the only one dying.

Not only that, but Zhayne is a mastermind when it comes to this sick game of his. At anything he does, really. He's a cunning man. Always thinking ahead of me in every situation. The worst part about this whole thing was the fact that I knew that if I chose death, it wouldn't be in the way I would think. There's always a catch with him. That was the only thing I know all too well. I am no match for whatever he was planning in his head right now.

"I-I-" I took a deep breath staring down at the ring which was glaring up at me, almost as if it were warning me not to make the wrong choice. Don't be selfish. I kept telling myself over and over again. Every time I parted my lips I was tempted to say something that would cause nothing but my utter destruction along with so many others.

"I-I'll do it, Zhayne. I'll marry you." He hardly reacted to my words, as if he knew I would eventually come to my senses despite obviously knowing I was actually considering saying no. Part of me felt sick in the head for even thinking this, but as soon as I gave him my answer I regretted it. I wanted to take it back so badly and choose death but it was too late. Zhayne was already walking over to me.

My lips trembled as Zhayne took the box from my hands and removed the ring from the slit. I didn't want to look at him putting it on because it would be too much for me, so I turned my head away and closed my eyes. The mere sight of him sliding it on was not something I wanted to see.

My fate was sealed.

Zhayne Donovan, poor excuse of a human being. Mass murderer. A man who kills without remorse and can not function without committing the terrible act of spilling the blood of innocent people...I am the object of his obsession.

I felt the heavy weight of the diamond ring being placed onto my finger as Zhayne turned my head back to him, planting his lips on top of mine. He wrapped one arm around my waist and held me against him as he kissed me deeply. Zhayne didn't pull away until I was completely breathless, while he on the other hand looked completely fine.

"Though I am a little bit disappointed, I'm pleased you made the right choice, Angel."

"Disappointed?"

"Yes." He replied. "I would have liked to have more fun with you."

"Y-you're so evil." I sniffled.

"You haven't seen evil."

Zhayne waited for me to stop crying before he left the room with me in tow to join everyone else. Truthfully, I didn't want to do anything anymore. I never did in the first place but the whole proposal ruined everything. The heavy weight of the ring reminded me of what had just happened and it made the tears well up in my eyes again. Zhayne won me over yet again and he knew it.

As we got to the main hall, Zhayne was immediately being greeted by many different people. Some I could tell were family members, and some were people who worked for him. For the most part he didn't care to speak with most of them, his attention was mainly on me like it always was. His intense gaze almost never tore away from my body, making me feel even smaller than I already was.

And when it was time for everyone to eat, like a child, he made sure I consumed enough food until he was satisfied. Zhayne told me that if I asked for soup again that I would regret it, so I didn't end up getting what I wanted. He'd forced me to begin eating heavier meals a while back because I was losing weight like crazy, I still am, really. And all of the strength that I'd gained from training with him had gone to waste as well. I was back at square one, but he ensured that will change soon. I didn't dare argue against it.

After that was over, more socializing took place. I was in the middle of responding to something Zhayne said to me before he stopped me, looking over my shoulder. "I'll be right back." Departing from me, Zhayne began to head in another direction. "Don't go far." He instructed me without turning around, and approached a group of men not too far from where I was standing. I was happy to be away from him so I stayed put without any problems, enjoying my limited personal space.

Then I suddenly felt a tap on my shoulder after I stood alone for only a couple of minutes. I mentally cursed and felt sick. My heart practically fell to my stomach as fear coursed through my veins. I couldn't make the same mistake again, so I didn't turn around to acknowledge them or say anything in response. The only thing running through my head was what Zhayne would do to me when he found out I let someone touch me. I wanted to cry.

"Excuse me, could I talk to you for a minute?" I noticed that it was the voice of a woman. No. You can't. You're going to die and so am I. Go away. On the inside I was freaking out, but I didn't show it outwardly.

"Oh, wow." Her somewhat deep and accented voice cut through the air like a knife. Even through the slight chatter of other people around us, her voice seemed to stand out and I could hear her clearly. There was no need for her to speak up. "Don't tell me prohibited you from talking at your own birthday party."

So she knew our situation? She spoke as if she knew Zhayne personally. I remained quiet. That was, until the woman made herself visible in my line of sight. That was when I knew I was left with no choice but to speak when spoken to. I felt as if I had no option. My mouth slowly fell agape when I took in her appearance.

She was tall, somewhere around 6'0 or higher, causing her to tower over me. She had long and gorgeous blonde hair that fell to her waist and flowed with every little movement she made. The cherry red sequin dress she wore hugged her slight curves and complimented her slim yet voluptuous figure perfectly. The long slit in her stunning gown ran up to her mid-thigh, exposing her long leg along with the black red bottoms she paired with the dress. Her eyes were a startling bright green color and they seemed to almost glow just like her bright and milky pale skin. It was evident that the woman was up there in age, but you wouldn't guess at first glance.

She took in my appearance as well, but briefly, as if she were amused with how frightened I looked before she spoke up again. "You might not know who I am. My son doesn't talk about me too much." I was confused as to who she was referring to, but when I used my common sense it clicked. I'm standing in front of Zhayne's mother. My mind went blank as I tried to process that fact.

"Nice to finally meet you, darling." The beautiful woman greeted me politely with a dashing smile to compliment her stunning features. She was breathtaking. Zhayne did not resemble her at all, yet I could still tell right away that she was the woman who gave birth to this spawn of satan. There was something about her aura that reminded me heavily of him. It was plain as day. She is a proud woman, as is her son. It was all in her demeanor.

"You're very beautiful in person. My son chose well." She complimented, gazing over my figure with an odd emotion that I couldn't make out. It was both confusing and frightening to say the least. Was his whole family closed off like him? The question scared me. Why is it so impossible to read them? "Ah, and happy birthday, love."

"Thank you, um-"

"Victoria. I'm here in place of my husband who unfortunately couldn't make it tonight." She revealed to me, her mischievous yet hypnotizing green eyes shining as she introduced herself. It was odd that I've been held captive by her son for months yet I haven't learned her name. Zhayne hardly ever cared to speak of her. I awkwardly offered her a small smile, before opening up my mouth to do the same but she stopped me before I could which startled me. "You don't have to tell me who you are." She informed. "I know you very well, Angel."

I swallowed, suddenly feeling uneasy. The way she said my name sent chills up and down my spine. I felt myself beginning to shake in slight fear. Even though she and Zhayne didn't look alike, she reminded me so much of him. I could almost see him in her and it was unsettling. It made me not want to speak to her at all. I was close to coming up with an excuse to leave so I wouldn't be forced to.

"Oh. H-how so?" I was so embarrassed that I couldn't say much in response but she didn't seem affected in the slightest. If my suspicion is correct, it's almost as if she didn't care about what I have to say. It's like she's more focused on studying my features as if she were trying to memorize them. What is it with this family? I've only met two members and I'm dreading meeting the rest already.

The breathtaking woman lifted a perfectly arched brow. "I'm his mother. It's only natural that I know of your existence, since you are involved with him." She told me. "As family, it's my responsibility to keep an eye on Zhayne. My son. He can be a bit-" her forest green eyes traveled down to my hand for a split second, and I discreetly hid it under my sleeve, not wanting her to see the ring. She looked back up at me, her red lipstick covered lips curling into a smirk. "-of a hassle." She finished. "I'm sure you are aware."

More than you think. Your son is not just a 'hassle' He's a fucking lunatic. "Yes." I replied awkwardly. I again, gave her the best smile I could muster so that I didn't look as uncomfortable as I felt. Clearly it had done me no good. Victoria was not one that could easily be fooled. I could tell by the way her unreadable expression quickly changed to one of concern.

"You seem tense, boy. Are you alright?" She asked me, stopping a man holding a tray of champagne as he walked by us. Victoria didn't care to spare him a glance. She only held out her hand, keeping her eyes trained on me as she awaited my response, and quite patiently. The man formally greeted her with respect after handing her a glass to which he was ignored. She motioned for him to go away in a swift motion of her free hand.

I noticed as she did so that she wore a very familiar piece of jewelry that I had seen Zhayne wear the very first night I'd met him. He still wears it to this day. The golden ring with the black stone placed in the middle. There was the capital engraved on the side along with the floating dove. The design was exactly the same. I tore my eyes away from the ring and hesitantly held her gaze again.

"I-I'm fine." I answered her. That was a lie. "I'm just feeling a little tired, that's all. I haven't gotten much rest." That however, was truthful. I was exhausted in every way possible. The intimidating woman took a sip of the sparkling champagne.

"You know, Mr. Decker," she paused shortly after emphasizing my surname. "You remind me a little bit of myself," she started off, giving me a once-over again. Her statement surprised me and I asked her what she meant. She went on to explain. "When I was younger, of course, around your age. I was about 16 when I met Zhayne's father."

My eyes flickered over to Zhayne as I suddenly felt his piercing stare. I'm guessing he'd wrapped up his conversation with those other men because he now leaned up against a wall alone as he watched me converse with his mother.

She didn't look in his direction. Victoria was not bothered by his presence in the slightest. "God," she released a small giggle, looking toward the ceiling. "I've been through hell and back with that man." She let out a breath. "I remember when we first started dating. I was a timid little thing just like you, doll. Scared of everything and everyone I came in contact with." She said. "But, things have most definitely changed since then."

She looked down at me again, and she seemed to have gotten taller as the air grew thicker from tension. I took a single step back, feeling overpowered. "An awful lot has happened over the years." Victoria added, taking another small sip of the bubbly liquid. "Unexpected surprises came along the way too, I see." She mumbles to herself before glancing behind my head.

"You know," she perked up. "I'm very familiar with-" before she could finish, someone had made their way passed me and stood in front of her, greeting the mysterious woman. I quickly realized it was Antonio as he pulled her into a hug and began to talk with her shortly after their embrace. He gave me the eye over her shoulder and moved them in the direction where Zhayne was standing. Victoria turned around to look at me again like she wanted to say more to me, but Antonio distracted her. I mouthed him a quick thank you before I made my way over to the dangerous man, hoping and praying that he wasn't upset with me for anything.

"You're scared."

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because...you might hurt me."

"For?"

"Talking to your mother."

"She will be dealt with later, not you. I told her not to come anyway." He pulled me closer to him, kissing me. "She has no permission to talk to you." I was perplexed. What did he mean he would deal with her? She didn't do anything to me. I hope he didn't mean that in the way I think. I looked up at him, my hands trembling as they lay on his chest. What the hell is it with him and his family?

"I.." I began, thinking of what I should say properly before I spoke to avoid pissing him off by any means. When it comes to talking with Zhayne, that is the most important thing for me to do. "Why can't she?" I went with a simple question. What I really wanted to ask could have possibly ended with me laying on the floor in a pool of my own blood.

"No one is allowed to talk to you but those who I've given permission specifically." He said, which I knew very well. I was just having trouble comprehending why he didn't want his own mother talking to me. As if reading my mind, he gave me an answer. "I don't have a good relationship with her." Zhayne replied.