Liza's heart hammered in her chest as the weight of her decision settled over her like a dark shroud. Viktor's gaze was intense, his blue eyes filled with a cold, calculating gleam as he nodded slowly, satisfied by her answer. He took her hand, his touch firm and authoritative, sending an unexpected shiver down her spine.
"You'll come with me," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "There are things we need to discuss—details about this arrangement."
Liza hesitated for a fraction of a second, her mind racing. She knew she was stepping into something dangerous, something far beyond the scope of her old life. The soft whispers of doubt flickered through her thoughts, warning her to turn back, to walk away before it was too late.
But when she thought of Christoph—his lies, his betrayal, the image of him in bed with Kylie—her hesitation vanished. She downed the rest of her whiskey in one fiery gulp and stood, her legs a little unsteady from the alcohol. Viktor's hand slipped away from hers as he stood as well, towering over her, his presence commanding every ounce of her attention.
"Where are we going?" she asked, her voice stronger than she felt.
Viktor smirked, motioning for her to follow him as he led the way out of the dim bar. "My place. It's private, and we'll need that for what comes next."
The cold night air hit her like a slap, but it did nothing to cool the fire burning in her chest. She walked beside Viktor, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the empty streets. His car—a sleek, black luxury vehicle—was waiting at the curb. He opened the door for her, a small gesture of control, and she slid into the leather seat without a word.
As they drove through the city, Liza stared out the window, the city lights blurring into streaks of color as her thoughts swirled. Her life had taken a sharp turn in a matter of hours. This morning, she had been preparing for her wedding, and now she was heading into the unknown with a man who exuded danger from every pore.
She glanced over at Viktor, his profile sharp in the passing light. His jaw was set, his eyes focused on the road, and his hands gripped the steering wheel with practiced ease. Who was this man? What had drawn her to him, beyond the intoxicating lure of revenge?
After what felt like an eternity, the car pulled up to a towering building in the heart of the city. Viktor stepped out first, coming around to open her door. He extended his hand, and this time, Liza took it willingly, though her mind screamed caution. They entered the building, the sound of their footsteps swallowed by the opulence of the marble floors and dim lighting.
The elevator ride was silent, tension hanging in the air between them. When they reached the top floor, Viktor led her into a spacious penthouse, its walls lined with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city. But Liza couldn't appreciate the beauty. All she could think about was the man standing before her, and the dangerous game she had just agreed to play.
Viktor motioned for her to sit on the black leather couch, his movements smooth and deliberate. He poured them both a glass of red wine, handing her one before sitting across from her. His eyes were sharp, his demeanor calm, though something simmered beneath the surface.
"Let's get one thing straight," he began, his voice low and authoritative. "This isn't a relationship built on love or affection. It's a partnership. A business transaction."
Liza nodded, her grip tightening around the glass. "I understand."
"Good," Viktor continued. "You'll be my wife in the eyes of the world. You'll attend events with me, accompany me when needed, and follow my lead. In return, I'll give you access to the resources and power to exact your revenge. Christoph, Kylie—they'll regret ever crossing you."
Her pulse quickened at his words. The idea of watching Christoph fall, of seeing the shock and regret in his eyes when he realized the mistake he had made—it was intoxicating.
"But understand this, Liza," Viktor's voice dropped lower, his eyes darkening with a dangerous intensity. "Once you're in my world, there's no escape. You'll belong to me, and that means you'll have enemies—powerful ones. People who will try to hurt you to get to me."
A chill ran down her spine, but she forced herself to hold his gaze. "I'm not afraid."
He smirked, leaning back in his chair. "You should be."
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of his words hanging between them. Liza knew she was stepping into a world she didn't fully understand, but the desire for revenge burned brighter than her fear.
"What do I need to do?" she asked, her voice steady.
Viktor took a sip of his wine, studying her for a long moment before he spoke. "Tomorrow, we'll go to the courthouse and make it official. A simple ceremony, no fuss. After that, I'll introduce you to my associates."
"Associates?" Liza's brow furrowed.
His lips twisted into a knowing smile. "Men who work for me. Men who will soon see you as part of the family."
The word *family* felt foreign on her tongue, but she nodded. "And after that?"
"After that," Viktor's voice turned cold, "we'll begin the process of destroying Christoph and Kylie. But it won't be quick. Revenge, Liza, is a slow, calculated art. We'll make them suffer—one piece at a time."
Liza's breath hitched at the thought. The image of Christoph's smug face filled her mind, and for the first time since that horrible phone call, she felt a flicker of hope.
"I'll do whatever it takes," she whispered, her voice laced with determination.
Viktor's eyes gleamed with approval. "Good. Because once we start, there's no turning back."
As they sat there, the city lights casting shadows across the room, Liza couldn't help but wonder what she had just signed up for. The man before her was no savior—he was the devil himself. But if it meant seeing Christoph brought to his knees, she was willing to make a deal with the devil.
And she had a feeling Viktor would make sure she never regretted it.