Love in Debt Trap

Kayla's marriage to Reza had been a month, but it felt like years of loneliness. She loved Reza deeply, hoping that one day her love would be returned. But every time she looked into his cold eyes, her hope crumbled a little more. Reza didn't love her. For him, their marriage was nothing but a business deal. Worse still, Reza had used Kayla as collateral in a transaction that left her trapped, her life no longer her own.

In Leon's sprawling mansion, Kayla now resided, far from the life she once knew. She was isolated-not just from her family, but more importantly, from her husband. Leon, the man whose dark presence loomed over her new existence, was both terrifying and enthralling. He had taken her away from Reza, from the man who had promised to be her protector, but who had never once touched her as a husband should. Now, Leon was the one who had claimed her, both physically and emotionally, dragging Kayla into a nightmare she had never asked for.

---

The night air whispered through the open window of Kayla's lavish room, carrying with it the faint scent of jasmine from the gardens below. She sat at the edge of the enormous bed, her fingers gripping the silk sheets, trying to ground herself in the present moment. The opulence of her surroundings contrasted sharply with the emptiness she felt inside. Every inch of the mansion was a reminder that she was no longer free-that she now belonged to Leon.

Her mind wandered back to the day she was taken from Reza's house. The memory of Leon's cold eyes, watching her as if she were some kind of prize he had won, still haunted her. He had made it clear from the start that she was no longer under Reza's protection. In fact, Reza had willingly handed her over-his own wife-as part of a deal to save his business.

Kayla felt a bitter laugh rise in her throat. How foolish she had been to believe that Reza might eventually come to care for her. She had married him with the hope that love would grow between them, but instead, she found herself discarded, as if her worth was no more than a bargaining chip.

She stood and walked to the window, staring out at the moonlit gardens. The night was eerily quiet, save for the rustling of leaves in the wind. She wrapped her arms around herself, shivering despite the warm air. Her thoughts drifted to Leon again-the man who had touched her in ways that Reza never had. The memory of his hands on her body made her skin crawl, yet a part of her was still drawn to him, confused by the power he held over her.

It was as though Leon knew every fear and weakness she had, exploiting them with ease. He never asked for permission-he simply took what he wanted. And Kayla, despite her inner turmoil, found herself unable to resist. Every time she tried to fight back, Leon would remind her that Reza had given her to him willingly, and that no one else would care enough to take her back.

"You're mine now," Leon had whispered to her one night, his voice low and dangerous as he leaned close, his breath hot against her ear. "No one can save you."

Kayla had felt the truth of his words like a blow to her chest. She was trapped in this mansion, with no escape, no future, and no hope of reclaiming her life. Leon's power over her was absolute, and every day she spent in his home only deepened her sense of helplessness.

She turned from the window, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. She wanted to scream, to lash out, but what good would it do? No one would hear her. No one would care. Not even Reza.

The thought of her husband made her stomach twist with a mixture of anger and despair. Reza had been the one to abandon her, to place her in this nightmare. Yet, some part of her still longed for him, still clung to the hope that he might come back for her, that he might realize the mistake he had made.

But deep down, Kayla knew better. Reza had made his choice. He had chosen his business, his power, over her. She was nothing to him.

A soft knock at the door startled her from her thoughts. She froze, her heart racing as she wondered who it could be. There were only a few people in the mansion who ever approached her-Leon, his staff, and the occasional visitor, none of whom she wished to see.

The door creaked open, and Leon stepped inside, his tall frame casting a long shadow across the room. His piercing gaze locked onto her, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.

"Kayla," he said, his voice smooth but laced with a quiet intensity. "I see you're still awake."

Kayla swallowed, her throat dry. She didn't answer, unsure of what to say. She hated the way he looked at her, as if he could see right through her, as if he owned every part of her.

Leon took a step closer, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "What are you thinking about, hm? Wondering if Reza will come to save you?"

Kayla flinched at the mention of her husband's name. She turned her gaze away, staring at the floor as her chest tightened with a familiar sense of hopelessness.

Leon chuckled, the sound low and menacing. "Don't waste your time, Kayla. Reza doesn't care about you. He never did."

His words cut deep, though Kayla had already known the truth. Still, hearing it spoken aloud made it harder to ignore the reality of her situation.

Leon closed the distance between them, reaching out to tilt her chin up so that she was forced to look at him. His touch was gentle, but the threat behind it was clear.

"You belong to me now," he whispered, his eyes dark and unreadable. "And the sooner you accept that, the easier it will be."

Kayla's breath caught in her throat, fear and anger warring within her. She wanted to scream at him, to tell him he was wrong, but she knew it would be futile. She was trapped-trapped in this mansion, trapped in this twisted bond with Leon, and there was no escape in sight.

For now, all she could do was endure.

As Leon's hand slipped away and he turned to leave, Kayla sank to the floor, her legs giving out beneath her. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Crying wouldn't change anything.

This was her life now.