When a car accident robs Emily of her family and her freedom, she thinks the worst is over-until her brother's greed forces her into a life she never imagined. Sold to the ruthless and enigmatic Michael Jordan, Emily finds herself trapped in a world where every choice is taken from her, and every rule binds her tighter to him. As Michael enforces his strict rules, Emily battles against his attempts to break her spirit. Beneath his cold, controlling exterior, she glimpses hints of vulnerability-and the dangerous allure that draws her in against her will. But in Michael's world, defiance has consequences, and he won't rest until she fully submits to his will. In a game of power, control, and secrets, Emily must find her strength and keep her wits, for if she doesn't escape, she risks losing more than just her freedom. She risks losing herself.
Chapter 1 Chains of Betrayal
Chapter 1: Chains of Betrayal
Emily's POV
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The rain was heavy that night, pitilessly drowning the world outside in shadows. I watched from my bedroom window as it rained, the only lighting from a single, dimly lit streetlamp. It was three days since my parents' funeral, three days since I'd received a life I never asked for.
My fingers grazed the edge of my father's will, which lay on my desk, words that I had read a million times. "To Emily, our beloved daughter, upon her eighteenth birthday, she shall take control over the family business, all assets included.
The words sounded heavy, a weight I wasn't ready to bear. But it wasn't what haunted me most; it was Jack, my brother, the only family left to me, and the way he'd looked at me since the funeral.
A knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. Before I could answer, Jack strode in, not even waiting for permission.
Reading the will again?" he asked, sneering at me as he leaned against the doorframe. His eyes were devoid of the warmth I once remembered. Now, they were cold and calculating.
"I just wanted to understand it," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
He laughed then-an unpleasant sound that echoed in the silence. "You think it will change anything by reading it? Do you actually think you're capable of running a business, Emily?
The words stung, but I swallowed back the pain. I was used to him insulting me by now. "It's what Mom and Dad wanted."
Jack's face twisted, and he moved closer, leaning down until his face was inches from mine. "I don't care what they wanted. You don't deserve any of it."
My heart pounded in my chest, fear mixing with anger. "Why do you hate me so much, Jack? We're family.
"Family?" He laughed again, straightening up. "You're nothing but an obstacle, Emily. An annoyance." His gaze turned sharp. "And I'm going to make sure you never get what's in that will."
I took a shaky breath, feeling the walls close in on me. "You don't get to decide that, Jack."
Maybe not. But I can control you, he said with a cold grin, I can make sure you don't get close to that money. Ever.
Before I even said a word, he pivoted and stormed out of the room, slamming the door. The bang of the door echoed loudly, leaving a hollow hush in the aftermath. I dropped onto the edge of my bed, well aware of how fast my pulse was racing. This couldn't be real. How could my brother hate me like this? What could I have done so wrong?
After that, the days passed laboriously, all muddled together. Jack kept me well occupied, providing endless chores for me to do and tasks he'd holler at me continuously, treating me no better than a hired hand. I seldom went out. My life was one long, thankless chore after another with Jack's eyes on me, watching, waiting.
Then, one night, everything did. Jack had called me down, his face all smug.
"Come here, Emily," he said, standing at the front door with that sparkle in his eye.
I hesitated, feeling a shiver run down my spine. "What is it?"
He shrugged, his smile never touching his eyes. "I have a surprise for you.
Surprise. That didn't exactly have the best ring to it. But I knew better than to disobey him. Taking a deep breath, I went down the stairs, each step feeling like a step into something bad.
The moment I got to the bottom, he came into view. A tall man, with hair as dark as coal and a face as cold as stone, was standing by the door, hands sunk into his coat pockets. His eyes met mine, inscrutable, distant.
"Wh... who is this?" I stammered, looking from Jack to the stranger.
"This," said Jack, his voice dripping with satisfaction, "is Michael Jordan. He's here to take you off my hands."
"Take me?" I turned back to the stranger, my stomach churning. "Jack, what is this?"
Jack smirked, crossing his arms. "Consider it a transaction. You're going to be staying with him from now on."
The words felt like a slap. "You... you're selling me?
"It's called survival, Emily," he said icily. "I don't need a burden like you weighing me down. Michael's a powerful man. He's willing to pay a heavy price for you. And just in case you hadn't worked it out, that's the only way you're any use to me."
I looked to Michael, hoping at least for some semblance of sympathy, of understanding; but nothing had changed in his expression. His gaze didn't falter, as if he was looking at a piece of merchandise.
"No," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "You can't do this."
"Actually, I can." Jack's smirk grew wider. "And I already have."
Michael took one step forward, his eyes narrowing. "Enough talk. Let's go.
"No!" I attempted to turn back, to run, but Jack grasped my arm, holding me in place. "Please, Jack, don't do this," I begged, desperation clawing at my voice. "I'll... I'll do whatever you want. Just don't make me go with him."
But Jack's grip only tightened, his face a mask of indifference. "Your begging won't change anything, Emily. You're not my responsibility anymore."
I felt the sting of tears in my eyes, but I blinked them away, refusing to give him the satisfaction. Michael stepped closer, his hand reaching for my arm, and I flinched.
"Come quietly," he said in a low, firm voice. "It'll be easier for both of us."
There was no getting away, no option remaining. I cast one last pleading look at Jack, but he tried avoiding me, would not even look into my eyes. It was then I knew he really did not care. I meant nothing to him.
And so, having no other choice, I let Michael lead me out the door and into the waiting car. The rain had started again around us in heavy sheets. I felt numb, as if I was stuck in a nightmare from which I couldn't wake up.
The car pulled away from the house, and I turned for that last look back. The place that was once my home receded into the distance, leaving me to my thoughts in a car with a man whose name I didn't really know-a man who, from this day forward, was to have the final say in almost everything in my life.
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