13

Suzanne knew she couldn't tell the truth about where the money had come from just yet, so she simply said that she had taken out a bank loan, which her boss had helped her secure.

She certainly owed him, and that scared her. She didn't even know if he would need her in the office, since she would be his "wife" in a few days.

Just thinking about it made her feel nauseous.

The deadline Nathan had given her had come to an end, so she had to go sign the agreement, or as she called it, her "sentence."

It wasn't that she liked the idea, but she knew that Mr. Strong wasn't the kind of man one could play with.

"Sweetie, have you packed everything?" her father said, lying on one of the new couches.

"Yes, Dad, everything is ready."

"Take care, my girl," he looked at her with some sadness.

"I will, don't worry," she said, uncomfortable, not knowing if she could keep lying. "I'll try to come back soon."

She went to hug her father with all the love in the world, happy that he was still with her.

"And is there none for your dear friend?" Dylan said, amused.

"Don't be silly," she replied, approaching him. "Remember to tell me how the nurse is; she has good references, but you never know."

"Will you finally tell me if you won the lottery?" he looked at her suspiciously. "Banks don't give out that much money, Suzanne."

"We'll talk about that later, okay?" she swallowed nervously, which only aroused more suspicion in Dylan. "Please take care of him."

"You know I will take care of him, you don't need to worry," he said, hugging her and then kissing her forehead affectionately.

That girl was like a sister to him, and he loved her with all his heart.

***

Suzanne got up early and arrived at the company a bundle of nerves. She had been standing in front of Mr. Strong's office door for two minutes but still couldn't decide to enter.

In just one day, she would be her boss's wife.

She trembled as if it were her first day at work, but it wasn't, and she knew why she was nervous—she practically already belonged to Nathan Strong.

She took a deep breath, sighed, and entered. Everything was as she remembered, and her boss wasn't there, which allowed her to relax for a moment.

At seven twenty, she went to get Mr. Strong's coffee and bought some donuts for herself. When she returned to the office, Nathan still hadn't arrived.

She left the coffee on his desk and sat down to have breakfast. After finishing, she sat on the large sofa, leaned her head back, and closed her eyes. She was exhausted; the first week had been spent sleeplessly beside her father in the hospital until he was discharged.

Her weight loss was noticeable, and despite trying to conceal her dark circles with makeup, she hadn't been very successful.

Nathan entered the office, and the first thing he saw was Suzanne deeply asleep. She seemed naive and innocent to him, but he reminded himself that she wasn't entirely so; if she had been, she wouldn't have accepted his money.

He had to admit he was a bit disappointed when she accepted his proposal, as he had started to believe she was truly different.

"Sleeping during work hours, miss? That's not acceptable," he whispered playfully in her ear.

She opened her eyes, startled.

"Sorry, Mr. Strong," she said, both embarrassed and surprised, as she sat up.

He crossed his arms over his chest, raising an eyebrow and smiling maliciously.

"Don't worry, baby, remember that starting tomorrow you'll be mine," he whispered loud enough for her to hear.

Suzanne stood motionless in front of him. She swallowed hard because that afternoon she would go pick out a white dress for the wedding, one that would be held at a prestigious club she had only seen from the outside.

Nathan approached and wrapped his strong arms around her exquisite waist, kissing her without warning while sliding a hand to her round, firm rear.

A certain part of him came to life, and he couldn't help but feel urgent.

She trembled in his arms, but he hadn't noticed. He tried to lift her skirt, but she stopped him.

"We're in the office," she managed to say without stuttering.

"Rule number 2, 'when and where I want,'" he shot her a sharp look. "But don't worry, starting tomorrow, I won't have any mercy on you. Besides, I don't have time now. I have an extremely important meeting to attend, and you're coming with me. Follow me, it will be in the conference room."

Suzanne sighed with relief, she had been saved that time.

When Nathan entered the room, those present stood up to greet him. She saw a large table with more than ten chairs occupying the central space.

Nathan took a seat at the head of the table and had her sit to his right, thus beginning the meeting.

Various topics were debated in the room, which she ignored. Her eyes closed on their own, and she had to make an effort not to fall asleep while he glanced at her and hurried to conclude the meeting.

The attendees left, leaving just the two of them.

He observed her for a moment and frowned, noticing the paleness of her face, the dark circles under her eyes, and her weight loss.

What the hell had happened to her?

He had the urge to ask, but he wasn't the impulsive type, so he held back.

They both returned to the office, and he handed her a bag.

"Here."

"What is it?" Suzanne questioned, curious and puzzled.

"It's a cell phone."

"I already have one."

"I'm not asking you, just take it," he snapped dryly, making her jump. "You must always keep it on. You can't give that number to anyone. You will only receive calls from me, and you will only call me from it. Remember, you are exclusively mine, understood?"

"Yes, sir," she said incredulously.

The arrogance of that man annoyed her to no end. Who did he think he was to try to control her life like this?

«Your owner!» her conscience screamed at her, making her even angrier.

"You can go get the dress for tomorrow," he said coldly, distantly. "I have an important appointment. I'll be out all day, so it's not worth you being here doing nothing. Emilia will take any messages for me."

She nodded reluctantly. What a scoundrel he was! How dare he demand exclusivity when he went from one date to another?

But why did that bother her? She should be happy, right? She was finally rid of him, and after picking up the darn dress, she could rest peacefully.

However, the real torture would begin the next day.