Stephanie's POV
Everything in my life was already planned: keep my distance from everyone, wait for the right time, erase my tracks, and disappear. Now my plans were slowly being ruined because of the interference of a single person.
Cliff held my right arm, his body towering over me, the light behind him casting a shadow that hid his face. This was the second time today he had interfered. I might have weakened earlier, but I saw the consequences of it. Him helping with Daniel had already pushed Grandpa to move forward with the wedding. If this wedding happens, I can never escape this hell. I will be stuck.
I was still thinking of a way to stop it when I saw the light inside my apartment through the door.
At first, I thought it was another one of Grandpa's men checking to see if I was still in control. But when I opened the door, I wasn't expecting Cliff. The moment I saw him, I hid my arm behind my back. I wasn't trying to protect anyone or act like some so-called damsel in distress, but I know what happens when rich and powerful men like him see a vulnerable woman.
"Are you just going to stand there instead of leaving?" I sighed. I had no interest in dealing with him or wasting energy listening to his excuse for snooping around. I was misguided to think someone like him might be a gentleman. In the end, they are all the same. I am either a toy for their benefit or an object of desire.
Cliff just stood there, his eyes focused somewhere else. On my arm.Did he notice? Does he think I am vulnerable enough to break down? A chill ran down my spine. No. I can't let him see me as weak.
I gulped and looked up at him. "Are you going to continue ignoring my question?"
He remained silent. This time, his gaze shifted to my cheek and stayed there. He was far too sharp for his own good. I need to get him out of here.
"Is it normal for playboys to break into a woman's house?" I stepped closer, trying to provoke him. I knew it was risky. He was a man who broke into someone's apartment after their first meeting. Men like him can go berserk at any moment.
I expected some backlash, but he said nothing. His eyes clung to me as if he could see every scar and mark on my body. The heat rushing to my cheeks felt like a slap of reality.
I turned and strode to the kitchen, taking out a wine bottle. "I will ignore the fact that you broke into my house, so please leave."
I needed to do something. I could feel my skin burning under his sharp gaze. I could still feel his stare drilling into my back and then his footsteps.
For a second, I felt relieved. He was finally leaving.
Instead, I was grabbed and turned around as if I weighed nothing.
"What the hell are you doing?" I yelled before I could think, pulling away and stepping back.
This man was no better than a stranger. Why was he becoming such a riddle in my life? First with Daniel, now this. He has no place in my plan. In fact, he is detrimental to it. Why can't he just leave me alone? I don't need a knight.
"Who did this to you?" he asked simply, grabbing my right arm and lifting it as if he had the right.
I hate men like him—no, I despise them. They act strong and powerful, like saviors wanting to help, when in reality it's the opposite. They don't help a damsel in distress because they are righteous. They help because they want control. They want the damsel to worship the knight.
I jerked my hand away. Foolish of me to think he was any different. In the end, he was the same.
"Did I ever give you the idea that we are close? Or that I want to get close to you?"
"What?" Cliff's brows furrowed, his lips twitching slightly.
"Since earlier today, you've been interfering in my personal matters. I was polite before, but…" I scowled, disgusted that I ever thought he was better than the others. "Breaking into my house, grabbing my hand, asking questions you already decided the answers to. I was wrong to say you're just a playboy. You're self-obsessed, cocky, and a stalker. Even in death, I will not marry a criminal like you. Get out of my apartment."
I looked at him. He was still quiet, his lips drawn into a thin line. Then he smirked and walked toward the door. He paused before opening it, his back facing me. Maybe I should call the police before he does something worse.
"I'm sorry. I crossed the line."
His words completely caught me off guard. He turned slightly, a faint smile on his face. "But, love, we are definitely getting married. Meet me in front of the court tomorrow morning or I can just drag you there."
"Wha—"
Once again, he left without another word, as if his threat would work on me. That crazy playboy. Even in a million years, I won't marry him. I can't believe I let an intruder like him irritate me after working so hard to control my emotions.
I looked down at my arm. The way he asked that question… it was as if he was ready to burn the world if I named the person who did this to me.
No. That's ridiculous.
He just wants control like everyone else. He wants a plaything. He probably thinks he can swoon me with his petty tricks. And the worst part? For a second… I almost let him.
My heart was beating like crazy.
Marry him?
As if.