Chapter 1 Prologue

• I regret so much in my life, especially not heeding my mother’s warnings. I hate myself for ignoring her advice and choosing to turn a deaf ear. Now, because of my recklessness, I find myself in a dark, cold room, my feet shackled in chains, tears streaming down my cheeks like a flood.
• The last thing I remember is being in a club, dancing as I always do. Then, someone began dancing behind me. I never allow anyone to dance with me except my friends, never let anyone touch me on the dance floor. But that night… was different.
• When that stranger touched my waist, it felt like something ignited within me—new and earth-shattering. I turned around to see him, but before I could, a handkerchief was pressed against my nose and mouth, and I blacked out. When I woke up, I was locked up in this place. I didn’t even see who kidnapped me!
• I’m terrified, overwhelmed with regret. I have no idea who could have done this to me. I’m sure I never had any quarrels with anyone!
• My heart pounded with fear as I heard footsteps outside the dark room. I swallowed hard when I saw the doorknob turning. Someone was opening the door. Light flooded in as it creaked open, forcing me to squint against the brightness. Then, the door closed, and the room was illuminated.
• I swallowed again, slowly opening my eyes. Whoever kidnapped me must be insane. I swear, once I escape this room, I’ll make sure they pay! I won’t let them hurt me! I’ll get out of here alive!
• The first thing I saw was a pair of black shoes in front of me. Slowly, I lifted my gaze until I locked eyes with a pair of cold brown eyes staring down at me. He wasn’t familiar. I was certain I didn’t know him. But…his ruthless, handsome face was unforgettable.
• I’ve seen many attractive men, some of whom liked and dated me. But this man in front of me…there was something different about him.
• “W-Who are you?” I asked, my voice trembling as tears silently fell from my eyes. I didn’t want to cry, but fear and anxiety overwhelmed me. He didn’t answer. Instead, he bent down on one knee, leveling his eyes with mine. My lips parted as I took in his whole face.
• Was he an actor? Or a model? A man this handsome couldn’t be just an ordinary person, right? His light brown eyes, almost yellow, were captivating even in the darkness. He had thick brows, a long and narrow nose, and thin lips. The way he moved was graceful, elegant. And his physique—masculine, powerful—was undeniable, even through his long-sleeved shirt and pants. He was tall enough to be a basketball player.
• “Damon…” he said, his cold, deep voice sending shivers down my spine. My heart skipped a beat. I didn’t know if it was from fear…or from the awe this man inspired in me.
• “I-Is that your name? Then…Damon, why am I here? Did you kidnap me? Do I owe you something? Tell me!” I almost pleaded, desperate to go home. I was sure my mother was worried sick about me.
• “You’re here because you have to be. Your mother has hidden you for too long…and now it’s time for me to take you back,” he said. What was he talking about? I furrowed my brows, but I didn’t lose my determination to beg for my freedom.
• “W-What do you mean? Please…I just want to go home!” I cried, fresh tears streaming down my cheeks. But he just stared at me, his gaze icy, chilling me to the bone.
• “You can’t. From now on…this will be your home,” he said with finality. Rage bubbled up within me. He was insane. Damn him! This dark, cramped room would never be my home! He stood up, maybe planning to leave me here alone again.
• “This is not my home! Let me go, you bastard! I’ll make sure you pay for this once I break free from these chains! Damn you!” I screamed, my throat burning from the effort. But his expression remained unchanged, cold and unfeeling. He was giving me chills!
• “Just stay here. I’ll be back,” he said coldly.
• “No! You stay here! What do you want from me? And who the hell are you?! Don’t play games with me! Unlock these chains now!” I screamed again, gripping the chain around my foot tightly. I saw him survey my face, his brows furrowed, and I couldn’t understand why he was reacting that way.
• My heart skipped a beat when he stepped closer until he was just inches away from me. I could smell his scent, masculine and intoxicating. I swallowed hard, feeling my heart race.
• “Athena…” Goosebumps rose on my skin when he uttered my name. Who was this man? How did he know me? He had even mentioned my mother earlier! Who was he?
• “Whether you like it or not…you’ll stay here. And don’t make me lose my patience. I hate…stubborn women,” he warned before stepping back and leaving the room.
• No…it couldn’t be. Who was that man? Why was he keeping me here? How did he know me? And…why was I locked up in this place?