My name is Celine Sawyer. I lost my parents at the age of fourteen, and since then, my uncle, Dave Monsterrio, has been the one taking care of me. He was my father's closest friend and the only family I have, and I am all that he has, but such love could be a burden. My parents were shot to death in our home, and I witnessed that horrible incident. The incident had made my uncle very protective of me. He wouldn't let me go out alone without guards. A lot of people avoid me because they are too afraid of my uncle. You might be wondering how scary he is. Yes, he is a Mafia lord. The top boss of the underground world who is feared by everyone, except me. I am the only one daring enough to upset him, to make him buy me pads and come pick me up because I was too lazy to drive back home. I walked out of class and saw the bunch of bodyguards Dave had assigned to bring me to and from school. A naughty smile spread across my lips as I dropped my backpack on the floor. I pulled out the blue wig from my bag and changed my uniform jacket to a chained jean jacket. I smeared red lipstick on my lips and took out a piece of gum to chew. As I walked out, I looked completely different. None of the guards knew it was me even as I walked past them. After successfully escaping, I joined Tyra in her car, and together, we headed to a party. My phone blew up with different texts from Dave, but I ignored them all and drained a glass of tequila, then proceeded to the top of the table to dance. Twenty minutes later, the door burst open, and cops rushed into the room. Everyone screamed and panicked, trying to escape. I jumped off the table and grabbed my purse to make my escape, but the cops pointed guns at us, and quite a few of us were arrested. We were taken to the police station and made to call our parents. I watched everyone's parents come and get them, some with severe scoldings. But no one came for me. There was no way Dave didn't know I was arrested, and even if he was so busy, he could have sent someone to pick me up. I had to spend the whole night in the cell. The next morning, the cops brought me home themselves. We walked into the ridiculously enormous mansion I lived in. The guards all bowed low when they saw me, but I ignored them all and walked quickly to meet Dave instead. He was waiting for me in the main living room. "Thank you for your service," he said to the men, who nodded with a little bow. They handed me over to him and walked out right after. Then, it dawned on me. He had left me there on purpose, and in fact, he was the one who had called the cops on us. "How could you, Dave?" I charged angrily at him. He lifted his head, the same eyes that made many people wet their pants. "Just a little lesson, to warn you not to disobey me," he said, in his usual hoarse, chilling voice. I scoffed as I fell into the space beside him on the sofa. "That was cruel. I just wanted to go to a party," I groaned. "You won't even let me throw one." "It's all for your protection. The sooner you accept that, the better it would be for you," he stated and got up. I grabbed his hand before he could leave. "Protection? Who could possibly harm me? Everyone is terrified of you," I said. "Yes. More reason why I can't be careless with you," he said with a dead serious face. This was it. One of the many times I couldn't resist him. I mean, how could he say those words without even blinking? I know to him it might mean nothing, but it shook my fragile heart. I slowly let go of his hand. My gaze dropped from his. He walked away without another word, and Jeff came over. When I saw him, I frowned. My eyes widened slowly at the understanding of what that meant. I rushed forward quickly to follow Dave, but Jeff stepped in front of me. "I dare you to stop me," I threatened. None of the guards were allowed to lay hands on me, not even in the name of protecting me. "Boss gave me special orders," he told me. My eyes almost popped out of their sockets as I glared in disbelief. I tried to escape, but Jeff picked me up and carried me to my room. I kicked and even punched, but it was of no use. He dropped me gently on my bed. "Boss says you are grounded until you learn your lesson," he said and backed away. I rushed after him, but the door shut against my face. I hit it with my foot angrily, cussing and breathing hard. "Dave Monsterroi, you dog!" I yelled at the top of my lungs. My voice seemed to echo through the whole house, but I didn't care. I walked back to my table and smashed a few things on the floor in my rage. Even though I knew that wouldn't make him change his mind, I still did it anyway. --- After spending two days inside my room, I was losing my mind. I stared at my phone, having nothing to do. How could that jerk Dave abandon me for days? I thought angrily. Just then, an idea struck me. One that wouldn't get any guard in trouble this time. Exactly five minutes after eating lunch, I clutched my stomach and screamed out. My loud yells attracted the maids and guards in a second. They all rushed into my room at lightning speed. I cried more, pretending to writhe in pain, and almost laughed at how panicked they were as they tried to figure out what to do. At that moment, Dave rushed in and scooped me into his arms. I paused my act for a second. Fear gripped my heart when I saw him. I didn't know he was around. I just wanted to play a prank and escape from the house. "What's wrong?" His voice trembled with so much panic that I felt guilty immediately. I wanted to stop it, but that would mean even worse punishment for me. So, I continued. "My stomach..." I stuttered. Then, I shut my eyes in a sudden motion. This was better, I told myself.

The doctor came to the house instead. Dave had never allowed me to go to the hospital but had his own personal doctors. "What's wrong with her?" I heard Dave's voice rise in panic. I still pretended to be unconscious, my heart beating loudly in fear that he would soon find out I was faking it. There was a short silence. I was almost forced to open my eyes to find out what was happening. "I'm afraid Miss Celine was just faking it," the doctor let out, and I froze. I immediately jolted up, pretending to be furious. "How dare you say I faked it?!" I yelled at the man in his fifties. The poor man looked terrified and bowed his head. "I'm sorry, Miss Celine," he whimpered. I pressed my lips tightly, not intending to frighten him. My eyes darted slowly and fearfully to Dave, who was standing above my head, his eyes glaring smolderingly at me. I watched everyone leave the room and clutched the blanket, pulling it over me. Dave moved closer, his hand raised, and I thought for a second he might hit me. "Since you're fine, follow me," he said and pulled me up from the bed before I could resist. "Where are we going?" I asked, curious. He's not going to take me to one of the places where he tortures his victims, right? He didn't answer but walked to my walk-in closet instead and came out with a dress for me. "Be out in five," he ordered and walked out of the room. I stood there and stared at his disappearing figure. What the hell? Why wasn't he angry with me? He would usually smack my forehead or yell at me for being impossible. Did I take it too far? I wondered, feeling uneasy. I dressed up like a good girl and even put on light makeup, no red lipstick. I walked downstairs where Dave was waiting for me. He was dressed in a suit jacket, looking very official. It made me squint a bit. I looked down at my dress and realized how formal it was. Dave came to me and offered his arm. I coiled my hand around his, and together we walked out of the house. The cars stopped in front of the Sawyer Corporation. I turned to look at Dave, who bore a serious, cold look. "Why are we here?" I asked him. "You will soon find out," he simply replied and got down from the car. Lines of guards escorted us into the building. As we stepped into the elevator, I looked at Dave but kept my lips shut. We walked to a door, and the guards pushed it wide open. There were directors, executives, and shareholders seated, awaiting our arrival. They all turned their gazes to us the moment the door opened. "Dave?" I called him, a little panicked now. His grip tightened around mine as he pulled me into the room. I tried not to meet anyone's eyes. We made our way to the head of the long table, and Dave finally let go of my hand. "Sit down," he whispered to me. I stared at him, hesitating. But his firm, scary gaze made me obey without words. Everyone stood up immediately after I sat down and bowed their heads low to welcome me. "Chairwoman Sawyer," they all chanted. I almost jumped up from my seat, but Dave's hands firmly held my shoulders, forcing me to remain seated. I clenched my fists, realizing what this was all about. --- After the meeting was over, I waited in the room until everyone else was gone. I finally got up and turned to Dave, who had been standing behind me this whole time. Without warning, I slapped him hard, letting out my anger. I stood there, breathing hard, in rage and fear that he might hit me back. When he turned to me, I raised my hand to hit him again, but this time, he gripped my wrist and stopped me. I struggled to get free and tried to use my other hand to hit him, but he stopped me and pushed me back into the chair. "Let go!" I screamed at him. "Let go, you jerk!" He didn't let go. After a while, I got tired and stopped struggling, letting out heavy breaths instead. "This is all for your good, Celine. I wouldn't do anything to hurt you," he said, but I wasn't ready to listen. "I don't want to," I yelled. "It's your father's hard work. You can't just give it up," he retorted. "I don't care!" I blurted out. Our breaths collided heavily as we both panted. Dave took a long, deep inhale and stared into my eyes. His hands moved from my wrist and gripped my face carefully. "I know you are afraid, but I promise to protect you," he said. Staring back into his eyes, I could not help but trust him. I knew he would do anything to protect me. He always does. My heart beat a little too loudly again. I pushed him away and put some distance between us. "You should have informed me," I said. "If I did, you would never agree," he replied, his hands in his pockets. I paused, biting my lip lightly. "What if I don't want this?" I asked him, suddenly wavering. Dave moved closer. His fingers brushed my hair, and he cupped my cheek in his palm. I let myself relax in his touch. Warm. "I'm still here." His voice was comforting. I nodded and finally smiled. He took my hand, and together we walked out of the room. When we got downstairs, reporters had already gathered. I tried to stay calm and cool as they rushed at us, throwing questions. The guards hurried ahead of us to make way for us to get through. I smiled, ignoring their questions and clinging to Dave. "Mr. Monsterrori, is the news true?" "Are you really getting married to Miss Marino?" I froze at that statement. My eyes widened instantly. What?! I turned to Dave, grabbing his jacket. "What on earth are they talking about?" My voice rose higher. My eyes flared in fear. He looked at me, his gaze firm. He wasn't saying anything. My grip tightened on him. I searched his eyes for an answer. I withdrew my hand from him and took a step back. "Dave Monsterrori, you traitor!"

My raised hand was gripped by Dave, and he signaled Jeff to take me away. He picked me up and pulled me away from there while I continued to kick and yell angrily. Jeff got me to the car, and I tried to get off, but the car sped off immediately. I was once again locked in my room. This time, I tore the place apart, raging and screaming. When I finally got tired, I sat down on the floor and cried my eyes out. How could Dave do this to me? For three years now, I had waited, believing that he was also waiting for me. After crying for a long time, I drifted to sleep right on the floor, my head buried between my thighs. I woke up to the sound of Dave, who was standing in front of me. His eyes looked around the room and furrowed deeply. Then they turned back to me. He saw the cut on my neck, probably from when I was throwing and breaking stuff, and his expression darkened. "You are hurt." The second he said that, Jeff rushed in immediately and bowed his head. Dave turned to him, and I could tell what would follow. So, I grabbed him quickly to stop him, but he yanked me off at the same time. "Don't pretend you care," I lashed out. He turned to me, his hands gripping my shoulders carefully. "Why would you say that? You know I care so much about you." I pushed him off again. "Is that why you're trying to get rid of me?" I hollered again. Dave's frown deepened. "I'm not." I pushed at his chest, not listening to him. Right now, I hated him. For lying to me. "You promised to wait for me," I cried, hitting him again. He stared at me, perplexed. "What?" My tears fell freely now. I moved closer and grabbed his shirt. "You said you wouldn't marry anyone until I became an adult," I reminded him of his promise. Dave gripped the hands that were holding his shirt, pulling them back. "And I'm not breaking my promise," he maintained. I stared at him, conflicted. He's already engaged. His fingers instinctively pulled my hair back. "But you're engaged," I pointed out. He took a deep breath. "You are going to be eighteen in three weeks. I remember my promise to you, and I won't get married before then," he stated. I paused, staring dumbstruck at him. I pulled away from him, recoiling back onto the floor. He moved after me, his hands gripping me and pulling me back up. "I'm sorry you had to find out like this," he whispered to me, pulling me into his arms. I cried silently against him. Dave Monasterio, you idiot. I didn't mean it like that when I asked you to wait for me to grow up. What I wanted was to grow up so I could marry you. The more I cried, the more he comforted me. But it was not enough. I wanted him, all of him. If Dave doesn't understand, maybe I should make him understand. I waited in the shower, listening to the sound of him walking into the room before I switched on the shower and let it pour over me. Tonight, I am determined to make him see me, not as a little girl but as a woman. I waited five minutes before getting out of the shower and picked up a towel, ignoring the bathrobe. The moment I stepped out of the bathroom, my eyes met Dave, who was standing in the middle of the room. His eyes widened when he saw me, and he swiftly turned around. "Celine?" I felt his breath hitch. "What are you doing here?" I moved closer. "I came to use your shower because my room is a mess," I told him. He let out a heave. "There are plenty of rooms in the house. You could have used one of them," he said. I shrugged. "I don't feel safe in any of them. Except yours," I said, deliberately teasing. He didn't turn back to look at me, but I wasn't ready to back out either. "You should leave now," he said. I frowned, biting my lips. How can he not be tempted? "I want to sleep with you," I blurted out carelessly. Not caring about whatever consequences that brought. Dave's eyes turned to me instantly. For the first time, I saw his face flush red. "Are you crazy?!" his voice came out loud, terrifying. I quickly answered. "I meant, sleep in your room." I gulped slowly, hiding my anxious nerves. "My room is still a mess," I reminded him. He turned his eyes away again. His hands went to his face, and I heard his heavy breathing. "Fine. I will sleep somewhere else then," he said and made to move out. I rushed to stop him immediately. But my foot caught on the other, throwing me off balance. A small yelp escaped me as I lurched forward. Dave's hand caught me around the waist, pulling me against his body. I gasped, my hands gripping onto him. I looked up, meeting his eyes only an inch away. There was a deafening silence in the room. Neither of us moved for a second until my heart began to race. I gazed down at his lips, the ones I had dreamed so many times of kissing. Right now, they were so close to me. Before I could summon the courage to take the bold step, Dave pushed me away. His hard breaths filled the air. He seemed to be struggling to breathe. I stared at him, concerned. But he turned away quickly and bolted out of the room. Mission failed! I stomped my feet in anger. I moved back to the bed and fell on it, my mind drifting slowly to that moment just now. Dave's face was so close to mine. His sharp jawline, his beautiful eyes, and most importantly, his gorgeous lips. My cheeks turned red slowly as I let myself indulge in the thought of actually kissing him. I fell asleep with that thought in my mind. And even dreamed of it. But then, I drifted into my nightmares again. The one that had been playing in my head for six years now. The night my parents were murdered. The memory I had tried to erase but just wouldn't disappear. I whimpered in my dream as I tried to pull myself out of the nightmare. Sweat had already formed heavily on my forehead, and my breathing grew heavier. Just then, a voice called out to me. "Celine!" I jolted out of my dream. His face was the first thing I saw. Immediately, I jumped on him, clutching him tightly as I embraced him, believing that all my fears would be gone. Just as long as he was there. "You're safe," Dave whispered to me gently, holding me tighter.