You're Mine Until the Contract Burns

Chapter 4 The Next Morning

From the floor-to-ceiling windows of the skyscraper, a tall, coldly handsome man gazed down at the city below, his expression as sharp and calculating as ever.

"Clever, Carlos," he muttered into the phone, irritation lacing his voice. "But you, you idiots. You've already tipped them off. No more moves for the next few days. Pull back."

"Understood, sir," came the reply.

As soon as the black-suited men disappeared, Benjamin's car was found, and the injured trio was quickly whisked away by an ambulance.

Unaware of her parents' accident, Ella spent a restless night at Rosewood Manor, tossing and turning.

The unfamiliar surroundings, the strange servants, everything felt out of place, and she couldn't shake the anxiety gnawing at her.

The next morning, she found herself face-to-face with Carlos again at breakfast.

Carlos sat calmly, sipping his coffee and reading the newspaper, his posture impeccable, bathed in the soft golden light of the morning.

"Good morning," Ella said, taking a seat.

"Morning," Carlos replied, folding the newspaper and setting it aside.

Servants began placing an array of dishes in front of them.

"I spoke with your chef about your preferences," Carlos said, his tone casual. "They've made some of your favorites and a few new dishes. Give them a try."

Ella nodded in thanks, feeling a flicker of appreciation for his thoughtfulness.

Noticing that Ella looked a little off, Carlos guessed she was having trouble adjusting to the new environment.

"After breakfast, I'll give you a tour of the manor. It'll help you get familiar with the place."

"Okay," Ella replied, grateful for his consideration.

Rosewood Manor was more than just impressive architecture and lavish design—it was a vast estate with peaceful, serene gardens, tree-lined paths, a natural lake, and hot springs.

If not for their large entourage, this place could almost pass for an untouched paradise.

Ella couldn't help but wonder, 'This is Carlos' home, so why are there so many bodyguards with them? It is his own house, after all. Does he really need all this security?'

"Carlos, do we really need all these people following us?" she asked, a bit uneasy.

Carlos glanced at the bodyguards and then gently took her hand. "They're here to ensure your safety. You're free to move around as you like."

Ella rolled her eyes inwardly. Free? She didn't feel free with all these eyes on her.

She quickly pulled her hand back. "But it's too much. It makes me uncomfortable to have so many people watching."

Carlos' voice was calm but firm. "We're getting married, Ella. Given your... history, I think this is necessary."

"You—" Ella didn't know how to respond, but Carlos seemed to take some amusement in seeing her cheeks puff up in frustration.

Carlos noticed Anthony standing nearby and gave him a subtle nod. "Now, let's finish the tour for now, and then we'll head back."

In the study, Anthony was briefing Carlos on the previous night's accident.

Ella had gone to her room to change, but when she returned, ready to discuss their marriage contract, she saw a servant bringing coffee into the study.

She took the tray from the servant's hands without hesitation. "I'll take this. You go do something else."

"Of course, ma'am," the servant replied.

Ma'am? Ella winced at the title—it still felt foreign to her.

Just as she was about to knock on the door, she heard their conversation inside and froze.

She caught mention of Benjamin's name.

"Sir, the Field couple's car accident hasn't been reported anywhere. Someone's clearly suppressing the news."

Carlos tapped his long fingers on the desk, his lips curling into a cold smile. "Looks like they're getting anxious over there."

"Of course. With your marriage to Ms. Field coming up and the power you're about to have, it would be strange if they weren't worried. But this move is risky. A car accident? What if Ms. Field had been in that car? What if it turned fatal?"

"He probably wanted Ella to die in that crash," Carlos said with a laugh. "He thinks it'll give him leverage over me. Ha! He didn't expect I'd keep Ella here. Another failed move. I'm really curious to see his face right now."

Carlos paused, his tone shifting as he remembered something. "Are the Fields okay?"

Ella's grip on the tray tightened, her heart pounding. She heard Anthony's response, "Mr. Field's awake. He's got some superficial injuries. Mrs. Field... she's still unconscious."

What? Sophia was unconscious?

Ella couldn't focus on anything else.

In a panic, she pushed open the door, bursting into the room. "What did you just say? My parents were in a car accident? Why didn't anyone tell me?"

Carlos shot her an annoyed look. He gave Anthony a sharp glance, and Anthony quietly stepped out.

"Were you eavesdropping?" Carlos asked, his voice colder now.

"I was just bringing coffee," Ella shot back, though her worry overrode her irritation. "That's not the point! I need to know what's happening with my parents—especially my mother. I have to see them!"

"No," Carlos replied flatly, his expression hardening. He couldn't afford to let her leave, not when everything was so precarious.

Ella's frustration boiled over.

"Why not? I've agreed to marry you, but I'm still a person, not your property. Don't I have any rights left?"

Carlos' eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. "Are you challenging me?"

Ella, though afraid, refused to back down. Her stubbornness was her only defense.

"Not really, but, you know, I didn't understand at first why you were so determined to marry me. You don't even know me. But now I think I get it—you need me as your bride to get what you want: wealth and power. And the Field family? They're not just relying on your money and support. You need me too. Am I wrong?"