You're Mine Until the Contract Burns

Chapter 5 Always a First Time

Carlos stared at her, his eyes cold and calculating, like a hawk locking in on its prey. His intense, dark gaze narrowed ever so slightly, a silent warning.

He didn't answer, but the tension in the room grew thick, suffocating, as if the very air itself was heavy with expectation.

Ella could feel her heart pounding in her chest, almost as though it was being squeezed. For Sophia's sake, she had no choice but to be brave.

She forced herself to speak, "Let's make a deal. You take me to see my mother. I just need to make sure she's okay, and I'll go through with the marriage. Otherwise..."

She cleverly avoided mentioning marriage conditions for now. It wasn't the right moment. Ella was always careful to leave herself an escape route.

A mocking smile tugged at Carlos' lips. He pulled her close, wrapping her in his arms. His fingers moved slowly, almost lazily, across her face and neck, sending a chill down her spine.

His voice dropped to a low, seductive murmur, "Otherwise what? Darling, I'm the one who does the threatening, not the other way around. No one gets to pressure me into anything, not with any excuse or condition."

Ella flinched as his cool fingers brushed her skin, the sensation like a snake's tongue flicking over her neck. A surge of fear rushed through her. She couldn't help but wonder if, in the next second, this unpredictable man would snap her neck with a casual motion of his hand.

She swallowed hard and steadied her breath. "There's always a first time for everything, right?"

Carlos raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by her boldness, intrigued by the fresh challenge she presented. Slowly, his fingers slid away from her neck and moved down to her shoulder.

Ella exhaled in relief, her body loosening from the tension.

His gaze stayed fixed on her face, as if he could see straight through every lie, every wall she had put up.

The arm around her waist suddenly loosened, and he stepped back. "Alright. Two hours. You're back by then."

Ella's heart soared. She quickly thanked him, "Thank you! I'll be back on time!"

Without wasting a second, she spun around and left the study.

Anthony shot a glance at Carlos, giving a small nod before heading off to prepare the car.

Growing up, Benjamin had always been strict with Ella, punishing her for even the smallest mistakes. But Sophia, on the other hand, had always been her warm refuge, offering nothing but kindness and love.

Sadly, Benjamin's harshness had worn Sophia down, turning her into a shadow of herself. If Ella ever got the chance to escape this gilded cage, she would take Sophia with her, no matter what.

Her thoughts were interrupted as she reached the car. Anthony opened the door for her, and there, sitting in the car, was the last person she wanted to see.

"Carlos? What are you doing here?"

He wasn't planning to come with her, was he?

The thought of being alone in a confined space with him for so long made her skin crawl.

"My in-laws had an accident," Carlos replied, his tone cool and casual. "As their son-in-law, I should go see them."

A solid excuse, she couldn't argue with that. Reluctantly, Ella climbed into the car.

During the ride, she felt Anthony's sharp vigilance. He wasn't driving but sitting in the passenger seat, his eyes constantly scanning the surroundings.

Another car, presumably full of bodyguards from Rosewood Manor, followed closely behind.

Ella couldn't help but feel like a prisoner. The way they were treating her—it was as if they expected her to jump out of the speeding car at any moment. Was she really that much of a threat?

She tried not to dwell on it, though. Right now, all she cared about was seeing Sophia as soon as possible.

At St. Mary's Hospital, Benjamin lay in bed, his nose bandaged and a defeated look on his face.

"Father!" Ella's voice cut through the stillness, giving him a jolt.

"Ella, what are you doing here?" Benjamin's demeanor immediately shifted the moment he noticed Carlos behind her. A forced smile appeared on his face.

"Mr. Harrison, how thoughtful of you to come by. It's nothing, really. Just a small injury. This little accident won't affect the wedding. It'll go ahead as planned!"

It was almost as if he feared Carlos might change his mind or withdraw his investment. He kept emphasizing how insignificant the accident was.

Ella glanced at Sophia, lying unconscious in the bed, her face bruised and her hands battered. The anger that had been simmering inside her suddenly exploded. "A little accident? Small injuries? Dad, look at yourself! You're a mess, and my mom's still unconscious, and you expect me to go ahead with the wedding? Are you out of your mind?"

Benjamin's face flushed with fury, and he raised his hand as if to slap Ella. But before he could, Carlos immediately stepped in front of her, blocking the blow.

"Ella is my future wife. No one lays a hand on her in my presence, not even though you are her father," Carlos said, his voice as firm as steel.

Benjamin hesitated, his hand falling limply by his side. "Of course, of course. I just don't want her to do something reckless and ruin your plans."

"If she's reckless, I'll handle it," Carlos replied coolly. "You don't need to worry about it."

Ella stood there, watching him. For the first time, she felt what it was like to have someone in her corner. Someone who would defend her. But at the same time, she wondered—who was he to take charge of her life? Her thoughts were interrupted by a weak, strained voice from the bed.

"Ella, is that you?"

Ella's heart surged. She immediately knelt by the bed, taking Sophia's hand in hers. "Mom, I'm here! How are you feeling?" Her voice quivered with worry and fear. She turned to Carlos, her eyes desperate. "Carlos, call the doctor, now!"

Carlos nodded. He shot a quick look at Anthony, who immediately rushed out to find the doctor.

The doctor examined Sophia thoroughly while Ella stood nearby, anxiously awaiting any news.

"Is she okay?" Ella and Benjamin asked simultaneously. Benjamin's voice had a hint of impatience, as though he couldn't wait to move on.

Ella shot him a withering look. 'Typical.' Benjamin cared only about his wealth. His greedy, heartless attitude made her sick.

If Sophia's condition was serious, Ella would stop at nothing to annul the marriage. She would leave everything behind—even if it meant destroying the Field family—to protect her mother.