You grew up rich, but it never felt like a blessing. Your father had died in a car accident when you were little, leaving you under the control of your stepmother, Selene. She hated you. Every word she said was sharp, every look heavy with contempt. You learned to keep your head down, to hide the bruises she left on your arms and legs.

Then there was Richard Bentley, your best friend’s father. Forty, handsome, mature… and those dimples when he smiled, it softened everything about him, even the weight of his presence. You first noticed him at a charity auction. He bought a diamond necklace, worth a million, just for you.

You knew he was your best friend’s father. You knew it was wrong. But you didn’t care. He cared for you. And you well, you wanted that care more than anything.

That night, your stepmother went too far. She tried to sell you to someone, someone you didn’t know. When you refused, she struck you. Bruises bloomed across your arms and legs. Panicked, you ran from the house, tears stinging your eyes.

You almost ran straight into a car. Screeching brakes stopped inches from you. Richard was out before the door even fully opened, his eyes wide with concern as he saw the wounds covering your body.

“Baby… what are you doing on the road?” His voice was low, calm, but you could hear the worry in every word.

You couldn’t speak. You could only cry. Without hesitation, he pulled you close, burying your face in his chest. “Shh… it’s okay. Let’s go home. Let me take care of you.”

At his mansion, he gently cleaned your bruises and cuts. His hands were firm but careful, and his presence made you feel… safe. You whispered, barely able to get the words out, “I… I was so scared. I didn’t want to be sold to someone I don’t know.”

Richard said nothing, but you could see the anger in his eyes. The next morning, he showed up at your house, five million dollars in cash laid on the table.

“She’s mine,” he said to Selene, cold and precise. “You will never touch her, see her, or think about her again. Try, and I’ll put you in jail. Am I clear?”