Page 6 of The Cursed Chalice

I close my eyes and inhale. He was disrespectful even during our wedding. I have had enough.

“I don’t want to go through with this.” I throw my shoulders back and stare squarely at him.

“This? You mean the wedding?” he asks and saunters to the window. He looks out at the courtyard that we should be getting married in.

He chuckles. “Why do you think you have a choice?”

His voice sounds smooth…and sinister.

“I have a choice, and I don’t want to do this,” I state.

Elias bows his head. Even his side silhouette against the window is beautiful.

“Ray, there is nothing you can do.”

“I will go to the press and tell them everything. Just let me go,” I plead.

He throws his head back and laughs. “You mean the press that I own?”

“I will go live on social media. I can do a live broadcast. I will tell them everything!” I scream.

He rocks on his heels. “Everything, huh? What about your granny? How are you going to pay for the bills she left behind?”

Checkmate. That’s how he trapped me.

“Who is going to pay Granny’s bills? You? Your aunt and uncle?”

I swallow, feeling like I am drowning underwater.

“Please, Elias. I wouldn’t tell anyone anything. Just let me go.”

Elias moves so quickly, I don’t have time to blink. The air leaves my lungs as his hand wraps around my neck and tightens.

“Who the fuck do you think you are?” he whispers in my ear.

My fingers claw at his hand. I couldn’t breathe.

“You are not leaving until I am fucking done with you. You will not embarrass me.” He presses his body against mine. I try to swallow, but his grip is getting stronger.

“You will do as I say. No, you’re not fucking leaving. Do you know why?” He stares into my eyes.

My eyesight is becoming blurry. I dig into his wrist; I am sure I am drawing some blood.

“Do you fucking know why, Ray?” He slams my head against the wall when he calls my name.

“Please.” I am gasping for air; the room feels like it’s spinning.

He presses his nose to my neck and inhales. “It’s because you belong to fucking me.”

Elias is going to kill me. My hands drop to my side as the room goes dark.

“Is everything all right here?” I hear Michelle’s voice. Elias bows his head and lets go of my neck. I try to gasp for breath.

I hold my chest and heave. My body is shaking as I slide down the wall.

“Take care of her, Michelle. I need her ready in twenty minutes,” Elias says as he walks out of the room.

“Oh my God, Soraya,” Michelle shouts, and she slides next to me.