Damien's POV

The moment the door clicked shut, locking me inside, a slow, humorless chuckle escaped my lips.

She really thought she could escape me. How adorable.

My fingers curled into fists, but I forced myself to exhale slowly. Losing my temper wouldn't get me anywhere. Instead, I walked over to the door and tested the lock. Automatic. She had at most a minute's head start before I broke out of here. It wasn't much, but for Isabel, it was probably her only hope.

Tik. Tok. Tik. Tok.

She was running out of time.

Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out my phone and dialed a number. The line connected within seconds.

"Sir?"

"She's on the run. Track her."

There was no hesitation on the other end. "Understood."

I hung up and turned my attention back to the door. A simple kick near the handle and the lock gave way, the door swinging open with force. My lips twitched into a smirk as I stepped out into the empty hallway.

Isabel might think she was clever, but she underestimated me. I had memorized every possible escape route the moment I arrived. She was heading for the stairs—of course, she was.

Good. Let her think she had a chance.

I took the elevator.

As I descended, I checked the security feed from my phone. There she was—frantically pushing herself down the stairwell, desperation clear in every movement.

By the time she reached the lobby, I was already waiting for her.

Isabel skidded to a halt as soon as she saw me, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Her eyes darted around, searching for another escape route. Poor thing—she hadn't even realized she was already caught.

I stepped forward, watching her flinch. My voice was calm, almost amused. "Going somewhere, sweetheart?"

She turned sharply, ready to bolt again, but I was faster. Grabbing her wrist, I yanked her back against me, my grip tightening. "Tsk tsk," I murmured against her ear. "Did you really think I'd let you go that easily?"

She struggled, but I only chuckled. "Oh, Isabel," I sighed, pulling her closer. "I warned you, didn't I? Running from me was a mistake."

Tears brimmed in her eyes, but I wasn't moved. She needed to understand. There was no escaping me.

Leaning in, I whispered, "Now, let's go home."

I watched as Isabel's eyes widened in fear and anger. She struggled against my grip, her voice trembling but defiant. "Are you nuts? Why should I marry you? You are a criminal! You killed someone in front of me—do you really think I will marry you? Let go of my hand! Someone, please help me!"

Her screams echoed through the empty road, but I was faster. Before she could call for more help, I crashed my lips against hers. She thrashed wildly, trying to push me away, but I tightened my grip, refusing to let her go. Her hands flailed, trying to break free, but I grabbed both her wrists and pinned her against the cold brick wall.

She bit my lip in a desperate attempt to escape, drawing blood, but I only smirked. My voice dropped to a dangerous whisper, "Do you think I asked you to marry me? No, Isabel, I'm telling you—you will marry me in two days whether you like it or not. And if you scream again, I'll make sure to shut you up myself."

Her body tensed, and I knew she understood the threat. Before she could react, I lifted her into my arms, ignoring her kicking and struggling. She had no idea who she was dealing with. I threw her into the backseat of my car and climbed in beside her.

She immediately reached for the door handle, but the locks engaged with a click, sealing her fate. I grabbed her wrist once again, but this time, her eyes went wide with horror as I pulled out a set of ropes.

"W-What are you doing?" she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

I leaned in, smirking as I began tying her hands. "Making sure my bride doesn't run away again."

She struggled as I tightened the knots around her delicate wrists. I watched as her breathing grew unsteady, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Panic flickered in her eyes, but I was patient, methodical. I secured her hands together and then tied her ankles to ensure she wouldn't pull any more stunts.

"Let me go, Damien," she pleaded, her voice softer this time. "You don't have to do this."

I ran a hand through my hair and leaned back against the seat, watching her. "Oh, Isabel," I murmured, my voice laced with amusement. "You don't understand, do you? I do have to do this. I've been waiting for this moment for far too long."

She shook her head, squeezing her eyes shut as if trying to will this nightmare away. "You're insane."

I reached forward, my fingers brushing against her cheek, making her flinch. "Call me whatever you want, sweetheart," I said, my smirk widening. "But in two days, you'll be my wife. And there's nothing you can do about it."

She turned her head away, refusing to meet my gaze. I chuckled at her attempt to act defiant when I could feel her trembling beneath my touch.

"Now," I said, turning the key in the ignition. "Let's go home, shall we?"

As the car roared to life, Isabel's breathing became uneven. Her eyes darted to the windows, looking for an escape, but I shook my head. "Don't even think about it," I warned, glancing at her bound wrists. "You belong to me now."

She let out a shaky breath, pressing herself as far away from me as she could. I could see her mind racing, desperately searching for a way out, but there was none. She was mine. And no matter how much she fought, no matter how much she tried to resist, in two days, she would wear my ring.

A smirk played on my lips as I reached forward, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Tick-tock, Isabel," I whispered. "Time's running out."

She shuddered, and for the first time since I found her, she didn't say a word. I knew I had won this round. But the real game was just beginning.