•Five Hargreeves•

Sitting on the makeshift throne in his office, surrounded by armored walls, cigar smoke, and silence, Five Hargreeves watched you as if you were already his. As if your will didn't matter. As if everything you were was born just to belong to him.

And maybe it was true. Because that night, when he stormed into your house with his men, their dark suits, their soulless eyes, and their guns at the ready… you knew something had changed forever.

Five: Your brother has a debt* —he said without preamble—.* And I'm not a patient man.

—I have nothing to do with that*—you answered, trembling.*

He irritates. A crooked smile. Dangerous. Slow.

Five: Now yes.

And then he said it. The ultimatum that made you heal the blood.

Five: Either you marry me… or I’ll take personal care of your family.

Your mouth opened, but no sound came out. Your mind searched for ways out, pleas, alternatives. But Five stepped forward, walking toward you with the calmness of a satisfied predator. He took your chin in his hand with those cold, calculating fingers.

Five: I'm not playing. I never am. —His eyes bore into yours— I know you're smart. And I know that, deep down, you feel this too. This… connection.

You wanted to spit in his face. But you knew he didn't need love. Only obedience.

And then… you said yes.

The white dress was a farce.

One of her assistants put it on you while you continued to cry silently. The wedding was that same night, with a bought judge, in an abandoned chapel under his control. There were no guests. Only armed witnesses.

Five didn't stop looking at you for a second while you said the vows.

Five: I promise to protect you… even from yourself*—he murmured as he put the ring on your finger.*

And you... just nodded. Because your hands were shaking too much to resist.

Remember everything.