Dark Romance: A Cruel Obsession

Vivian did not want to worry Luzia, who was already stressed, “I will try to convince myself.”

She hoped Alajos wouldn’t be too difficult to handle. If he agreed to cancel Luzia’s engagement to Joseph, she would serve Alajos until he was satisfied, she swore.

“It’s time for me to go,” said Vivian, covering her chest. She took several deep breaths, trying to calm her own, “Alajos is waiting for me to dance.”

Luzia was glad to see Vivian’s complexion turn beautiful. She took out a tissue to dab at the water on Vivian’s face; thankfully, the delicate makeup had not been washed away, which was a relief.

“I’m glad you’ve come around, even if it’s just for now. But by letting go of your guard and prejudice, you’ll find pleasure, and Alajos will please you.”

“I hope so,” Vivian said with a bitter smile, and she left the restroom with Luzia.

The music at the banquet continued, and people were still dancing. Alajos, the Capo, put down his wine glass and watched Vivian without moving.

Vivian knew Alajos was waiting for her. As the ruler, her husband, he had the right to manipulate her, and she was expected to obey his commands, or she would be punished.

Grinding her teeth, Vivian had to succumb to Alajos’s silent threat and slowly walked over to him.

Alajos didn’t care about her deliberately slow approach; he took Vivian’s hand in his, the soft, delicate skin soothing his mood. He leaned close to her ear, his voice low and magnetic, “You look very enticing today.”

Vivian trembled as his warm breath caressed her delicate skin; her blue eyes were moist, revealing timidity and shyness.

Alajos laughed heartily, pleased with Vivian’s expression. Taking her by the hand, he said, “We should dance. Everyone’s expecting it.”

Vivian stumbled a few steps to keep up, placing her other hand on his arm, feeling his warmth through the suit, her face flushing quickly as she moved along with Alajos.

Dancing among the crowd, Vivian’s eyes saw only him, and all she could smell was his cologne.

Their steps and turns made them the center of attention, and no one was watched more than them.

No girl dislikes such stunning, envious attention, and Vivian was no exception. It allowed her to temporarily forget the pain of being manipulated, proudly showing off her graceful dance to Alajos and the guests.

But the joy was short-lived. As her gaze swept over Bryson and Joseph, her smile gradually faded.

Vivian had thought that her wedding to Alajos would bring a smile to her father’s face, but Bryson remained indifferent. Joseph stood by his side; they were talking in low voices, occasionally glancing at her and Alajos.

Vivian felt sad and even more so, a chill. Her father had no concern for her future; he only cared about what help and benefits he could get from this marriage.

Joseph’s gaze was not on the enchanting dance or the sensual figures of the women; he was staring intently at his fiancee, Luzia, the bride’s cousin, with a hunter’s gaze.

Vivian saw a terrifying desire in his eyes, a man’s desire for a woman.

She didn’t want Luzia to marry Joseph. She knew Joseph was as cold and violent as their father; if Luzia did not satisfy him, he would beat and humiliate her, tear her clothes, and his belt would lash on Luzia’s smooth, white back.

It was too horrible to contemplate.

Vivian’s steps faltered, displeasing Alajos, who tightened his grip on her waist, pulling her close, “What are you looking at?”

“Are you so concerned about our guests?” Alajos asked.

Vivian wrapped her arms around his neck, spinning with him, “Of course, that’s my father and brother.”

“But today is our wedding. You should pay more attention to your husband.”

“It’s okay,” Vivian said, staring into his eyes, “He won’t mind because he has my full attention for the entire night.”

“Is that so?” Alajos’s low chuckle was in Vivian’s ear, and she sensed his pleasure.

Vivian snorted coldly, “Do you not believe me, or do you think you can’t do it?”

“You don’t sound like you want to make love, more like you want to fight,” Alajos said, leading her away from the dance floor, “But that’s okay too, I like it exciting.”

Vivian disliked his teasing tone; it made her feel disrespected.

Vilem was waiting for them.

His leg injuries made itdifficult for him to walk, and after enduring the wedding ceremony, he sat in a wheelchair, conserving his strength. He had groomed himself to look spirited, and apart from his pale complexion, it was hard to tell that he had been shot twice and undergone surgery just the day before.

Alajos generously allowed Vivian a brief moment with Vilem, who took her hand, “I really want to do something for you.”

But they both knew that whatever Vilem did, it wouldn’t stop what was going to happen that night, and it would anger their father.

“Stop thinking about it, you need to rest,” Vivian sat on the sofa so Vilem didn’t have to look up at her, “Today is my wedding, you should be happy for me.”

“But you don’t look happy at all,” Vilem bluntly pierced her lie, “I want to help you escape this predicament. Vivian, I’m the only one who can help you, it breaks my heart to see you in pain.”

“Vivian,” Vilem called her name tenderly, “Tell me, do you want to leave? Just say you want to leave, and I will find a way to get you out. Leave Houston, don’t go back to Los Angeles, you could go to New York, to San Francisco…”

“You’re crazy!” Vivian exclaimed softly, glancing around to make sure no one overheard Vilem’s words before she breathed a sigh of relief, “Alajos will kill you.”

“Let him kill me then, as long as you can be happy.”

“I can’t dare to be happy if you’re dead,” Vivian clenched her teeth, rejecting Vilem’s suggestion, “Don’t talk about this anymore, Vilem. I’m married to Alajos now, the wedding is over.”

“You’re really willing…” Vilem growled lowly.

“This marriage unites Los Angeles and Houston; it’s about the family and our father’s interests, Vilem, you shouldn’t have brought it up. I’ve come to terms with it, please just wish me happiness.”

Vilem’s lips trembled; he couldn’t do it.

Before Alajos’s patience ran out, he came over and wrapped his arm around Vivian’s waist, “What’s this unhappy topic? You look so serious.”

“You’re mistaken,” Vivian glared at him, “I’m excited.”

“Alright then,” Alajos could forgive his bride’s foolishness, “What exciting thing were you discussing?”

“We were discussing what was lacking at my wedding,” Vivian said huffily.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Alajos’s mood seemed very good today; Vivian’s impudence didn’t anger him. In fact, he found her expression lively and cute. He laughed heartily, and if it weren’t for the risk of messing up Vivian’s hairstyle, he might even have ruffled her hair.