Amelia

"Only under one condition."
The words left his mouth and shook me to my core.

This wasn't going to be something easy—I knew that.
But for Cindy?
If he asked for my life... I'd give it without a second thought.

He sat down slowly, opened a drawer, and pulled out a crisp document.
"Read it," he ordered.

My throat tightened. My hands trembled as I reached for the paper.
Bold letters glared up at me: CONTRACT.
I sat down and began to read.
         

                        -_------------------------_-

                                 The Contract
Personal Agreement of Custodial Exchange and Compliance

This agreement is made between:

Damien Lucetti, herein referred to as "The Holder,"
and
Amelia Hansley, herein referred to as "The Subject."

Clause 1: Purpose
The Holder agrees to ensure the safety, well-being, and protected custody of Cindy Hansley, the Subject's biological sister and will allow her release with the following conditions outlined in the contract.

Clause 2: Compliance & Residency
The Subject agrees to:
• Remain within the Holder's property unless accompanied or given explicit written permission.

My fingers tightened on the paper.

• Obey all instructions given by the Holder or his assigned representatives.
• Refrain from any attempts to escape, manipulate, or deceive.

I look up from the paper and glare at him.

Clause 3: Ownership & Control
The Subject acknowledges:
• Full awareness that her continued residence is conditional upon this agreement.
• That breaking any clause shall result in immediate separation from her sister with no promise of future contact.
• That emotional, physical, and territorial authority lies with the Holder.

Line after line, my stomach twisted.
My forehead dampened with sweat.

Clause 4: Duration
This agreement shall remain in effect indefinitely, unless formally dissolved by the Holder.

Clause 5: Consent
The Subject enters into this contract willingly, understanding that refusal or termination voids all access to Cindy Hansley.

Signed
Damien Lucetti (The Holder)
Amelia Hansley (The Subject)

                                 -_---------------_-

Every word made the rage inside me rise, slowly-violently-until I could barely keep breathing.

By the time I reached the end, I was shaking.
I placed the contract back on the table with trembling hands.

"You want to bind me to you," I said, voice hollow.
"You want to control my every movement... You-you want to own me... in exchange for my sister's freedom?"

I looked up and met his gaze.
Tears brimmed in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. Not in front of him. Not yet.

"I am not something you can buy," I said through gritted teeth.

"Well then," he growled, pointing toward the glass, "she stays with me."

"You can't do this—!" I shouted.

He slammed his hand down on the table, the sound cracking through the room.
In a flash, he closed the distance between us.
"Watch me."

His voice was low, venomous.

How could a human be so ruthless? So soulless? So hateful?

I looked at Cindy. She sat still, lost in her own thoughts, eyes distant.
What had he done to her? What had changed in my bright, bubbly little sister?
A sharp pang tore through my chest.

"Take her away," he ordered coldly.

Two of his men grabbed me roughly, pulling me toward the door.

"Wait!" I screamed, fighting against them.
He looked at me with that same piercing, unreadable gaze.

"I'll sign it."
The words tasted like blood in my mouth. My head hung low.

"Release," he said calmly. The men stepped back.

"I'll sign it... but I want one clause added," I told him.

He laughed—slow and menacing.
"Amelia... Amelia," he echoed mockingly. "You're in no position to bargain."

His lips curled into that devilishly beautiful smirk.
"But I'll entertain you. Go on."

"You're not letting me leave this estate, right?"
He nodded.

"No job, no income... then I want you to pay me."

He narrowed his eyes. "Elaborate."

"All the time I spend here—trapped, working for you, being whatever it is you need—I want you to compensate me. Monthly. In case I ever... get my freedom back, I want to have enough to start something on my own."

His expression changed. A flicker of interest passed through his face.

"I see," he said slowly. "Smart."

It sounded more like a threat than a compliment.

"I'll allow it. I'll add it to the contract."
Then, leaning in close, he whispered, "But forget the part about freedom."

My heart stilled.

"I don't see that happening anytime soon... or maybe ever."
He whispered, his breath ghosted against my skin.

"We'll see about that," I whispered back, not backing down.

KNOCK

A man entered with a fresh document in hand. He placed it on the desk.
Damien slid it across the table toward me, his gaze gleaming with challenge.

"Sign it," he ordered.

I stared at him, fury burning in my eyes.
Then, with a long breath-like I was exhaling the last piece of my freedom, I picked up the pen.
Well done, Amelia. Now you're officially enslaved.

What a brilliant turn in life.
I signed.
And tossed it back to him with all the strength I had left.