Betty's POV

Mum's face slowly turned ashen. "Did you hit your head?" She asked, her voice laced with concern.

"I'm fine, if she can't I will," I repeated again, my voice firmer this time. "Betty," Esther sniffled.

She grabbed my hands. "Thank you, I will remember this forever..."Esther continued to give her heartfelt gratitude. Mum's hand snatched my hand from her hold, unable to take it.

" I would not let it. You can't spoil her." She shot a glare at Esther. "It's her responsibility to bear.."

Esther's face twisted; the lamp by her bedside shattered and she burst into tears. "Why?!...".

"Why can't she marry him?" She sounded aggrieved.

Mum was trembling. "Actions have implications. Did you think of this family?" She shot back at Esther.

"Am I part of this family?" Esther's lips quivered, "Esther," I gasped giving Mum a knowing look

Her gaze fell on Mum's hand, which was holding tightly. "You never liked me. I’m just a sad charity case to hide the fact, your husband killed my parents."

My breath hitched, How could she bring up that accident? I was still trying to mumble out words when the room froze.

Slap

Mum's hand ran over Esther's face. Her chest was rising and falling. "You ungrateful child!!" Tears stung in her eyes, her fingers pointing at Esther.

She grabbed her cheeks, eyes bloodshot. "Because you raised me, that makes me disposable." Esther's voice shook a sly smile on her face.

". I can finally meet my parents." She said with a dead glare

The situation was escalating too far. Slam, mum's palm struck the table. "No one is holding you, die if you want to. I don't need a brat like you in my family."

Their eyes locked, my heart squeezed. This little family was crumbling before me. I rushed between them, my hands stretched out.

"That is enough," I cried, holding back the tears. "I said I will do it. There isn't a need for this. Ivan and I were friends so we will figure this out..." I stared straight into my mother's eyes..

She knew once my mind was made up, it could not change. "You don't have to do this.."

"But I want to for this family, for Esther. I will be fine."

********

I popped the pills into my mouth, then took a moment to gather my thoughts before the car door opened.

Soft music was playing in the background, as I made my way into the building. It was a high-end club, every inch screamed luxury and opulence.

"We are here." The waiter informed me at the door. I nodded, drew in a deep breath to gather my courage.

My hands were trembling subtly as I reached out for the door. It creaked open, and the music caught my ears. Inside the private room was dimly lit, and chatter filled the smoky air.

Ivan was having a business meeting tonight and I decided to crash the party. As soon as I stepped in my eyes turned my way. A sultry voice rang out. "Who is this Cinderella? Come to daddy." My skin crawled.

I didn't spare any of them a glance. My eyes fell on the pair of Emerald eyes which has been locked on me since I stepped in.

A soft smile on my lips. He was seated at the back, lounging on a couch with an escort sprawled on him. Her arms trailed him while she giggled into her ears.

He had a glass in his hand and he slowly sipped. "Kyle isn't here, you are in the wrong place." He said, then glanced at the escort before whispering sweet nonsense in her ears which left her flustered. His hands slowly slid up her thigh.

I swallowed a bitter pill; this was the kind of man he was, and yet that wasn't going to stop me. My eyes dazzled. "I'm in the right place Ivan." I chimed standing before him.

My sharp gaze fell on the escort. "Stand up," I commanded. She was stunned, her head darted at Ivan, hoping he would say something, but a smirk just played on his lips, waiting for what I would do next.

"Who do you think you are?" She snapped at me, his face red under the dim lights. I laughed and shoved her off him. "Someone who matters. "

Under their stunned gaze, I sprawled on his thighs, my hands wrapping his shoulders. A flirtatious look on my lips. "Ivan!!" The escort pitifully whined about to hit me. I shot her a warning look and Ivan's laugh followed

"The party's over," His voice was calm but carried authority. Although they were all stunned, none of them argued with him. The escort's gaze lingered but Ivan didn't spare her a glance.

His arm wrapped my hair tightly, the pain made me whimper, but my smile didn't falter. "What games are you playing Bertha? Did you lose your mind after Kyle got engaged?" He hissed.

I smirked, "Don't tell me you're scared. I'm here to discuss something important." I replied, ignoring his grip, I adjusted my butt slightly, grinning against him to piss him off.

An amused smile formed on his lips. "If you think this will cancel the deal Esther made better think again. I will burn the Rivers family to the ground to get my last penny." His words sent a chill down my spine. Ivan was more than capable of doing that.

I traced my fingers behind his ears, and he leaned closer, our breaths mingling. "That's not why I am here." I chimed, my fingers slowly tracing to his chest underneath his undone buttons.

He didn't stop me. Ivan loved this type of game, which carried a sense of danger. "I came with a better deal." I chuckled. His eyes sparkled with amusement.

"What can be better?" He asked. His grip went to my butt pushing closer, my hands braced his shoulders. We were dangerously close, the heat between us palpable. A lump formed in my throat, a subtle heat forming in my stomach which slowly grew.

"Me." He raised a brow. My lips brushed his lips, in a low whisper, "Marry me, why settle for less? Remember you said I am yours to ruin."

He laughed, his body trembling. Ivan's laugh carried a magnetic allure that I was immune to because I knew the devil behind the mask

He grabbed my neck, firm enough to threaten me but still freeing my airways. "Do you have any idea what you are saying? Why will you willingly marry me of all people? Don't tell me your family threatened you." I gasped but I didn't fight.

Our eyes locked, a strong stubbornness shone in mine. "I am aware of what I am doing. I will take Esther's place or..." A smirk formed on my lips.

"Don't tell me Ivan Orlov is scared of little Betty boo." I taunted him. His calculating gaze was trying to figure out what I meant.

"Scared..." He snarled. "Why will the hunter fear the prey?" He asked, his gaze tracing my skin, worshipping my curves

With a challenging look. He smirked, "You know there is no turning back once you cross this line." His words were taunting

It was a fair warning of the danger. "That was never the plan." I grinned leaving him puzzled. His gaze flickered in confusion for a moment. The Bertha he knew would never do this.

"Then prove it, seal the deal."

If my teenage self saw what I did next, she would have died from a heart attack. I grabbed his loose tie and then yanked him forward. Our lips met, our breaths tangled, tongues burning with defiance.

I poured out everything into that kiss, letting him know even if I was giving myself to the devil, he wasn't the one in control.

Ivan didn't touch or try to take control of the kiss. He just let me exercise the little power I had.

It was a short kiss that left me breathless. My lips left his lips but still lingered on his skin trailing down the tattoo that dipped to his chest, kissing each inch with dedication. His head fell back under the heat, Ivan's hand covered his face, and a muffled grunt escaped his lips as my teeth sank into his skin.

Something about that grunt lit a fire in me that shouldn't be there. I was tempted to know what more I could do. My heart knew he was dangerous, but my body wanted more

I lowered my butt on his slight bulge just a fast brush to leave him breathless... He hissed the air growing tense–

A sharp ringing cut the mood, Ivan's pocket was vibrating.

A dark laugh reverberated from his throat. "You have truly gotten fierce. " He praised his eyes turning sharper. He gripped my chin, forcing our eyes to meet.

"The title is yours." He placed a soft kiss on my lips, then carried me in his arms as he stood.

.

Ivan leaned down to place me back on the couch. A whisper lingered as he left. “ Welcome to hell,” he teased, but he didn't know I was already in hell.

My legs clamped, warmth poured in between, and I desperately tried to breathe.

I didn't even have the words to reply. Daze why I couldn't stop myself.

Ivan adjusted his shirt, his footsteps faded, but his warmth and cologne stayed longer than they should have.