When Love Is a Lie (Whitney and Damian)

Chapter 198 I Want You Now

Whitney felt the soft brush of his lips against her cheek, and for a fleeting moment, Damian's eyes lit up. When he turned to look at her, he was momentarily dazed, caught off guard by the tendemess in her gaze. It reminded him of a time when the girl who used to love him unconditionally would steal kisses when he wasn't paying attention. Back then, her affection meant little to him. Now, he wished with all his heart that her kiss was real untainted by deceit. "pamian, any wrists really hurt," Whitney's voice broke through his thoughts.

He blinked, pulled back into reality, and carefully untied the ropes from her wrists and ankles, flood flowed freely again, and Whitney gently flexed her stiff limbs to restore circulation

"Come with me," he said, extending a hand toward het.

Whitney hesitated for past a second before placing her hand in his. He led her out of the decrepit factory, where fresh air wrapped around her like a long-forgotten embrace

quietly, she surveyed her surroundings. The factor appeared to be tocloed in the midst of a mountainous countryside. Holling hills stretched into the distance, shrouded in a hazy gray. Nearby, nin-down shacks with moss-covered walls lined the area, their broken windows revealing glimpses of decay within.

Through one of those shattered windows, Whitney caught sight of Amy and Rachel. Amy was slumped against the wall, her clothes tom, exposing far too much of uch of her battered body. Beside her, Rachel lay curled on the ground, unmoving, her frail frame exuding an eerie stillness that suggested the worst "They "Whiney's voice faltered as shockovertook her

Damian glanced at her, following her line of sight. "People who don't follow orders have no reason to stick around," he said coldly.

"But Amy? Why her?" Whitney stammered. Rachel's fate didn't surprise her, but Amy? Amy had worked for Damian. Why would she tace such cruelty?

Damian's expression remained indifferent as he reached out to brush a strand of hair from Whitney's face. His tone was casual, almost dismissive. "Liking someone thate is the same as opposing me." Whitney froze. Amy liked Noel. Was that all it took? Just the mere act of loving someone Damian despised was enough to condemn her to such tomment? It chilled her to the core-he had gone this far. "Don't be afraid. "

"Damian murmured softly, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on hers. "As long as you don't betray me, you have nothing to fear."

His gentle words sent shivers down her spine. The tendemess in his voice was laced with a threat that made her blood nun cold.

He took her to a compound with traditional courtyards, inoon gates, and a shadow wall. A massive, ancient pagoda tree stood as its center, surrounded by brightly blooming flowers in meticulously arranged pots. The serene beauty of the courtyard sharply contrasted with the squalor of the abandoned factory.

Billy approached quickly and whispered something in Damian's ear. Whitney seized the moment. "If you have something to handle, go ahead. I'll be fine on my own," she offered

Damian gestured toward an intricately carved door. "That

troom. Go

Without another word, he followed Billy into another part of the house, leaving Whitney alone. Even so, she knew escape was impossible. Guards and henchmen patrolled every comer of the property. For now, all she could do was wait.

She avoided her injured wrist while taking a shower, letting the hot water wash away the grime and tension. Draped in a bathrobe, she stepped out of the bathroom only to find Damian sitting casually on a wooden couch Startled, she blurted, "Why are you here?" "This is my room," Damian replied with a smile, rising to his feet.

She froze as droplets of water from her damp hair fell onto the role, her faintly floral shampoo scent filling the room

"You smell nice," Damian remarked, lowering his head as if to kiss her

Whitney instinctively stepped back. "I didn't know this was your mom. Can you arrange another for me?

Damian stepped closed. "Why bother? Everyone here knows you're mine."

Whitney retreated until her back pressed against the wall. Damian closed the distance, trapping her between the wall and himself. He tilted her chin, his eyes blazing with unchecked desire

Her heart rated as she fought to keep her composure. "I v want to save this moment for our wedding night. Ca

His gaze bore into hers like a predator sizing up its prey. His voice was low and husky. "No. I want you now. Or are you telling me that your words of love were all

The danger in his tone was unmistakable, Whitney u

understood that ref

Instant if she rejected him now.

Summoning all her resolve, she forced a calculated smile.

trefusal wasn't an option. Everything he had said and done to gain his trust would unravel in an