Chapter 3

Marcus' lifeless body lay before me, covered in blood. In an instant, he vanished from my sight, leaving me trembling with fear. I reached out to touch him, hoping against hope that he was still alive. But before I could process what was happening, the police arrived and took me into custody, accusing me of his murder.

"It's not my fault! I'm innocent!" I cried out desperately.

"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law," the police officer sternly warned.

Tears streamed down my face as my mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation. I couldn't bear the thought of being locked away for a crime I didn't commit, especially after enduring years with Marcus. I pleaded with the police, begging them to let me go.

"Please, I didn't do it. It's not my fault," I pleaded, my voice filled with desperation.

"You were told to be quiet!" the police officer snapped, his voice rising.

With forceful hands, they threw me into a jail cell alongside hardened criminals. Their piercing stares sent shivers down my spine, but I refused to let fear consume me. I had to find a way out of this prison, to reclaim my life. Was this the end for me?

Moments later, a police officer approached and unlocked the prison door. He wore a smile on his face, and I couldn't help but feel surprised by his words.

"The Governor is looking for you," he announced.

I stepped out of the prison, following him cautiously. There, I saw a bearded and strong-looking old man. He gazed at me with a warm smile, but I couldn't bring myself to return it. I didn't know him, and I couldn't fathom his intentions for being here.

"Please, have a seat," he said kindly.

"Who are you?" I asked, my voice filled with curiosity.

"First, let me introduce myself. I am Governor Chavez. I am here to help you gain your freedom," he introduced himself.

"Why are you helping me? You don't even know me," I questioned, taken aback.

"I saw you on the news, and when I looked at you, I saw my late daughter. There was a resemblance, and it touched my heart," he explained.

"I believe in your innocence," he added.

His words caught me off guard. He believed in me, even before I had the chance to prove myself.

"I refuse to waste away in this wretched jail cell. I won't pay for a crime I didn't commit," I exclaimed, my emotions running high.

"Don't fret, my dear. We'll escape this place together. I'll be there to assist you," he reassured me, a warm smile gracing his face.

"Thank you so much," I expressed my gratitude.

"But there is one condition," he added, piquing my curiosity.

I pondered what this condition could be, and his words took me by surprise.

"Be my daughter," he uttered, a smile still lingering on his lips.

"Seriously, Sir?" I questioned, unable to believe what I was hearing.

"Yes. You'll reside in the grand mansion, and I'll provide you with everything you desire and require," he responded.

I never imagined that luck would still find its way to me, even after everything. Without hesitation, I accepted his offer, especially since he reminded me of my father. I couldn't bear the thought of rotting away in prison for the rest of my life.

"Call me, Dad," he requested, his smile unwavering.

He summoned a police officer and handed them a check, worth a staggering 10 million, if my memory serves me right.

Moments later, we stepped outside and were greeted by a luxurious car. A man dressed in black opened the car door for me. I never anticipated that I would suddenly become the daughter of a Governor.

From that day forward, the trajectory of my life took an unexpected turn.

As the months passed, our bond grew stronger due to his unwavering kindness. He showered me with everything I desired. However, one night, I spotted him alone on the veranda, lost in his thoughts and burdened by a problem. Without hesitation, I approached him.

"Dad, are you alright?" I asked, concern evident in my voice.

"Even now, I haven't obtained justice for my wife," he responded, his words filled with determination.

His revelation caught me off guard, and I urged him to share what had happened to his wife. What I discovered left me utterly astounded.

"She was ruthlessly murdered by a pack of werewolves. They mercilessly took my wife's life!" he growled, his anger palpable.

"Wait, a group of werewolves?" I exclaimed, unable to believe what I was hearing.

"Yes, the Dessert Moon Pack," he confirmed.

"Sweetie, I need your help this time," he pleaded with me.

"What can I do to help, Dad?" I inquired.

If there's any way I can assist him, I will. I can't refuse the debt I owe him.

He handed me a newspaper and pointed to a picture. My entire body tensed up as I laid eyes on Conrad's face.

"This group is responsible for killing my wife!" he declared passionately.

The Governor's words shook me to my core. I thought I had buried the past, but seeing his picture again reignited my disgust, pain, and anger towards him.

"Do you know him?" he asked.

I chose to keep my knowledge hidden from him. I denied everything we once had.

"No, what do you want me to do, Dad?" I asked.

"With your beauty, it's highly likely that he will fall in love. Pretend, play with him, seduce him, and toy with his heart. Gain his trust so that you can be a spy in all his dealings. We will bring him down, and I will personally end him!" he declared emphatically.

His words caught me off guard, and I wasn't sure if I could go through with it. I didn't know if I could face him again after all these years. But helping Dad felt like giving myself a chance for revenge. My life had become miserable when he chose to pass judgment and abandon me.

"Please, daughter, agree to this," he pleaded.

I took a deep breath and reluctantly agreed, feeling indebted to him.

"But how do I even begin, Dad?" I asked him.

He laid out his plans, and I realized he had already thought everything through.

When I discovered that they were hosting a game with billionaires at the Bar, and Conrad was participating, I made up my mind. As Dad had mentioned, this game took place every month, where billionaires would bid millions on one of the masked women. I needed him to choose me so I could reenter his life and make him fall in love with me. I never imagined I would go to such lengths for the sake of my debt to a Governor...

My nerves were on edge, but I refused to let them overpower me. I constantly reminded myself that I couldn't afford to be weak this time.

As I stepped into the bar, fate had a different plan for me. I unintentionally collided with a man, causing him to exclaim, "Hey!"

In that instant, my heart raced, and I instinctively lowered my head as soon as I recognized that voice.

"Damn it," I muttered under my breath.