5

Alfred’s POV.

After we finished our conversation, the legend snapped his fingers and ordered everyone to leave. “Come back tomorrow for the wedding,” he commanded, his voice full of authority. My jaw dropped, and I froze in place, unable to believe what I had just heard. I was trembling—not out of fear, but from sheer excitement. My mind was spinning. Was this really happening? I had been dreaming about him for years, but I never thought it would turn into reality. I didn’t expect him to take me seriously. Everything felt surreal, and I couldn’t stop myself from staring at him like a fool.

My father, on the other hand, looked just as puzzled as I felt. His eyes darted between me and the legend, his expression switching between disbelief and concern. He scratched the back of his neck, rubbed his ears, and blinked rapidly as if trying to make sense of what had just unfolded. “Son, are you sure about this?” he asked, his voice trembling slightly. “This isn’t a game!” His worried gaze locked onto mine, and I could see the panic in his eyes.

“Yes, I’m sure,” I replied, nodding at him with a determined look. But inside, I felt like a child on the verge of jumping up and down with joy. My heart was racing so fast it felt like it might burst out of my chest. I was over the moon with happiness, but I tried to keep myself composed.

“Then why are you shivering?” my father asked, turning me to face him fully. He grasped my hands tightly, and I knew he could feel how cold and clammy they were. My hands were icy, but my body was warm. I couldn’t help but tremble from the overwhelming emotions coursing through me.

“It’s just... something new for me,” I said with a sigh, blinking a few times to steady myself. “You know I’m straight, right? But anyway, should we go now?” I smiled faintly, hoping to ease his worry.

Before we could leave, the legend stepped in front of me, blocking my way. “You’re not going anywhere,” he said firmly, his piercing eyes locked onto mine. “You’re staying with me until the wedding day. Actually, you’re staying with me forever. This is your home now. Unless... you’ve changed your mind?” He crossed his arms over his chest, his tone challenging as he raised an eyebrow at me.

I hesitated for a moment before answering, “But this isn’t proper. I should go and prepare myself. It’s all happening so fast—I didn’t think the wedding would be tomorrow!” I raised my eyebrows in disbelief, still unsure about what was happening. My mind wandered as I looked at him. Why did they call him the legend? It couldn’t just be about his gambling skills. He was clearly wealthy and powerful. What if he was involved in something dangerous, like the mafia? That thought sent a shiver down my spine.

“Oh, so you thought you could agree to this and then run away to another country?” he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He narrowed his eyes at me, his expression teasing but with an edge of danger. “Even if you tried, I’d find you and drag you back here in a dirty bag. Are you afraid of me now?” His voice dropped lower, almost daring me to admit fear.

I couldn’t help but chuckle softly. “No,” I said, shaking my head. “I’m not afraid of you. Sorry, I don’t mean to make fun of you—you’re definitely a scary person. But for some reason, I feel safe with you.” My words were genuine, and I surprised myself by laughing again.

“You’re so strange,” he muttered, furrowing his eyebrows in frustration. “And it’s starting to annoy me.” His voice was lower now, almost like he was talking to himself.

“Why?” I asked, biting my lip without realizing it. It wasn’t intentional, but the way his eyes flickered as he saw it made me pause.

“Because I feel like I’ll become a slave in this marriage. I’m scared,” he admitted, letting out a heavy sigh. His words stunned me. A slave? To me? Was he falling for me already? Could it be love at first sight? My mind swirled with questions I couldn’t answer.

“What? Are you joking?” I asked, raising an eyebrow in disbelief. My jaw hung open slightly as I waited for him to explain himself.

Shaking his head slowly, he sighed again. “No, I’m not joking. I’m serious,” he said. “I don’t know why I’m talking to you in such a soft tone. This isn’t me. I’m scared you might run away from me. I can feel it—I’ll become addicted to you. I’ll be trapped in this love. I already feel like I want to hold you forever. And I’m a straight man too. Who are you?” His voice cracked slightly, and I could see the confusion and vulnerability in his eyes.

“My name is Alfred,” I said with a huge grin, reaching out to shake his hand. “Nice to meet you.” I couldn’t help but giggle, and as I touched his hand, I felt a strange thrill. I had been dying to touch him, and now that I had, I realized his hands were as cold as mine.

“Alfred... I’m Maxwell. Sebastian Maxwell,” he introduced himself, his tone suddenly more serious.

“Okay,” I said with a playful smile. “I’ll call you honey. That’s fine with you, right?” I winked at him, leaning in slightly.

His jaw tightened as he looked at me, clearly trying to hold back a reaction. “Oh my god,” he groaned. “Why are you doing this? Don’t make it harder for me. I’m starting to regret this whole thing.” He clenched his teeth in frustration, his expression torn between anger and confusion.

“Why? Do you think I’m ugly?” I teased, pouting slightly and giving him my best puppy-dog eyes.

“No!” he snapped, running his hands through his hair in exasperation. “You’re breathtaking. You don’t even look human. I can’t take my eyes off you, and it’s driving me crazy!”

“So, am I staying here or going home?” I asked, softening my tone. “And what about my father? I also need my mom—I’m an only child, and I need her support. Plus, I need to prepare myself and buy a few things.”

Sebastian’s expression softened slightly as he replied, “The drivers and guards will take your father home safely and bring both your parents here tomorrow morning. But you’re not leaving me.”

“Okay,” I said, blushing. “Can I call my mom now? She was so worried about us.”

“Go ahead,” he said with a nod, his voice calm again.

Before I could make the call, he asked, “By the way, are you really a virgin? Am I going to be your first?” He paused for a moment, then added, “Not that it matters—I’d marry you either way.”

My cheeks burned, and I looked down shyly. “Yes, I’m still a virgin,” I whispered. “So be gentle with me.” I smiled nervously, tugging at my fingers.

“God... why me?” he muttered, staring at me in disbelief, his jaw slack.

I grinned and replied, “I told you—you’re the man of my dreams. I know you’ll love me, take care of me, and protect me. I’m certain I’ll become your weak point someday.” I laughed softly, feeling a strange sense of confidence. Why was he the one acting nervous? Shouldn’t it be me? After all, I knew I’d be the submissive one in this relationship. Yet he seemed more shaken than I was.

“You’re so full of yourself,” he said, his gaze sharp. “I hate that.”

“It’s not ego,” I replied calmly. “I just trust you. The scary man with a demon’s look has a soft heart, and I’ll find it soon enough.” I reached out and gently touched his cheek with my fingers. He flushed at the gesture, his composure faltering.

“I’ll control your life,” he warned, his tone intense. “You won’t go anywhere without me or my guards. You’re not allowed to talk to other men or even women. No kissing anyone—not even on the cheek. Do you understand?” His voice was loud and demanding.

“Are you trying to scare me off?” I teased, running my fingers down his neck and chest gently. “Because I’m not leaving.” I winked at him, my confidence unwavering.