Vengeance So Sweet

Cynthia's Point of View

My face twitched as I looked at my reflection in the mirror. A fire raged within me as I gazed at the new and unrecognizable face staring back at me. My face had changed. There was a big scar on my lower stomach. They had hurt me more than I deserved. They had killed a part of me. A perfect moment was coming, and I was going to make them pay. They would regret what they did to me, and I would ensure it.

I sucked in a sharp breath, trying to control my emotions. All I wanted was to confront them, shoot them all, and bury them. But that would be too easy. I didn't want to give them a painless death; I wanted them to suffer.

I grabbed the body lotion from the bag and applied it to my skin before changing into a simple pair of jeans and a jacket. When I finished getting ready, I stepped out of the bathroom and found Ethan seated in a chair.

I cleared my throat, gaining his attention. I was released from the hospital today, and I was going to his house with him.

"Are you ready?" Ethan questioned, his voice dropping to an icy tone. I ignored his stern gaze and started walking to the door. He rose from the chair and followed behind me.

As we emerged outside, squinting in the sunlight, I felt the warmth on my skin but couldn't penetrate the ice in my veins. Three years of darkness fueled my hatred, and vengeance burned brighter.

In the parking lot, the driver opened the door for me, and I stepped inside the car with Ethan beside me. As the driver started the car, he handed me a pile of papers, which I took.

"This is our agreement for our contract marriage," Ethan said. I started reading the clauses.

Clause number one: No display of affection in public or private.

Clause number two: No romantic gestures or surprises.

Clause number three: No explanations of love or emotional attachment.

Clause number four: Everyone must be home by 6 PM; any lateness would cause punishment.

Clause number five: Dinner at 7 PM, everyone must be present, no tardiness allowed.

Clause number six: No romantic relationships with others as long as we are married.

Clause number seven: No touching allowed, except in public spaces.

Clause number eight: Respect, trust, and honesty are required. Stay out of my business, and I'll stay out of yours.

Clause number nine: After we get married, we will share a room.

Clause number ten: The contract will only end once my grandpa recovers.

I nodded, content with all his rules. I had no interest in love or relationships. Love was an illusion, a fairy tale that didn't exist. Betrayal, fake friends, and cruel men existed, and I had enough of them. All I wanted was to regain my wealth, gain power, and face my enemies.

"Pen," I said shortly, extending my hand to him. He placed the pen in my hand, and I signed the paper before handing it back to him.

"Good thing we are on the same page," Ethan said calmly. "I live with my grandparents and my three brothers. My grandpa is a nice person, but I can't say the same about my brothers and my grandmother... Stay away from them," he added. I nodded, deciding not to say anything. I had what I wanted, and I would deal with the rest on my own. I would rise again and stand on my own two feet.

My mind wandered to my sister Anna. I didn't know where she was or if she was safe. I hoped Amanda and Victor hadn't harmed her. Anna was smart, and I believed she had saved herself somehow. I would search for her and hope she was safe.

After a few minutes, the gate opened, and the driver drove through a huge mansion, Serenity Manor. It was a breathtaking glass palace with crystal chandeliers, marble floors, lush gardens, an infinity pool, and panoramic ocean views, surrounded by tranquil water features and meticulously manicured lawns.

I had been in houses like this before, so it wasn't surprising to me. A guard opened the door for us, and I stepped out of the car, with Ethan following behind me. Inside, the whole family was waiting at the entrance.

They looked like characters from a novel, starting with the grandpa, who despite his age, looked young and handsome. The lady beside him appeared to be in her thirties, stunning. Then there were the three guys, all incredibly handsome, just like Ethan. Not that I cared, but it was good to admire beauty.

"Welcome to our house, my dear," Grandpa said, smiling with twinkling eyes. I shifted uncomfortably at his happiness, trying to force a smile. I didn't remember how to smile or if people's smiles were genuine. I felt like everyone was faking it like they might stab me with a smile. Trusting people would be hard for me.

I didn't trust Ethan completely, but his actions over the past three years made me feel a bit safe around him. He had saved my life and stayed by my side. He had been honest about his feelings, even if he claimed to hate women. His proposal for a fake marriage assured me of his honesty, but I still didn't fully trust him.

"Ethan, this girl is not suitable for our family. She was in a coma for almost three years, and you think it's a good idea to bring her here?" the lady I assumed was the grandma said, crossing her arms in disapproval. My gaze turned icy as I shot her a glare, standing unmoving.

"Absolutely, Grandma. Just look at how she is dressed. She is shameless to come here dressed like this," one of the guys said, disapprovingly looking at me. Rage chilled through me.

"I have already made my decision to marry Ethan, and my decision is final. Your approval is not required. I expect respect and cooperation, not baseless accusations," I said calmly but sternly, hardening my expression.

"Just look at how she is talking. She is not worthy of being a Black family daughter-in-law," the lady said sternly, her tone rising.

I scoffed. "That's an interesting opinion. However, I've taught myself not to let anonymous criticism define my self-worth. The fact that you are standing here insulting a stranger says more about you than me," I retorted sternly, glaring at her.

"Hey, you girl. How dare you?" I didn't let her finish as I raised my hand dismissively.

"Save it. I've heard enough from you," I retorted, gazing at her sternly.

"Perfect. You are the perfect daughter-in-law for this family. Welcome to your new home, my dear Cynthia," Grandpa said, his smile widening.

"I just want to say a few words in front of you all. Cynthia is going to be my wife, and if you can't provide a welcoming environment for her, perhaps you should keep your distance. I won't have my fiancée feeling uncomfortable in her own house," Ethan said calmly but with a deep sternness.

"But, brother..." one of the guys tried to say something, but Ethan's glare silenced him.

"Cynthia needs rest. If you could excuse us," Ethan said calmly, leading the way upstairs, with me following. We left everyone seething in anger, except for Grandpa, who still had a smile on his lips.

Staying here would be a long journey, but I needed their surname, and Ethan needed my help. It was a win-win situation. Once I had what I needed, I would terminate the contract. Without their surname, I was nobody, all thanks to Amanda.