Gilded Cage

“T-thank you.” She opened the package and the sight of real food made her salivate. Her stomach made embarrassing rumbles, but she was beyond caring. Lillian took a bite of the grilled chicken and chewed it ravenously. Oh God. So delicious. She couldn’t remember the last time food tasted this good.

Brandon watched her eat with a grim expression. “When you’ve finished, give the wrapper to me so no one will notice.” His eyes narrowed. “You’re too damn skinny.”

Her gut was right. Brandon Shea was different. She wondered if he’d be brave enough to break her bondage and set her free.

Chapter Two

Wedding day.

Lillian sat like a statue as Georgia Liu’s makeup artist applied the last touch on her eye shadow. Her long hair had been artfully arranged on top of her head, leaving a single braid down her back. Her veil was in place, secured with a brilliant diamond tiara tucked in her hair. The veil would be draped down her face once the makeup was finished, and it would only be removed when Maxwell Stanford officially married her and was ready to give her a kiss.

The time when that bastard would die.

She’d hidden a five-inch shaving blade in her garter belt, pilfered from the guest bathroom months ago for her personal protection. Maxwell Stanford was the sole reason she’d stolen it. Lillian couldn’t take his harassment anymore. Still, even though she’d armed herself with a weapon, she hadn’t had the courage to use it so far. But today would be different. The moment he opened her veil, she’d slash the blade across his throat. In front of the world. The worst thing they could do was lock her in jail. It couldn’t be as bad as what she’d had to endure all these years. At least, in jail, she’d get three square meals.

Georgia Liu inspected her makeup and her whole ensemble. The designer nodded with satisfaction. “You’re perfect, Lillian. Are you ready?”

“Yes.” Lillian was surprised that her voice came out cool and smooth, full of confidence. Yes. She was ready to kill Stanford, the man she loathed deeply. If he thought he could continue the abuse she’d endured all these years, he was so damn wrong.

Maxwell Stanford had been one of her father’s cronies for as long as she could remember. She’d called him Mr. Ugly Man when she was little. Stanford had only chuckled and patted her head. But when she’d reached puberty, Stanford started showing his interest in her. He’d touched her inappropriately and had burned her with cigarettes. Lillian swore today would be the day his abuse ended.

Spectacularly.

“Do you want something to drink, Lillian? Tea or maybe warm milk?”

“Am I allowed to have a drink?”

Georgia Liu’s face coloured. “Of course, m’dear. It’s your wedding day.”

“Then I’ll have tea.”

“Certainly.”

Liu’s assistant fetched a cup of green tea. Lillian sipped it with relish. The warm liquid soothed her fraying nerves. She looked around, silently saying goodbye to her surroundings. This would be the last day she’d ever be cradled in ultimate luxury. Soon, her future home would be a cold cell and metal bars. But she wouldn’t regret it. She’d chosen this path.

At ten o’clock sharp, Brandon Shea entered her room and told her it was time to go. Lillian put her cup down gently to follow the bodyguard.

“Wait…” Georgia Liu snatched a wedding bouquet. “Don’t forget this.”

Oh, how she longed to shove the bouquet down Stanford’s throat. Lillian schooled a smile as Georgia Liu draped the veil to shield her face. Brandon and two other security execs escorted her to the elevator and to the limo. The wedding would be held in the Marubi Plaza. She’d heard that Mr. Gray had arranged a tight motorcade to deliver her into Stanford’s arms.

Brandon Shea touched her elbow and steered her to limo number two. There were four identical black limos parked in the private parking lot, with no markings whatsoever. She knew why Mr. Gray had arranged such deception. He wanted to confuse the paparazzi and whoever might want to harm her. She rarely went outside the Blackwell Tower, and when she did, Mr. Gray always made a fuss with an unnecessary motorcade. Another reason her father liked to keep her home.

She climbed into the limo and sat quietly. Kei Yamazaki, Mr. Gray’s second-in-command, also climbed in. Brandon Shea, too. He was about to close the door when he tapped his earpiece.

He turned to Yamazaki. “Sir, I think Mr. Gray wants to talk to you in person. He’s in the first car.”

Yamazaki gr

umbled as he climbed out of the limo. Brandon slammed the door and put up the privacy screen. “Ms. Blackwell.”

Lillian startled.

“You have exactly forty-five minutes between here and the chapel to decide if you want me to get you out of this wedding. I need your answer as soon as we enter the Marubi elevator. Hold my hand if you want out. Ignore me if you change your mind.”

“I…”

“Sssh.” Brandon held up his hand. “Don’t talk. It’s not safe.”