Chapter 4

CHAPTER FOUR

After their heated encounter, he released her without a word.

He stood up and calmly dressed himself before turning to look at her once more.

A faint smirk appeared on his lips as he untied the restraints around her wrists.

His eyes slowly traveled from her head down to her feet.

She didn't even have the strength to cover herself.

For a brief moment, she caught a flicker of desire in his dark eyes.

"No one is going to bring food to your room," he said coldly. "If you're hungry, there's food in the refrigerator."

The corner of his lips lifted into another smirk before he turned toward the door.

All she could do was silently watch him leave.

Just before stepping out, he glanced back at her.

"Don't waste your time trying to escape—or your energy. You won't get off this island. Save your strength... You'll need it to satisfy me again."

Then he walked away, leaving the room in silence.

Addie stared blankly at the ceiling, feeling every ache throughout her exhausted body.

A single tear slipped down her cheek.

Is this my life now?

Am I nothing more than that man's plaything?

She wanted to wipe away her tears, but she couldn't even lift her arm.

Completely drained, she closed her eyes and surrendered to sleep.

"What exactly are you planning to do with her, Zake?" Mang Kanor asked.

Zake stood on the terrace, overlooking the endless sea.

"I don't know yet," he answered emotionlessly. "For now, it's better if she stays here."

He rested both hands on the railing and closed his eyes as the cool ocean breeze brushed against his face.

"We're leaving now," Mang Kanor said. "I'll return in a week with the groceries you'll need."

Zake didn't respond.

He simply wasn't in the mood to talk.

Soon, he heard the old man's footsteps fade into the distance.

Moments later, he watched Mang Kanor and the household staff board a small boat waiting by the shore.

Before long, the boat disappeared beyond the horizon.

Silence settled over the island.

Only the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the beach remained.

The evening breeze had grown colder.

His eyes slowly opened.

His thoughts drifted back to the woman in the guest room.

She still hadn't come out to eat.

Does she expect me to bring food to her?

He clicked his tongue in annoyance.

He headed toward his bedroom, intending to rest.

As he passed the guest room, he shrugged and continued walking.

After only a few steps...

He stopped.

He cursed quietly under his breath.

For some reason...

He felt compelled to check on her.

"Damn."

Irritated with himself, he turned around, walked back, and pushed the bedroom door open.

He had been ready to curse again.

Instead...

He froze.

She was fast asleep.

Slowly, he walked closer.

Her long hair was a tangled mess.

His gaze moved to her face.

Her lips were swollen from the intensity of their earlier kisses.

"Damn..."

His eyes lowered further.

She was still uncovered.

Marks remained scattered across her neck, shoulders, and upper chest—clear reminders of everything that had happened between them.

Bruises had already begun to darken against her fair skin.

A wave of anger washed over him.

Not at her.

At himself.

He had never been the kind of man who hurt women.

But her father's betrayal had changed everything.

The agreement had been broken.

Instead of becoming his wife...

She had become his captive.

His eyes returned to her face.

Dry tear tracks stained her cheeks.

For the first time since bringing her here...

Guilt tightened inside his chest.

He hadn't been able to control himself earlier.

It had been as though years of restraint had suddenly shattered.

He studied her sleeping face.

Even exhausted and disheveled...

She was breathtakingly beautiful.

His gaze instinctively drifted downward again.

He quickly looked away.

"Damn..."

He grabbed the blanket lying nearby and carefully pulled it over her body.

As he did, his eyes fell on her wrists.

The faint red marks left by the restraints were still visible.

"Damn..."

He cursed himself once more before hurriedly leaving the room.