Chapter 1: 1- First Plot

Camphrian City, Country A

The vast cityscape stretched as far as the eye could see, a testament to Camphrian City's status as the world's second wealthiest metropolis. Skyscrapers and architectural marvels dotted the horizon, reflecting the city's pride and strength.

At the heart of this magnificent city stood an opulent hotel near the seafront. Its towering architecture pierced the clouds, with glass windows shimmering in the night light.

The entire city was bathed in a glow, alive and vibrant.

This architectural marvel belonged to the Ramphian Group of Hotels, the most luxurious accommodation in Camphrian City.

On this particular evening, the hotel seemed even more vibrant, adorned with a parade of luxury vehicles outside its grand entrance.

Limousines, Ferraris, Mercedes, Range Rovers, and Lamborghinis gleamed in the night light, arriving through the grand metal gates of the Ramphian Hotel.

"Ho ho ho, Sir Raven, is this really happening?" An old man emerged from his black Mercedes-Benz, a mocking smile playing on his wrinkled face as he approached another elder seated inside a limousine, his loose hanfu fluttering in the soft breeze.

Bodyguards stood around the vehicle, and several men nearby watched with narrow eyes, their expressions a mix of curiosity and animosity.

Previously, the old man's granddaughter had her marriage proposal rejected by the renowned Damian Raphael, whose own wedding was taking place in this grandiose 7-star hotel.

While no official hotel classification reaches seven stars, in the highest echelons of society, the wealthiest individuals often determine the rankings. To those who have never visited such grand establishments, this luxurious venue might simply be known as a 5-star hotel.

"Indeed Mr. Lund, it's Damien's bad luck to not have a granddaughter like mine as his bride." The old man slowly emerged from the limousine's door as the chauffeur came forward to open it. He held a golden cane and looked at the others with a smile, though irritation hid behind it.

"Ho ho ho, indeed, indeed."

Both old men laughed while glancing at each other with disdain, their animosity clear without saying a word.

Naturally, high society isn't as heavenly as portrayed in books. Each member, whether business tycoons or sharks, is always prepared to devour the other given the chance, forming either temporary alliances or permanent bonds through marriage.

And this was Raven Harrison's plan—to marry off her granddaughter, a rising CEO, to the existing powerhouse bloodline of the Raphaels, whose Raphael Group of Industries boasted a total net worth of 9.8 billion NR.

Several individuals moved toward the venue through the main gates, where rows of servants stood, sprinkling some kind of liquid on them.

Unaware of its reality, they all took it as holy water or a traditional Raphael's ritual.

...

In a long hallway leading towards the main hallroom where the marriage was about to occur, two individuals moved with measured steps, their footsteps echoing through the space.

"Young Master Damien, I hope you will reconsider," a soft yet trembling voice, filled with visible hesitation, directed towards a man walking in a black suit with hands resting in his pockets beside the woman who pleaded once again. Her pupils trembled as she glanced at him.

Wearing a white bridal dress, the woman's eyes remained fixated on the young man, her lips quivering as she saw those cold gazes that reminded her of what her future might be like.

"What reconsideration, Emilia?" Damien inquired, his eyebrows subtly raised, his deep black eyes reflecting the woman's milky white skin and blinking eyes, which seemed isolated in that moment.

"We both know where this will lead, Sir Damien. You are exploiting my family's helplessness to marry me.

This is ethically incorrect," Emilia protested, biting her lip, her eyes wet with tears as she remembered how her family, falling into debt, had been cornered into forming an alliance with the man renowned for his business acumen, yet wrong enough not to even consider her opinion in this forced marriage.

"Emilia, you are forgetting something," Damian interrupted, halting before turning towards her, withdrawing his hands from his pockets to lightly trace her jawline with his knuckles, tilting his head slightly. In a firm tone, he added, "It is I who will decide if it is ethical or not."

"Y-you..." Her pupils trembled feeling the coldness of his finger on her skin, those predatory eyes disregarding her feelings as if she was nothing. This added more to her misery. With her gaze turned down, her eyes roamed the floor before snapping up, jaw clenched, as she firmly declared, "Remember this, Damian Raphael.

You may claim my body, but you could never capture my heart or have a piece of my love!"

".....pffft," Damian heard her straightforward declaration and was taken aback for a moment. Soon, he burst into a chuckle, wiping away nonexistent tears as he leaned in. Their warm breaths entangled, her chest rising and falling rapidly with visible rage swelling within them, yet Damian seemed uncaring. He firmly informed her, "Who needs your love when your body is more than enough for me, huh?"

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'... Is it 10 times better reward?' Damian gaze's remained fixed on the woman whose eyes stared blankly back at him. A tear trickled down her cheek, noticed by Damian, as he inwardly questioned the reward he had received, paying no attention to the woman whose world had just shattered.

They were of the same age group, and it had been a dream for her and many of her college classmates to emulate Damian Raphael, who had carried on his family's legacy despite losing everyone in an accident.

He had been an inspiration to everyone, but now, to Emilia, he appeared as a demon.

A monster, nothing more than a hungry wolf.

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"It's better than nothing, atleast..." Damian redirected his attention to the woman, who had just shed a tear. He lifted his finger and with his thumb, wiped away the trace of her misery with a devilish smile. His eyes teasingly locked onto Emilia as he continued, "But if you believe in love, let me tell you something."

"W-what? Don't come near me!" Emilia stumbled back as Damian took a step closer, causing her to collide with the wall behind her. She realized that even earlier in the long hallway, she had been intentionally maneuvered into the farthest corner without noticing, caught up in their conversation. But it was too late now.

Closing in on her, Damian placed one hand on the wall beside her, trapping her against it. She pressed herself against the wall, desperately seeking an escape route, her neck exposed as she turned her face away from him. Leaning in closer to her ear, he softly murmured, "Once I claim your body, you will eventually fall in love with me."

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