Unwilling Bride (Married to the Underworld CEO)

Author: [writers hub]

The grand ballroom, moments ago a dazzling display of wealth and power, suddenly felt vast and chillingly empty around Zara. Ragnar's absence, even for a moment, left her exposed, like a lone lamb suddenly cut off from its shepherd in a field of wolves. Her hand, which had been resting on his arm, felt cold and lost. She glanced towards the alcove where he'd disappeared, but the crowd had already swallowed him.

Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drumbeat of pure terror. Stay close. Do not wander. His words, a protective command, now sounded like a terrifying prophecy. She felt every eye in the room on her, dissecting her, anticipating her next move, perhaps even hoping for her stumble. She was a vulnerable target, a beacon of weakness in Ragnar Botermet's formidable empire.

Zara forced herself to breathe, to slow the frantic pace of her thoughts. She clenched her fists at her sides, digging her nails into her palms, a desperate anchor. Act like you belong. That was Ragnar's command. That was her only shield. She straightened her spine, pasting on the practiced, demure smile.

Her eyes scanned the room, not for friendly faces – there were none – but for threats. She remembered the faces from Ragnar's tablet: key allies, subtle rivals, known troublemakers. Her gaze snagged on Lee Jae-Hyun, Bondi. He was still engaged in conversation, but his eyes, sharp and predatory, flickered towards her every few seconds, a silent, chilling acknowledgment. He knew she was alone.

Mina Song, too, was watching, a faint, triumphant smirk now playing on her lips. Zara could almost hear her silent taunt: "Let's see how long the little prop lasts without her puppeteer."

Zara moved slowly, subtly, towards a large floral arrangement by a pillar, feigning admiration of the blossoms. It was a strategic retreat, a way to gain a momentary reprieve, to collect her thoughts, and most importantly, to place her back against a solid surface, eliminating any blind spots. Her mind, despite the panic, was already working, seeking escape routes, identifying potential observation points.

As she pretended to admire a particularly vibrant orchid, a voice, smooth and deceptively friendly, spoke from just behind her. "Enjoying the display, Mrs. Botermet?"

Zara's blood ran cold. She knew that voice. It was Lee Jae-Hyun. Bondi.

She turned slowly, forcing her smile wider, though her stomach was twisting into knots. "Chairman Lee," she greeted, using the formal title she'd seen on his dossier. He was taller than she expected, with eyes that held a chilling glint of amusement. His suit was impeccable, his demeanor charming, but his aura was that of a coiled viper.

"Please, call me Bondi," he chuckled, extending a hand. His grip was firm, almost crushing, a silent assertion of dominance. "Such a lovely surprise, your marriage. And so sudden! One might almost think it was... an arrangement." His eyes, dark and knowing, bore into hers, hinting at the truth beneath the polished lie.

Zara felt a shiver of fear, but her defiance surged. She would not crack. "Life often presents delightful surprises, Chairman," she replied, her voice steady, though her heart pounded. "Especially when one finds a connection as undeniable as mine and Chairman Botermet's." She even managed a small, convincing sigh of feigned adoration.

Bondi's smile never wavered, but his eyes sharpened. "Indeed. A connection. Tell me, Mrs. Botermet," he leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a low, conspiratorial whisper, "did the Chairman explain to you how certain 'connections' can be... quite dangerous? Especially for those who are merely caught in the crossfire?" His gaze flickered towards the general direction of Ragnar's previous whereabouts. "Your family, perhaps? Your little sister?"

The explicit mention of Hana, the casual cruelty in his tone, sent a fresh wave of terror through Zara. Her blood ran cold. This was a direct threat, bolder, more public than the phone call. He was enjoying this, playing with her.

"My family is quite secure, Chairman," Zara retorted, her voice hardening, a cold edge replacing the fear. She remembered Ragnar's words, his chilling efficiency in deploying the "Shadow Wolves." She wouldn't let Bondi see her fear. "Chairman Botermet ensures the safety of all those under his protection. Something I believe you understand very well, given your... network." She subtly returned his veiled threat, hinting that she knew about his underworld ties.

A flicker of surprise, almost respect, touched Bondi's eyes. The charming smile faltered for a fraction of a second. He hadn't expected such a sharp retort from the "little designer."

Just then, Ragnar reappeared, materializing from the crowd like a phantom, his steps silent. His gaze swept the scene, instantly assessing the situation, his eyes narrowing as they landed on Bondi. His hand reached for Zara's waist, a possessive, territorial gesture.

"Chairman Lee," Ragnar's voice was like polished granite, devoid of warmth. "I trust you weren't bothering my wife."

Bondi's smile returned, wider, but now laced with a knowing malice. "Not at all, Chairman Botermet. Just offering my congratulations to your charming bride. And perhaps a word of caution about the… complexities of the world you've introduced her to." His eyes, cold and challenging, flickered between Zara and Ragnar. "A fragile thing, a new blossom in a jungle, wouldn't you agree?"

Ragnar's grip on Zara's waist tightened, almost painfully. His gaze fixed on Bondi, a silent, deadly promise in his dark eyes. "My wife, Chairman Lee, is far more resilient than she appears. And this jungle," he paused, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, "is my jungle. And I protect what's mine, with extreme prejudice." The unspoken threat was clear, a chilling warning delivered with chilling calm.

The air crackled with unspoken tension between the two powerful men, Zara caught in the crossfire. Bondi's smile finally vanished, replaced by a glint of challenge and dark amusement in his eyes. He gave a slight, almost imperceptible bow. "Of course, Chairman. My apologies. Enjoy the rest of your evening." He turned, melting back into the crowd, leaving Zara with the terrifying certainty that she had just faced a deadly predator, and the battle was far from over.

Ragnar's grip remained on her waist, his body a silent, formidable shield. His eyes scanned the crowd, a silent warning to anyone who dared to challenge him again. Zara, however, could only feel the cold dread of his threat to Bondi. She was Ragnar's. And now, the entire underworld knew it.

The night had just begun, and Zara realized the jungle was far more dangerous than she could ever have imagined, and she was already branded.