Chapter 17

▫️Christian’s POV...

After dinner, I made my way to Stella’s room. No one was here except us—Nick and Liam were out, Ava and MJ were on a date night. I knew they’d try to stop me if they were around, so it seemed like the universe was on my side tonight, gifting me the privacy I needed.

When I opened the door, Stella was sitting on the couch, a bowl of snacks in her hand, staring at the TV screen. For God’s sake, she just had dinner, and now she was eating again. I was never wrong when I called her PIG.

I cleared my throat, breaking the silence.

Her head snapped up, and those eyes—damn those eyes—looked straight at me. Confused. Cautious. Guarded.

“What do you want now?” she said cautiously, like I was here to ruin her peace—which, honestly, I was.

“How are you feeling?” I asked, keeping my tone even.

She frowned, obviously suspicious. “Why do you ask?” Then she added dryly, “But since you’re asking, I’m fine. Alive. See?” She waved her hand dramatically.

“Good.” I ignored her attitude.

Patience, Chris. Play the game.

“Because I need you alive to talk to you. Something really important.” I shrugged, slipping my hands into my pockets, playing it cool.

She rolled her eyes, "And what's that? At this hour?"

I studied her for a moment, choosing my words carefully. Finally, I decided there was no point in sugarcoating it.

“Marry me.” I said flatly.

She blinked. Once. Twice like I’d spoken a foreign language. Then, out of nowhere, she started laughing—loud and uncontrollable.

She shook her head, then let out a laugh. “This isn’t funny, Christian. Try someone else for your stupid jokes.”

“I’m not joking.” My tone sharpened slightly as I leaned forward. “Marry me, Stella. I'm telling you.”

The smile vanished from her face. She looked at me like she wanted to throw something at my head. “Why the hell would I do that?”

I leaned forward, my tone unwavering. “Bcoz I'm saying so.  Besides, you’re already my girlfriend.”

Her face turned pale, but her eyes lit up with anger. “Fake girlfriend. Are you joking right now, Christian? Is this some twisted game to you?”

“Do I look like I’m joking?” I said coldly, locking eyes with her.

Her fists clenched at her sides as she shot up from the couch. “Why would I marry someone like you? Someone who doesn’t even like me? Someone I barely know?”

I smirked, unaffected by her outburst. “You’re right—I don’t like you. And you don’t like me either. But this isn’t about love. It’s about business, Stella. Marry me, and we both get something out of it. You can ask whatever you want. Hell, I'll even divorce you afterward if that's what you want. But you are going to be my wife. Even it's for one fucking day.”

She looked like she wanted to throw something at me. Her entire body trembled with frustration. “I’m not some pawn in your stupid plans! If you need an act, hire someone else. I’m sure there are plenty of greedy bitches ready to do it for money. But I’m not one of them.” Her voice cracked slightly.

I stood up slowly, my calm demeanor turning dark. “Did I asked for your stupid advice?”

She froze, glaring at me like she wanted to fight back, but something in my tone made her hesitate.

“I’m not forcing you. Yet.” My voice dropped lower, carrying a threat I didn’t bother hiding. “But let me make one thing clear. You don’t have much of a choice here. Either you say ‘I do’ willingly, or I’ll force you. And I promise, you won’t like my way.”

Fear flickered in her eyes, tears fell down,  “If no one has ever told you this before, let me tell you—you’re a bastard."she hissed stepping back.

I shrugged, unfazed. "A fucking bastard. I know. And this bastard don’t take ‘NO’ for an answer.”

“You can’t force me,” she whispered, but there was doubt in her voice.

I smirked, stepping even closer until there was barely any space between us. “Can’t I?”

She swallowed hard, and I could see the anger and fear in her eyes.

“The wedding is after two days. Be ready, my dear wifey." I said stepping back and giving her a flying kiss.

She clenched her jaw, glaring daggers at me, her lips parted slightly, like she wanted to protest, but nothing came out.

“ Pick the dress you like—I only give choices to my wife.” I said with a smirk.

“I will ruin you, you fucking assh....” Stella choked out through her tears, her voice breaking but filled with venom.

"Ruin me?" I smirked, stepping closer, my voice low and teasing. "I don’t think you can. But go ahead, try... maybe you’ll end up moaning my name instead."

With that, I walked out, leaving her shocked, angry, and terrified.

I need to fix her mental peace, I thought bitterly. Because I, along with the rest of the world, have already shattered it.

Pulling out my phone, I called Titan. “Arrange everything. My wedding is after two days.”

My wedding. The wedding of the mighty almighty Christian Knight.