I Married the President

Claire recognized his voice and cried out, "Orion!"

Even though she knew he was no saint, her unease vanished in that instant.

Orion elegantly put a finger to his lips, then turned to the woman and said, "Shadow, go get a mask."

"Yes." Shadow acknowledged the order, closed the door, and left.

Claire immediately asked him, "What is this place? How did I get here?"

Orion answered frankly, "This is Hell’s Paradise. I don’t know why you’re here."

"Hell’s Paradise?" It was the first time Claire had ever heard such a name. Just from the sound of it, she knew it wasn’t anywhere good.

Orion nodded. "An underground city built beneath the Woodforest Community."

Claire was stunned. ’So this underground city is the secret of the Woodforest Community?’

With a name like Hell’s Paradise, she couldn’t begin to imagine what it looked like outside.

Just then, the sound of footsteps came from outside.

Orion gestured for her to be quiet, and Claire immediately fell silent.

Once the footsteps faded, Orion finally spoke. "Everyone in this place has to wear a mask. Only the dead take them off. When we go out, don’t say a word. I’ll take you somewhere safe first."

Claire pleaded, "Someone took my phone and my watch. Can you help me look for them? See if they’re in this room. I have no strength right now."

Orion scanned the room, then shook his head. "Your kidnappers wouldn’t leave something so important behind."

Her face fell. "Then what should we do? That watch is very important to me. Mr. Quincy modified it himself, and it has the chip I bought from you inside."

Orion paused for a moment, then the corners of his lips curved upward. "Since it’s so important to you, I’ll go get it back for you."

"You... You can?" Hope immediately filled Claire’s eyes.

Orion nodded. "Don’t worry. I know this place very well."

"Then, you..." Claire started to ask, but the door was suddenly thrown open, startling her into silence.

Shadow walked in, holding a mask. She came up behind them and presented it to him.

Orion took the mask and put it on Claire himself.

His breath brushed against her cheek, making her feel uneasy. She instinctively lowered her head.

Orion glanced down at her flushed face and said softly, "Don’t be afraid. I’m not going to do anything to you."

Claire muttered, "We’re not on the same side. Besides, I promised Mr. Quincy I’d cut all ties with you, but now..."

Instead, they were becoming more and more entangled.

’But what choice did she have? There was no way she could get out of this place by herself. She could only turn to this dangerous man for help.’

Shadow overheard her and couldn’t help but snap, "Listen to you! Getting a free ride and still acting all high and mighty!"

Claire looked up at her. "Who is she?"

As she spoke, Orion finished securing the mask on her face. Then, he took off his jacket and wrapped it around her.

Orion simply said, "My assistant."

’So fierce.’

Of course, Claire didn’t dare say that out loud, lest she get told off.

While she was distracted, the man suddenly scooped her into his arms, giving her another jolt.

Orion murmured reassuringly, "Let’s get out of here first."

"Okay." Claire nodded. Though he was carrying her, she remained stiff, not daring to move or lean against him.