FORCEFULLY MINE

THE FIRST GLANCE

I am Ameliya Lawrence, one of the richest heirs in the country. Everyone—family, friends—they see me as elegant, calm, poised… untouchable.

At 23, I’ve never been in a relationship. Not because I couldn’t… but because I never wanted to. No one ever felt worth my attention. Everyone bored me.

They call me shy. Quiet. Reserved.
If only they knew.

Beneath this perfect image lies something far more dangerous… a hunger for control, for thrill, for something that could finally make my heart race.

That night, the ballroom shimmered with gold lights and laughter. Crystal glasses clinked, expensive perfumes filled the air, and people smiled fake smiles while hiding real intentions. Just another meaningless party.

I stood beside my father, playing my role flawlessly. A soft smile. Polite nods. Grace in every movement.

Until… I saw him.

Richard James.

The room didn’t change—but it felt like it did. The air shifted, heavier somehow.

Conversations quieted around him, eyes followed him, yet no one dared to get too close.

Power. Fear. Control.

He carried it all effortlessly.

Rumors about him had always fascinated me. The mafia connections. The danger. The darkness that surrounded his name. People whispered about him like he was something forbidden.

And maybe that’s exactly why I couldn’t look away.

My pulse quickened—not from fear, but from something far more dangerous.
Interest.

Desire.

Chloe’s voice broke my thoughts. “Don’t even think about it,” she muttered quietly.

I smirked slightly. “Think about what?”

“Richard James. He doesn’t get involved with anyone. Ever.”

I took a slow sip of my drink, my eyes still fixed on him. “That sounds like a challenge.”

Chloe sighed. “No, that sounds like a warning.”

But I had already made up my mind.

As if sensing my gaze, he looked up.

Our eyes met.

For a brief second, everything else faded.

No noise. No people. Just that one moment of silent connection.

I didn’t look away.

Instead, I let a small, knowing smile appear on my lips—subtle, but intentional. A hint of something…

unexpected.

Something real.

His expression didn’t change much—but I saw it. That flicker of curiosity. That slight narrowing of his eyes.

Hooked.

I turned away first, as if it meant nothing.
But inside…

I had already decided.

Richard James wasn’t just someone I wanted.

He was someone I would have.

And I always get what I want.