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Chapter 16
Last Updated:
2025-01-09 03:10:41
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Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 17
ELENA'S POV Just then, the lights in the office flickered and went out, plunging me into darkness. I felt a cold breeze blow past me, and a shiver ran down my spine.Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching from behind me. I turned, my heart racing, but I couldn't see anything in the pitch blackness."Who's there?" I called out, my voice echoing off the walls.There was no response, just the sound of footsteps growing closer and closer. Fear gripped me as I realized I was not alone in the office.I took a step back, feeling for the door behind me. But as my hand closed around the knob, I felt something cold and metallic against my neck."Don't move," a voice whispered in my ear. "Or you'll regret it!"" P.pplease let me go," I stammered,trying to get the stranger to reason with me.I felt something cold press on my back, and I froze in shock and fear ran down my spine.' He was pressing a gun on my back! Fuck he has a gun!' I thought thinking of a way out for myself. " Please what
Last Updated : 2025-01-10Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 18
LUCAS POV I drove as fast as I could to Elena's office, my heart pounding with worry. As I pulled into the parking lot, I saw Adrian's car parked haphazardly near the entrance. A sense of dread washed over me as I rushed out of my car and towards the building.As I approached, I saw Adrian coming out of the office, Elena in his arms. She looked unconscious, her head lolling against his chest. Anger and fear coursed through me at the sight.Adrian looked up and noticed me, a smug smirk crossing his face. It was as if he was proud of what he had done, showing off his conquest like a trophy."What have you done to her?" I demanded, my hands balled into fists at my sides.Adrian chuckled, shaking his head. "Just a little sleeping aid, nothing to worry about. I'm taking her home with me."I took a step forward, ready to take Elena from his arms, but Adrian stepped back, out of my reach."Don't even think about it, Lucas," he warned, his voice hard. "You've had your chance with her, now
Last Updated : 2025-01-11Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 19
LUCAS POV Alicia frowned. "Who's Elena?"I stared at her in disbelief. "You don't know who Elena is? She's my...she's a friend of mine."Alicia shook her head. "No, I've never heard of her."I narrowed my eyes, my suspicions growing. "Are you sure? You didn't pick up my phone earlier because you knew Elena was in trouble?"Alicia looked at me incredulously." So what if I did? How dare you cheat on me with some lowlife!" She accused, and I stared at her in confusion. " What!" "Lucas, are you cheating on me?" Alicia asked, her voice trembling with hurt.I stared at her in disbelief. "Alicia, we're not in a relationship. You know that."She shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "No, Lucas. I know you have feelings for me. I can see it in the way you look at me."I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Alicia, I'm sorry if I've given you the wrong impression. But I don't feel the same way about you. You're my friend, and I care about you, but that's all."Alicia's face
Last Updated : 2025-01-12Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 20
My head throbbed as I slowly opened my eyes, wincing at the light streaming in through the windows. I tried to sit up, but the room spun around me, forcing me to lie back down. As my vision cleared, I realized I was in an unfamiliar bedroom, and panic began to rise in my chest.Just then, a familiar voice spoke. "Easy there, Elena. You're safe now."I turned to see Adrian sitting by my bedside, his eyes filled with concern. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. "Adrian, why are you in my room?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.He gave me a gentle smile. "I was worried you might have nightmares after what happened, so I stayed up to keep an eye on you."I blinked, trying to process his words. "What happened?"Adrian's brow furrowed. "You slept in my arms last night, I brought you here to take care of you."I felt a wave of relief wash over me, grateful for Adrian's presence. Despite the strange circumstances, I felt safe with him. I inhaled deeply, I couldn't help but
Last Updated : 2025-01-13Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 21
" I'm not up to anything Elena, i just want to smooth things out between us but you're acting difficult!" He replied and I scoffed." Don't act like you don't know how we got together! You and your father forced me into this marriage and now I'm the one acting difficult! Who took pleasure in humiliating me? Who embarrassed my mother at the slightest chance?Who made the employees spread rumours about me?Who made it possible for Karen to act like your fiancée?Who made it possible for Karen to have power over everyone even when she isn't in a high position?If you hadn't been irresponsible from the beginning, Karen wouldn't have used her fake image to command everyone to gather thier works for me to do it overnight!And even after you found out about it, which I'm sure you did earlier. You didn't act on it, instead you mocked me and left me alone in the building making it possible for a stranger to assault me!You have no right to complain about my attitude to you because you deser
Last Updated : 2025-01-14Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 22
ELENA'S POV " Get out of the car, Elena!" He ordered, and I gulped down saliva. " No!" I replied, folding my hands akimbo and refusing to budge." I had told you to drop me a few distance away, but you refused, now you Want me to come out of your car and make me the topic of the week!" I continued, frowning my face angrily.He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, " What am I to do with you, Elena!" He mumbled, and I hissed." You could sell me to the next man willing to take my hand in a contract marriage since that is what your dad is good at!" I mocked, and I could see him gritting his teeth angrily. ' Good!' I thought to myself with a smirk." Drive the car to the underground car park," he ordered through gritted teeth, and I giggled, sitting back properly. I didn't bother turning to look at him and kept my entire focus staring through the window. The car soon pulled up at the underground car park, and I smiled happily. Pulling out my nose mask from my bag, I was quick
Last Updated : 2025-01-15Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 23
LUCAS POVI couldn't shake the image of Elena in Adrian's arms out of my mind. Why was she with him? What had happened? I tried calling her, but my calls went straight to voicemail. Frustration and worry gnawed at me as I paced my office floor.Why wasn't she picking up my calls? Was she ignoring me on purpose? Or worse, had something happened to her?My heart raced as I dialled her number again and again, hoping to hear her voice on the other end. But each time, I was met with the same automated message.Anger boiled up inside me, and before I knew it, I had hurled my phone against the wall. It shattered into a million pieces, the sound echoing through my empty office." Fuck!" I slumped back into my chair, my head in my hands. What had I done? Now I had no way of reaching Elena, no way of knowing if she was okay.I felt helpless, and the thought of Elena with Adrian only made it worse. I knew I had to do something, but what? I couldn't just sit here and wait for her to call me
Last Updated : 2025-01-16Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 24
ELENA'S POV My head was bent downwards with my full focus on the work in front of me." Eloise, could you please help me get the documents ready for the next meeting?" I asked, still focusing on my work." Elena!" The voice called, and I froze in shock."Lucas!" I muttered, raising my head to stare at the owner of the voice. I sucked in a sharp breath on seeing his handsome face once again. ' There he was in all his glory with his kissable lips,' I thought, biting my lips." Elena," he called again, jolting me out of my reverie. " Stop it! He has a fiancée!" I cautioned myself, clearing my throat noisily to distract myself. " What do you want, Lucas?" I asked, not wanting to look weak in front of him."We need to talk." "Lucas, what are you doing here?" she asked, putting down her pen.I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "I need to know what happened with Adrian. I saw you with him yesterday, and I'm worried."My face grew serious, my expression becoming guarded. "Lucas,
Last Updated : 2025-01-17
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Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 67
ELENA'S POV Having breakfast at the table was weird for me but Lucas and his sister's constant banter made it less weird. Despite the troubling call yesterday which made the three of us awfully silent, the twin siblings still found a way to jab at each other with their words. I mostly chuckled, other times choking down my food which I intentionally took my time to nibble on. Soon, my life was going to go from something to nothing all again. Every bit of happiness was taken away from me the moment I’d just started getting used to it, so why bother to hold on to any at all. My lost gaze found their way to Lucas again, sitting across the table passing glares to his sister who chewed slowly in satisfaction at her brother's expected reaction. A soft smile tugged on the corner of my lips as I instantly saw the love that had grown between them within just a day of…bonding, I guess. Although they still had a lot to uncover about their family but somehow being together made it seem less bu
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 66
LUCAS POV Pregnant? A bomb exploded in my ears as I took a few involuntarily steps back taking in her somber expression and her leaner stature that looked nothing like her. “She was far worse than this when we brought her here”, Lucille said, like she read my mind. “I had to check her pictures twice to make sure”. Elena casted a glare towards Lucille, warning her to keep her mouth shut then awkwardly took a few shameful glances at me. “You know, this could be a hot topic for the media”, Lucille spoke up again, her shiny eyes seemed to be enjoying every moment of this. This time, my icy glares were directed at her almost regretting having her for a sister and a twin at that. “You're now officially a side piece huh”, she continued to tease, not in the least affected by my cold gaze. “Shut up Lucille”, Elena and I snapped at the same time, already fed up of her blunt and embarrassing remarks. “Lena how? Did he force you? James mentioned he saw you at the hospital and I've been text
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 65
ELENA’S POVI stared out the window out of my strangely well furnished room they threw me in for days now. After banging endlessly and even attempting an hunger strike, the pregnancy hormones didn't let me live up to my determination. Although I had no idea where I was but this place was awfully quiet and weirdly peaceful giving me some sort of much needed break. I twisted my less sore wrists which weren't tied to anywhere that they began to feel numb and swollen. My eyes wandered back to the blinking red dot at the top corner of the room knowing I was being watched. “Hey if you can hear me, at least tell me if I'm going to die or not”, I yelled towards it, turning back to the window facing the deserted island. Soon the door opened, letting in carts of food and different snacks making me sigh in frustration. “Uhm I just finished eating a full meal. Maybe you could bring it back later”, I said to one of the maids, wearing an apologetic expression but they all continued to do their j
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 64
LUCAS' POV I puffed out a smoke watching the sun set from the balcony connected to my room. The previous night had gone exactly as I planned leaving me with a pile of questions I never thought to ask ever since.Why exactly did she find me then? She would have easily given the company to her son, Henry and kept her knowledge of me a secret. Perhaps I'd have liked it better if I never knew the truth about my family. Why did she get me to come back and act nice to me, if this was her plan all along? Something just didn't add up here. Another frustrated groan escaped my lips for the tenth time as I put out the cigarette, striding back into my room and laying down.My phone buzzed on the table besides my bed indicating a text and just as I picked it up, Nathan's heavy feet stormed into my room with a heavy expression as the announced the same dreaded words appearing on my screen. “Elena's gone missing”. My feet touched the ground almost instantly as I beckoned him to the balcony where
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 63
CHAPTER 63LUCAS POV The Everhart's family Villa upstate was a place I never considered to be home for lots of reasons. Asides from visiting here once to go through the documents my father left me, I'd never been here again. I wasn't blind to the hatred and anger steaming from them during my formal introduction as the new heir of the Everhart family and businesses. Nathan carefully rolled me towards the main entrance murmuring bitterly under his breath. “I don't get why we have to do this Lucas, we could just lock every single one of those haggard faces and torture them until they cough up their last breath”, he whined endlessly, eyeing the entire mansion in contempt. My cold, scrutinizing eyes were no different from Nathan's but his continuous whinings eased up my expression a bit. “I’m disappointed in you Nathan. You've been the business advisor to my father for years and you still don't know my family is more complicated than you think”, I calmly retorted, lowering my tone as w
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 62
ELENA'S POV The dull weather perfectly complimented my mood today as I moped into thin air still laying on the bed with my hands tied to each sides. I had not made a single sound or attempted to struggle when the doctors came and left each single day for a freaking week. According to Mrs Hawthorne, “we need to make sure there's no single escape no matter what”, she'd said, eyeing me in her usual contemptuous gaze. As for Adrian, I never caught a glance of him during these traumatizing sessions and the entire period I was locked in here but the moanings and loud music from his room kept me up for days straight. “Get me a mirror”, I muttered lowly, pretending not to notice miss Edith's face lit up in joy from the corner of my eyes as she raised her head to look at me. It was a surprise even for me but I couldn't help it, at least not after an entire month has passed. Although I wished to soar my dark world alone without having anyone to share my pain, anger or even irritation with b
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 61
LUCAS' POV My ears were the first to come alive to the steady beep sound of the monitor beside me followed by my heavy eyes only getting heavier as they struggled to flutter open. “Lucas?”, an echoing voice called, sounding both worried and angry. My best bet was James. He was the only sensible friend I had. “Lucas if you're not conscious today, I'm buying out your company”, another voice echoed beside me, yelling in a whisper. Wait! My company. The board meeting earlier today. My head shot up from the pillow with my pupils widening in realization but I soon regretted my actions as I collapsed back in pain. Nathan and James rushed to either sides of me, their faces looking a hundred times older. “What happened to me?”, I threw the question to both of them who started to stare at me like I was a fool. “So you're saying you don't remember the stupid act of yours before you passed out?”, Nathan asked, now glaring at me. I stared hesitantly at both of them, shifting uncomfortably in
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 60
ELENA'S POV The ticking sound of the clock could have as well been a timebomb because the bullets piercing into my face from Adrian's eyes were more than enough to send me to an early grave. Anyways, it was always a matter of his ego and I wasn't going to give in on this one. I glared back at him resting all my weight on one hip and tapping my foot as a sign of defiance. “So you're really willing to go against my father's wishes Elena”, he said quietly, a tone clearly indicating his resignation to a manipulative technique. My sharp, unblinking eyes stared unaffected at his overly used attempts to get through to me. “Since when has that ever bothered you Adrian? Shouldn't you be happy I'm choosing to stay in this cursed marriage with your entitled ass? Isn't that what you've always wanted? There you have it. I think you and your father should suck it”, I defended righteously, eyeing him in disgust. Even though I was dumb enough to offer myself to the sharp claws of the Hawthorne's
Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 59
LUCAS' POV My chair swiveled continuously as I stared into the thin air with my fingers crossed above my thighs. Despite the increase of the cameras installed in my house, I still couldn't find the culprit. My maids were all clean, including their backgrounds. So who was the spy? This whole game seemed to have started a long time before and if I had to win, I had to go be ahead. My fingers hovered a over the landline, contemplating passing a message to James and Nathan, ordering their immediate prescence in my office. I knew I made their lives hell by treating them as my therapists, advisors and friends all at the same time, but they had no choice until we finally caught the mysterious person. Unfortunately, their unavoidable fate of misery was saved by a knock on my door pulling me out of my reverie. “Come in”, I replied, an edge in my voice. The door clicked open revealing the one figure I expected, making my lips subconsciously curl up into a knowing smirk. “Hello Mr. Elvis, i
