Ivan’s POV : The office felt suffocating as I stood by the window, staring out into the endless city lights that mocked my failure. My jaw clenched, my knuckles white as I gripped the edge of the desk. Lilah was gone. Gone. She had vanished, slipping through my fingers like smoke. I replayed the moments in my head over and over. The sudden silence in the estate, the subtle trail of chaos left behind in the wake of her escape, and the whispered warnings of my men that had come too late. Damien stood behind me, his presence a steady anchor in the chaos of my thoughts. "We've searched the estate, every room, every corner," he said, his voice low but steady. "She’s not here." I didn’t answer. My mind was too clouded with anger and something else I refused to name. It wasn’t just Lilah who had escaped—Robert and Lucy were gone too. My men found signs of a struggle in the rooms, broken furniture, and bloodstains that suggested Robert had put up a fight. “She was in the room,” Damien
Lilah’s POV :The Hawaiian breeze felt alien against my skin as I stepped out of the cramped apartment Robert had secured for us. The vibrant colors of the island—blues that stretched endlessly into the sky, greens so lush they seemed almost unreal—should have brought some sense of peace. Instead, they mocked me.I wasn’t free.The island may have been paradise to some, but for me, it was just another cage, albeit with prettier walls.Robert had done his part well, setting us up with fake identities, fake lives. I was no longer Lilah Daniels; now, I was Amelia White, a tourist here with her family for a long vacation.“Stick to the story,” Robert had told us firmly as we unpacked. “If anyone asks, we’re just passing through. No questions. No loose ends.”He was right, of course. We couldn’t afford mistakes. Ivan’s shadow loomed too large, even here.But pretending was exhausting. Every smile at a stranger felt like a lie. Every casual conversation with a store clerk felt like a trap.
Lilah’s POV : The sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the sky in hues of amber and rose. The waves lapped softly at the shore as I walked along the beach, my toes sinking into the warm, damp sand. For the first time in weeks, I felt a fleeting sense of peace. The endless ocean stretched before me, its vastness a strange comfort against the chaos of my thoughts. Robert and Lucy were still at the apartment. I needed space, a moment to breathe without feeling the weight of their gazes. I knew they were worried about me. Honestly, I was worried about myself too. My thoughts wandered back to Ivan, as they always did. His piercing eyes, the way his presence could dominate a room, how his touch had felt like both a promise and a threat. I hated him for what he’d done, for the betrayal that had shattered my heart. But more than that, I hated myself for still loving him. I was so lost in thought that I didn’t notice the man until I nearly bumped into him. “Whoa, easy there,” a warm vo
Lilah’s POV :The soft glow of morning sunlight seeped through the curtains, bathing the room in a golden haze. I stretched, feeling the knots in my body from a restless night. Ivan’s shadow still loomed over my thoughts, but there was something lighter about today.I glanced at my phone and smiled faintly. Alex had texted early, asking if I’d like to explore more of the island with him. After the chaos and heartbreak of my life, the idea of normalcy, even fleeting, was too tempting to pass up.Alex: Good morning, sunshine. Any plans today? Because I have an empty itinerary and thought you might like to fill it.Me: Good morning. Shopping and snacks sound good. Meet me by the pier in an hour?By the time I arrived at the pier, Alex was already waiting. Dressed casually in a light button-down shirt and shorts, he looked every bit the relaxed tourist, though his polished aura hinted at something more refined beneath the surface.“Right on time,” he greeted, flashing that charming smile.
Lilah’s POV :The morning sun peeked through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. The ocean breeze wafted in, carrying with it the faint scent of salt and tropical flowers. It was idyllic, a setting plucked straight from a dream. But I woke up feeling anything but serene.A dull ache throbbed in my lower abdomen, and an overwhelming nausea forced me to rush to the bathroom. Leaning over the sink, I splashed cold water on my face, willing the unease to subside.“You okay, Lilah?” Lucy called from the living room.“Yeah,” I lied, my voice trembling. “Just need a minute.”I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My face was pale, beads of sweat forming on my forehead. Something wasn’t right.By mid-morning, the nausea hadn’t eased, and I found myself struggling to eat even the simplest breakfast. Lucy, ever perceptive, noticed immediately.“You’ve barely touched your toast,” she said, narrowing her eyes.“I’m just not hungry,” I mumbled.Lucy set her coffee cup down, her
Lilah’s POV :The bright, bustling streets of Honolulu were a stark contrast to the turmoil raging within me. Lucy and I had managed to slip away from the island under the cover of darkness, boarding the first flight we could book. Now, amidst the tropical paradise, I couldn’t shake the oppressive weight of my reality.Ivan was out there. And he wouldn’t stop until he found us.Lucy walked beside me, her shopping bags swinging lightly at her sides. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” she said, nudging me gently. “Relax. No one’s going to find us here.”I forced a smile, but my gaze swept the crowd instinctively. Every shadow seemed sinister, every stranger a potential threat. “I know. I just... I can’t stop thinking about it.”Her expression softened, and she looped her arm through mine. “You need to let it go for now. Worrying won’t help, and you’ve got more than yourself to think about now.”My hand instinctively rested on my stomach, the reminder of my growing secret both a comfor
Lilah’s POV :The air felt heavy with unspoken words as Ivan stood there, his intense blue eyes fixed on mine. I could feel the weight of his gaze, the lingering intensity of his presence. The silence stretched out between us, thick with memories and unshed tears.I tightened my grip on Lucy’s hand, finding strength in the warmth of her touch. She stood beside me, her expression a mixture of fear and determination. “Lilah, we should go,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “He’s dangerous.”I shook my head, my throat suddenly tight with emotion. “I can’t run forever, Lucy. I can’t hide from him forever.”Ivan’s expression darkened, a muscle twitching in his jaw. “You shouldn’t have left,” he said, his voice low and rough. “You should have trusted me.”“Trusted you?” I spat, the bitterness in my voice surprising even me. “You were going to kill me, Ivan. Just like you killed my brother.”His face paled, the flash of pain in his eyes only fueling my anger. “Robert was a liability,”
Lilah’s POV :The days that followed were like a haze, a never-ending cycle of fear and uncertainty. Lucy and I had found a tiny, isolated cabin deep in the woods, a place where we could hide and regroup. But even here, the weight of what we’d escaped from lingered heavy in the air.I avoided Ivan’s calls and texts, turning away from the messages that popped up on my phone, pretending I didn’t see them. It was a survival tactic, a way to protect myself from the pain of knowing he was out there, hunting us. Every time his name flashed on the screen, my heart clenched, a sharp, agonizing twist of emotion that I couldn’t bear to confront.The truth was, I was scared of him. Not just scared—terrified. Terrified of what he’d do if he found us, of what he’d become if he ever caught up with us. And more than that, I was terrified of the darkness that seemed to swirl around him, a darkness that had already claimed my brother and threatened to take everything from me.Lucy tried to comfort me,
Lilah's POV :The next morning dawns cold and gray, the sky heavy with the threat of rain. I stare at the ceiling, trying to ignore the gnawing unease lodged in my chest. The events of last night replay in my mind, each detail sharp and unrelenting.I roll out of bed with a groan, determined not to let my nerves get the better of me. I have work today, and Linda is counting on me.By the time I leave the apartment, the streets are alive with the bustle of village life. The familiar chatter of vendors and the scent of freshly baked bread fill the air, grounding me in the present.Still, as I weave through the market toward Linda’s bakery, I can’t help but glance over my shoulder every few steps.---Work starts as it always does, with Linda greeting me warmly and handing me a cup of tea.“Morning, Lilah,” she says, her voice cheerful despite the gloomy weather.“Morning,” I reply, managing a small smile.We fall into our usual routine, and for a while, the steady rhythm of baking sooth
Lilah's POV :I wake up to the first slivers of dawn creeping through the curtains. The quiet hum of the village surrounds me, and for a moment, I let the peace of it settle over my restless heart. It’s strange, living somewhere so far removed from the chaos of my past. But no matter how much I try, I can’t seem to leave the shadows behind.I slip out of bed, careful not to wake Lucy or Robert. The last thing I want is another argument about how I shouldn’t be working. They mean well, but I can’t keep relying on them. I need to pull my weight.The walk to the bakery is quiet, the cobblestone streets damp with morning dew. As I step into Linda’s shop, the warmth of freshly baked bread envelops me.“Good morning, Lilah,” Linda greets me with her usual smile, handing me a cup of tea.“Morning,” I reply, already tying on my apron.Linda has been nothing but kind since I started working here. She’s patient when I fumble a recipe, quick to praise when I get something right. I’m learning mor
Lilah's POV : Lilah woke up early, the faint sunlight filtering through the thin curtains of their small rented apartment. The quiet hum of village life outside the window felt worlds away from the chaos she’d fled. She shook off the lingering remnants of her restless night, determined to make today productive. She’d been staying here with Robert and Lucy for weeks now, grateful for their support but restless with the feeling of being a burden. Her search for work had been disheartening—every shop and stall in the village market either didn’t need help or couldn’t afford to hire anyone new. But today, she was determined to try again. Pulling on her worn coat and tying her hair back, Lilah grabbed her small purse and slipped out the door, leaving Lucy and Robert to their morning routines. The market was bustling by the time she arrived, the aroma of fresh produce, baked goods, and spices mingling in the crisp morning air. She wandered past the stalls, scanning for any signs of
Lilah's POV :The next morning, the air in the apartment feels heavier, as if the walls themselves are closing in. I barely sleep, tossing and turning until the first rays of dawn seep through the curtains. The note lies on the nightstand, its message burning into my mind.You can’t hide forever.The words feel like a noose around my neck.By the time Robert comes home from the bakery, I’ve managed to convince myself to stay calm. He sets a box of leftover pastries on the counter and eyes me suspiciously.“You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” he says, brushing flour from his hands.I force a smile. “Just a rough night.”“Rough how?”“It’s nothing, Robert. Drop it,” I snap, sharper than I intended.He raises an eyebrow but doesn’t push further. Instead, he grabs a cup of coffee and retreats to his room, leaving me alone in the kitchen.Lucy stumbles in later, her shift at the bar clearly taking its toll. She flops onto the couch with a groan, her red hair sticking out in all directions.
Lilah's POV :The streets seem quieter than usual, but maybe that’s just me. Every step I take feels heavier, as if the weight of someone else’s gaze is pinned to my back. I glance over my shoulder again, my heart skipping a beat, but the sidewalk behind me is empty. Just a woman walking her dog, a cyclist pedaling lazily, and the occasional honk of a car. Normal. Too normal.I pull my coat tighter, the brisk December air biting through the fabric. My doctor said I was fine, perfectly healthy, yet I feel anything but. Maybe it's the lack of sleep or the constant ache in my chest that has nothing to do with my health and everything to do with him—Ivan.He doesn’t want me. Worse, he probably wants me dead. I remind myself of this every time my thoughts drift to the way his voice dipped when he was angry or the rare moments when his icy exterior thawed. Foolish. There’s no going back, no undoing what’s already been done.I shake the thoughts away and focus on the walk home. Robert and Lu
Lilah’s POV :The village was small, nestled in the lush countryside of southern France. Rolling hills stretched out as far as the eye could see, dotted with vineyards, olive trees, and cottages that seemed untouched by time. It was picturesque, serene—everything we needed after the chaos we’d escaped. But no matter how beautiful it was, I couldn’t shake the heaviness that lingered in my chest.Robert had found the village through a contact of his, someone who knew how to keep secrets. The house he rented for us was small but cozy, with pale stone walls and a thatched roof. It sat at the edge of the village, overlooking a field of sunflowers that swayed gently in the breeze. For most people, this would be paradise. For me, it was a hiding place.Lucy and Robert were already settling in, unloading the few belongings we had from the car. I stood in the doorway, staring out at the quiet street, my hand resting on my stomach. The thought of the life growing inside me still felt surreal, l
Lilah’s POVThe night was dark, the only sounds around us the soft rustle of leaves and the distant murmur of the woods. Lucy and I moved swiftly through the trees, our breaths shallow, hearts pounding in our chests. Robert had made the call earlier, securing tickets for a flight to France, away from everything. Away from Ivan and the terror that had crept into our lives.I glanced over at Lucy, her face pale in the moonlight, eyes wide with fear. “You really think this is the best idea?” I whispered, the words heavy on my lips.Lucy nodded, her voice low and determined. “It’s the only way, Lilah. We can’t stay here. Not with him still looking for us.”I bit my lip, glancing back at the small cabin we’d called home for the past few weeks. It felt like we were abandoning it, running away like criminals in the dead of night. But there was no other choice. Not if we wanted to survive.Robert had arranged everything, a taxi waiting for us at the edge of the woods. We hurried toward it, th
Lilah’s POV :The days that followed were like a haze, a never-ending cycle of fear and uncertainty. Lucy and I had found a tiny, isolated cabin deep in the woods, a place where we could hide and regroup. But even here, the weight of what we’d escaped from lingered heavy in the air.I avoided Ivan’s calls and texts, turning away from the messages that popped up on my phone, pretending I didn’t see them. It was a survival tactic, a way to protect myself from the pain of knowing he was out there, hunting us. Every time his name flashed on the screen, my heart clenched, a sharp, agonizing twist of emotion that I couldn’t bear to confront.The truth was, I was scared of him. Not just scared—terrified. Terrified of what he’d do if he found us, of what he’d become if he ever caught up with us. And more than that, I was terrified of the darkness that seemed to swirl around him, a darkness that had already claimed my brother and threatened to take everything from me.Lucy tried to comfort me,
Lilah’s POV :The air felt heavy with unspoken words as Ivan stood there, his intense blue eyes fixed on mine. I could feel the weight of his gaze, the lingering intensity of his presence. The silence stretched out between us, thick with memories and unshed tears.I tightened my grip on Lucy’s hand, finding strength in the warmth of her touch. She stood beside me, her expression a mixture of fear and determination. “Lilah, we should go,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “He’s dangerous.”I shook my head, my throat suddenly tight with emotion. “I can’t run forever, Lucy. I can’t hide from him forever.”Ivan’s expression darkened, a muscle twitching in his jaw. “You shouldn’t have left,” he said, his voice low and rough. “You should have trusted me.”“Trusted you?” I spat, the bitterness in my voice surprising even me. “You were going to kill me, Ivan. Just like you killed my brother.”His face paled, the flash of pain in his eyes only fueling my anger. “Robert was a liability,”