Olivia sat on her bed, gripping Alexander’s card tightly in her hand. The small piece of paper feels like a lifeline, an invitation to freedom, or perhaps a tool to regain some control over her life. She knew that reaching out to him was risky. Victor was not the kind of man to forgive betrayal, and his anger was as dangerous as it was impulsive. But the thought of doing nothing, of staying in this cage, was even worse.
The encounter with Alexander had planted a seed of rebellion in her. She couldn’t help but wonder if he has a way out, a path to break free from Victor’s grasp. She knew she needed someone who could help her unlock the chains of her to this life.
Taking a deep breath, she dialed the number on the card and waited, her heart beat fastened as the phone rang. After a few moments, Alexander’s smooth and calm voice answered.
“Olivia,” he said, as if he’d been expecting her call. “I wasn’t sure if I could hear from you.”
She swallowed hard, steady her breathing. “I… I need help,” she replied, in a whisper. “Victor isn’t the man I thought he was. I feel like I’m trapped, and I don’t know who to trust.”
There was a pause on the other end, and then Alexander’s voice softens. “I understand more than you know. Victor has always been a man who demands full control, and anyone who tries to oppose him usually regrets it. But if you are serious about this, there may be a way.”
His words feel like hope to her, but also a wave of nervousness. She was entering into dangerous territory, but there was no turning back now. “I am serious,” she replied. “I can’t live like this anymore.”
“Very well,” Alexander said. “Meet me tomorrow at noon, at the café on Fourth Avenue. We will talk more there. And be careful of Victor.”
As the call ended, Olivia feels relief and fear in her chest. She was taking her first real step towards freedom, but she knew that if Victor discovered her plans, the consequences will be severe.
The next day, she went to the café, her heart was racing hard. She kept looking over her shoulder, half-expecting to see Victor’s men following her, but no one appeared. She walked into the café and spotted Alexander at a corner table, his expression was calm.
As she took a seat across him, he gave her a reassuring smile. “Thank you for trusting me, Olivia.”
She nodded; her hands were trembling slightly. “I don’t have much of a choice. Victor is… he’s dangerous, and I don’t know how much longer I can endure all of this.”
Alexander leaned forward. “I understand. But escaping him, won’t be easy. He has connections everywhere, and he won’t let you go without a fight.”
She bites her lip; his words were pressing hard on her. “So, what should I do?”
“We’ll have to be careful,” he replied. “Victor’s reach is far, but there are ways to work around it. I have people who can help and they are skilled at… evading attention. But this will require a careful planning.”
As Alexander outlined a plan, a sense of hope was building in Olivia. For the first time since her marriage to Victor, she could see the freedom on the horizon.
That evening, she returned to the house, trying to keep her expression normal, but her mind was busy with the possibilities Alexander had put. She knew she have to play her part perfectly, pretending to be the obedient and submissive wife that Victor expected.
When Victor arrived home, he seems unusually cheerful. He poured himself a drink and joined her in the living room, his eyes were warm.
“I have decided we need a change,” he announced, taking a sip of his drink. “A trip, just the two of us. I thought I might give us a chance to… reconnect.”
Olivia’s heart skipped a beat. A trip would complicate her plans with Alexander, but she forced a smile, nodding in agreement. “That sounds… lovely.”
Victor’s eyes go on her, with a suspicion in his eyes, as if he could sense her hesitation. But he didn’t say anything. He simply watched her with a possessive look that always made her feel like a prey under a predator’s eyes.
The following day, as they prepared for their trip, Olivia found a way to send a quick message to Alexander, informing him of the sudden change in plans. His response was immediate: “Stay calm. I’ll adjust the plan. Just keep me informed.”
They boarded a private jet bound for remote estate. Olivia felt her anxiety growing as they traveled, knowing that her every move was being watched. She was entering further into Victor’s territory, and if she made one wrong move, there would be no escape.
As they arrived at the estate, she was struck by the lavishness and isolation of the place. The mansion was surrounded by acres of forest, and the nearest town was miles away. She realized that Victor had chosen this location deliberately, making sure that she would be completely at his mercy.
The following days were of a delicate balancing act. Olivia played her role to perfection, smiling when Victor wanted her to, engaging in small talk, and pretending to be the obedient wife he expected. But beneath her calm nature, she was counting down the days, waiting for the perfect moment to put Alexander’s plan into action.
One evening, as they sit by the fire in the grand sitting room, Victor seemed unusually thoughtful. He looked at her.
“Do you ever wonder why I chose you, Olivia?” he asked, his voice was soft.
She meets his eyes, forcing herself to remain calm. “You have never told me.” She replied.
He leaned forward; his eyes were darkening. “I saw something in you the first time we met, like a fire and boldness. I knew you would be a challenge, and I liked that. But I can’t tolerate betrayal, Olivia. Not from anyone.”
His words were full of fear. She realized he was testing her, seeing for any sign of disloyalty. She refused to show any sign of fear. “I understand, Victor. I have learned my place.” He smiled, almost satisfied with her response, but she could feel, as if he were searching for cracks in her.
As the evening comes, Victor excused himself, leaving her alone in the sitting room. She took the opportunity to get away, heading to her room to send a quick message to Alexander. But as she opened her phone, she felt a heavy presence behind her.
Turning, she saw Victor standing in the doorway, his expression was cold and calculating.
“Who were you planning to message, Olivia?” he asked, his tone was calm.
Her heart raced as she struggles to come up with an excuse, but she knew she had been caught. The trap was set, and she had walked right into it.
To be continued…
Olivia’s breath stuck as she stared at Victor, his eyes were fixed on her with suspicion. The room feels smaller and darker, as if the walls were trapping her in this moment with no escape. She felt as though she was standing on the edge of the cliff, with Victor ready to push her if she made the slightest wrong move.She tries to calm herself, to think of an excuse that would soothe him, but the words wouldn’t come. Victor stepped closer into the room.“Well?” he prompted, his voice was smooth and gentle. “Who were you planning to contact?”Olivia swallowed hard, forcing herself to look into his eyes. She had to play it right; one slip could mean disaster. “It was just a friend,” she said, hoping her voice didn’t shake from fear. “I needed someone to talk to. You’ve been… keeping your distance lately, and I just… felt alone.”Victor tilt his head, studying her expression. For a brief moment, she thought her excuse might have worked. But then his expression changed again, and he took
Victor was seeing Olivia with a cold look, one that seems to strip away defenses of her that she had. He took a step closer; his eyes go on her phone before returning to her face. "Couldn't sleep?" he asked.Olivia grip tightened around her phone. "I needed some fresh air," she replied, hiding her fear in her voice. "The room felt… hot."Victor smile, but it held no warmth. "Interesting. I swear I heard you texting someone." He paused as he waited for her response.Olivia’s breath hitched, trying to come up with an explanation. "I was… just checking the time," she said, her voice was above a whisper. "I didn’t want to disturb you."He holds out his hand. "Let me see your phone."Her inner part panic, but she forced herself to stay calm. She couldn’t let him see the message she had sent to Alexander. Handing over her phone would be like signing her own death contract. She looked down, pretending to be hesitant, and finally said, "Victor, please… don’t you trust me?"He raised an eyebro
Victor's presence was like a shadow, it was like a cage tightening around her with every passing moment. She knew her window of escape was thinning, and now she had to take a risk. The question was how far she was willing to go.That night, as Victor slept, Olivia was sitting by the window, staring out. Her fingers curled around the edge of the window glass as she tried to steady her breathing.She replayed Victor’s frightening words in her mind. "I won’t let her go. Not now… And never." This promise was suffocating her. It wasn’t just possessiveness; it has turned into obsession; a dangerous force that left her with no choice but to act.The next morning, Victor’s mood was cheerful. “I have a surprise for you,” Victor said as they were doing breakfast. His voice was casual, but Olivia could sense the hint of control. “We are going for hiking. It’ll be also good for you to get some fresh air…and enjoyment.”Olivia’s heart pounded. A hike means being alone with him in the wilderness,
Victor’s grip on Olivia’s wrist was firm but not painful, yet it carried the weight of his words and a promise with a warning. Olivia hesitantly looked at him, her mind thinking of some excuses.He pulled her closer, his tall figure cast a shadow over her small body. "I’m curious," Victor began. "What exactly you were planning to do with this?" He held up the knife as he took out from her pocket.Olivia’s throat went dry. Her silence amused him and his lips curved into a dark smile."Let me guess," he continued, touching the blade between his fingers. "You thought you could sneak out, maybe hurt me if I got in your way, and then… what? Run through the forest in the middle of the night? Do you even know how far the nearest town is?"She said nothing, her eyes were between the knife and the door.Victor leaned in, he whispered in her ear. "I told you, Olivia. There’s no escaping me." He forcefully took her to the bedroom and what happens between them, only Olivia could feel the pain pas
Victor’s presence in Olivia’s room felt suffocating. He was looking at her with sharp gaze, the map in his hands was like a mysterious piece of evidence. Olivia’s heart was racing, her breathing was hard as the door shut behind him."I told you," Victor said, in a calm way. "I will be always one step ahead."Olivia sat up on bed, clutching the sheets tightly. "You can’t expect me to just… stay here," she said with a trembling voice. "I am not a prisoner."Victor gave a smirk; his eyes get dark. "Aren’t you?" he asked, moving forward. "Because last I checked, prisoners don’t get the luxury of planning their escape."Victor closed the distance between them. Olivia refused to look away, even fear resides in her. "Tell me, Olivia," Victor said, "What exactly you want to do if you managed to get past me? Wander uselessly through the forest? Get help from the first car you see? You’re smarter than that."Olivia said hesitantly. "I… I wasn’t going to leave. I just…""Don’t lie to me," Victor
The room becomes suffocating as Victor closed the door behind him."Eavesdropping isn’t polite," Victor said, his voice was low. "Care to explain what you were doing by the window?"Olivia’s heart raced. "I wasn’t eavesdropping," she said hesitantly, taking a step back. "I just… heard voices and I was curious."Victor gave a cold smile as he moves toward her. "Curiosity," he sneers. "It’s a dangerous thing. Haven’t you learned that by now?"Victor stopped few inches away from her. "What did you hear?" he asked, his voice was sharp."Nothing," Olivia lied, her voice trembles. "I couldn’t make out what you were saying."Victor studied her for a moment, looking at her. "Do you know what happens to people who lie to me?" he asked. She swallowed hard. "I’m not lying."Victor’s smiles widens but there was no warmth in it. "You are not a very good liar. But since I’m feeling generous tonight, I’ll give you one more chance to tell me the truth."Olivia clenched her fists to calm herself. "I d
Sleep escaped her, the fragments of Victor’s conversation with the unknown visitor replayed over and over. "She’s not ready… They will expect her soon." Each word felt like a shard of glass, cutting her deeper.Who were "they"? And what could they possibly want from her?The morning sun comes through the curtains, but its warmth brought little comfort. Victor had locked her room again, a precaution she was getting used to. Yet Olivia was anything but submissive. She was roaming in the room like a caged animal.She needed answers.When Victor arrived to take her to breakfast, he was calm. His suit was perfect, his dark hair perfectly styled. He extended a hand toward her.Olivia placed her hand in his, and he take her down the familiar corridors. As they reached the dining room, Olivia forced herself to speak. "Victor, who was that man last night?"Victor’s expression didn’t change but she noticed the slight tightening of his jaw. "You were dreaming," he said smoothly, pulling out her
Victor's eyes dig into Olivia’s, pinning her in place as if he could strip away her thoughts. Her heart was racing with the memory of the journal and the circled date.“What is it we need to discuss?” she asked.Victor leaned in closer. “You’ve been restless,” he said, his voice was full with suspicion. “It makes me wonder what is it that keeps you wake up late at night?”You, Olivia thought, but she didn’t say. Instead, she shrugged. “This place. It’s hard to feel comfortable when I’m here locked up like a prisoner.”Victor’s smile faded, replaced by a cold expression. “You aren’t a prisoner. You’re my wife. There’s a difference.”“A wife has a choice,” she shot back, surprising him. “A prisoner doesn’t.”Victor’s expression changed and for a moment she thought she had gone too far. “You’re right,” he said, leaning back. “A wife does have choices. But she doesn’t make mistakes, Olivia, you chose this path when you married me. And now, you can’t turn back.”His words felt like tighten
Inside Victor’s penthouse, bathed in the soft golden glow of city lights, Olivia lay beneath him, her body tangled with his. The weight of the past few months… the fights, the betrayals, the near-death experiences had faded into the background as they focused only on each other.Victor traced his fingers down her bare spine, his touch featherlight, sending a shiver through her. “You’re mine,” he whispered, his voice husky.Olivia arched into him, her lips curving into a soft smile. “And you’re mine.”It wasn’t just a claim, it was a promise.Victor didn’t waste another second. He captured her lips in a deep and consuming kiss, his tongue tangling with hers, drawing out a soft moan from her. His hands roamed her body with a respect that made her heart ache. He had always been possessive, but tonight, there was something different… something softer, more tender.His mouth got down her jaw, pressing hot, open-mouthed kisses down her neck, lingering at the sensitive spot where her pulse r
The weight of the past no longer felt as suffocating as it once did. Olivia was sitting on the edge of Victor’s massive bed, her fingers tracing the edge of the silk sheets. The events of the past weeks had been overwhelming…. betrayal, danger, and the lingering ghosts of her father’s mistakes.But now, for the first time, she felt free.Victor stood across the room, watching her. His shirt was unbuttoned, revealing the toned muscles beneath, his dark eyes were filled with something. He knew what tonight meant. Not just for him, but for her.She turned to look at him, her lips parting slightly as she whispered, “I’m ready to move on.”Victor took slow and measured steps towards her, his presence consuming her senses. When he reached her, he cupped her face in his hands, his fingers brushing against her jawline with a gentleness that sent shivers within her.“You’re sure?” His voice was husky, deep with desire but laced with restraint.Olivia nodded, her hands finding their way to his
The tension in the room was suffocating. Olivia sat across from Victor in his private study, their hands intertwined on the polished wooden desk between them. Neither of them spoke for a long time, the weight of what lay ahead pressing down on them.Russo was more than just another threat…. he was a ghost from Victor’s past, someone who had been waiting for the perfect moment to strike. And now, he had made his move.“I don’t want you involved in this,” Victor finally said, his voice low but firm.Olivia tightened her grip on his hand. “You don’t get to make that choice for me.”Victor’s eyes darken. “This isn’t like before, Olivia. Russo isn’t just another rival looking to take my empire, he wants blood. My blood.” His jaw clenched. “And if he knows how much you mean to me, he’ll come after you, too.”Olivia’s heart pounded. “Then let’s stop him before he gets the chance.”Victor exhaled sharply. “You don’t…..”“I understand perfectly,” she interrupted. “You’ve spent your entire life
The morning light filters through the window, casting a warm glow over the safehouse. Olivia sat at the kitchen table, absentmindedly tracing patterns on the wooden surface. She felt the quiet peace of the moment, but the weight of the past weeks lingered in the back of her mind… a constant reminder of the danger they had barely escaped.Victor was uncharacteristically silent as he moved around the kitchen, his movements purposeful. The tension in his shoulders was less pronounced, but his eyes remained guarded. Olivia could sense he was lost in his thoughts, and she wondered if he was considering the same thing she was: their future.“What’s on your mind?” she finally asked, breaking the silence.Victor paused, setting a mug of coffee in front of her.“Everything,” he replied, his voice low. He leaned against the counter, arms crossed over his chest as he regarded her. “Our lives. What comes next.”Olivia met his gaze steadily, her fingers tightening around the warm mug. “We’ve talke
The air smelled of smoke and blood. The echoes of gunfire had finally faded, leaving only a suffocating silence in their wake.Olivia stood beside Victor, her hands trembling slightly as she gripped the gun still warm from the final shot she had fired. Around them, the bodies of their enemies lay motionless, the last remnants of a threat that had haunted them for too long.It was over.Or at least, it should have been.Victor exhaled, running a hand through his bloodied hair. His dark eyes scanned the scene, ensuring there were no survivors. His entire body was tense, shoulders tensed, fists clenched. He wasn’t celebrating. He never did.“This was their last move,” he muttered. “They had no backup plan. No one else is coming.”Olivia swallows hard. “Then why don’t you look relieved?”Victor’s eyes flickered to her. “Because peace never lasts in this world.”She knew he was right. Even as they stood victorious, Olivia could feel the weight of everything they had lost, of everything the
The air inside Victor’s office was unspeakable. A large map of the city was spread across the table, red markings and hastily scribbled notes covering its surface. His men stood around, speaking in low, urgent voices, but Olivia’s focus was only on Victor.He looked more dangerous than she had ever seen him. His suit jacket was draped over the chair, sleeves rolled up to reveal his powerful forearms. His jaw was clenched, his dark eyes scanning the map with deadly eyes.“This isn’t just another power move,” Victor finally said. “They’re coming for everything. My business. My territory. And you.”A chill ran down, but she forced herself to stand firm. She wasn’t the same woman who had fought to escape him.Now, she was fighting to survive with him.“So what’s the plan?” she asked.Victor’s gaze flickered to her, studying her reaction. “You want to fight? You’ll fight.”Olivia barely had time to react before Victor turned to his men. “Get her a gun. And prepare the car.”Her heart pound
The ride back to Victor’s estate was silent.Olivia was sitting in the passenger seat of his black SUV, staring out at the passing city lights. Her body ached from the fight, her wrists sore from where Marco had grabbed her, but none of that compared to the storm inside her.Victor’s fingers drummed against the steering wheel; his knuckles still bruised from the fight. He hadn’t said a word since they left the warehouse. His jaw was locked tight.But she knew him well enough by now.He was furious.Not just at Marco. Not just at his enemies.At her.She exhaled sharply and turned to face him. “Say something.”Victor didn’t respond.“Victor.”His grip tightened on the wheel. “You could have died.”Olivia bit her lip. “So could you.”He let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “That’s different.”“No, it’s not.” She clenched her fists. “You act like you’re the only one allowed to make sacrifices. But I chose to do that. Just like you always do.”Victor suddenly pulled the car over, the
The tension in the room was suffocating. Olivia sat across from Marco Ricci, one of Victor’s most dangerous enemies, trying to steady her breathing as she made her proposal.“I’m not here as Victor’s pawn,” she said, keeping her voice firm. “I came on my own. To negotiate.”Marco leaned back in his chair, a cruel smirk curling on his lips. His dark eyes studied her, filled with amusement and something dangerous.“You must think highly of yourself,” he murmured. “Walking into a lion’s den without your master’s leash.”Olivia clenched her fists under the table. “Victor doesn’t own me.”Marco chuckled, swirling the glass of alcohol in his hand. “No? Then why does he tear the world apart for you?”She had no answer for that.Marco leaned forward. “So, tell me, sweetheart. What do you think you can offer me that would make me reconsider my war with Victor?”Olivia swallowed. This was the moment that could change everything.“A deal,” she said. “A ceasefire. I know you want Victor’s world,
The silence between them was suffocating.Victor was standing in front of Olivia; his piercing eyes were locked onto hers.Her body still ached from the suffering of being kidnapped, her mind still reeling from the fear of almost losing herself again. And yet, here she was, face to face with the man who had burned himself into her heart, despite all the things he had done.She swallowed hard before speaking, her voice barely above a whisper but carrying the weight of everything she felt.“If I asked you to let me go… would you?”Victor’s entire body tensed.He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he took a slow step toward her, his movements deliberate, controlled. But Olivia didn’t back away this time.His jaw clenched. “Why are you asking me this?”Her fingers curled into fists at her sides. “Because I need to know.”Victor exhaled sharply, his hand running through his dark hair in frustration. “Olivia, after everything… after what they did to you… you’re asking me if I would let you