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
That night, Olivia was awake, her heart beating. The message had shaken her more than she wanted to admit. She trusted Victor, but the idea that someone was trying to drive a wedge between them was disgusting.Meanwhile, Victor sat in his study, his laptop open as he got through surveillance footage and reports. He was determined to find the source of the messages, but so far, the chance was cold.As the hours ticked by, Victor made a decision. Whoever was behind this was trying to create doubt and fear. He won’t let them succeed.The next morning, as Olivia prepared to leave for the gallery, she found an envelope on the front step. Her name was scrawled across it in elegant handwriting.She hesitated, then opened it. Inside was a single photograph.It was of Victor… standing outside a building she didn’t recognize, speaking to a woman she had never seen before.Olivia stared at the photograph in her hands, her heart pound
Victor guided Olivia back inside, his arm protectively wrapped around her waist. His mind was racing. Someone was playing dangerous, and he couldn’t risk letting them win.Once Ava was safely tucked in for the night and Olivia was preoccupied in her art studio, Victor made a discreet call to his head of security.“Whoever sent that message… they’re moving. I need a lockdown on all of our properties,” Victor ordered in a low and commanding voice. “Increase the security detail around Olivia and Ava. I don’t care what it costs.”“Understood, sir,” the voice replied.Victor’s jaw tightens as he hung up. He had built his empire by staying three steps ahead of everyone else, but now, with Olivia and Ava in his life, the risks were higher than ever.Meanwhile, in her studio, Olivia noticed that something was wrong. Victor had been distant. She tried to focus on her painting, the vibrant co
Olivia’s heart stopped as she stared at the text on her phone. Her hands shaking, and an icy chill crept through her body. She glanced over at Victor, who was peacefully asleep beside her. Should she wake him? Should she tell him immediately?Her instincts screamed yes, but a part of her hesitated. The picture of Ava was taken in broad daylight at the gallery…. surrounded by people, security, and her own watchful eyes. How had someone gotten that close without being noticed?The next morning, Olivia could barely sit still as Victor prepared for a day of meetings. He noticed her unease and touch her face gently, his eyes searching hers.“You’ve been quiet since last night. Is something bothering you?” he asked softly.Olivia bit her lip, debating whether to tell him. The memory of the message replays in her mind. She couldn’t keep it from him.“There’s something you need to see,” she said finall
The gallery was buzzing with excitement as the grand opening neared. Olivia stood near one of her featured pieces, a glass of champagne shaking slightly in her hand. The tension that had been building since the previous day was almost unbearable. She watched as guests milled about, admiring the art, oblivious to the storm rising inside her.Victor was across the room, effortlessly commanding attention as he greeted influential people. Dressed in a sharp black suit, he looked every bit the powerful businessman he was, but Olivia couldn’t shake the memory of Adrian’s suspicious interaction earlier.Her eyes went towards Adrian, who was busy directing staff. He acted as though nothing was amiss, but Olivia’s instincts screamed otherwise. She wants to know what was in that envelope.As the evening progressed, Adrian approached her with a warm smile. “Mrs. Victor, your pieces are stealing the show. The response has been amazing.”
The soft sound of the jet engine filled the air as Victor and Olivia sat side by side, route to Paris. Victor’s hand rested possessively on Olivia’s thigh, his thumb slowly tracing circles against the fabric of her dress. Ava slept soundly in the bassinet nearby, oblivious to the silent tension between her parents.Olivia couldn’t shake the voice on the phone. Who had called her? And why? She glanced at Victor; his sharp jawline set with focus as he flipped through a report. Could she truly share the strange warning she had received? Or would it unravel the delicate balance they had fought so hard to restore?“Are you all right?” Victor’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. His intense gaze pinned her in place, as though he could read her mind.“Yes,” she lied, managing a small smile. “Just a little nervous about the exhibition.”Victor leaned closer, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, &l
The early morning sunlight streamed through the bedroom curtains, casting soft patterns on the bed where Victor and Olivia lay. Olivia woke first, her eyes fluttering open. Her gaze landed on the invitation sitting on the nightstand…. an invitation that had sparked tension the moment Victor laid eyes on it.Victor was already awake, propped up against the headboard with Ava on his lap. He was reading her a story; his deep voice was soft but commanding. Olivia couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her husband, so gentle and fatherly, despite the storm she knew was rising beneath the surface.“Morning,” she said softly, sitting up and stretching.Victor glanced over, his sharp eyes immediately softening when they meet hers. “Good morning, love.”But the calm was short-lived. His eyes drifted to the invitation once again, and Olivia knew they had to address it.“Victor,” she started cautiously, &ldquo
Few Months Later:Olivia stood before the large canvas in her studio, her hands splashed with colors as she worked on her latest piece. The warm afternoon sun filters through the windows. She was utterly captivated in her work, the stress of the past weeks melting away with every stroke of the brush.Victor watched her from the doorway, his arms crossed as a small smile played on his lips. “You’re glowing,” he said, his deep voice pulling her from her trance.Startled, Olivia turned, her cheeks flushed at the way he looked at her. “I didn’t hear you come in.”Victor stepped closer, his eyes seeing her paint-splattered apron. “I didn’t want to interrupt. You look... happy.”“I am,” she admitted, setting down her brush. “The gallery has been so supportive. They’re even hosting an exhibit for me next month.”Victor’s pride was
Victor’s mind was heavy with unease. The unknown man spotted earlier by the lake had triggered his deeply instincts. His study, dimly lit by a single desk lamp, felt suffocating as he combed through reports from his security team. Whoever it was had left no trace, no evidence.“Sir,” his head of security, Richard, called softly from the door. “The team swept the area. We’ve increased the house surveillance and doubled the guards.”Victor nodded, but the assurance brought little comfort. “I need a full report on anyone who has been near the house in the past two weeks. Every contractor, every visitor. I don’t want a single detail overlooked.”Richard hesitated for a moment before adding, “We’ll get to the bottom of this, sir. But you should rest. Mrs. Olivia needs you, and so will the Ava.”Victor sighed and waved him off. Rest was a luxury he couldn’t afford. There was too much
The room was filled with the gentle cries of a newborn as Olivia lay on the hospital bed, her hair damp with sweat and tears flooding down her face. Victor stood beside her, his eyes wide with awe and emotion as he held their baby girl for the first time.“She’s cute,” Victor whispered, his voice trembling. He gently placed the baby in Olivia’s arms.Olivia eyes down at the tiny bundle, her heart swelling with love and relief. “Ava,” she murmured. “Our little Ava.”Victor leaned down, kissing Olivia’s forehead tenderly. “Thank you,” he said, his voice full with emotion. “For giving me this. For giving us this.”The days that followed were full of sleepless nights and quiet joy. Victor had never imagined himself as a father, but now, with Ava cradled in his arms, he couldn’t imagine life any other way.Olivia watched him with a soft smile as he gently rocked Ava to sleep. “You’re a natural,” she said, her voice filled with admiration.Victor chuckled softly. “I’ve handled boardrooms fu