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
Olivia’s heart raced in the quiet stillness of the villa. Victor’s parting words echoes in her heart, "To see you." It was the claim and a warning, a threat wrapped in the illusion of intimacy.She sat up in her bed, her fists grasping the sheets. Each interaction with Victor seemed to strip away the darkness. But tonight, something had shifted. He had let her out of the house, let her see outside. Yet every step closer to understanding him seemed to drag her further into his web of control.The morning sunlight comes through windows, but Olivia hadn’t slept all night, thinking about it. What deal? And why did Alexander look at me like I was included in it?Victor was nowhere when she stepped into the dining room. She decided to take advantage of his absence.“Excuse me,” Olivia said, her voice was calm as she addressed one of the maids. “Can you tell me where Mr. Victor is?”The maid hesitated; her eyes had something that looked like fear. “Mr. Victor is handling some business in his
Victor’s grip on Olivia’s arm was tight as he took her down the staircase. The air grew cooler as going down, the scent of stones was filling her senses. Her heart was beating hard. Whatever lay below this secret door felt like the key to everything that Victor had kept locked away.“Victor,” Olivia said with a voice shaky, “you don’t have to do this. Just tell me what’s going on.”He didn’t reply. She tried to resist, planting her feet on the steps, but he tightened his grip more, pulling her along.“You wanted to know,” he said. “You’ll get them. But don’t expect to like what you find.”The staircase ended, opening into a dark room. Olivia blinked as her eyes adjusted to see the room. The space was unlike anything she had seen in the villa, stone walls lined with shelves holding documents and strange artifacts. A large table was in the center filled with maps and photographs.But it wasn’t the room that get her attention. It was the man standing at the far end, his back to them.“Al
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