CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE: Marius in Danger

MARIUS’ POV:

My path to redemption may take longer than I would want to, but just the fact that Hazel is willing to open the door to me again is beyond exhilarating.

Before I second-guess myself, I kiss her passionately. Instantly, she melts into the kiss, her arms wrapped around my neck.

"Take care, see you tomorrow," she murmurs.

My hand gently caresses her cheek before I walk out of Mr. Montgomery’s mansion.

As I drive towards my penthouse, a rare sense of peace courses through me. But as I approach an intersection, that peace is abruptly shattered. Three cars barrel down the road, swerving to block my path.

My heart lurches as I slam on the brakes, narrowly avoiding a collision. The cars box me in, leaving no room for escape.

Then, masked men spring from the cars. They wrench open my door and drag me out. I throw punches and kicks, but there are too many of them.

"Let go of me!" I shout.

One of the assailants presses a cloth with a pungent smell against my face. Then, the world