The office was quiet. Everyone else had gone home, but she stayed behind, sitting alone at her desk, working on designs no one had asked for.Her hands were sore, but she kept going, determined to keep her mind off the mess her life had become.“Ma’am, it’s getting late,” Matteo said, glancing at his watch. “We need to leave now. Sir will be worried.”She rolled her eyes. Worried? Yeah, right.The constant presence of her bodyguards annoyed her to no end. Who brought four guards to work? They barely spoke to her, standing around like statues, always muttering, “Ma’am,” as if that was all they could say.Matteo was the worst. He acted like she’d personally offended him. She could feel how much he wanted her out of Adrian’s life—as if that wasn’t her dream too.Three months of being married to Adrian Russo, and she was already desperate for a way out.She wanted to escape so badly, but there was no way out. If she ever had the chance, she’d shoot Lucien Bennett, her useless father, for
Selena was far too exhausted to move. Her joints throbbed, and her eyes felt heavy with fatigue. She had cried herself to sleep the previous night and hadn’t risen from bed until this evening. How had she allowed herself to get tangled in such a mess? “Aunty, please take care of her for me,” she murmured, holding her phone tightly against her ear. “I don’t want her getting involved, please.” “I will,” her mother replied on the other end before abruptly ending the call. Selena’s Aunt lived all the way in Italy and hadn’t attended Selena’s wedding because of a bitter divorce with her father. It was just as well. Aunty Nani had been guarding Selena’s deepest secret for three years. Her presence now would only unravel everything—and Adrian would never forgive her if he discovered the truth. Knock, knock. “Ma’am?” Paula, one of the maids, peeked cautiously into the room. “Sir asked me to give you this.” She stepped inside, placed a box on the bed, and quickly left. Selena lifted the l
Selena stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection. The red gown fit her like a glove, its flowing chiffon skirt brushing against her ankles. Despite its beauty, she felt no joy wearing it. The dress was another tool in Adrian’s arsenal to control her, another piece of his game. Her fingers brushed against the lace detailing on the bodice as her mind drifted. Why had Adrian demanded she dress up tonight? What was he planning now?Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Paula entered, holding a small velvet box. "Sir asked me to deliver this, ma’am." She placed the box on the vanity and left without another word.Selena hesitated before opening it. Inside lay an intricate diamond necklace, each gem sparkling under the soft bedroom light. A note was tucked inside: *Wear it. I’ll pick you up in ten minutes.*She sighed and fastened the necklace around her neck. Its weight felt oppressive, like a shackle. Just as she finished, another knock sounded at the door,
Selena moved carefully, balancing a tray of drinks as she approached the impatient customer’s table. The man, dressed in a sharp navy suit and gold cufflinks, was already tapping his fingers loudly on the table. His impatient demeanor and piercing gaze made Selena feel even more nervous as she placed the coffee in front of him. “This better not be cold,” he muttered, snatching the cup from the tray. He took a sip and froze. His face twisted into a look of disgust, and Selena immediately knew something was wrong. “Cold coffee?” he barked, his voice loud enough for the entire café to hear. “Are you even capable of doing your job?” “I—I’m sorry, sir. I’ll fix it right away,” Selena stammered, trying to take the cup back. Before she could reach for it, the man stood up and poured the cold coffee over her, the liquid splashing onto her shirt and soaking her uniform. Gasps rippled through the café as all eyes turned to the commotion. “This is unacceptable!” the man shouted again,
Selena struggled desperately, pulling and twisting her arm, but the man’s grip was firm, like iron shackles clamping her down. Her heart pounded wildly, and her throat burned from screaming, yet the men surrounding her seemed like they were having fun with everything. They exchanged smirks, their eyes gleaming with twisted amusement. “Don’t do this!” she cried, her voice cracking under the weight of her desperation. “Please, don’t!” Her father, standing just a few feet away, looked down at the ground, his face pale with shame. He fidgeted, his hands trembling, but he refused to meet her gaze. His betrayal cut deeper than anything else. “Dad, help me! Please!” Selena’s tear-streaked face turned to him, searching for a glimmer of the man who had once protected her. Instead, her father mumbled, “Selena, this… this is the only way. You have to understand. Do this for me. For us.” His voice was hollow, devoid of the love she had once trusted. Selena’s breath hitched, and her visi
Adrian watched her closely, the way her shoulders stiffened, her eyes darting toward the exit like a trapped animal seeking any way out. He had expected this reaction—her defiance, her determination to fight even when the odds were against her. It was one of the things that had drawn him to her in the first place. But now, her fire only fueled his anger.She thought she could leave him. After everything. After making him fall for her, she vanished without a word, leaving him to piece together the shattered remnants of his heart. And now, seeing her again, disheveled and desperate, was both a balm to his wounded pride and a spark to the fury simmering beneath his calm exterior.Adrian took a step closer, closing the distance between them. "Do you have any idea what it felt like, Selena?" he asked, his voice low but charged with emotion. "To wake up one morning and realize you were gone? No explanation, no goodbye—just emptiness." Selena met his gaze, her own eyes blazing with unshed
Chapter FourSelena struggled against the grip of the man who led her up the grand staircase of Adrian’s mansion. His hold was firm, but not harsh, as though he had been given strict orders not to hurt her. That realization didn’t comfort her. It only made her more aware of how much control Adrian had over her situation. The mansion was a mix of old-world elegance and modern luxury. Chandeliers sparkled above her head, casting golden light on polished marble floors and ornate walls. But Selena barely noticed the beauty around her. To her, it felt like a prison, no matter how gilded. “Let me go,” she snapped, her voice sharper than the heels of her boots clacking against the floor. The man didn’t stop walking, nor did he look at her. “You’ll only make things worse for yourself if you resist,” he said flatly. Selena bristled. “Worse? Being locked up in his house isn’t bad enough?” The man glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, his expression unreadable. “You think Adrian
Selena woke up to sunlight streaming through the iron-barred window of her room. She had barely slept. Her mind had been restless, filled with thoughts of escape, frustration, and Adrian’s unnerving presence. Her hands clenched into fists as she sat up in the oversized bed, its soft sheets offering little comfort. Today, she decided, she would learn more about this mansion. If she was going to escape, she needed to know its layout and weaknesses. Adrian couldn’t keep her caged forever, no matter how smug he seemed. After a quick breakfast delivered by a silent guard, Selena began to explore under the guise of compliance. She acted like she had accepted her situation, letting her movements appear curious instead of desperate. The guard stationed outside her door didn’t follow her too closely, giving her a small measure of freedom. She wandered the wide hallways, taking in the opulent decor: tall mirrors, rich tapestries, and intricate carvings on the wooden panels. But Selena was
Selena stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection. The red gown fit her like a glove, its flowing chiffon skirt brushing against her ankles. Despite its beauty, she felt no joy wearing it. The dress was another tool in Adrian’s arsenal to control her, another piece of his game. Her fingers brushed against the lace detailing on the bodice as her mind drifted. Why had Adrian demanded she dress up tonight? What was he planning now?Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Paula entered, holding a small velvet box. "Sir asked me to deliver this, ma’am." She placed the box on the vanity and left without another word.Selena hesitated before opening it. Inside lay an intricate diamond necklace, each gem sparkling under the soft bedroom light. A note was tucked inside: *Wear it. I’ll pick you up in ten minutes.*She sighed and fastened the necklace around her neck. Its weight felt oppressive, like a shackle. Just as she finished, another knock sounded at the door,
Selena was far too exhausted to move. Her joints throbbed, and her eyes felt heavy with fatigue. She had cried herself to sleep the previous night and hadn’t risen from bed until this evening. How had she allowed herself to get tangled in such a mess? “Aunty, please take care of her for me,” she murmured, holding her phone tightly against her ear. “I don’t want her getting involved, please.” “I will,” her mother replied on the other end before abruptly ending the call. Selena’s Aunt lived all the way in Italy and hadn’t attended Selena’s wedding because of a bitter divorce with her father. It was just as well. Aunty Nani had been guarding Selena’s deepest secret for three years. Her presence now would only unravel everything—and Adrian would never forgive her if he discovered the truth. Knock, knock. “Ma’am?” Paula, one of the maids, peeked cautiously into the room. “Sir asked me to give you this.” She stepped inside, placed a box on the bed, and quickly left. Selena lifted the l
The office was quiet. Everyone else had gone home, but she stayed behind, sitting alone at her desk, working on designs no one had asked for.Her hands were sore, but she kept going, determined to keep her mind off the mess her life had become.“Ma’am, it’s getting late,” Matteo said, glancing at his watch. “We need to leave now. Sir will be worried.”She rolled her eyes. Worried? Yeah, right.The constant presence of her bodyguards annoyed her to no end. Who brought four guards to work? They barely spoke to her, standing around like statues, always muttering, “Ma’am,” as if that was all they could say.Matteo was the worst. He acted like she’d personally offended him. She could feel how much he wanted her out of Adrian’s life—as if that wasn’t her dream too.Three months of being married to Adrian Russo, and she was already desperate for a way out.She wanted to escape so badly, but there was no way out. If she ever had the chance, she’d shoot Lucien Bennett, her useless father, for
Selena woke to an unusual stillness in the house. For a moment, she lay in bed, her eyes on the ceiling, letting the faint morning light seep into the room. The silence was unnerving. Adrian wasn’t a quiet presence. Even when he wasn’t speaking, his footsteps echoed, his voice carried, his dominance filled every corner of the house. But today, it was eerily quiet. She sat up, her brows furrowing as she glanced at the clock. It was nearly 9 a.m. Adrian never left without telling her—not because he cared to, but because he liked reminding her she was under his control. Slipping out of bed, Selena wrapped herself in a robe and padded down the hallway. The guards stationed near the stairs straightened as she approached. “Where’s Adrian?” she asked, her tone curt. The guards exchanged glances but said nothing. “I asked you a question,” she snapped, irritation sparking in her chest. Still, silence. She turned to Matteo, Adrian’s right-hand man, who stood by the doorway with his
Selena stood in the kitchen, stirring a spoon through her coffee, though she wasn’t drinking it. Her movements were sharp, almost irritated, the clinking of the spoon against the ceramic mug betraying her frustration. She wasn’t expecting him back so soon. “Not even a hello?” Adrian’s voice broke the silence, smooth and cutting like a blade. Selena stiffened but didn’t turn around. “You’re back early. Should I roll out the red carpet?” Adrian smirked as he leaned against the doorframe, his dark eyes studying her with a mix of amusement and something else—something she couldn’t quite place. “Charming as always.” Selena finally turned, her expression set in a glare. “What do you want, Adrian?” He pushed off the doorframe, walking into the kitchen with deliberate, slow strides. “What, no kiss to welcome me home?” She scoffed, crossing her arms. “In your dreams.” Adrian stepped closer, the air between them growing taut. He had that maddening way of invading her space without
The library was quiet, just as Valerie liked it. Morning sunlight poured through the tall windows, casting warm golden rays over rows of bookshelves. After breakfast, She decided to spend some time here. Her mood wasn’t suited for company, and the library felt like a safe haven. She wandered the aisles, running her fingers along the spines of books, searching for something that would hold her attention. Finally, she spotted one on the top shelf. Its title was barely visible, and she had to squint to read it. “That’s the one,” she muttered to herself. The ladder was close by, a sturdy wooden thing I’d used a thousand times before. She moved it into position, climbed up carefully, and stretched toward the book. It was just a little out of reach. “Come on,” she grumbled, standing on tiptoes, her fingers brushing the edge of the spine. The door creaked open behind her. She froze mid-reach, her heart skipping a beat. Turning her head, she saw Matteo stroll in, his usual cocky
Adrian stood in the doorway of their shared bedroom, the dim morning light filtering through the curtains. Selena was still asleep, her dark hair fanned out across the pillow, her soft breathing the only sound in the room. She looked so peaceful, so far removed from the chaos that defined his world. He ran a hand through his hair, his jaw tightening. He hated leaving her like this, but it was necessary. He had kept her in the dark about the darker parts of his life, and as much as he wanted to stay and hold her, his world didn’t allow for weaknesses—especially when someone had betrayed him. Walking over to her side of the bed, Adrian leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. She stirred slightly but didn’t wake. “Stay safe,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. He straightened, grabbed his coat, and left the room without a backward glance. His footsteps were heavy as he made his way down the stairs, where Viktor was waiting by the door. “She doesn’t know, doe
The morning light crept through the curtains, casting soft, golden hues across the bedroom. Selena stirred, groaning as the dull ache of a headache made itself known. She blinked her eyes open, squinting at the unfamiliar ceiling."Where..." she began, her voice raspy.“You’re awake,” Adrian’s voice cut through the quiet. He was seated in a chair by the window, a book in hand and a steaming cup of coffee on the side table next to him. He looked calm, almost unnervingly so, considering the chaos of the night before.Selena rubbed her temples, the memories slowly trickling back. The wine. The dancing. The balcony. Her cheeks flushed as she recalled the torn gown, the bathtub, and Adrian’s steady, unflinching care.“I...” she started, sitting up too quickly and immediately regretting it as a wave of nausea hit her. “Oh no.”Adrian was already by her side, a glass of water in hand. “Drink this. Slowly.”She obeyed, sipping the water as her eyes darted to his face. He looked impeccable as
The laughter on the balcony turned into giggles, and the giggles into full-blown hysteria as Selena and Valerie stumbled back into the reception hall, clutching each other for support. The half-empty bottle of wine in Valerie's hand swayed dangerously, and Selena’s cheeks were flushed from both the alcohol and the cool night breeze. “We should... we should get more wine!” Selena declared, her words slurred but enthusiastic. Valerie nodded dramatically, holding the bottle aloft like a trophy. “Yes! More wine for the queens!” But before their grand quest could begin, a dark figure appeared in the doorway. Adrian, his suit immaculate despite the late hour, crossed his arms and raised a single brow as he watched the two women sway on their feet. “Selena,” he said, his voice calm but edged with authority, “I think you’ve had enough for tonight.” Selena blinked at him, her lips forming a pout. “Adrian! You’re ruining our fun. Valerie, tell him!” Valerie snickered but quickly hel