Chapter 39

*Reminisce*

Elara's POV:

The grandeur of the mansion always struck me, though tonight it only filled me with dread. The tall, dark doors opened before me, revealing a lavishly decorated hallway lined with ornate sconces casting a soft, golden glow. I stepped inside, the scent of polished wood and expensive perfume clinging to the air.

Surprisingly, the mansion was quite empty, just Harden standing at the end of the hallway, his figure in a dark suit, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth, which irked me. My distaste for him increased to such an extent that everything about him disgusted me.

"Elara," he said, his voice sounding insincere. He must have been glad, having bent me to his will.

And just like he could read me halfway, he spoke. "I’m so glad you could join me." I sneered inwardly and rolled my eyes.

I kept my expression neutral, though inside I was bracing myself. I needed to keep a close watch on him, to ensure he didn’t have any sinister plans up his sleeve as usual.