Elise My breath caught in my throat as Julian stepped into the room, his eyes locked on Lexi—the real Lexi. For a moment, everything froze. Alexa’s eyes flickered with panic, but Lexi was calm, steady, unshaken. Then Julian’s gaze snapped between the two of them, his confusion evident in the way his brow furrowed, and his mouth parted as if he couldn’t process what was happening. “What’s going on here?” Julian’s voice trembled slightly, filled with disbelief. He glanced from Lexi to Alexa, his eyes narrowing as he tried to make sense of the scene unfolding before him. Alexa took a step forward, her voice turning desperate. “Julian, don’t listen to her. She’s lying to you. She’s just trying to ruin everything.” But Julian didn’t look at Alexa anymore. His eyes were fixed on Lexi, his confusion deepening. “What… what is this?” His voice cracked, the weight of realization dawning on him. “How are you… you’re not…?” “Don’t tell me you didn’t notice,” Lexi shot back, her voice bitin
Julian I stepped outside, my mind spinning so fast it felt like I might lose my balance. The cold night air barely registered—I could still hear Lexi’s voice in my head, still see her standing there, her hazel eyes burning with anger and something else. Something deeper. Something real. But how? How had I not seen it? How had I spent months with someone who wasn’t even her? A hand touched my arm, and I turned sharply, my body still tense from the confrontation. Elise stood beside me, watching me closely. “I figured you might need a minute,” she said. I exhaled sharply. “A minute? Try a lifetime. None of this makes any damn sense, Elise.” I ran a hand through my hair, my pulse hammering against my skull. “I was living with a stranger, Elise. A stranger who looked exactly like Lexi, talked like her, acted like her. And I had no idea.” Elise let out a slow breath. “That’s the thing about deception, Julian. It’s easy to believe what you want to believe. She played the part perfect
Julian I walked the hallway outside Lexi’s room, my mind racing. Elise sat nearby, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Neither of us spoke for a while. “She’ll be okay,” Elise finally said, her voice softer than usual. I dragged a hand through my hair, frustration clawing at my insides. “She shouldn’t have to be okay. This shouldn’t have happened in the first place.” Elise sighed. “We both know that’s not how life works.” I clenched my jaw, my fists tightening. Alexa had been right under my nose, pretending to be Lexi, and I hadn’t seen it. I had trusted her. I had lived with her. And now Lexi was lying in that hospital bed because of my blindness. Without another word, I turned on my heel and stalked down the hall. “Where are you going?” Elise called after me. I didn’t stop walking. “To end this.” Julian The fluorescent lights of the asylum buzzed faintly overhead, casting a sickly glow on the white walls. The air smelled like antiseptic and something stale—something
Lexi The world felt heavy. My body ached, my mind foggy as I forced my eyes open. A dull beeping echoed in my ears, the sterile scent of antiseptic filling my lungs. The hospital. I was still alive. But then I saw her. Alexa. She stood near my bed, one hand idly playing with the oxygen tube beside me, her golden eyes gleaming with something twisted—something cruel. I tried to move. Tried to scream. Nothing. My throat was raw, my limbs weak, my voice trapped in my body. Alexa smirked, tilting her head. “You just won’t die, will you?” she mused. Panic shot through me. My heart pounded against my ribs as I struggled to move, but my muscles wouldn’t cooperate. Alexa traced her fingers along the oxygen tube, twisting it slightly. Not enough to cut off my air—but enough to make her point. “You should’ve stayed dead,” she whispered. “Do you know how easy it would be for me to finish this right now?” I willed my body to move. To do something. She leaned in, her breath brushing a
Lexis pov “You should’ve told me,” he said, disappointment in his voice I didn’t know how to respond. My throat tightened, and I just stared at him, the weight of his words sinking in. I had been so caught up in everything else—Alexa, the betrayal, the lies—I had forgotten to mention the most important thing. I didn’t want to complicate things further, but now, it was out in the open. “Well, yes,” I said, my voice quiet. “I didn’t bother to tell you because you were comfortable living with another woman.” The words stung, and I hated the bitterness in my voice, but it was the truth. Julian’s face faltered for a moment, and he took a deep breath. “I’m sorry,” he said, his voice thick with regret. “I swear I never knew. I thought it was you, Lexi. I… I never would have done what I did if I’d known.” He sat down beside me, his hands reaching for mine. The sincerity in his eyes was unmistakable, and I felt a pang in my chest. He was sorry. And I could see it. “How many weeks?” he
Julian’s POV I slammed my hand against the steering wheel, my mind racing. Every inch of my body burned with adrenaline as I drove through the streets, trying to calm the storm of anger that raged inside me. I couldn’t believe what I’d just learned—Alexa killed Etienne. The betrayal hit harder than any punch. I grabbed my phone, dialing the investigator’s number with shaky fingers. The line clicked before it even rang twice. “Julian,” the voice on the other end said, calm, collected, as always. “I’ve got the information you need.” “Tell me where she’s hiding,” I growled, not caring if my words sounded sharp. I was beyond caring. This had to end now. “She’s holed up in an old warehouse by the docks, Julian. It’s under heavy security. You’ll need to be careful.” “Understood. Just drop the location,” I snapped, my grip tightening around the wheel. He rattled off the address, and I hung up without saying another word. My fingers gripped the wheel tighter as I pressed the accelerato
Julian’s POV I couldn’t hear anything over the deafening thrum of blood pumping in my ears. The pain in my chest was overwhelming, but there was no time to dwell on it. I couldn’t let her win. Not like this. Not after everything. I pushed forward, stumbling slightly, using the wall to steady myself as I moved toward her. I had to end this. It didn’t matter how bad I was hurt—I would finish this fight. “Stay down, Alexa!” I shouted, my voice rough, every word a struggle to push out. My grip on the gun was shaky, but my aim was steady. But Alexa didn’t seem scared. Her lips curled into that smug, dangerous smile of hers. “You really think you can win this? You’re too late, Julian.” She lunged forward in a blur of motion, catching me off guard. The blade flashed in her hand, and before I could even think, it sunk deep into my chest. I gasped, blood spilling from my mouth as the pain hit like a wave, knocking the air out of me. The world started to spin, but I gritted my teeth, refu
Julian’s POV Pain. That was the first thing I felt. A deep, gnawing ache in my side, sharp and unrelenting. It dragged me back to consciousness, forcing my heavy eyelids to flutter open. The room was dimly lit, the beeping of machines the only sound breaking the silence. The sterile scent of antiseptics filled my nose, and it didn’t take long to realize where I was—hospital. I blinked, my vision adjusting, and then I saw her. Lexi. She was curled up in a chair beside my bed, fast asleep. Her head rested against the armrest, strands of her hair falling into her face. Her breathing was soft, steady, and for the first time in what felt like forever, there was peace in her expression. No tension. No fear. Just… peace. My chest tightened at the sight. How long had she been sitting there, waiting for me to wake up? I studied her face, memorizing every detail—the way her lashes rested against her skin, the gentle rise and fall of her chest, the way her fingers twitched slightly, as if
Lexi’s POVThe jet finally touched down on the barren tarmac of a remote airstrip, its engines winding down, leaving behind only the silence of a country too far removed from everything I knew. I stared out the small window as the landscape stretched endlessly, nothing but mountains and vast stretches of open land. It wasn’t the escape I had imagined. It wasn’t even close.As we taxied toward a dilapidated building in the distance, my heart sank. The place was surrounded by overgrown weeds and looked as though it had been abandoned for years. The walls were cracked and weathered, windows shattered, and rust clung to every corner. It wasn’t the life I had dreamed of with Liam. It wasn’t the freedom I had hoped for.Liam, however, didn’t seem phased by the decrepitude of the place. He had been eerily silent for the last few hours, his gaze locked onto the horizon. He looked almost… satisfied. The moment the jet came to a complete stop, he was out of his seat, unbuckling his seatbelt and
Lexi’s POVThe morning of my wedding felt like a funeral.The air was thick with the scent of roses and champagne, the silk gown draped over the edge of my bed a cruel reminder of the life I was about to chain myself to. The mansion was alive with murmured voices, the distant clatter of silverware, and the occasional burst of laughter from the guests who had arrived early.They had no idea.No idea that the bride they were waiting for would never walk down the aisle.I exhaled sharply, my hands trembling as I reached for the small overnight bag I had packed the night before. I barely had time to think before the door creaked open, and a shadow slipped inside.Liam.His blue eyes burned with urgency as he shut the door behind him. His suit was different from the bloodied, torn clothing he had worn in the basement. He must have stolen it. A fresh cut marred his cheekbone, but other than that, he looked completely composed, as if he hadn’t just spent days being tortured.“We need to go,”
Lexi’s POVThe house was silent, save for the steady ticking of the antique grandfather clock in the hallway. Every shadow felt like a pair of watching eyes, and every breath I took felt stolen.Julian was asleep. His arm had been wrapped around my waist when I slipped out of bed, but I had spent years learning how to move without waking anyone. A survival skill. One I never thought I’d need with the man I once believed would protect me.But Julian was not my savior. He was my cage.And tonight, I was walking straight into the lion’s den.The guards outside his study barely glanced at me when I stepped into the hall, my silk robe draped loosely over the dress I had hurriedly slipped on. They had been trained well—never question Julian’s fiancée. Never interfere.But I wasn’t going to Julian.I made my way down the back staircase, each step measured and silent. The basement was cold, a sharp contrast to the rest of the house. I knew where he was keeping Liam. Julian always kept his ene
Lexi’s POVThe walls of my room felt like they were closing in on me. I could still taste Julian on my lips, his kiss a reminder of the choice I had made. Or the choice that had been made for me.Marry Julian, or watch Liam die.My fingers trembled as I traced the edge of the nightstand, my mind pulling me back to the secret I had buried.That night with Liam.I had told Julian I was drunk, that I didn’t remember much. That was partly true. But there were things I did remember—things I had forced myself to forget.FlashbackThe restaurant had been dimly lit, elegant, secluded. The kind of place where secrets were meant to be shared and never spoken of again. I had chosen it for that very reason. No one would recognize us. No one would overhear what had to be said.Liam was already waiting when I arrived, sitting in a private booth, his fingers drumming anxiously on the table. The moment he saw me, his entire face softened.“Lexi,” he breathed, standing as if he wanted to pull me into
Julian’s POV The fury hadn’t left me—not completely. It simmered beneath my skin, coiled and waiting for an outlet. Liam deserved to die. He deserved to suffer for daring to touch what was mine. But Lexi… Lexi had begged. And no matter how much rage burned in my veins, I couldn’t ignore the way she had sobbed at my feet, clinging to me like I was her salvation. That was the only reason he was still breathing. For now. I had to make sure she never saw him again. Before she could try to leave or find a way to contact him, I locked the house down. Security was doubled, and I made my instructions painfully clear—no one, not even Lexi, was to step foot outside without my permission. “If she gets out, you die. If you let anyone in, you die,” I told the guards. “And if you even think about disobeying me, I’ll make sure your families suffer first.” They nodded, terror in their eyes. Good. Satisfied that she was trapped, I returned to the house and made my way to her room. She was s
Julian’s POVThe package felt heavier in my hands than it should have been. My pulse thundered in my ears as I stared at the contents, my mind struggling to process what I was seeing.Photographs. Letters. A single sonogram.All addressed to Lexi.But it was the last letter that did it—the one written in Liam’s scrawled handwriting.Lexi,I know you’re with Julian, but I won’t pretend anymore. This is my child, and I refuse to be shut out. I want to be involved. I have the right to be involved. You can’t hide from me forever.Rage surged through me like wildfire. My grip tightened around the paper, nearly tearing it apart.Liam.The name alone was enough to make my vision blur with fury. He had dared to claim my woman, my child?I heard her soft footsteps before I turned around. Lexi stood there, wrapped in nothing but a silk robe, her eyes filled with sleep and concern.“Julian?” Her voice was tentative, searching. “What is it? What’s wrong?”I took a slow step forward, my entire bod
Julian's POV: The Santorini sun kissed Lexi's skin as we lounged on our private terrace, the Aegean Sea stretching endlessly before us. I couldn't take my eyes off her - the way her hair caught the light, the gentle swell of her stomach where our child grew. "What are you staring at?" Lexi asked, a playful smile on her lips. I pulled her close, my hands roaming her curves. "The most beautiful woman in the world," I murmured, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. Our week in paradise had been nothing short of magical. Days spent exploring the island, nights filled with passion and whispered promises. I'd never felt more connected to Lexi, more certain of our future together. As I deepened the kiss, Lexi moaned softly, her body melting into mine. "Julian," she breathed, "take me to bed." I didn't need to be asked twice. Lexi's POV: Julian's touch set my skin on fire, his lips trailing a path of heat down my neck. We stumbled into the bedroom, shedding clothes as we went. "God,
Lexi’s POV “Actually Lexi, I need to talk to you,” he said, his voice low. I forced myself to stay calm, even as my mind screamed for me to get rid of him. Julian’s in the shower. He can’t see him. Not now. “What is it, Liam?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. Liam leaned back against the couch, crossing his arms over his chest. “I’m sure you’ve been wondering about the pregnancy. About whose it is.” I clenched my fists at my sides, my breath quickening. “What do you mean?” Liam’s eyes softened for a second. “Lexi, you and I both know what happened that night. We got drunk, we made out, and things escalated.” He paused, watching me closely. “I’m pretty sure I’m the father of your baby.” “I’m here because I want to step up, Lexi,” he continued, his tone serious now. “I’m here to take responsibility. I want to be a part of your life, and I want to be a father to our child.” I took a step back, panic starting to take over. Julian can’t know about this. He’ll kill him. The
Lexi’s POV The suitcase lay open on the bed, half-filled with carefully folded clothes. Excitement buzzed through me as I reached for another dress, my mind already painting images of the romantic getaway Julian and I had planned. We needed this—after everything, we deserved a moment to breathe, to just be us. I bit my lip, suppressing a smile. Julian was in the shower, and I could already picture his reaction when he saw my outfit choices. The thought made my heart race. Just as I zipped up the suitcase, a soft knock came at the door. “Ma’am?” A hesitant voice followed. I turned to find a young woman standing by the doorway, her hands neatly folded in front of her apron. I recognized her as the new maid Julian had hired after the last one was caught snooping. “What is it?” I asked, straightening up. “You have a visitor, ma’am,” she said, shifting uncomfortably. A visitor? My brows furrowed. No one was supposed to know we were here. “Who is it?” The maid hesitated before ans