Share

Chapter 4: Caged

Aвтор: Fisah
last update Последнее обновление: 2025-03-16 06:07:26

The sound of the heavy oak door closing behind her sent a shiver down Seraphina’s spine. She stood frozen in the grand bedroom—their bedroom. Nothing had changed. The same luxurious king-sized bed with silk sheets, the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, the scent of Lucian’s cologne lingering in the air.

It was a prison disguised as paradise.

Lucian leaned against the doorway, watching her with a calculating gaze.

"You can stop looking for an escape," he said coolly. "There isn’t one."

Seraphina turned sharply to face him, her nails digging into her palms. "You can’t keep me here against my will"

A smirk tugged at Lucian’s lips. "Legally, I can. You’re my wife, and under the law, I have every right to—"

"I don’t care about your damn laws!" she snapped. "You lost the right to control me the day I walked away."

Lucian’s jaw tightened, but his smirk didn’t falter. Instead, he took slow, measured steps toward her, forcing her back until she hit the edge of the bed. He leaned in slightly, his voice dangerously soft.

"You walked away, Seraphina. But you never let me go."

Her breath hitched, her heart slamming against her ribs.

Lucian straightened, his expression hardening. "You're not leaving. Not until I get the truth."

Seraphina forced herself to keep her face blank. The truth? He had no idea how deep it ran.

The Game of Control

Later that night, Seraphina sat on the plush armchair by the fireplace, arms crossed as Lucian handed her a glass of wine. She didn't touch it.

"I'm not drinking anything you give me," she said flatly.

Lucian chuckled, taking a sip from his own glass. "Paranoid much?"

She stayed silent, watching the fire flicker.

"Why did you run, Seraphina?" Lucian asked suddenly.

She had been expecting this question. He wouldn’t stop until he got his answers.

"You already know why," she said, keeping her voice steady.

Lucian tilted his head, studying her. "Do I?"

Seraphina swallowed. He was testing her. Looking for cracks.

"Tell me, sweetheart," he murmured, swirling his glass, "was it guilt? Fear? Or something else?"

Her pulse quickened. She had to be careful. If she said too much, if she gave him even a hint of the real reason, it would all be over.

"You don’t scare me," she said instead, lifting her chin.

Lucian set his glass down and leaned forward. "You should be scared, Seraphina. Because I don’t intend to let you lie to me any longer."

A cold chill ran through her.

She wasn’t the only one keeping secrets.

Lucian wanted something from her—something more than just her return.

And she had a feeling she was running out of time before she found out exactly what.

A Deal with the Devil

Seraphina’s hands trembled as she clutched the edge of her coat, her gaze locked on the man seated before her.

Raphael.

The devil she had once sworn never to trust.

And yet, here she was, seeking refuge in his den.

The dimly lit penthouse was eerily silent, save for the faint clinking of ice against glass as Raphael swirled his drink. The city lights behind him cast long shadows, making him appear even more dangerous than she remembered.

"I have to admit, sweetheart," Raphael drawled, his voice laced with amusement, "I didn't expect you to come running to me."

Seraphina squared her shoulders, willing her heart to steady. "I'm not running. I'm making a deal."

His brows lifted, intrigue flickering in his dark eyes. "Oh? And what exactly are you offering?"

She took a deep breath. This was it.

"My freedom."

Raphael chuckled, shaking his head. "Freedom is an illusion, darling. Especially when it comes to Lucian."

Seraphina clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. "You don’t understand—"

"Oh, I understand perfectly," he interrupted smoothly. "You want out. You want to disappear. You think coming to me is the answer."

He leaned back in his chair, tilting his head as he studied her. "The real question is, Seraphina… why should I help you?"

She hesitated. This was the part she had dreaded the most—convincing Raphael that helping her was in his best interest.

"Because if you help me disappear," she said slowly, "you win."

The smirk faded slightly. She had his attention now.

"You think Lucian will just let you go?" Raphael leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "He will hunt you down, Seraphina. No matter where you run."

She swallowed hard. She knew that.

But she had no other choice.

"You know what he's capable of," she whispered. "But so do you. If anyone can outmaneuver him, it’s you."

Raphael studied her, his gaze flickering with something unreadable. Calculating. Dangerous.

Then, he stood, stepping toward her with the smooth confidence of a man who knew exactly how much power he held.

"You’re right," he murmured. "I can outmaneuver him."

Seraphina's breath hitched as Raphael reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"But the real question is," he continued, his voice dropping, "what are you willing to give me in return?"

Silence.

Seraphina’s pulse pounded.

She had prepared for this—Raphael never did anything for free.

So she squared her shoulders and met his gaze. "Name your price."

A slow smile spread across his face.

And Seraphina knew—she had just made a deal with the devil.

Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App

Related chapter

  • The Billionaires Runaway Wife    Chapter 5: Shadows of the Past

    Seraphina sat at the vanity, staring at her reflection in the gilded mirror. Her hair was still damp from the shower, strands clinging to her skin like delicate chains. The dress Lucian had left for her—a silk gown in a shade of midnight blue—clung to her body, fitting too perfectly. He still remembers my size. The thought made her stomach twist. She wanted to rip the dress off, to throw it in his face, but she knew better than to provoke him now. Lucian was playing a long game—one she had no choice but to endure. A knock at the door made her tense. Before she could respond, the door swung open, and she walked in. Evelyn. Lucian’s right-hand woman. Tall, poised, and breathtakingly beautiful, Evelyn had an air of effortless elegance that made Seraphina’s stomach churn. She wore a fitted black dress, her blonde hair pulled into a sleek bun, and when she smirked, it was with the confidence of a woman who knew she had power. Seraphina's gaze flicked to the wine glass in Evelyn’s h

    Последнее обновление : 2025-03-16
  • The Billionaires Runaway Wife    Chapter 6: The Edge of the Lie

    The chandelier above cast a golden glow over the grand dining hall, but Seraphina felt none of its warmth. She sat stiffly at the long mahogany table, a place set for two, but the atmosphere was anything but intimate. Lucian sat across from her, calm, composed—watching her like a predator watching its prey. “I expected you to be more talkative,” he mused, twirling his wine glass between his fingers. Seraphina picked at the untouched food on her plate. “I have nothing to say.” Lucian smirked. “That’s a lie. But I’ll let you keep it—for now.” The weight of his words settled over her like a noose tightening ever so slightly. He was getting closer. Too close. The doors creaked open, and Evelyn strode in with effortless confidence, her black dress hugging her every curve. Seraphina didn’t miss the way Evelyn’s fingers trailed along Lucian’s shoulder as she leaned in, whispering something in his ear. He chuckled. Seraphina’s stomach twisted, but she refused to react. She wouldn’t

    Последнее обновление : 2025-03-16
  • The Billionaires Runaway Wife    Chapter 7: Shattered Illusions

    Seraphina moved through the dimly lit hallway, her pulse pounding with each step. The silence in the mansion felt unnatural, as if the walls themselves held their breath, waiting for something to unfold. She hadn’t intended to wander. But after her call with Ava, the suffocating weight in her chest had become unbearable. She needed air. She needed clarity. And that was when she heard it. A soft, feminine laugh. Evelyn. Followed by a deep, husky murmur. Lucian. Seraphina’s heart clenched. Her fingers tightened into fists at her sides as she followed the voices down the corridor. They led her to Lucian’s private study—a place that had once been hers as much as his. The door was slightly ajar. She hesitated. Every instinct screamed at her to turn back, to not look—but she couldn’t stop herself. Slowly, she pushed the door open. And what she saw made her stomach plummet. Lucian sat on the leather couch, shirt unbuttoned, his muscular chest exposed. Evelyn straddl

    Последнее обновление : 2025-03-16
  • The Billionaires Runaway Wife    Chapter 8: The Fire Inside

    She didn’t stop walking. Not when she reached the hallway. Not when the burn in her throat became unbearable. She needed to breathe. To think. To forget. But as she pushed open the balcony doors and stepped into the cold night air, she knew one thing for certain. No matter how much distance she put between them, Lucian’s fire would never stop burning inside her. And that was the most dangerous part of all. Seraphina slammed the door behind her, the echo ringing through the dimly lit room. Her chest rose and fell in shallow breaths as she pressed her back against the wood, eyes shut tight. Don’t think about it. Don’t feel it. Don’t let him get to you. But the image of Lucian and Evelyn was burned into her mind, taunting her. Evelyn’s smirk. Lucian’s silence. The way his eyes held hers like she was the only one who mattered—until she wasn’t. Her fingers curled into fists, nails digging into her palms. A bitter laugh escaped her lips as she shook her head. "Pathetic,

    Последнее обновление : 2025-03-16
  • The Billionaires Runaway Wife    Chapter 9: A Dangerous Dance

    The room seemed to shift as Raphael approached, his presence commanding. He was just as she remembered—dark-haired, effortlessly powerful, with a smirk that hid too many secrets. Lucian tensed beside her. “Raphael,” Seraphina greeted smoothly. “What a surprise.” He took her hand and pressed a slow, deliberate kiss to her knuckles. “You look stunning, as always.” Lucian’s glass shattered in his grip. A slow smile spread across Raphael’s lips. “Still breaking things, I see.” Lucian stood, towering over them. “What are you doing here, Moretti?” Raphael slid his hands into his pockets, eyes gleaming with amusement. “I heard Seraphina was back. Thought I’d come see her for myself.” Seraphina lifted a brow. “So this is a social visit?” Raphael’s smirk deepened. “You could say that. But I also came to warn you.” Lucian’s expression darkened. “Warn her about what?” Raphael’s gaze locked onto Seraphina’s. “That the walls are closing in. And soon, you won’t be able to hide the truth

    Последнее обновление : 2025-03-16
  • The Billionaires Runaway Wife    Chapter 10: A Lover’s Deception

    Lucian stood frozen in the doorway, his expression unreadable, but Seraphina knew what he was thinking. Raphael, ever the opportunist, smirked and took a step closer to her, deliberately invading her space. “Well, this is awkward.” Lucian’s gaze darkened, shifting between them. His jaw was tight, his breathing controlled—but Seraphina saw the telltale signs of rage. The storm brewing beneath his carefully composed mask. Raphael, however, was enjoying every second of it. He stretched his arms lazily before speaking. “You know, Lucian, barging into a woman’s room in the middle of the night is a bit rude.” Lucian’s fists clenched. “Get. Out.” Raphael chuckled, shaking his head. “I was just leaving anyway.” Then, just to push it further, he turned to Seraphina and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. It was the final straw. Lucian moved. In a blur of motion, he lunged—grabbing Raphael by the collar and slamming him against the wall. The room shook with the impact. Seraph

    Последнее обновление : 2025-03-16
  • The Billionaires Runaway Wife    Chapter 11: A Reckless Gamble

    Seraphina sat on the edge of the lavish bed, her fingers gripping the soft silk of her dress as her mind raced. The golden glow of the bedside lamp cast long shadows across the room, but all she could focus on was the storm brewing outside—and the even bigger storm raging inside her. She had made a mistake. Returning to Willow Creek had never been part of her plan. She had spent years ensuring she and Ava remained hidden from Lucian, carefully crafting a life where his shadow never reached them. Yet, somehow, fate had dragged her right back into the lion’s den, into the home of the one man she swore never to face again. And now, she had to make the biggest gamble of her life. A sharp knock on the door made her stiffen. She quickly composed herself before calling out, “Come in.” Elise stepped inside, shutting the door quietly behind her. Her eyes flickered with something between concern and frustration. “You shouldn’t be here,” Elise whispered. Seraphina let out a dry l

    Последнее обновление : 2025-03-26
  • The Billionaires Runaway Wife    Chapter 12: Shattered Illusions

    Chapter 12: Shattered Illusions The mansion was quieter than usual that night, but the silence wasn’t peaceful it was waiting. Seraphina felt it pressing against her skin as she walked through the dimly lit halls, her thoughts tangled. Lucian hadn’t confronted her again. Not since he walked away after asking if she was sleeping with Raphael. And that silence was far more dangerous than his anger. She knew Lucian well enough to understand that when he stopped talking, stopped reacting he was planning. And that terrified her,more than she cared to admit. As she reached her room, a voice stopped her. “Elise?” she asked, surprised to see her best friend stepping out of the shadows. Elise’s expression was tense. “We need to talk.” Seraphina frowned. “What is it?” Elise hesitated, then whispered, “Lucian’s planning something. I don’t know what, but Evelyn’s involved.” Seraphina’s stomach twisted. Evelyn. Of course. Before she could respond, heavy footsteps echoed

    Последнее обновление : 2025-03-29

Latest chapter

  • The Billionaires Runaway Wife    Chapter 13: The Trap Is Set

    Seraphina knew something was wrong the moment she stepped into the grand hall. The air inside the Devereaux estate was thick with something she couldn’t quite place suffocating, charged, almost electric. It wasn’t the usual quiet luxury of Lucian’s world. The usual hum of servants moving discreetly through the corridors had ceased. The chandelier above cast an almost eerie glow, its light catching the polished marble floors, but the warmth of the estate had disappeared. The silence was the first clue. Then, she saw him. Lucian stood near the grand staircase, his expression unreadable, his presence commanding as always. But it wasn’t just him. Evelyn stood by his side, her body angled ever so slightly toward him, her lips curved into a victorious smirk as if she had already won a battle Seraphina didn’t know she was fighting. Seraphina’s stomach tightened. This was it. Lucian’s voice broke the silence, smooth and deceptively casual. “You’ve been avoiding me, sweetheart.” Seraph

  • The Billionaires Runaway Wife    Chapter 12: Shattered Illusions

    Chapter 12: Shattered Illusions The mansion was quieter than usual that night, but the silence wasn’t peaceful it was waiting. Seraphina felt it pressing against her skin as she walked through the dimly lit halls, her thoughts tangled. Lucian hadn’t confronted her again. Not since he walked away after asking if she was sleeping with Raphael. And that silence was far more dangerous than his anger. She knew Lucian well enough to understand that when he stopped talking, stopped reacting he was planning. And that terrified her,more than she cared to admit. As she reached her room, a voice stopped her. “Elise?” she asked, surprised to see her best friend stepping out of the shadows. Elise’s expression was tense. “We need to talk.” Seraphina frowned. “What is it?” Elise hesitated, then whispered, “Lucian’s planning something. I don’t know what, but Evelyn’s involved.” Seraphina’s stomach twisted. Evelyn. Of course. Before she could respond, heavy footsteps echoed

  • The Billionaires Runaway Wife    Chapter 11: A Reckless Gamble

    Seraphina sat on the edge of the lavish bed, her fingers gripping the soft silk of her dress as her mind raced. The golden glow of the bedside lamp cast long shadows across the room, but all she could focus on was the storm brewing outside—and the even bigger storm raging inside her. She had made a mistake. Returning to Willow Creek had never been part of her plan. She had spent years ensuring she and Ava remained hidden from Lucian, carefully crafting a life where his shadow never reached them. Yet, somehow, fate had dragged her right back into the lion’s den, into the home of the one man she swore never to face again. And now, she had to make the biggest gamble of her life. A sharp knock on the door made her stiffen. She quickly composed herself before calling out, “Come in.” Elise stepped inside, shutting the door quietly behind her. Her eyes flickered with something between concern and frustration. “You shouldn’t be here,” Elise whispered. Seraphina let out a dry l

  • The Billionaires Runaway Wife    Chapter 10: A Lover’s Deception

    Lucian stood frozen in the doorway, his expression unreadable, but Seraphina knew what he was thinking. Raphael, ever the opportunist, smirked and took a step closer to her, deliberately invading her space. “Well, this is awkward.” Lucian’s gaze darkened, shifting between them. His jaw was tight, his breathing controlled—but Seraphina saw the telltale signs of rage. The storm brewing beneath his carefully composed mask. Raphael, however, was enjoying every second of it. He stretched his arms lazily before speaking. “You know, Lucian, barging into a woman’s room in the middle of the night is a bit rude.” Lucian’s fists clenched. “Get. Out.” Raphael chuckled, shaking his head. “I was just leaving anyway.” Then, just to push it further, he turned to Seraphina and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. It was the final straw. Lucian moved. In a blur of motion, he lunged—grabbing Raphael by the collar and slamming him against the wall. The room shook with the impact. Seraph

  • The Billionaires Runaway Wife    Chapter 9: A Dangerous Dance

    The room seemed to shift as Raphael approached, his presence commanding. He was just as she remembered—dark-haired, effortlessly powerful, with a smirk that hid too many secrets. Lucian tensed beside her. “Raphael,” Seraphina greeted smoothly. “What a surprise.” He took her hand and pressed a slow, deliberate kiss to her knuckles. “You look stunning, as always.” Lucian’s glass shattered in his grip. A slow smile spread across Raphael’s lips. “Still breaking things, I see.” Lucian stood, towering over them. “What are you doing here, Moretti?” Raphael slid his hands into his pockets, eyes gleaming with amusement. “I heard Seraphina was back. Thought I’d come see her for myself.” Seraphina lifted a brow. “So this is a social visit?” Raphael’s smirk deepened. “You could say that. But I also came to warn you.” Lucian’s expression darkened. “Warn her about what?” Raphael’s gaze locked onto Seraphina’s. “That the walls are closing in. And soon, you won’t be able to hide the truth

  • The Billionaires Runaway Wife    Chapter 8: The Fire Inside

    She didn’t stop walking. Not when she reached the hallway. Not when the burn in her throat became unbearable. She needed to breathe. To think. To forget. But as she pushed open the balcony doors and stepped into the cold night air, she knew one thing for certain. No matter how much distance she put between them, Lucian’s fire would never stop burning inside her. And that was the most dangerous part of all. Seraphina slammed the door behind her, the echo ringing through the dimly lit room. Her chest rose and fell in shallow breaths as she pressed her back against the wood, eyes shut tight. Don’t think about it. Don’t feel it. Don’t let him get to you. But the image of Lucian and Evelyn was burned into her mind, taunting her. Evelyn’s smirk. Lucian’s silence. The way his eyes held hers like she was the only one who mattered—until she wasn’t. Her fingers curled into fists, nails digging into her palms. A bitter laugh escaped her lips as she shook her head. "Pathetic,

  • The Billionaires Runaway Wife    Chapter 7: Shattered Illusions

    Seraphina moved through the dimly lit hallway, her pulse pounding with each step. The silence in the mansion felt unnatural, as if the walls themselves held their breath, waiting for something to unfold. She hadn’t intended to wander. But after her call with Ava, the suffocating weight in her chest had become unbearable. She needed air. She needed clarity. And that was when she heard it. A soft, feminine laugh. Evelyn. Followed by a deep, husky murmur. Lucian. Seraphina’s heart clenched. Her fingers tightened into fists at her sides as she followed the voices down the corridor. They led her to Lucian’s private study—a place that had once been hers as much as his. The door was slightly ajar. She hesitated. Every instinct screamed at her to turn back, to not look—but she couldn’t stop herself. Slowly, she pushed the door open. And what she saw made her stomach plummet. Lucian sat on the leather couch, shirt unbuttoned, his muscular chest exposed. Evelyn straddl

  • The Billionaires Runaway Wife    Chapter 6: The Edge of the Lie

    The chandelier above cast a golden glow over the grand dining hall, but Seraphina felt none of its warmth. She sat stiffly at the long mahogany table, a place set for two, but the atmosphere was anything but intimate. Lucian sat across from her, calm, composed—watching her like a predator watching its prey. “I expected you to be more talkative,” he mused, twirling his wine glass between his fingers. Seraphina picked at the untouched food on her plate. “I have nothing to say.” Lucian smirked. “That’s a lie. But I’ll let you keep it—for now.” The weight of his words settled over her like a noose tightening ever so slightly. He was getting closer. Too close. The doors creaked open, and Evelyn strode in with effortless confidence, her black dress hugging her every curve. Seraphina didn’t miss the way Evelyn’s fingers trailed along Lucian’s shoulder as she leaned in, whispering something in his ear. He chuckled. Seraphina’s stomach twisted, but she refused to react. She wouldn’t

  • The Billionaires Runaway Wife    Chapter 5: Shadows of the Past

    Seraphina sat at the vanity, staring at her reflection in the gilded mirror. Her hair was still damp from the shower, strands clinging to her skin like delicate chains. The dress Lucian had left for her—a silk gown in a shade of midnight blue—clung to her body, fitting too perfectly. He still remembers my size. The thought made her stomach twist. She wanted to rip the dress off, to throw it in his face, but she knew better than to provoke him now. Lucian was playing a long game—one she had no choice but to endure. A knock at the door made her tense. Before she could respond, the door swung open, and she walked in. Evelyn. Lucian’s right-hand woman. Tall, poised, and breathtakingly beautiful, Evelyn had an air of effortless elegance that made Seraphina’s stomach churn. She wore a fitted black dress, her blonde hair pulled into a sleek bun, and when she smirked, it was with the confidence of a woman who knew she had power. Seraphina's gaze flicked to the wine glass in Evelyn’s h

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status