Chapter 25

Chapter 25 – He Is the Culprit

Ariana stood frozen. The person she had trusted all this time was now standing before her, a triumphant expression on their face.

"You?" Her voice trembled, unable to believe what she was seeing.

The figure only smirked, fingers tightening around her arm.

"I told you, Ariana. You’re not going anywhere."

She struggled to pull her arm free, but the grip only tightened, making her wince in pain.

"Why are you doing this?" she asked, her breath ragged. "I trusted you!"

The person leaned in closer, their voice a whisper laced with menace.

"Your trust was my biggest mistake."

From the distance, Richard's voice grew louder.

"Ariana! Where are you?"

She turned toward the sound, but suddenly—

"Don't move!"

A cold object pressed against the back of her neck. Ariana stiffened instantly.

"Let her go."

Richard’s voice was even closer now, his breathing heavy—he had been running.

The person holding Ariana chuckled. "I can’t let that happen."

Ariana clenched her teeth. "I won’t let you control me."

The person laughed softly. "Oh, Ariana… you never had a choice to begin with."

Then, Richard emerged from the shadows, his eyes burning with fury.

"Let her go. Now."

But instead of fear, the person only grinned.

"And if I refuse? What will you do, Richard?"

Richard’s fists clenched. His gaze was sharp, tension crackling in the air.

Ariana could feel the pressure of the moment, and without thinking, she lifted her leg and slammed her foot into the person's shin.

"Argh!"

The grip on her arm loosened just enough. Ariana yanked herself free.

"Richard! Now!"

Richard didn’t waste a second. He lunged, slamming the person against the stone wall.

"I’m done playing games."

The person chuckled darkly despite the pain. "You think this is over?"

Before Richard could respond, someone suddenly appeared from behind and delivered a hard blow to his shoulder.

"Richard!" Ariana screamed.

Richard stumbled but quickly recovered. However, they were surrounded now.

Ariana grabbed his hand. "We have to go!"

Richard nodded, but their enemies were already prepared.

"There’s no way out for you."

Ariana knew they were trapped. But she also knew one thing—she wasn’t going down without a fight.

"If you think I’ll just surrender, you’re dead wrong!" she shouted, eyes blazing with fury.

Without hesitation, she grabbed a wooden chair nearby and hurled it at their attackers. One of them dodged, but another took the full impact and collapsed.

Richard used the moment to strike.

"You’re not touching her again!" he growled.

A solid punch landed on his opponent’s face, sending them sprawling.

Ariana dashed toward the door, but a hand yanked her back.

"You’re not getting away, Ariana."

She struggled, but the grip was too strong. Richard saw her and immediately charged, tackling the person to the ground.

Ariana didn’t hesitate. She grabbed the door handle and forced it open.

But just as she stepped outside, someone blocked her path.

"Going somewhere, sweetheart?"

Ariana’s breath hitched. That face—the one she never wanted to see again.

"Daniel?" she whispered, voice barely audible.

Her ex-husband stood there, wearing a smug smile as if savoring her distress.

"Surprised, Ariana? I told you—I always take what’s mine."

She took a step back.

"What do you mean? You already destroyed me once, Daniel. What more do you want?"

Daniel moved closer, his eyes dark and dangerous.

"I want to make sure you never find happiness without me."

Ariana’s chest tightened. "You’re insane."

Daniel chuckled. "Maybe. But I’m not letting you go that easily."

From behind, Richard pushed himself up, his eyes burning with rage.

"Don’t you dare touch her."

Daniel turned to him and scoffed. "Oh, you think you can protect her? You don’t even know what game you’re playing, Richard."

Richard stepped forward, placing himself between Ariana and Daniel.

"I don’t care how deep your twisted game runs. I only know one thing—I won’t let you hurt her again."

Daniel smirked. "Let’s see who wins in the end."

Ariana’s hands trembled. She didn’t know what Daniel was truly planning, but one thing was certain—this wasn’t over.