Chapter 2

Lily couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in her stomach after receiving the text from Mark. She pushed it to the back of her mind, but it lingered, a constant reminder of the life she had left behind.

Despite her fears, she couldn't resist the pull she felt towards Ethan. They had exchanged a few texts since the charity event, and he had invited her to dinner at his penthouse apartment. 

She knew it was risky, but she couldn't help but be drawn to him.

As she stepped out of the elevator and into Ethan's apartment, she was struck by the opulence of the space. 

The walls were adorned with priceless works of art, and the furniture was sleek and modern. She felt out of place, but Ethan's warm smile put her at ease.

He led her to the balcony, where a table had been set for two. The view was breathtaking, the city lights twinkling below them. They sat down, and Ethan poured them each a glass of wine.

As they ate, they talked about their lives, their hopes and dreams. Lily felt as if she had known Ethan for years, and she couldn't help but be drawn to his charm and sophistication.

After dinner, they moved to the living room, where Ethan put on some music and poured them each another glass of wine.

 They danced, their bodies moving in perfect harmony, and Lily felt as if she was in a dream.

As the night wore on, Ethan leaned in and kissed her, his lips soft and gentle. Lily felt her heart race as she surrendered to the passion that burned between them. 

They made their way to the bedroom, their bodies entwined, and Lily felt as if she was finally experiencing true happiness.

But as they lay in bed, their bodies still entwined, Lily's phone buzzed. She hesitated, not wanting to break the spell, but the persistent buzzing made it impossible to ignore. 

She picked up the phone, her heart racing as she read the message:

"I know where you are, Lily. And I'm coming for you. - Mark"

Lily's blood ran cold as she read the message. How had Mark found her? She had been so careful, so cautious. She turned to Ethan, her eyes wide with fear.

"Ethan, I have to go. I don't know how, but Mark has found me."

Ethan's expression turned serious, and he pulled her close, his arms wrapping around her protectively.

"Don't worry, Lily. I won't let anything happen to you. We'll figure this out together."

Lily felt a sense of relief wash over her as Ethan held her close. She knew she was playing a dangerous game, but she couldn't help but be drawn to him. 

She had never felt so alive, so desired.

As they lay in bed, Lily's mind raced with questions and fears. How had Mark found her? And what was he planning to do? She knew she had to be careful, to stay one step ahead of him.

But as she drifted off to sleep, her mind filled with thoughts of Ethan, she couldn't help but feel as if she was playing a dangerous game. 

She had left one controlling and jealous man, only to find herself drawn to another. She knew she was playing with fire, but she couldn't resist the pull she felt towards Ethan.

The next morning, Lily woke up to find Ethan gone. She felt a pang of disappointment, but she knew he had his own life to lead. 

She got dressed and made her way to work, her mind still racing with thoughts of the night before.

As she sat at her desk, her phone buzzed with a text message. She hesitated, unsure if she should read it, but her curiosity got the better of her. 

She opened the message, her heart racing as she read the words on the screen:

"I hope you enjoyed your night with Ethan. Because it will be your last. - Mark"

Lily felt a sense of dread wash over her as she read the message. How had Mark known about her night with Ethan? And what was he planning to do?

As she tried to focus on her work, her mind kept drifting back to the message. She knew she had to be careful, to stay one step ahead of Mark. 

But she couldn't shake the feeling that she was playing a dangerous game, one that could have deadly consequences.

As the day wore on, Lily couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in her stomach. She knew she had to be careful, to stay one step ahead of Mark. 

But as she left work and made her way to her apartment, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched.

As she stepped into the elevator, she felt a hand grab her from behind. She turned to face her attacker, her heart racing with fear. It was Mark, his eyes filled with rage.

"I told you, Lily. I won't let you get away with this. You belong to me."

Lily tried to break free, but Mark's grip was too strong. She felt a sense of desperation wash over her as she realized she was trapped. She had left one controlling and jealous man, only to find herself in the clutches of another.

Lily's heart was pounding in her chest as she struggled against Mark's grip. She knew she had to think fast if she wanted to get out of this alive.

"Mark, please let me go," she pleaded, her shaking with fear. "I don't belong to you. I never did."

Mark's grip tightened, and Lily winced in pain. She knew she had to stay calm, to find a way to break free.

"Listen to me, Lily," Mark growled. "You're mine. You always have been. And I won't let anyone take you away from me."

Lily's mind raced as she tried to think of a way out. She knew she couldn't overpower Mark, but maybe she could outsmart him.

"Mark, please," she said, her voice trembling. "I don't want to fight with you. Let's talk about this. Maybe we can work something out."

Mark's expression softened slightly, and Lily saw a glimmer of hope. Maybe she could reason with him, convince him to let her go.

But just as she was about to speak again, Mark's phone rang. He hesitated for a moment, then released his grip on Lily and answered the call.

Lily took the opportunity to run, her heart pounding in her chest as she sprinted towards the elevator. She hit the button frantically, praying that it would arrive in time.

As the elevator doors opened, Lily stepped inside and hit the button for the lobby. She could hear Mark's footsteps echoing down the hallway, and she knew she had to act fast.

She hit the emergency stop button, and the elevator ground to a halt. She could hear Mark pounding on the doors, but she knew they wouldn't give way.

Lily took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down. 

As the elevator doors closed, Lily knew she was in for the fight of her life. She had to find a way to escape, to break free from Mark's grasp. 

But as the elevator descended, she couldn't shake the feeling that " her life was about to change forever".