Elizabeth’s legs wobbled as she was yanked from the train and pushed toward a small house set in the middle of what appeared to be nowhere.Shadows stretched long under the darkening sky, and the air was thick with an eerie silence. She barely caught her breath before her captor shoved her forward again, his grip unforgiving as he dragged her up a narrow path toward the door.The house looked unremarkable at first glance, but as they drew closer, Elizabeth noticed the bars on the windows, the thick, steel locks that ran down the door’s edge. Her heart sank. It wasn’t a place anyone left once they entered.Without a word, the man pushed her through the door, and Elizabeth stumbled inside, her gaze quickly sweeping the space. Her stomach churned. In the dim lighting, she could see girls—young, vulnerable, bound and broken—lined up against the walls, each one casting pleading, terrified looks at her and her captor. Whimpers and faint sobs filled the air, a quiet desperation that wrapped
Elizabeth’s pulse pounded as the door creaked open, and the same man who’d dragged her from the train leered at her from the doorway, his dark gaze sharp and predatory. She took a step back, her instincts screaming at her to run, but there was nowhere to go, and he blocked the only way out. He tilted his head, smirking as he held out his hand, mocking politeness.“Come along now,” he sneered, clearly enjoying her fear. “It’s time you met our guests. Don’t be shy.”Her feet stayed glued to the floor, even as she tried to summon the courage to walk past him without a trace of fear. But her heart hammered too loudly, and her palms were clammy as she curled them into fists at her sides. The faint sounds of distant laughter drifted through the hall, and dread sank into her stomach, twisting it into tight, painful knots.The man sighed, the smirk vanishing as impatience took over. He strode toward her and seized her arm roughly, pulling her forward with enough force to jolt her into motion.
Elizabeth’s pulse thundered in her ears as her gaze met his—her “buyer.” He was tall, his posture straight and imposing, exuding a silent authority that made the air around him feel heavier. His piercing green eyes seemed to cut right through her, studying her with a depth she couldn’t comprehend. She felt an unsettling mix of fear and confusion.For a moment, he said nothing, and his silence was unnerving, as though he was sizing her up, deciding if she was worth whatever he had paid. She held her breath, waiting, her heart racing faster with each second that passed under his cold scrutiny.Then, he extended his hand toward her. The gesture was strangely gentle, almost out of place in this dark, twisted setting. She stared at his hand, unable to bring herself to take it, her eyes flicking back up to his face. There was something about him she couldn’t quite grasp. His expression was unreadable, almost stoic, like a mask hiding whatever lay beneath.In the silence, she found herself t
Elizabeth's heart hammered as the car turned down a wide, secluded drive lined with towering trees. Her pulse quickened with each passing moment, both from the uncertainty of her situation and from the curiosity rising within her. She didn’t know much about her "buyer," but one thing was certain—he possessed wealth and power that went beyond anything she'd seen before.As the car glided to a stop, her eyes widened at the sight before her. A sleek collection of luxury cars stretched along the drive, each one more extravagant than the last. She hadn’t thought anyone could rival Mr. Black or her brothers in terms of wealth, but this man—whoever he was—seemed to surpass them effortlessly. She stared, unable to suppress a soft gasp as she took in the endless display of opulence.When she glanced back at him, she found herself lingering on his features, his chiseled jawline and those intense green eyes that held a strange, almost unreadable look. He was undeniably handsome, a fact she’d not
Adrian sat across from Elizabeth in the quiet dining room, his eyes never leaving hers. She could feel his intense gaze even when she looked down, fiddling with the napkin in her lap. The silence stretched, filling the air between them with an unspoken question.Finally, Adrian broke the quiet, his voice gentle but insistent. “Elizabeth, I want you to tell me how you ended up here.”Elizabeth’s fingers stilled, and she looked up, meeting his gaze with a slight shiver. Part of her hesitated, unsure if she should open up to him. Yet, in the calm, unassuming way he watched her, there was something that made her feel... safe.Taking a deep breath, she began, her words slow and careful at first. “I didn’t just end up here,” she said softly. “It started with my family—a complicated mess of brothers, a dangerous uncle, and... someone I trusted who betrayed me.”Adrian’s eyes darkened slightly, his expression serious. “Go on.”“My brothers—Mike and Ryan, Leo , Zack—they’re all I have. We’ve a
Mike's point of View Mike paced the dimly lit room, his fists clenched, knuckles raw and aching from the hours he’d spent trying to break through Uncle Nick’s silence. It was maddening—each minute that passed without answers felt like another wall closing in on him, trapping him in his own frustration. He’d tried every approach he knew, from coaxing to threats, but Nick’s expression had remained that same smug sneer.Across the room, Nick sat bound to a chair, a thin trickle of blood running from his split lip. Even now, with bruises darkening his skin and a cut above his eyebrow, he looked far too pleased with himself. Every punch seemed to fuel his sick enjoyment, a twisted satisfaction that drove Mike up the wall.“You think this is funny?” Mike growled, his voice barely containing the rage simmering beneath. “You think you can just sit there and smirk after everything you’ve done?”Nick lifted his head slowly, his gaze mocking as he met Mike’s eyes. “You’ve gotten sloppy, Mike.
Mike's point of View Mike walked back and forth on the chilly concrete, growing increasingly impatient. He had already put in hours attempting to extract information from Uncle Nick, but all efforts were unsuccessful. He felt overwhelmed by the silence and realized he couldn't deal with it by himself anymore. Mike took out his phone and quickly decided to involve his brothers, without much hesitation. Leo and Ryan were the only ones who could assist him in reaching Nick. He let out a sigh before initiating a video call, and shortly after, Leo's face showed up, then Ryan's. Both of them had serious expressions on their faces and appeared to understand the gravity of Mike's impending words. "I didn't intend to involve you both in this situation," Mike began, his tone showing weariness but determination. However, the focus is on Elizabeth. We lack the time for ego or rage. We require explanations, and Nick is not sharing them. Ryan's face showed his frustration as he frowned. "Mike
Laying on the luxurious bed in Adrian's grand house, Elizabeth's thoughts raced while she gazed up at the sophisticated chandelier. Despite the opulence and sophistication of her surroundings, her mind was engulfed in the shadows of doubt and anxiety. She attempted to reassure herself by recalling that she had endured worse situations before, but this time was unlike any other. She was distant from her family, Mr. Black, and all familiar faces. Adrian's mansion was a stronghold. She could only see a little from her room, but she had spotted his many security guards, all equally intimidating. Although this location resembles a castle, for her, it was just like being trapped in a different jail. Her train of thought was interrupted by a gentle tapping at the door, causing her to sit up hastily with a blend of worry and anticipation. It could have been Adrian once more. Although he appeared cold on the outside, there was a quality about him that gave her a sense of security - a p
Elizabeth's Point of ViewAs the car pulled up in front of the house, a smile spread across my face, lighting up my entire being. I could barely contain the excitement bubbling inside me. After everything—after the surprises, the time spent in Paris, the love from Black, and everything else in between—I was finally going back home.Home.There was something so comforting about returning to the familiar, the place that had once felt so chaotic but now felt like a refuge. I couldn’t wait to see my dad and my brothers again. They’d all been so supportive, and I couldn’t help but wonder what they had planned for my birthday.It felt surreal, knowing that I was about to turn twenty. Two decades of life, with all the ups and downs. But this moment—this was the best birthday I could have ever asked for.I stepped out of the car, holding my puppy gently in my arms, and walked toward the door with a skip in my step. Each footstep brought me closer to the people who mattered most in my life. Th
Elizabeth's Point of View"Everything ready?" Black asked me as I snuggled my new puppy closer to my chest, feeling her little body warm and soft against my skin.It’s been a month now since we left everything behind and went on our little escape to Paris. The memories we made here were unlike any other, and I cherished each moment. The Eiffel Tower, the cafés, the romantic walks under the Parisian sky—it had all felt like a dream. But all good things must come to an end, and now, it was time to go home.“Yeah, everything’s packed,” I replied, walking around the room to double-check that nothing was left behind. I couldn’t help but smile. It was a bittersweet feeling, knowing that this chapter was closing. But I was also eager to get back to my family.Home was waiting, and it was time to reunite with them after everything that had happened. My father had called earlier, telling me that Mr. Black was trying to take me away from him, and it made me laugh. I knew how possessive my dad c
Rose’s Point of ViewThe air felt warmer than usual as Mike’s car hummed softly along the road. My fingers twisted nervously in my lap, the soft fabric of my dress bunching between my fingertips. I glanced at Mike every few moments—his calm expression as he drove, the faint smirk he wore like it was second nature, and the way his strong hands gripped the steering wheel.I didn’t understand him.“Why?”The word slipped out before I could stop myself.Mike glanced at me briefly, his voice soft as he replied, “Why what?”“Why are you being so kind to me?” I asked, forcing my voice to stay steady. I didn’t dare look at him now; instead, I focused on the houses blurring past outside the window. “You’ve been like this since the first day we met.”For a second, there was silence—just the soft hum of the car and the faint music playing from the radio.Then he said it.“Because I like you, and I want to take you on a date.”His voice was so casual, so matter-of-fact, that for a moment I though
Mike’s Point of ViewI leaned back in my office chair, exhaling a long breath as I scrolled through my phone. My sister Elizabeth’s picture popped up—her smiling face glowing brighter than the Parisian lights in the background. She looked so happy, holding that tiny white puppy in her arms, Mr. Black standing proudly beside her.She looked like Mom.That smile, those eyes—they reminded me of the mother we lost far too soon. I set my phone down with a quiet sigh, my fingers brushing over the stack of papers on my desk. No matter how chaotic life got, seeing Elizabeth happy always brought me a strange kind of peace.“Mr. Mike?”I turned my head toward the soft, almost hesitant voice coming from the door. Rose stood there, her small hands fiddling nervously with the hem of her dress. Her wide eyes peeked up at me shyly, and I couldn’t stop the small smile that tugged at my lips.“Yeah, Rose?” I said softly, leaning back in my chair.She hesitated for a second before speaking. “Um, today
Elizabeth’s Point of ViewThe sunset cast streaks of gold and pink across the Parisian skyline as I stood by the balcony, staring at the Eiffel Tower. The view was breathtaking—unreal, almost—but nothing felt as dreamlike as this moment.Behind me, the faint rustle of fabric caught my attention. I turned to see Mr. Black walking toward me, his hands tucked casually into the pockets of his tailored slacks. He had changed into a crisp white shirt, the sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal his strong forearms, and his top two buttons left undone.It wasn’t fair how effortlessly handsome he looked.“You’re staring,” he teased, his lips curving into a slow smile.I blushed and turned back toward the balcony, pretending to focus on the view. “No, I’m not.”“Liar,” he murmured.I felt his presence behind me before he touched me—a soft warmth that sent a shiver down my spine. He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me gently against him, and rested his chin on my shoulder. I melted int
Elizabeth’s Point of ViewWarm lips pressed against my cheek, then my nose, and finally my forehead, stirring me awake. I giggled, scrunching my face and swatting lightly at the culprit.“Stop it,” I murmured with a laugh, trying to push Mr. Black’s face away as he hovered over me, peppering me with kisses.“Good morning to you too,” he teased softly, his voice deep and smooth like melted chocolate. “You didn’t complain last night when I was being this affectionate.”I blushed at his words and shoved him playfully. “You’re insufferable.”He grinned that roguish grin that always did something to my heart, sitting back slightly so I could sit up. I stretched, the soft sheets pooling around me as I blinked, trying to take in the elegant room we were in.Paris. We had arrived in Paris.Two hours ago, we stumbled into this hotel room after a long trip, too tired to do much more than crash onto the bed. But now, the light pouring through the balcony windows revealed the beauty I had missed
Alexander's point of View The shots echoed through the building, sharp and final. I didn’t need to be there to know what had happened. Victor Hale was dead, and my boys had finally done what needed to be done. I leaned back in the chair, a slow exhale slipping past my lips.It wasn't exactly. More like relief—the kind of relief that settled deep in your bones after years of carrying a weight too heavy to bear.Adrian sat next to me, his fingers drumming idly on the armrest. He looked calm, but I knew better. Guilt sat heavy on his shoulders, and no amount of time could erase it.“Where’s my little Elizabeth?” Adrian’s voice broke the quiet. He smiled faintly, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes.I let out a low chuckle. “Not so little anymore. She’s off with that man—Mr. Black.”Adrian’s brow furrowed slightly, but the smile returned. “And you’re fine with that?”“She’s in love with him,” I replied simply, a smile tugging at my lips. “He makes her happy. That’s all I care about.”M
Mike’s Point of ViewThere was a kind of satisfaction that came with this moment—a deep, twisted feeling of triumph as we stared at the man who’d torn our family apart. It wasn’t the kind of happiness that lit up your soul; no, this was darker. Sharper. A vengeance that burned in our veins.Victor Hale. The man who’d orchestrated our sister’s suffering, who’d sent our mother into an early grave, all because of jealousy. My mother’s sister Amanda had fallen into his trap years ago, and in her delusion, she’d joined him. But Victor… he was the mastermind. The cancer that ate away at our family until nothing was left but pieces.And tonight, we were finally going to end him.The room stank of sweat, blood, and concrete. Leo was the first to go at him. Every punch he landed echoed against the walls, and Victor grunted with each impact, his face swelling more with every blow. But the bastard… he was still smirking, as if he wanted to die.With every punch, I felt something inside me come
Adrian's Point of ViewThe dim light from the single hanging bulb flickered as I leaned against the chipped wall, staring at Victor Hale. Beaten, bruised, and bound to the chair, he still managed to look smug. His lip was cracked, his face swollen, but his arrogance hadn’t disappeared.“Your biggest nightmares are coming,” I told him, my voice low and cold.Victor let out a short, bitter laugh, his bruised face twisting into a smirk. “They’re finally coming, huh? Took them long enough. Must be a family reunion.”His words grated on me, but I didn’t let it show. Men like Victor thrived on getting under people’s skin. He wanted a reaction, something to latch onto so he could twist it into his favor.“I don’t think you understand what’s coming for you,” I said, pushing off the wall. My boots echoed against the cracked concrete floor as I stepped closer. “You sold my niece, shattered her life, and sent my sister—your precious Amanda—down a road she’ll never come back from. You’re going to