Flames of love and war のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 31 - チャプター 40

Adam's POVI watched as Laura walked out of my office, her shoulders stiff, her mind undoubtedly racing. She thought she could waltz in here, challenge me, and walk away on her terms. Amusing. She was still the same, fierce, defiant, unwilling to back down. That’s what I always admired about her. But admiration didn’t change the fact that I couldn’t trust her. I turned my chair toward the floor-to-ceiling window, my gaze settling on the city skyline. The company I had just taken over, “Eccho Enterprises” wasn’t just another acquisition. It was a calculated move. A strike against old enemies who had been circling my family like vultures for years. Every company paid taxes. Every company had loopholes. But Eccho Enterprises had more than just financial skeletons in its closet. For years, they had hidden behind boardrooms and legal jargon, pretending to be legitimate. But I knew better. They had been working in the shadows, funneling money to anyone who had a reason to see my fam

Laura's POVThe air here was natural, clear and untainted by city life. It was expected since we were surrounded by mounting trees. This was a good place to dump a dead body without getting caught. Something tolde he used it for that purpose.I squared my shoulders, forcing my trembling legs to move, refusing to let him see how scared I felt.Kelvin was already a few steps ahead, walking hurriedly in a direction and leaving to scamper after him with my not so long legs. The deeper we went, the more I realized how completely cut off from the world we were. The trees towered overhead, their thick branches stretching wide, casting eerie shadows against the dim evening sky. The only sounds were the crunch of our footwear against the wet soil and the occasional rustling of leaves. I had been so focused on keeping up with Kelvin’s long, hurried strides that I didn’t even notice the house until we were right in front of it. And when I did, my breath hitched. It wasn’t just a house. I

Laura's POVI took a deep breath and adjusted my grip on the rifle, which still felt entirely too foreign in my hands. The weight was awkward, the barrel long and unfamiliar, and the idea of actually pulling the trigger sent a nervous shiver down my spine. Kelvin’s uncle watched me expectantly, his expression carrying the same level of patience as a wolf waiting for its prey to make a wrong move. “Go on, then,” he said, gesturing toward a branch where another unsuspecting bird perched. “Let’s see if you’ve got any natural talent.” I exhaled sharply and lifted the gun, squinting through the sight. The bird shifted slightly, as if sensing impending doom. My finger hovered over the trigger. I fired. The recoil slammed into my shoulder with surprising force, nearly making me stumble back. The sound was deafening, the sharp scent of gunpowder burning my nose. And the bird? Still very much alive. “Damn it!” I hissed, lowering the rifle. Kelvin’s uncle let out a loud bark o

Laura's POVThe air in the room felt heavier with him in it. He was standing too close. His presence was like a shadow I couldn’t escape, dark and consuming. My back pressed against the dresser, the wood digging into my skin as I stared up at him, my breath coming too fast, too shallow. I hated the way he looked at me. Like he saw something inside me I couldn’t see myself. Like he knew something I didn’t. And worse, like he owned it. I clenched my fists, forcing my spine to straighten even as my body betrayed me, a sharp pulse of heat rolling through me at his nearness. Damn him. “Move,” I demanded, my voice steadier than I felt. Kelvin’s smirk deepened, his hands still planted firmly on either side of me, caging me in like a predator toying with its prey. “Or what?” His breath ghosted against my skin, and I hated that my pulse jumped at the sensation. I refused to let him win. Lifting my hands, I shoved against his chest with all the strength I could muster.

Kelvin's POVThe air was crisp, laced with the lingering chill of dawn as I slipped out of bed. I moved silently, my muscles fluid from years of training. The dim light filtering through the curtains barely touched her face, but I could see the rise and fall of her chest, steady and peaceful. She was still fast asleep.I let my gaze linger for a second longer than necessary before shaking myself out of it. Focus. I grabbed my running shoes, stepped into them with practiced ease, and quietly made my way outside. The estate was eerily still, the kind of silence that only came before sunrise. The air smelled of damp earth and pine, the trees swaying gently in the breeze. I started my usual route, feet hitting the ground in a steady rhythm. Running was my ritual, my way of keeping control. But today, something felt… off. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. I wasn’t alone. I kept my pace, pretending not to notice the shadow slipping through the trees. A mista