I'm really sad about the lack of support lately.
Writing isn't easy, and without your votes and reviews, it feels pointless to keep updating.
Please show some love — or I might stop posting new chapters.
Damian's phone buzzed. He answered, his tone calm but sharp.
"Yes?"
"Sir," came the professional nurse voice from the other end.
"The woman—she's awake."
For a moment, Damian said nothing.
"I'll be there," he replied quietly, ending the call.
He walked into the living room where Elena sat reading, he stood for seconds admiring her.
"I'll gone for some days," he said simply.
Her head lifted immediately. " Where?"
He didn't answer that. He only stepped closer, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"Just… don't miss me too much while I'm away, cupcake."
Before she could say anything, she rose to her feet, standing too close.
Then, shy and bold at the same time, she leaned up and pressed a light kiss on his lips.
It was brief, but it sent something sharp and warm through Damian's chest. She quickly looked away, her cheeks red.
He smirked faintly. "You're getting naughty this days, Elena."
"Then maybe you should stop tempting me," she whispered.
He chuckled lowly, then turned and left.
As his disappeared down the house, Elena's heart fluttered hard against her ribs.
She pressed her hand over it, whispering to herself.
"Why I'm I feeling this way, I can't be falling for him."
Hours later, night covered.
She cleaned up before she tossed in bed, unable to sleep.
Curiosity gnawed at her—the "restricted room" Damian had warned her about.
She slipped on a robe and tiptoed through the quiet halls, her bare feet making no sound against the marble floor.
When she reached the hallway near his study, her eyes landed on the heavy wooden door.
She tried the handle—it was locked.
Frustrated, she sighed and leaned her forehead against it.
"What are you hiding, Damian…" she whispered before turning back to her room.
The next day;
Elena woke up late that morning. The room was quiet, too quiet. She stretched, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, and glanced around.
It still felt strange waking up in a place that wasn't her home — everything here was spotless, grand, and cold.
She took her bath and changed into a floral blouse and a pair of blue jeans, her hair falling loosely on her shoulders.
She sat by the mirror brushing it, sighing softly. "I can't stay in here all day," she muttered under her breath.
"I'll go crazy."
Her eyes drifted toward the door.
"I hope the butler and those bodyguards will let me leave this time," she whispered, standing up and grabbing her bag.
When she got downstairs, the butler was already arranging flowers in a vase near the hallway.
He looked up the moment he saw her. "Good morning, Miss Elena."
"Good morning," she said with a small smile.
"I was hoping to go out for a bit. I just want to buy a few things from the supermarket."
The butler hesitated, straightening his back.
"I'm sorry, Miss, but the Master gave strict instructions. You can't leave without his approval."
Elena crossed her arms lightly, tilting her head.
"Damian isn't even around," she said gently. "He won't be back today. I'll just be quick, I promise. I only need a few things, that's all."
He looked unsure, glancing toward the security camera in the corner like it would tell him what to do.
After a long pause, he sighed. "Alright," he said finally. "But the chauffeur will take you, and he will stay with you."
Elena's lips curved into a small smile.
"Thank you," she said sweetly. "Do you want me to get anything for you while I'm out?"
The butler shook his head, still stiff. "No, Miss. I'm fine."
She smiled again, then turned and headed toward the garage.
Parked neatly among Damian's cars was a black G-Wagon — sleek, shiny, and intimidating. The chauffeur stood beside it, already dressed in black and waiting.
"Good morning, Miss Elena," he greeted, opening the door for her.
"Morning," she said as she climbed in, buckling her seatbelt. The car purred to life, and soon they were driving through the tall gates that led out of Damian's mansion.
She rolled down the window slightly, letting the wind brush her face.
After a short drive, they reached the supermarket.
The chauffeur parked the G-Wagon neatly in front of the entrance and stepped out first, looking around carefully before opening her door.
"I'll come with you, Miss," he said.
Elena frowned a little. "That's not necessary. I'll be fine on my own."
He shook his head politely. "I have to, Miss.
She sighed softly. "Fine, but please don't hover around me."
Inside, she walked through the aisles slowly, picking up a few snacks, bottled water, and toiletries.
The chauffeur followed a few steps behind, quiet but alert, his eyes scanning everyone who passed by.
When she was done, they reached the cashier. She handed over the basket and smiled at the man behind the counter.
Before she could take out her purse, the chauffeur spoke quickly.
"Please wait in the car, Miss. I'll handle the payment."
Elena hesitated. "You sure?"
"Yes, Miss. I'll be right behind you."
She nodded, giving him a small smile. "Alright. Thank you."
Walking back to the G-Wagon, Elena could feel people's eyes on her — maybe because of the car, maybe because of the driver in a black suit who followed her earlier.
she suddenly froze when she saw a familiar figure.
"Alex?" she called out softly, disbelief in her voice.
He turned — familiar face, familiar smile. "Elena?"
Before she could react, he rushed to her and pulled her into a hug.
She stood stiff not responding to his hug, her eyes darting around nervously — checking for the chauffeur as her mind drifted to Damian.
Elena froze, her eyes wide as Alex stood before her — alive, breathing, real.
Her voice trembled, "You're… you're alive?"
Alex gave a faint smile, touching his shoulder.
"Yeah, I'm alive. Damian shot me, but he missed my heart. It hit my shoulder. I survived because i was rushed to the hospital."
Her lips parted, but no words came. Tears welled up in her eyes, rolling down her cheeks before she could stop them.
"Oh my God… Alex," she whispered, her voice breaking.
"I'm so sorry. This is all my fault. I shouldn't have involved you. I only wanted to find my aunt—"
He shook his head quickly. "No, Elena. Don't blame yourself."
She took a step closer, her voice soft and desperate.
"Listen to me, we can't see each other again. Please. You need to stay away from me. It's for your safety."
Alex's jaw clenched. "No, Elena. I love you. I'm not staying away from you again." "I lost your contact that's why I couldn't find you".
She looked at him with pain in her eyes.
"Alex, you don't understand. Damian is—"
"I don't care about Damian," Alex cut her off sharply. "I'm not scared of him. We could run away, Elena.
You and I. Leave all this behind. Start over somewhere no one will find us."
Her heart twisted painfully. For a moment, the thought of running, of escaping this dark world, tempted her. But she shook her head, he had her aunt.
"I can't. I won't drag you into my mess again, Alex. I'm sorry."
She turned to leave, wiping her tears, but she didn't get far.
Suddenly—
Vroom! Vroom!
The roar of engines filled the air.
A dozen motorcycles swarmed the parking lot, speeding in from every direction as they surrounded her.
she gasped, turning around.
Before Alex could react to go save her, one of the bikers jumped off his bike and swung a metal rod, hitting Alex hard across the head.
He fell to the ground, blood spilling as Elena screamed his name.
"Alex! No!"
Her voice echoed through the chaos. She tried to run to him, but two bikers grabbed her arms.
She kicked and struggled, screaming, "Let me go!"
They dragged her toward a waiting SUV.
"Let me go" she shouted, her voice breaking.
The chauffeur, hearing that the was a commotion, came running out of the supermarket.
He pulled out his pistol from his pocket when he saw they were with Elena, aiming at the bikers.
But before he could fire
Bang! Bang!
Two shots.
He dropped instantly, hitting the ground as blood spread on the pavement.
People screamed. Shoppers scattered in every direction, dropping bags, covering their heads.
The motorcycles roared again, surrounding the SUV as it sped off with Elena trapped inside.
Her fists hit the window, tears streaming down her face. "Please! Let me go!"