The car crossed the city until it reached the neighborhood where Lina lived — a simple, old area, with cramped buildings and narrow sidewalks. Nothing like the elegant world Adrian came from.
At every corner, her heart beat faster.
Not because of the place…
But because of what waited inside it.
Adrian watched everything through the window with a neutral expression, but his eyes analyzed every detail: the worn-down buildings, the dark streets, the lack of safety.
"Do you live here?" he asked — not judging, just stating a fact.
"I do…" Lina replied softly. "But not by choice."
He didn't comment.
His silence said more than words.
When the car stopped, Lina's stomach twisted.
She took a deep breath.
"Okay… I'll go upstairs, grab my things and—"
"We will go upstairs," Adrian corrected, opening the door before the driver even had the chance.
"But you—" She looked at his impeccable suit. "You're going to attract attention!"
"I don't care." His voice was firm. "And I'm not letting you walk in alone."
Lina swallowed hard.
Part of her wanted to argue.
Another part… was relieved.
They climbed the narrow staircase to the third floor. The hallway smelled of mold and cigarettes. Lina was so embarrassed she wished she could vanish.
"It's here," she said, pointing to the chipped door.
Before she could even touch the handle—
The door swung open violently.
"Finally!" her mother shouted, loud and irritated. "You spend the night out and still come back with a man? Shameless! What are you trying to become now, huh?"
Lina went pale.
"Mom… don't yell. Not now…"
"Don't yell?! " the woman stepped closer, completely ignoring Adrian. "Your sister NEEDS the money for that test and you're out wasting time with… that?!"
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
That.
Lina closed her eyes in mortification.
"I just came to get my things," she whispered.
"Get your things?" Her mother laughed mockingly. "Going to run away? Oh no you're not! You have responsibilities here! Who do you think pays your bills, huh?"
"I pay my own bills, Mom," Lina said, finally lifting her chin.
Her mother snorted.
"Oh, sure! With those pathetic little jobs? You should be working to help your sister! SHE has a future! And you—" she pointed a finger at Lina's face "—should learn to be useful."
And then, at last, her mother noticed Adrian.
And went silent.
For two full seconds.
"Oh…" she said, fixing her hair. "And who is this? Your… friend?"
Adrian stepped forward.
His aura shifted.
Cold.
Sharp.
CEO.
"I am Adrian Luce."
Her mother's eyes widened, though she didn't seem to recognize the name — she just realized he was rich.
"H-hello…" she stammered. "Nice… to meet you."
Adrian ignored her completely.
He turned to Lina.
"Go get your things. I'll wait."
Lina hesitated.
"But…"
"Lina," he said, firm but gentle. "You're not asking for permission to leave. You're leaving because you chose to."
Her mother cut in immediately:
"She's not going anywhere without talking to me first!"
Adrian looked at her.
A single look.
Cold.
Imposing.
Dangerous.
"Miss Lina is an adult," he said, every word precise. "And she makes her own decisions. Any attempt to prevent that will be considered… inappropriate."
Her mother paled.
Lina's half-sister appeared behind the door, her expression sour.
"You always ruin everything, Lina," the girl complained. "Always the problem!"
Lina clenched her fists.
It hurt.
It always hurt.
But today…
Today it hurt less.
Because someone stood beside her.
Lina entered her small room and began packing — clothes, some books, an old picture of her grandmother. As she filled her bag, a mix of relief and guilt washed over her.
When she came out, her mother was forcing a polite smile toward Adrian.
"So… you two are… friends?"
Lina answered before he could.
"Engaged."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Her mother's jaw dropped.
Her half-sister went pale.
Adrian turned to Lina with discreet surprise — he hadn't expected her to say it so bluntly.
But he didn't correct her.
In fact… his eyes seemed to shine with approval.
Her mother grabbed Lina's arm.
"ENGAGED?! Lina, you are NOT throwing your life away with some rich stranger! You know how men like him are! They use you and then—"
Lina pulled her arm back.
For the first time in her life, with force.
"Mom. I've already decided."
Her mother opened her mouth… but her voice died when Adrian stepped closer.
"Miss Lina will be safe," he said, firm. "From now on, no one and nothing will harm her. And if anyone tries… they will answer to me."
Her mother paled.
Her sister stepped back.
Lina took a deep breath.
And walked through the door.
Adrian walked beside her, carrying her bag in one hand as if it weighed nothing.
When they reached the car, Lina's legs trembled.
"Are you alright?" Adrian asked.
She breathed deeply.
"For the first time… I am."
He studied her face.
Then opened the car door.
"Welcome to the first day of your new life, Lina."
And as she stepped inside, she knew — with absolute certainty — there was no going back.
Because beside him, for the first time…
She wasn't running.
She was beginning.