CHAPTER 20 — "THE FINAL MOVE"
The next morning, the sun felt deceptively calm, spilling warm light across the campus lawns.
But the tension in Elias's apartment hadn't dissipated.
If anything, it had grown heavier overnight, pressing down on Lena and him like an invisible hand.
Lena sat on the couch, tracing patterns on her sleeve, while Elias moved restlessly across the room.
He had called the dean, informed security, and sent emails to his closest colleagues — anyone who could prevent Maya from escalating her games.
But none of it was enough.
Maya had a cunning mind, and a willingness to manipulate anyone around her.
Elias's jaw was tight. "She's dangerous, Lena. And she's not done yet."
Lena lifted her head. Her voice was quiet, but firm. "Then let's make sure she doesn't get a chance."
He froze for a moment, eyes meeting hers.
"You mean… confront her?" he asked, incredulous.
"Yes," she said, standing. "We can't just hide or wait for her to act. She won't stop until she's forced to."
---
## **The Confrontation**
By late afternoon, they found Maya in one of the quieter faculty lounges, flipping through documents with a calculated calm.
Elias's stride was purposeful as he approached her. Lena stayed slightly behind him — but close, ready.
"Maya," Elias said, voice low and controlled, dangerous in its calm. "We need to talk. Now."
She looked up slowly, a smile on her face that didn't reach her eyes.
"Elias," she said smoothly. "I was wondering when you'd finally notice me."
"You've been harassing Lena," he said, every word cutting like steel. "The messages. Following her. Trying to manipulate everyone around you. Stop."
She tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Manipulate? My dear Elias… you make it sound like I'm doing something wrong."
"You know exactly what you're doing," he snapped. "And I won't let it continue. Not one step further."
Her smile faded slightly. She stood, meeting him eye-to-eye. "And what if I don't stop?"
Elias stepped forward, slow, measured, unyielding. "Then the entire department will know. Your games. Your obsession. And you'll face the consequences."
Lena stepped closer, voice trembling but strong. "You've hurt me. You've scared me. And I will not let anyone control me like that, not you."
Maya's eyes flicked to Lena — surprise, irritation, and a flash of fear she tried to mask.
"You're bold," she said, voice tight. "I'll give you that."
"And you're finished," Elias said quietly. "Stay away. Or there will be no warnings next time."
---
## **The Tension Breaks**
For a long, tense moment, no one moved.
Then Maya laughed — sharp, forced, bitter.
"You think this changes anything?" she asked. "You're blind if you believe she'll be safe."
Elias's hand brushed Lena's, a silent reassurance.
"Maybe," he said slowly. "But she's not yours to touch anymore."
Maya's expression hardened. She backed away slightly, then nodded, as if conceding — temporarily.
"This isn't over," she said. And with that, she left, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.
The silence that followed was thick.
---
## **Aftermath and Relief**
Lena exhaled slowly, leaning into Elias. "I can't believe that's over… for now," she whispered.
He wrapped his arm around her, pressing his forehead to hers. "It's not over until we say it's over. But right now… you're safe. That's what matters."
Her hands rested on his chest. Her heart still raced — from fear, adrenaline, and the intensity of the confrontation.
"I've never felt so terrified… and so safe," she said softly.
"You don't have to choose, Lena," he murmured. "With me, you can feel both."
She laughed softly through tears. "You make no sense."
"And yet," he said, voice low, fierce, "you're still here. And I'm still yours."
The sun was setting outside, bathing the room in gold.
For the first time in days — maybe weeks — Lena allowed herself to relax fully.
They had faced the threat together.
They had stood side by side.
And nothing, not even betrayal or danger, could break what had begun between them.
Her hand found his again. They squeezed each other tightly, silently vowing:
**Together. Always.**