ELENA:
Help me destroy him.
The words came out cold.
Steady.
Unlike the broken woman I was just hours ago.
For a moment, silence stretched between us.
Adrian didn't answer immediately.
He stood there, watching me as I had just transformed into something unfamiliar… something far more interesting than the fragile woman he had brought into his house.
You're serious, he finally said.
It wasn't a question.
I've never been more serious in my life.
My fingers tightened at my sides.
Images of Marco flooded my mindhis lies, his betrayal, the way he looked at me like I was nothing.
Like I was disposable.
Like I was just. something he could trade.
I gave him everything, I continued, my voice low but shaking with suppressed rage. My loyalty. My love. My life. And he sold me like I was nothing.
Adrian didn't interrupt.
Didn't comfort me.
He just listened.
And somehow, that made it worse.
I don't want justice, I added. I want him to feel what I felt.
His eyes darkened slightly.
Revenge, then.
Yes.
He took a slow step closer.
You understand that once you start this, there's no going back.
I already lost everything, I replied. What else is there to lose?
For a brief second, something flickered in his gaze.
Not pity.
Not kindness.
But recognition.
Like he understood that feeling all too well.
You're not the only one who has reasons to want Marco ruined, Adrian said quietly.
That caught my attention.
What do you mean?
Instead of answering, he walked past me and poured himself a drink.
You'll learn in time.
I'm not here to play games, I snapped. If you want me to trust you, start talking.
He let out a low chuckle.
Trust?
He turned to face me again.
I never asked for that.
I clenched my jaw.
Then what do you want from me?
He walked closer again.
Closer than before.
Too close.
You want my help, he said. That comes with conditions.
Of course it does.
You stay here.
I frowned.
That's it?
For now.
That's not enough.
It will be, he replied calmly. Because what you're asking for isn't something you can handle on your own.
I hated how sure he sounded.
You don't know what I can handle.
No, he agreed. But I know the people your husband is dealing with.
My chest tightened.
And?
And if you walk out of here alone, you won't make it past the gates.
A cold chill ran through me.
You're lying.
I'm not.
His voice didn't change.
Didn't soften.
Didn't hesitate.
That scared me more than anything.
Those men who took you last night? he continued. They weren't the worst of it. They were just the beginning.
My stomach dropped.
So what? I said, forcing strength into my voice. You're my savior now?
His eyes hardened.
I'm not anyone's savior.
Then why did you step in?
Silence.
Heavy.
Uncomfortable.
Then.
Because I don't tolerate men who treat women like disposable assets,he said finally.
The answer surprised me.
It was too, real.
Too direct.
You expect me to believe that? I asked.
I don't expect anything from you, he replied. Believe what you want.
I stared at him.
Trying to read him.
Trying to understand what kind of man stands in front of me.
A monster?
Or something worse
A man who thinks he's not one.
Fine, I said after a long pause.
His brow lifted slightly.
You agree?
I agree to your terms.
I stepped closer.
If you help me destroy Marco… I'll stay.
His gaze dropped briefly to my lips.
Then back to my eyes.
And you'll follow my rules.
I'll follow what benefits me.
A faint smile touched his lips.
Careful, Elena.
Why?
You're starting to sound dangerous.
Maybe I always was, I said quietly.
He extended his hand.
Then we have a deal.
I stared at it.
This moment felt heavier than anything that had come before.
Because this wasn't just about survival anymore.
This was about transformation.
Slowly.
I reached out.
And took his hand.
His grip tightened slightly.
Firm.
Certain.
Like he had just claimed something
Or someone.
Welcome to my world, Adrian murmured.
And for the first time since everything fell apart.
I felt something new.
Not fear.
Not pain.
But something darker.
Something that whispered
This is only the beginning.