ELLA.
"Don't you dare lay your hands on me!" I snapped, my voice rising despite the dryness clawing at my throat.
It wasn't just a warning, it was everything I had left to stand on.
But Alex didn't stop.
"Cooperate with me, my love…I'm doing this for your own good," he said, taking another slow, calculated step closer, as though I were some fragile thing he could corner and claim. His tone was soft, persuasive and dangerously familiar. "Those triplets cannot be trusted. I know them too well, Ella."
His words grated against my ears—lies, half-truths and manipulation wrapped in concern.
"I promise you… I will scream!" I shot back, forcing strength into my trembling voice.
It was a threat…but also a plea.
Because I knew Alex. I knew how much he cared about his image, his name and his reputation. He wouldn't want attention, he wouldn't want witnesses.
But then…he smiled and something inside me dropped.
