Chapter: Chapter 6Elena"I said get in, Elena," the voice repeated, sharp and unyielding over the heavy drum of the rain.I stood completely frozen under the shelter’s metal roof, my wet duffel bag clutched tightly against my ribs. The bright headlights cut straight through the darkness, blinding me as the driver leaned across the console to push the passenger door open. Warm, dry air rushed out into the freezing night, carrying the scent of rich leather, expensive cologne, and cold rain.It was Aeron Blackwood.My heart slammed violently against my ribs, so hard I thought it would shatter. Of all the people in this massive city, of all the dark shadows that could have pulled up to this empty bus stop, it had to be him. The powerful, ruthless man who had taken my innocence in that dark hotel room just weeks ago. The man who was supposed to marry my sister Isabella in a matter of months."I... I can't," I stammered, my voice breaking into a fragile whisper against the noise of the storm. My boots felt r
Last Updated: 2026-08-26
Chapter: CHAPTER 5: THE RUNAWAYElena"He will drag you to that clinic himself, Elena," my mother’s cold voice echoed in my head, right alongside the sharp, final click of the key turning in the lock.I jumped off the mattress and threw myself against the wooden surface. I grabbed the brass handle and shook it with all my strength, over and over, until the metal rattled against the frame."Mom! Open this door! You can't keep me in here! Please, Mom!"Only silence answered me. Then came the soft, rhythmic sound of her footfalls fading down the hallway carpet."Mom!" I screamed, slamming my open palms against the hard wood until the skin stung with a sharp, burning heat.Hot tears blurred my vision, spilling over my eyelashes and dripping down my neck. She wasn't bluffing. She was really going to tell my father. When he got home from his business dinner, he wouldn't argue with me. He wouldn't listen to my pleas or look at my tears. He would grab my arm, drag me out to the car, and force me into that doctor's office hi
Last Updated: 2026-08-26
Chapter: Chapyer 4ElenaMom didn't scream. Instead, she sat slowly beside me, her voice trembling. "How... how in God's name did this happen, Elena?"I choked back a sob, and with my voice breaking at every second word, I told her everything.When I finished, her hands moved slowly to cup mine. I cried harder at the warmth of her fingers. I couldn't remember the last time she'd looked at me so tenderly."Does..." She closed her eyes and swallowed. "Does he know?"I shook my head violently. "No. No, he doesn't. He probably doesn't even remember my face. It was dark, and he seemed a bit drunk and all."Mom let out a long breath, opening her eyes. Slowly, her hands dropped from mine."Then it's all good. There's no problem then."I looked up at her. "No problem?"She nodded. "All we have to do is get rid of it. No need to cause a scene."I froze, unable to believe the words that had just come out of her mouth."W... what?""You heard me," she replied, her voice disturbingly calm. "We'll go to a clinic tom
Last Updated: 2026-08-22
Chapter: Chapter 3ElenaIsabella's soft sobs drew me back to reality. I blinked, my head throbbing."—she did it on purpose, Mom! You know she did!"I shifted slightly and turned my head. Two figures stood near the door. Isabella was pacing back and forth, her gown creased and ruined, tears smearing her carefully applied mascara down her flushed cheeks. Mom held her trembling hands."Isabella, calm down, please. Your father already handled it.""Handled it?" Isabella choked out, shoving Mom's hands away. "She fainted right as Aeron was kissing my hand! Everyone stopped looking at me, Mom! The photographers turned their cameras toward her! She ruined my night!""I know, darling, I know," my mother soothed. "Your father is furious. We will deal with her, I promise you. But right now, you need to go to your room and rest. Aeron’s mother called—she was very understanding, but we cannot afford to look unraveled.""I hate her," Isabella spat, her voice trembling with venom. "I hate her so much. Why does she
Last Updated: 2026-08-22
Chapter: Chapter 2ElenaI blinked at her words. Fiancé?I didn't know who she was talking about, but as long as Arthur’s name was off the table and no one was trying to drag me into a room with a man who used his fists to talk, I couldn't care less."Congratulations, Isabella," I said softly. "Mom and Dad are obviously thrilled."Isabella didn't even look up from her fingernails, currently being buffed by a maid. "Thanks, Elena. It's a big deal, after all.""Yes, it is," Mom snapped. "Isabella is going to be the most powerful woman in Manhattan. If you really want to congratulate her, the best gift you can give this family is staying completely out of the way. Don't make a scene, don't throw your little tantrums, and for heaven's sake, fix your posture.""Your mother is right," my father added. "The Blackwoods are old money and ruthless. One slip-up, one pathetic rumor from your little outbursts, and this entire deal could hit a bump. Keep your mouth shut and stay in your room if you can't manage a ple
Last Updated: 2026-08-22
Chapter: Chapter 1Elena"He is offering five percent of his company," my father snapped, slamming his hand hard on the table. "This is not for discussion. You're marrying him."I stared at him, trying to hold back my tears. "He’s fifty-two, Dad. He’s been divorced three times, and everyone in Manhattan knows why his last wife spent two weeks in a hospital before packing her bags.""Rumors," my mother cut in without looking up from her tablet. She was adjusting the seating chart for next week’s charity gala, her delicate fingers flicking across the glass. "Ex-wives are always bitter, darling. Besides, Arthur comes from old money. His family line is spotless.""Spotless?" I let out a harsh, dry laugh. "He hits women, Mom. He uses his money to buy off the police every time he trashes a club in the Hamptons. You’re trading me to a monster!""Shut up!" My father yelled, standing up. "A monster? You should be thanking God someone of Arthur’s standing is even asking for you! Look at yourself—no talent, no bus
Last Updated: 2026-08-22
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