Chapter 5

“I don’t care—I have to see her tonight,” Adrian hissed to himself as his car pulled up in front of a luxury apartment complex in the heart of the city.

It was late, but the lobby lights were still on. The night guard, who recognized Adrian, let him through without question. Adrian’s face was dark, his eyes sharp. There was anger. There was longing. And there was a wound he couldn’t even begin to understand.

He stood in front of a familiar apartment door—one he hadn’t visited in a long time. A place once filled with laughter, tears, and memories with Deviana. Now, all that remained was distance and regret.

His hand clenched at his side. And with a conviction caught somewhere between pride and guilt, he waited—for the woman who had haunted his thoughts for days.

Then came the sound of footsteps and the creaking of an elevator.

Adrian knew—it was Deviana.

The elevator doors slid open.

Deviana stepped out gracefully, holding a small shopping bag. She looked tired, but peaceful—until her eyes landed on Adrian, standing by her door.

She froze.

“Adrian?” she asked, her tone revealing both surprise and displeasure.

Adrian stepped toward her.

“Come back to me, Deviana. I won’t disappoint you again. I swear.”

Deviana’s breath caught, but she quickly turned her face away, brushing off the words. “It’s too late.”

“I know I was wrong. I know I hurt you. But don’t pretend you don’t miss me. I know you’re hurting too because of this separation.”

“Don’t belittle my feelings, Adrian. I’m not pretending. I genuinely don’t want to be with you anymore,” she said firmly, her eyes sharp and unwavering.

“Ever since you left me at the altar… that’s when I let go of every last piece of love I had for you.”

Adrian took a deep breath, trying to steady the storm inside him. “You’re angry because the wedding didn’t happen? Fine. I’ll plan a new one—bigger, more luxurious. I’ll invite the whole city if I have to. I’ll make it up to you, Deviana.”

Deviana gave a bitter smile. “You really think this is about a party? It’s not about luxury, Adrian. It’s about pain. About how you crushed my pride in front of everyone.”

She stepped closer. Her eyes were no longer warm—they were sharp, like blades.

“All this time, I was just a doll in our relationship. Always chasing you. Always trying to be the woman you loved. But you? You never really saw me. And now... I’m done. I want freedom from everything that has to do with you.”

Adrian was silent. Her words hit like a series of slaps.

But instead of backing away, he stepped forward.

And just as Deviana turned to unlock her door, Adrian suddenly lifted her into his arms.

“Adrian! Put me down!” Deviana screamed, pounding her fists against his chest. But Adrian kept walking toward the elevator without saying a word.

“What the hell are you doing?! Put me down now!” she shouted, panic rising. But Adrian’s body was strong—and his resolve, even stronger.

The elevator opened. They entered. Deviana kept struggling, but Adrian remained silent, his eyes staring straight ahead. His expression—a twisted blend of rage, longing, and chaos.

Moments later, they were in the basement parking lot. Adrian opened his car door and swiftly placed Deviana inside. He got in the driver’s seat and locked the doors.

“What do you want, Adrian?!” Deviana’s voice cracked. Her eyes were red, her breath unsteady.

Adrian turned to her, his face broken yet trying to stay composed.

“I want to take you home. To our home. The place we used to laugh. The place we used to look at each other without fear.”

Deviana let out a bitter laugh, tears spilling down her cheeks. “You still call it our home? You’re the one who destroyed it. You left me at the altar, Adrian. And now you just show up, kidnapping me like this?”

Adrian opened his mouth, but no words came. He wanted to explain everything—but didn’t know where to begin. Every word felt worthless compared to the pain he had caused.

“Deviana… I’m afraid of losing you. That’s the only reason I’m here.”

“You’re only afraid now that I’m really gone? After I tried to hold on all alone? After you chose someone else on the very day we were supposed to be united?”

Adrian said nothing. He couldn’t deny a single word.

Deviana wiped her tears. Her gaze turned cold again—firm. Unshaken.

“Listen closely, Adrian. Loving someone isn’t like owning an object. You don’t get to pick it up and toss it aside whenever you want. I’m not your doll. And this”—she pointed between them—“is over.”

She stared at him hard. Then, in a voice low and piercing:

“Take me back to my apartment. Now.”