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Chapter 10
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2025-01-05 01:54:32
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Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 11
ELENA'S POVI felt my hand make contact with Karen's cheek, the sharp sound of the slap echoing through the tense air. A stunned silence followed as Karen stared at me, her hand pressed to her reddened skin.It didn't take long for her minions to jump to her defense. "How dare you slap Karen?" one demanded, their voice filled with outrage. "You think you can get away with anything just because you're someone's mistresse?"Another chimed in, their words dripping with malice. "Yeah, you should be ashamed of yourself. Don't you have any respect for Mr Hawthorn's fiancée?"Their accusations felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over my head, freezing me in shock. The world seemed to slow down around me, their words repeating in my mind over and over again. 'Adrian's fiancée?'The irony of the situation was not lost on me. Here they were, accusing me of being a mistress, completely unaware that I was, in fact, Adrian's wife. Even if it was a contracted marriage, it still
Last Updated : 2025-01-06Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 12
ELENA'S POV "Elena, are you alright?" he asked, concern etched on his face. Without waiting for an answer, he pulled me into a warm embrace, his arms encircling me protectively.I clung to him, my tears soaking into his shirt as I tried to catch my breath.Lucas held me tight as I sobbed into his chest, my body trembling with emotion. After a few moments, he gently pulled away, his expression a mix of concern and tenderness."Elena, you have to be more careful," he scolded, his voice firm but gentle. "You almost got hit by a car! What were you thinking, crossing without looking?"His words, meant to be caring, only served to make my tears flow harder. I clung to him tighter, burying my face in his chest as I let all my pent-up emotions out.Lucas, realizing the gravity of my distress, wrapped his arms around me once again, holding me close as he stroked my hair. "It's alright, Elena. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. Just take your time."Lucas, sensing that I was in no state t
Last Updated : 2025-01-07Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 13
LUCAS POVLucas took a deep breath, steeling himself for the difficult conversation ahead. "Elena, I ran away because I had no choice. My father passed away, and his family was after me and my mother for our inheritance. They were willing to kill us both, so I had to make the decision to run away and protect my mother."He paused, reliving the painful memories. "It was the hardest decision I've ever had to make but I knew that if I stayed, we would both be in danger. So I left everything behind and started a new life in a different city. I couldn't risk contacting you or anyone else for fear that it would lead them straight to us."Lucas looked into Elena's tear-filled eyes, his expression sincere. "I never stopped thinking about you, Elena. I missed you every day, but I couldn't come back until I was sure it was safe. And now, I have the resources to protect myself and my mother. That's why I came back, to make things right and to try to win back your trust."I stared blankly at
Last Updated : 2025-01-08Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 14
ELENA'S POVElena stirred awake to the sound of a gentle knock on the door. Blinking the sleep away from her eyes, she sat up, her mind still foggy with the remnants of her dreams."Come in," she called out, her voice still thick with sleep.The maid entered with a warm smile on her face. "Good morning Miss Elena. Mr. Lucas has requested your presence for breakfast, and he would like to accompany you home after that."Elena's heart fluttered at the thought of seeing Lucas again. She nodded, "Thank you, please tell him I will be down soon."The maid nodded and left the room, closing the door behind her.Elena took a deep breath, running a hand through her dishevelled hair. She felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension at the thought of leaving the safety of the room and facing the world again. But she knew that she couldn't hide forever, and she was ready to take the next step.After freshening up and getting dressed, Elena made her way downstairs to the dining room where bre
Last Updated : 2025-01-08Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 15
LUCAS POV I sat at my desk, the sunlight pouring in through the windows and warming my skin. My thoughts were consumed by the financial reports in front of me, but my mind kept drifting back to last night. Elena had been captivating, her intelligence and wit shining through in every conversation. I found myself replaying our interactions in my mind, a small smile forming on my lips.As much as I wanted to focus on work, I couldn't shake the thought of her. I knew she was dealing with a difficult situation with Adrian, but I couldn't deny the connection I felt. Just as I reached for the phone to call her, my assistant's voice buzzed through the intercom."Mr. Lucas, there's someone here to see you."My heart skipped a beat at the thought that it might be Elena, but I quickly composed myself. "Send them in," I replied, setting down the phone and turning my attention to the door.Alicia burst into the room, her energy palpable as she rushed towards me. I braced myself as she wrappe
Last Updated : 2025-01-09Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 16
ELENA'S POV I woke up early, the morning sunlight filtering through my curtains. I stretched and sat up in bed, preparing myself for another day at work. After getting ready, I grabbed my bag and headed out the door, making my way towards the office.I had walked away angrily from Adrian's presence last night and surprisingly he let me go.Why would he have me followed? It's enough he's ruining my life with the contract marriage!As I approached the entrance, I noticed Karen and her minions standing there, a smirk on their faces. I knew they were up to no good, and sure enough, they intentionally blocked my way, trying to make me late and lose a point."Excuse me," I said, trying to keep my tone polite as I attempted to squeeze past them.Karen stepped in front of me, her eyes glinting with malice. "Oh Elena, we didn't see you there," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You should watch where you're going. You wouldn't want to be late, would you?"I gritted my teeth, know
Last Updated : 2025-01-09Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 17
ELENA'S POV Just then, the lights in the office flickered and went out, plunging me into darkness. I felt a cold breeze blow past me, and a shiver ran down my spine.Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching from behind me. I turned, my heart racing, but I couldn't see anything in the pitch blackness."Who's there?" I called out, my voice echoing off the walls.There was no response, just the sound of footsteps growing closer and closer. Fear gripped me as I realized I was not alone in the office.I took a step back, feeling for the door behind me. But as my hand closed around the knob, I felt something cold and metallic against my neck."Don't move," a voice whispered in my ear. "Or you'll regret it!"" P.pplease let me go," I stammered,trying to get the stranger to reason with me.I felt something cold press on my back, and I froze in shock and fear ran down my spine.' He was pressing a gun on my back! Fuck he has a gun!' I thought thinking of a way out for myself. " Please what
Last Updated : 2025-01-10Bound by debt; Freed by love Chapter 18
LUCAS POV I drove as fast as I could to Elena's office, my heart pounding with worry. As I pulled into the parking lot, I saw Adrian's car parked haphazardly near the entrance. A sense of dread washed over me as I rushed out of my car and towards the building.As I approached, I saw Adrian coming out of the office, Elena in his arms. She looked unconscious, her head lolling against his chest. Anger and fear coursed through me at the sight.Adrian looked up and noticed me, a smug smirk crossing his face. It was as if he was proud of what he had done, showing off his conquest like a trophy."What have you done to her?" I demanded, my hands balled into fists at my sides.Adrian chuckled, shaking his head. "Just a little sleeping aid, nothing to worry about. I'm taking her home with me."I took a step forward, ready to take Elena from his arms, but Adrian stepped back, out of my reach."Don't even think about it, Lucas," he warned, his voice hard. "You've had your chance with her, now
Last Updated : 2025-01-11
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Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 152
LUCAS' POV The face of the night was no different from my reoccurring dreams since I mysteriously found myself in an hospital two years ago. Although every face I saw seemed strange to me, but the man and lady who called themselves my uncle and aunt both had a safe aura that made me trust them – only a little. According to them, I'd been out for six months with less than thirty percent chance of ever coming back to life. They both shared with me tiny bits of memories which were mostly centered around them and also introduced me to a few old friends like Nathan and James who still rang no bells in my head. But somehow, they knew the exact things I liked and every time spent with them always left a feeling of nostalgia. However, there was still one face that caused my sleepless night and made me jerk from my sleep, gasping for air. I didn't know her or even seen her since I woke up, and that's what confused me the most. The hopelessness and disappointment in her eyes always sent a
Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 151
ELOISE' POVThe hall was filled with everyone in the same attire as me - graduation gowns and caps waiting to be thrown into the air once we were done listening to the boring speech. A delighted smile filled my face as I zoned out, reflecting on all the years that passed, the hurdles and fears I survived throughout the two years I'd spent here pursing a degree in music. My brief experience with David and the words of the manager that still stung everytime I thought about it, had only fueled my drive to apply for scholarship programmes with a sense of desperation until I was finally accepted here. Just two years back, I'd left New York and all of its dreadful memories behind, determined to start a new life here in Germany but more times than often, I'd wished I didn't leave so early…or ever at all. Elena's death came like a bomb to me just few days after I'd arrived at school, and it took all of my will to not run back and spend the remainder of my life mourning her undeserved death
Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 150
LUCAS' POV How many times could you loose a person before loosing them forever? More times than any normal friends or couple, Elena and I had ended it trying to say goodbye before it was too late but each time after that, we knew where to always find each other if we wanted. And most times, fate even did the job for us. But this time, fate seemed to have his hands raised in surrender letting all my bad decisions catch up with me as I froze motionlessly, watching the only person I would ever love, disappear right before my eyes and falling to her death. Thud! My knees crashed to the rocky ground, numb to the crack from the hard rocks underneath them. Tears and blood flowed freely from me as my heart dropped to my stomach. The only reason for my existence was gone. She was never to come back. My lips quivered wanting to scream, beg or do anything that would rewind the hands of time to the night I should have given up everything and run away with her instead. My heart shattered int
Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 149
ELENA'S POVPain shot through my arms the moment I opened my eyes, adjusting to the strange surroundings I was in. Wait, how did I get here? The only thing I remembered was Dave dropping me off at my apartment after we'd escorted Eloise to the airport. But just when I stepped into my apartment, ready to retire for the night, I blacked out.I frowned, wincing a little when I felt a sharp sting of pain at the side of my head. Those bastards! My eyes took in the room even though it was pitch black and I could barely see a thing but I could definitely feel the pole my hands were tied to behind me. There was no need guessing or asking why I was in this position as it had always been one reason – Lucas. It was in times like this I wished he'd never returned, ruining my perfectly peaceful life before his arrival. Why couldn't they go after Sofia since she was his fiancee? Lucas and I hadn't exchanged a single word since his engagement party so how could they be so sure he would care as m
Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 148
LUCAS POV I gazed emptily at the last page, soaked with tear drops from my red, swollen eyes aa I'd not slept a wink throughout the night. How in God's name could I ever have accepted the name Everhart? My breaths continued to slow down the more I tried to comprehend how Luci and I were only a product of my father's constant abuse towards my mother who was only fucking nineteen when she had us. Yet, her love for us spilled through the letters even with most of them covered in dried blood. Her only wish was for her children to never know the Everhart family, and now I realized just how much I'd broken it heeding to my fears of never being the man enough for Elena. Anyways, it was all done now and they would come anytime soon – when I least expected it. I picked up my phone to call uncle Dave and after three rings, he finally answered groggily. “Hey Lucas, are you on your way to the airport now? Call me once you land okay”, he said, yawning loudly and wincing shortly after. I smile
Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 147
LUCAS' POV It was time for drinks as Alfred had said and I clicked the tip of my glass impatiently waiting for almost an hour. The club he'd chosen was the same one we met in for the first time a couple of months back. While I spent the abundant time on my hands contemplating if I'd made the right choice by agreeing to meet for dinner, a gust of cold, heavy air blew through the thick suit clinging to my back, resting harshly on my bare skin.Well, it was too late already to decide that, wasn't it? The carefree, teasing smile on my face instantly washed off when I sensed the murderous aura coming from him. Squinting my eyes softly in confusion, I opted to go straight to the point, “Looks like you're here for blood instead of drinks like you promised”, I said, carefully scrutinizing his expression but I'd easily forgotten, he wasn't easy to read through unless he let you in himself. His jaws clenched tightly, like they were barely restricting themselves from doing worse. “You have n
Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 146
ELENA'S POVMy days had truly become brighter after only a few of these networking events with Dave. Although I felt like a terrible person who took his generous personality for granted but each time those thoughts attempted to creep in, I'd always blocked them out, refusing to dwell on them. “Are you sure you aren't already head over heels for him already?”, Eloise asked that morning as I paced up and about in my bedroom freaking out about what clothes to put on and how I was going to wear my hair, which was pretty unusual even for me. “Look at you, glowing like a young bride”, she remarked, her eyes shining with excitement as she stared at my distressed self moving around everywhere. I sighed in exhaustion, not in the mood to accommodate her silliness ever since I told her of my impromptu decision to agree to people's speculations of our relationship. “It was the safest option”, I'd tried to defend, knowing very well it wasn't. Neither Dave nor I could actually care less about t
Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 145
LUCAS' POVMy step mother had begun to look much better in only a couple of days she joined me in my apartment. Despite the sense of emptiness in her eyes, her previously sunken cheeks were starting to show some signs of revival unlike before. “I'm sorry for ever causing you this much pain Lucas, but there was no other way I could think of”, a day didn't go by without giving me an earful of her apologies and regrets for letting me know my true identity as an Everhart. ‘It’s a curse’, she always said and I chortled in response everytime. “If I had known, I'd have flown you out of the country to somewhere Steven would never be able to find you, but I was just too scared”, she sniffled, her tone sounding distressed and causing weary lines to form on my forehead again. “It's okay stepmother, I'll rebuild the Everhart family for all of us, I promise”, my hands rubbed hers gently, a flame of determination reflecting in my eyes. After taking my rightful position as heir to everything lef
Bound by debt; Freed by love CHAPTER 144
ELENA'S POV “Elena, Elena, where are you?”, I heard Eloise' panicked screams from the kitchen and chuckled silently, enjoying the fuss, hoping it'll take longer but the inevitable scent of my cookies led her straight into the kitchen before I could enjoy my moment. “There you are”, she sighed in relief, sniffing the scent of the cookies as I neatly arranged them on a tray. “Can I have one?”, she asked, a sheepish tone I found endearing but I wasn't done teasing her just yet. “No, you can't. They're all for me and I didn't make any extras”, I explained, keeping up a straight face and stepping out of the kitchen while stifling a laugh. “Okay, I understand. You definitely need them more than I do”, she quietly conceded, following me closely from behind as I settled on the dining table serving on three plates. “Elena, what are you doing?”, she asked, her voice rising in panic again. Just as I was about to answer, the doorbell rang while she offered to get it. “Hi Dave, come on and ha
