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CHAPTER THREE — THE TRAP
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2026-01-31 18:40:55So Lucien didn't trust her either. Smart man.
"That's fine," I said.
Twenty minutes later, the elevator doors opened and Lydia swept in like she owned the place.
She was stunning as always, designer dress, perfect hair and flawless makeup. The kind of beauty that came from having endless time and money to maintain it.
She rushed toward me, her arms outstretched.
"Aria! Oh my God, I was so worried!"
She wrapped me in a hug as I forced myself not to stiffen.
"I'm fine," I said, pulling back reluctantly. "Really."
Lydia's eyes went to my bandaged wrists as I saw something flash across her face. It was a flicker of satisfaction, quickly hidden behind concern.
"Fine? You tried to kill yourself!"
"I didn't try to kill myself," I said carefully, injecting just the right amount of weariness into my voice. "I just... I had a moment of weakness. I'm so tired, Lydia. So tired of all of this."
Perfect! Let her think I'm still broken and still desperate.
"I know, sweetheart. I know." Lydia grabbed my hands, her grip just a little too tight. "That's why you need to get out of here. Away from him."
"It's not that simple," I said, playing my part. "You know it's not. His security is everywhere, I can't just leave."
"That's why Ethan and I have been planning something." Lydia's eyes gleamed with barely concealed excitement. "We can get you out, Aria. But we need your help."
Here it comes, I thought. The trap.
"What kind of help?"
"There are some papers. Legal documents that would give Ethan power of attorney over your affairs. Just temporarily," she added quickly, seeing my hesitation. "Just until we can get you away from Lucien safely. That way, Lucien can't freeze your accounts or cut you off financially when you leave."
My stomach turned.
In my previous timeline, I'd signed those papers, signing away everything.
"I don't know, Lydia. That sounds risky."
"Risky? What's risky is staying here with a man who's clearly unstable! He has isolated you, Aria. He is clearly controlling you. Last night you were so desperate that you had to hurt yourself!" She squeezed my hands tighter. "Please. Trust me and trust Ethan. We only want to help you."
I let doubt and fear show on my face. "Can I think about it?"
Lydia's expression tightened with frustration, but she still forced a smile. "Of course. Of course you can think about it. But don't take too long, okay? Ethan is waiting. He wants to see you so badly."
"I know," I said softly. "Tell him... tell him I miss him too."
The lie tasted bitter on my tongue, Lydia's face lit up instantly.
"Really? Oh, Aria, that makes him so happy. He's been planning something special for you. A surprise." She leaned closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "He wants to take you away, just for a weekend. Somewhere Lucien can't find you, somewhere you can finally be free."
Somewhere they could finish what they started, I thought coldly.
"That sounds wonderful," I said, letting hope creep into my voice. "But how? Lucien watches me constantly."
"Leave that to us," Lydia said confidently. "Just be ready. And in the meantime, think about those papers, okay? It's really important."
She stood up, smoothing her dress as I caught the subtle calculation in her eyes as she happily thought she was winning.
"I should go," she said. "But I'll text you later. And Aria?" She touched my cheek with false tenderness. "Everything will be okay, I promise. You'll be with Ethan soon, and all of this will just be a bad memory."
The elevator doors closed on her satisfied smile.
I stood there, my hands clenched into fists.
Soon after, Marcus appeared in the doorway. "Mrs. Blackwood?"
"I'm fine," I said. "Is Lucien monitoring the apartment?"
Marcus hesitated, then nodded. "Audio only. He'll review the recording when he returns."
“He would think I'm playing him… again.“ I thought as I sighed heavily.
My phone buzzed.
Lydia: I'm so glad you're finally seeing reason! Ethan is thrilled. He says he loves you and can't wait to see you. I'll send you the papers tomorrow. Just sign them and we can start planning your escape!
I stared at the message, then typed a response.
Me: Okay. I'll look at them. Thank you for being such a good friend, Lydia.
Another message came through, this time, it was from Ethan.
Ethan: Lydia told me the good news. I knew you'd come around, beautiful. I've been patient, but it's been killing me being apart from you. Soon, very soon, you'll be mine, where you belong.
The possessiveness in his message would have thrilled me once, but now it just made me sick.
But I needed to keep up the act.
Me: I've missed you too. I'm sorry for making you wait.
Ethan: You're worth the wait. But don't make me wait much longer, Aria. My patience has limits.
And there it was, the subtle threat underneath the romance.
I set down my phone and went to the window, looking out at the city.
Seven months. I had seven months to turn the tables on them and seven months to somehow earn back Lucien's trust.
Though after he heard today's recording, I know that trust would be even more shattered.
The front door opened and my heart leaped involuntarily.
Lucien was back earlier than expected.
He strode into the living room as I gasped at his impeccable physique accentuated by his long legs. But there was something darker in his expression now.
Marcus approached him immediately, speaking in low tones.
Instantly, I saw Lucien's jaw clench as his hands curled into fists at his sides.
Then he started moving toward me with that predatory grace as I shivered at the fury laced in his grey eyes.
"To my office," he said, his voice deadly calm. "Now!"
I followed him, my heart pounding hard.
As soon as we entered the office, he stop abruptly in his track and turned to face me making me hit his sturdy and firm chest with my little face.
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