MARK'S POV Pulling the car to a stop in front of her apartment complex, I got down to help her. She was already fast asleep in the car, her head slumped against the window, soft breath escaping her lips. Her cheeks were still flushed, her lips slightly parted...completely unaware of the world around her. Sighing, I walked to her side of the car and opened the door gently, not wanting to wake her. I stared at her for a brief second before bending down and scooping her into my arms in a bridal style. She stirred slightly, mumbling something incoherent, her head falling against my chest as if it belonged there. She was light, too light. I tightened my hold on her as I made my way inside the building, nodding at the security guard who didn’t ask any questions, thankfully. Just as I reached the second floor, she mumbled something again, her voice barely audible. "Don’t leave me…" I paused, looking down at her. But her eyes were still closed. She wasn’t really awake. What exac
ELEANOR'S POV Waking up to a banging headache, it felt like my head was being split into two. Glancing at the table in front of me, I noticed the meds sitting quietly on it. Huh? Did I get this on my way home? I didn’t remember stopping anywhere. Hell, I barely remembered getting through the front door. The last thing I recalled was the sharp scent of cologne… and a hand on my arm. My heart skipped. Something didn’t feel right. Feeling the sharp pain, I winced in pain as I hurriedly grabbed the drugs and downed it with the bottle water. Maybe I managed to get home yesterday and blacked out. Sighing, I got up to take a much needed shower cause I stank of alcohol. Dragging my feet across the cold floor, I peeled off my clothes and stepped into the bathroom. The water took a moment to heat up, sputtering before turning into a steady stream. I stood there, letting it run over my skin, trying to piece together the blur of last night. Bits and pieces flickered...music, la
"Let's go" he said, still holding my hand as we walked out of the elevator. I could already hear whispers and gasps, I tried removing my hand from his grip but he held on tight. Sighing, I lowered my head, feeling uncomfortable. He didn’t seem to care about the stares or the whispers echoing through the hall. His pace remained steady, confident, like he owned the building...which, technically, he did. But I wasn’t used to this kind of attention. Not with him. Not like this. “Mr Warren…” I whispered, tugging at his hand again. Still not letting go, he leaned in just slightly, enough so only I could hear, “Ignore them.” I looked up at him, confused. “Why are you doing this?” "....." Of course he would ignore me. Sighing exasperatedly, I heard him say, "Call me Mark, not Mr Warren" My breath hitched. Call him Mark? That was new. He’d always insisted on the formality, always kept that strict professional wall between us. But now… I looked up at him again, trying to read his
"Of course" Doctor Rex said, smiling warmly. Standing up to my feet, I thanked the doctor before walking out of the office, my mind filled with thoughts about the treatment process. "Are you done?" Liam asked as he leaned against the wall, hands folded to his chest. Mark seemed lost in thought as he stared at me. "Yes, I am. Let's go" I said, hurriedly gesturing towards the hallway before they ask any questions. Liam raised a brow but didn’t push, just shrugged and fell in step beside me. “You’re acting weird” he muttered under his breath, though his tone held no malice, just concern. Mark, however, didn’t say a word. He followed quietly behind us, his presence heavy but unreadable. Still, I could feel his eyes on me, the way they lingered like he was trying to figure out what changed. We walked through the hospital in silence, the only sounds being the click of my heels and Liam occasionally humming some ridiculous tune. I didn’t want to answer their questions, not ye
The next day* Waking up to the honking sounds of cars outside my window, I groaned as I opened my eyes groggily, my annoyance reaching its peak. I needed to find a new apartment, one that wasn't close to the road Picking up my phone, I saw that it was already past twelve. Yawning loudly, I got up and walked to the kitchen, my stomach growling, reminding me that I didn't eat anything yesterday evening before going to bed. I opened the fridge and stared blankly at the near-empty shelves. A half carton of milk, a few eggs, and...was that leftover Chinese from three days ago? Yeah, no thanks. Closing the fridge with a sigh, I scratched the back of my head and muttered to myself, “Guess I’m ordering food again.” As I grabbed my phone to scroll through food delivery apps, my screen lit up with a message. Mark: “Are you free today?” I blinked. We hadn’t spoken much this week, and out of nowhere, here he was, texting like it was the most casual thing in the world. My thumb hovered o
"How did you know that?" I asked, sipping my glass of water to push down the food that almost choked me. "I guessed!" he replied half-assed, picking up his fork to continue eating. "You guessed? Or you had me followed?" I asked again, the time my fingers clenching into a fist. "....." "I'm done eating." I said, placing the glass of water back on the table before standing up. "I think I'll go home now, thanks for the food!" I said coldly. Mark stood up just as fast, his chair scraping softly against the floor. “Wait...Eleanor.” I stopped but didn’t turn. “You don’t get to follow me around or even run a background check on me." I huffed before continuing, "You also don't get to invade my personal space like that just because I work for you!" I said calmly. Mark’s jaw tensed at my words, but he didn’t speak right away. The silence between us stretched thin, taut with unspoken thoughts. People around the restaurant were beginning to glance our way, but I didn’t care. My pulse was h
"Wait... How did you know?" He asked, shock evident on his face.The room seemed to shrink around us, the quiet hum of the fridge fading beneath the pounding in my ears.I set my fork down, hands suddenly unsteady.“I...” My voice cracked. I cleared my throat and tried again. “I was that girl.”Liam stared, eyes widening as the pieces clicked. “The blue‑and‑brown eyes” he whispered. “I thought I imagined that part.”I managed a shaky laugh. “No. You didn’t.” I said, remembering I didn't wear my contact lens that day cause it was night.For a long moment neither of us spoke. I could almost feel the sand under my feet again, hear the crash of dark water, taste the salt and fear in my lungs. A memory I’d never been able to place now stood in front of me...alive, breathing, offering me take‑out.“Elle…” Liam’s voice was softer than I’d ever heard it. “All this time, and we never knew.”“It’s why the beach terrifies me” I murmured. “It’s one of the flashes Doctor Rex is trying to pull apar
MARK’S POV From where I waited in the darkened side street, I saw Liam emerge, shoulders hunched, hands shoved deep in his pockets. Even at this distance I could read the tension in his stride...too quick, too restless. Something had happened up there. Something with Eleanor. My jaw clenched. I didn't want him close to Eleanor, not in this life...not ever. Not after what he did. Not after the betrayal in my past life. But I have to keep my enemies closer, the closer they are... the easier it will be to get them. I can't afford to loose this time, I'll make sure they all rot in hell. Somethings are changing in this life, and I was so sure it was because of Eleanor's strange behaviour. She's changed and I'm gonna find out why. Remembering what happened today, the way she got so angry about me looking out for her, I sighed...she just doesn't know the things that are about to happen. I leaned back against the seat, staring blankly through the windshield. She doesn’t remember, but t
ELEANOR'S POVWatching the door closed behind Liam, I felt restless...like something was gonna happen but not really sure what it was.It's been a week since Liam and I started dating, I decided to give him a chance after thinking about it for a long time. He's a really sweet guy.And also the fact that he was the one who saved me years ago...was also a big plus. I've been looking for the boy who just into the ocean without hesitation just to save me. Knowing he's the one, I actually feel protected in his presence, like he has this calming effect on me. Making me almost forget about revenge.I've been meeting up with Doctor Rex but there wasn't any progress. I've also been diligently going to the judo club for the past two weeks.I’ve always believed in balance, work, emotions, control. But lately, nothing feels balanced.Liam makes things feel easy. Too easy, sometimes. His laughter is disarming, his touch warm. And knowing he was the boy who saved me that day in the water… it’s lik
MARK'S POV Two weeks later. It’s been two weeks since I dealt with Damian. He gave us information, but none of it was useful. Apparently, even among traitors, trust is a scarce commodity. They kept him in the dark. Cowards. Walking into the office, I paused at the doorway. Liam was standing way too close to Eleanor, his posture relaxed, gaze too damn soft...eyes shining like she hung the stars herself. She laughed quietly at something he said, brushing a stray curl behind her ear. And just like that, a sick twist curled in my gut. They’ve been acting strange all week. Their conversations linger longer than necessary. Their eyes meet more than they should. And worse... she smiles at him. She never used to smile like that with me. I clenched my fists at my sides, jaw locked. If he thinks he can rewrite history...he’s dead wrong. "What are you doing here?" I asked coldly, breaking whatever conversation they were having. "Jeez, you scared us man" Liam held his chest pl
MARK'S POV Picking up my phone, I dialled Marcelo's number. He picked up in the first ring. "Hello, sir?" "Get ready" I said curtly before ending the call and heading towards my car. I didn’t need to say more. Marcelo knew exactly what get ready meant. As I stepped into the car and pulled out of the parking lot, the city seemed quieter than usual, like it sensed the storm I was about to unleash. My hands tightened on the wheel. Damien Cross. The first domino. This time, there’d be no warnings, no second chances. Just consequences. And I was done playing nice. The drive to the abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city was silent...too silent. Just the sound of tires against pavement and the hum of my engine. Marcelo was already there when I arrived, leaning against the hood of his black SUV. His sharp suit was impeccable, his expression unreadable. “He’s inside” he said, straightening up. Without a word, I walked past him, through the heavy metal doors.
MARK'S POVThe meeting dragged on longer than expected. By the time Mr. Dominic finally shook my hand and left with his assistant in tow, the sun was already dipping lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the conference room.Eleanor quietly gathered the papers in front of her, moving with a careful precision that made something in my chest tighten.I leaned back in my chair, watching her."Eleanor...are you still mad at me about yesterday?" I asked. I was always one to keep work and personal matters separately, but I just couldn't stand her silence. She's not one to talk unnecessarily but this was grating on my nerves.".....""Eleanor..." "It's all done, Mr Warren." She cuts me off."Mark. Call me Mark" I corrected."That won't be possible sir, we're not that close to be on a first name basis. And..." She stops, staring at me from under her lashes, "I think it would be best if you refer to me as Miss Brown."I fucking knew it.I wasn't really one to curse, heck... I avoid u
MARK’S POV From where I waited in the darkened side street, I saw Liam emerge, shoulders hunched, hands shoved deep in his pockets. Even at this distance I could read the tension in his stride...too quick, too restless. Something had happened up there. Something with Eleanor. My jaw clenched. I didn't want him close to Eleanor, not in this life...not ever. Not after what he did. Not after the betrayal in my past life. But I have to keep my enemies closer, the closer they are... the easier it will be to get them. I can't afford to loose this time, I'll make sure they all rot in hell. Somethings are changing in this life, and I was so sure it was because of Eleanor's strange behaviour. She's changed and I'm gonna find out why. Remembering what happened today, the way she got so angry about me looking out for her, I sighed...she just doesn't know the things that are about to happen. I leaned back against the seat, staring blankly through the windshield. She doesn’t remember, but t
"Wait... How did you know?" He asked, shock evident on his face.The room seemed to shrink around us, the quiet hum of the fridge fading beneath the pounding in my ears.I set my fork down, hands suddenly unsteady.“I...” My voice cracked. I cleared my throat and tried again. “I was that girl.”Liam stared, eyes widening as the pieces clicked. “The blue‑and‑brown eyes” he whispered. “I thought I imagined that part.”I managed a shaky laugh. “No. You didn’t.” I said, remembering I didn't wear my contact lens that day cause it was night.For a long moment neither of us spoke. I could almost feel the sand under my feet again, hear the crash of dark water, taste the salt and fear in my lungs. A memory I’d never been able to place now stood in front of me...alive, breathing, offering me take‑out.“Elle…” Liam’s voice was softer than I’d ever heard it. “All this time, and we never knew.”“It’s why the beach terrifies me” I murmured. “It’s one of the flashes Doctor Rex is trying to pull apar
"How did you know that?" I asked, sipping my glass of water to push down the food that almost choked me. "I guessed!" he replied half-assed, picking up his fork to continue eating. "You guessed? Or you had me followed?" I asked again, the time my fingers clenching into a fist. "....." "I'm done eating." I said, placing the glass of water back on the table before standing up. "I think I'll go home now, thanks for the food!" I said coldly. Mark stood up just as fast, his chair scraping softly against the floor. “Wait...Eleanor.” I stopped but didn’t turn. “You don’t get to follow me around or even run a background check on me." I huffed before continuing, "You also don't get to invade my personal space like that just because I work for you!" I said calmly. Mark’s jaw tensed at my words, but he didn’t speak right away. The silence between us stretched thin, taut with unspoken thoughts. People around the restaurant were beginning to glance our way, but I didn’t care. My pulse was h
The next day* Waking up to the honking sounds of cars outside my window, I groaned as I opened my eyes groggily, my annoyance reaching its peak. I needed to find a new apartment, one that wasn't close to the road Picking up my phone, I saw that it was already past twelve. Yawning loudly, I got up and walked to the kitchen, my stomach growling, reminding me that I didn't eat anything yesterday evening before going to bed. I opened the fridge and stared blankly at the near-empty shelves. A half carton of milk, a few eggs, and...was that leftover Chinese from three days ago? Yeah, no thanks. Closing the fridge with a sigh, I scratched the back of my head and muttered to myself, “Guess I’m ordering food again.” As I grabbed my phone to scroll through food delivery apps, my screen lit up with a message. Mark: “Are you free today?” I blinked. We hadn’t spoken much this week, and out of nowhere, here he was, texting like it was the most casual thing in the world. My thumb hovered o
"Of course" Doctor Rex said, smiling warmly. Standing up to my feet, I thanked the doctor before walking out of the office, my mind filled with thoughts about the treatment process. "Are you done?" Liam asked as he leaned against the wall, hands folded to his chest. Mark seemed lost in thought as he stared at me. "Yes, I am. Let's go" I said, hurriedly gesturing towards the hallway before they ask any questions. Liam raised a brow but didn’t push, just shrugged and fell in step beside me. “You’re acting weird” he muttered under his breath, though his tone held no malice, just concern. Mark, however, didn’t say a word. He followed quietly behind us, his presence heavy but unreadable. Still, I could feel his eyes on me, the way they lingered like he was trying to figure out what changed. We walked through the hospital in silence, the only sounds being the click of my heels and Liam occasionally humming some ridiculous tune. I didn’t want to answer their questions, not ye