MasukLiora’s POVJust then, Marcus returned, placing a plate of chicken satay with peanut sauce in front of me and another before Derek. He set a plate of grilled chicken and fries down for Aurora.My stomach twisted.How could I eat this? If I refused, Derek would know. Ava had already told him my lookalike was allergic… what if he was testing me?My fingers trembled as I picked up the fork.I have to eat this.“Is there a problem, Liora?” Derek asked, his eyes fixed on me.I forced a smile. “I’m fine.” I lifted a piece of chicken onto my fork.“If you don’t want it, you can order something else,” he offered.No… that might be a trap. And besides… what if it doesn’t affect me?I raised the fork to my mouth, my hand shaking slightly. The moment it touched my lips, the taste hit; rich, savory… and wrong.A faint bitterness lingered beneath the sweetness of the sauce, clinging to my tongue as
Derek’s POVI leaned in slightly, my gaze locking with hers. “My mother was only joking. She does that sometimes.”I straightened almost immediately, already turning away, my chest tight with the weight of the lie I had just told.“But what about my ten-year birthday photograph I saw fall out from your suit?”Her voice stopped me dead in my tracks and for a moment, I didn’t move.No… she saw it.Slowly, I turned back to her. My expression softened into a smile, though nothing inside me was steady. “It’s nothing serious.”She stood abruptly, brows arching in disbelief. “Nothing serious?” Her voice rose slightly. “I found a picture of my younger self with you.”Trust me, Liora… you don’t want to know why.“You mother mentioned my mum showed you pictures of me then…” she pressed, her voice quieter now, more curious than angry. “Was that the picture?”My gaze didn’t waver. “Where exactly did you find it? I didn’t even know I still had it.”The lie came out smoothly.Liora studied me for a
Liora’s POVI eased the door open and slipped out, my steps quick and quiet as I headed straight for Derek’s room.The moment I got inside, I rushed to the wardrobe. His suits were neatly arranged, I grabbed all in haste, then reached for his shoes nearby, his cologne, anything that looked essential.Footsteps echoed faintly from the hallway.My heart lurched.“Wait” a voice called out.I froze for a split second, then bolted.Clutching everything tightly, I hurried out of the room. Something slipped from the bundle in my hands and fell to the floor, but I didn’t dare stop. I didn’t slow down until I reached my room. The door shut behind me with a soft thud as I dropped everything onto the couch and collapsed onto the bed, breath coming in ragged gasps.“That was close…” I whispered, pressing a hand to my chest.After a moment, I reached for my phone and dialed Derek.“Hello… I’ve got them,” I said quickly. “What happens next? You’ll come get them from here, right?”“I’ll be home soo
Liora’s POV*The next day*I woke early, slipping out of bed and heading straight for a shower. Afterward, I changed into a simple casual gown.Derek had pleaded that I stay home with Aurora today. I entered the kitchen and began preparing pancakes. By the time I was done, I plated the pancakes carefully and headed upstairs.Aurora was already awake when I entered her room, fully dressed, while Mandy finished adjusting her hair.The moment she saw me, her face lit up.“Good morning, Mummy!” she giggled, running toward me.I tightened my grip on the plate with one hand and caught her with the other, lifting her against my chest.“Mummy made pancakes,” I announced lightly, tilting the plate so she could see. “Does my Rora want some?”“Yes! Yes!” she squealed, clapping her tiny hands.I carried her to the bed and set her down gently, placing the plate in front of her. She began eating immediately, while I sat beside her, absentmindedly stroking her soft hair.“Daddy will be returning to
Author’s POVDylan led Anderson down, then stopped before a door and pushed it open.Inside, Elara sat on the edge of the bed, her wrists and ankles restrained by cold metal cuffs bolted to the frame. Her hair fell in tangled waves over her face.“Elara!” Anderson’s voice broke as he rushed toward her.At the sound of his voice, she stirred and slowly, she lifted her head. Her face was pale and drained of strength.“Who did this to you?” Anderson’s voice broke, his hands trembling as he lifted her face.Elara tried to speak, but no words came.“We’re getting you out of here, okay?” he said urgently.“Things don’t work that way.”Dylan’s voice cut through as he stepped forward.“She has six more days left here,” he continued coolly. “Unless, of course… both of you are willing to take her place.”Anderson’s knees hit the floor.“Please… I don’t know what she’s done, but whatever it is, forgive her…” he begged, his voice shaking.“That’s your mistake,” Dylan interrupted, his tone sharpen
Author’s POVLucien stood in the living room, his hands curled into rigid fists. His jaw flexed as he ground his teeth.“I didn’t know Dylan was this much of a psychopath,” Stephanie muttered from the sofa, her voice trembling despite her attempt to sound composed.“No… I can’t sit here and do nothing.” Lucien shook his head sharply, already striding toward the door. “I’m going to get her.”“Stop.” Stephanie’s voice cut through, firm yet strained, as Lucien halted.“You won’t help her by rushing in blindly,” she continued, rising to her feet. “You’ll only make things worse. She’s in that situation because of you… the least you can do now is not escalate it.”Her voice broke at the end, and she quickly wiped away a tear. “My daughter is in pain right now…”“And that’s exactly why I have to go,” Lucien shot back, turning to face her fully, his eyes burning with determination. “I won’t remain here while he hurts her.”“You…” Stephanie started, but the words died in her throat.Lucien exh







