Between two demons,who to choose?

“I just want what’s best for Vincenzo.”

Elene’s voice was soft, laced with gentle concern as she gazed at Don Ramón De Luca with wide, earnest eyes. Her delicate fingers toyed with the rim of her teacup, the very picture of a thoughtful, loving fiancée.

Across from her, Vincenzo’s mother, Isabella, smiled warmly, clearly taken by the young woman’s sincerity. Even Don Ramón, ever the skeptic, observed her with interest.

“Of course, you do,” Isabella agreed, setting down her spoon. “You’ve always been so patient with him.”

Elene gave a small, self-deprecating laugh, lowering her lashes. “I wouldn’t call it patience… I just love him, is all.” She let out a quiet sigh, perfectly timed, her voice softening with hesitation. “But lately, something feels… different.”

Don Ramón’s gaze sharpened. “What do you mean?”

Elene bit her lip as if reluctant to speak, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. “I wasn’t sure if I should say anything. I don’t want to cause problems between you and Vincenzo.”

Isabella reached out, squeezing her hand reassuringly. “You can tell us, dear.”

Elene hesitated just long enough to build tension, then sighed. “I think there’s… someone else.”

The room went still.

Don Ramón’s expression darkened. “Who?”

Elene shook her head. “I don’t know for certain. But it’s not just anyone.” She glanced down, as if struggling to continue, then whispered, “It’s a boy.”

Isabella’s breath hitched. Don Ramón set his glass down with a deliberate thud.

Elene lowered her gaze, her expression pained. “I don’t care who Vincenzo spends time with…I trust him. But he’s been distant, secretive. And I worry…” She looked up at Don Ramón, eyes shimmering with carefully placed vulnerability. “I worry he’s falling for this boy. That he might even think about…” She bit her lip. “Marriage.”

Silence.

Then…

“That will never happen.”

Don Ramón’s voice was final, cold as steel. “Vincenzo is my heir. He can have his… distractions. But he will marry you.”

Elene exhaled as if in relief, her expression perfectly composed. “I only want what’s best for him.”

Don Ramón nodded. “I’ll look into this.”

A spark of satisfaction flared in Elene’s chest, but she hid it well, bowing her head slightly. “Thank you, Don Ramón. I trust your judgment completely.”

Isabella smiled at her, reaching over to cup her cheek. “You’re going to be such a wonderful wife to Vincenzo.”

Elene blushed prettily, lowering her gaze. “I just hope I can make him happy.”

A perfect performance.

And now, the real game would begin.

Outside the De Luca Estate…

The moment the estate gates shut behind her, Elene’s smile faded.

She reached for her phone and dialed.

The call connected instantly.

“Miss Ricci.”

Elene’s voice was smooth, composed. “I have a job for you.”

“Name the target.”

She smirked, tracing a finger along the leather steering wheel. “A boy. Young. Close to Vincenzo.”

A pause. “You want him scared? Gone?”

Elene tapped a manicured nail against her thigh. “Not yet. I want eyes on him. Everyone he speaks to, everywhere he goes. I want to know who he is, what he loves, and how to break him.”

A low chuckle. “Consider it done.”

Elene leaned back in her seat, a satisfied smile curling her lips.

The seed had been planted.

And soon, it would bloom into something far more destructive.

Later That Night,

Noel sat on the edge of his bed, staring at his phone.

His fingers hovered over the unread message from Julian. His stomach twisted.

A sharp knock at the door made him flinch.

His pulse spiked.

No one was supposed to be here.

Another knock…louder this time.

Noel swallowed hard, forcing himself to stand. He crept toward the door, hesitating before unlocking it.

The second he cracked it open, the door was pushed inward, forcing him back.

A familiar scent.

A cruel smile.

Julian.

“Missed me, baby?”

The door clicked shut behind him.

And locked.

"Strip for me, baby."

Julian’s voice was low, sultry, but it made Noel’s skin crawl. He stood frozen, his back pressed against the edge of his bed as Julian prowled closer, predatory hunger in his eyes.

Noel’s throat was dry. “Julian, don’t..”

“Don’t?” Julian scoffed, pulling out his phone and waving it tauntingly. “Then maybe I should send this to your dear old dad right now. Or better yet, upload it online.”

Noel’s heart pounded. His fists clenched at his sides.

Julian tilted his head, a mocking pout on his lips. “Come on, baby. It’s not like it’d be the first time.”

"You're sick," Noel hissed, but his voice trembled.

Julian only smirked. “And yet, here we are.”

He stepped closer, cornering Noel completely, his fingers reaching out to brush against Noel’s cheek. The touch burned…cold, repulsive, and suffocating all at once.

Noel squeezed his eyes shut, willing himself to disappear.

"Be good for me," Julian murmured, his hands slipping down to Noel’s waist. "You used to be."

Noel shuddered. Every part of his body screamed at him to fight, to run…but he couldn't. That damn video. If Julian sent it..if anyone saw…

His fingers curled into fists, nails digging into his palms.

Julian leaned in, his lips ghosting over Noel’s ear. “Kiss me.”

Noel turned his head away.

Julian’s grip tightened painfully on his jaw, forcing his face back. “I said, kiss me.”

Noel trembled, his breath uneven. He could feel Julian’s lips just inches away.

A hand slid under his shirt, fingers trailing up his skin. His stomach twisted violently. His breathing hitched, his entire body locking up.

“Stop…”

Julian’s mouth crashed against his, swallowing the protest.

Noel squeezed his eyes shut, bile rising in his throat. The taste of Julian…bitter, forceful, disgusting…made him want to vomit.

Julian groaned against his lips, pushing him back onto the bed. “That’s right, baby. Just let it happen.”

Tears burned in Noel’s eyes. His limbs felt heavy, useless.

Then…

A loud knock at the door.

Noel gasped, his entire body jerking.

Julian groaned in annoyance. “What the fuck?”

Another knock. “Delivery!”

Noel’s stomach flipped. He’d forgotten…he had ordered food.

Julian’s eyes flickered with irritation before narrowing on Noel. “Stay.”

He climbed off Noel and strode to the door, making sure to block any potential escape routes. He cast a warning glance over his shoulder before unlocking it.

The door creaked open, revealing the delivery guy standing outside with a bag of food.

“Delivery for Noel Laurent?”

Julian gave a slow smirk, leaning lazily against the doorframe. “Yeah, I’ll take it.”

The delivery guy hesitated. “Uh, is Noel here?”

“I said I’ll take it.” Julian’s voice dropped, laced with quiet authority. “Do you have a problem with that?”

The delivery guy quickly shook his head, handing over the bag. “N-No, sir. Have a good night.”

Julian snorted, taking the food. “Yeah, whatever.” He was just about to close the door when…

A shadow moved outside.

His smirk faded.

His eyes flickered past the delivery guy…

Straight to Vincenzo.

For a split second, their gazes locked.

Vincenzo’s brows furrowed, confusion flashing across his face. Then…realization.

His entire expression darkened. His body tensed.

And then he moved.

Fast.

Vincenzo was charging toward the door, fury blazing in his eyes.

Julian’s smirk returned just in time. “Oh no, you don’t.”

He slammed the door shut.

Locked it.

Noel gasped, his heart racing. “Julian, what…”

BANG.

Vincenzo’s fist slammed against the door.

“Noel!”

Noel’s breath caught in his throat.

Another bang. Louder. “Noel, open the fucking door!”

Julian turned slowly, grinning. “Well, well, well…”

He walked back toward Noel, setting the bag of food down on the dresser like nothing had happened. “Looks like we have company.”

Noel scrambled up, panic rising in his chest.

Another loud BANG.

“I swear to God, Julian, if you don’t open this fucking door, I will break it down.”

Julian chuckled. “Let him try.”

Noel darted toward the door, but Julian caught his wrist in a bruising grip.

“Not so fast.”

BANG.

The door rattled violently.

Noel’s pulse pounded.

Vincenzo was outside.

And he wasn’t leaving.