Prologue

21 years ago….

Laura

I shoved my things in my bag and swung it on my shoulder. Praying to quickly leave the training center before that shameless monster appeared.

Instead of using the front gates of the training grounds like the rest of the marathoners, I decided to sneak out through the little gate at the back. I'll be damned if I use that gate and submit myself right into the lion's claws.

My feet moved quicker, my heart restless, and my body alert. My head turned back from time to time just in case he popped out of nowhere. He was very much capable of it, after all. No matter how many times I turned him down, he never stopped returning to harass me.

I wiped my forehead. "It's just a few blocks away, Laura. We'll get home soon." I whisper to myself. A flash of my husband's face with his beautiful brown eyes, and then of my cute little baby, with the same eyes as her father, was displayed in my mind.

I couldn't wait to return to them. I spent an entire day training for the upcoming marathon race despite the Christmas holiday just a week away.

The sound of a bike echoed behind me. Making both my mind and heart stop. "No!" A silent gasp left my mouth. My hands began to tremble, but I gripped the straps of my handbag hard. Shoving the fear to the back of my head. You do not show the devil your weakness—especially a merciless one like him.

Chills ran down my back, my body awakened by his presence. I swallowed hard as the bike pulled over right before me, blocking my path. "Laura, my love. I'm disappointed in you. I waited for you for hours, only for you to run away from me, again." His treacherous voice hit my ears.

I raised my head and almost puked to see his face. His soulless eyes made me want to run away. "I never asked you to wait for me. In fact, I told you to get lost." I snickered.

A grin stretched his lips. The son of a dick was amused. "When will you start considering my words, my love? I'm losing my patience." He pulled a red rose from his jacket, grabbed my hand, and shoved the flower into my palm. I was so shocked by the sudden move, but I worked not to let it show. My heart roared in my ears. He bought me roses whenever he came, a sickening monster.

I looked at him defiantly, "How about never?" I let the flower drop before crushing it with my running shoe.

"This will be the last time and last warning, you asshole. I'm married and have a family of my own. I can't and never will be with you." I spat on the damaged flower before turning on my heels and speeding away.

"I'll never stop, Laura, my love. Not until I make you mine." He shouted, but I shut my eyes and blocked his words from making me tremble even harder.

I breathed in and out before opening the door and walking into my home. "I'm back," I announced loudly. And quick little footsteps rang in my ears as my daughter ran into my arms.

"Chiara, stop running around the house." I scolded her, but went on my knees and hugged her hard, kissing her forehead. She showered me with cheek kisses, calming my burning heart. "My Mamma is a marathoner. I can't help it." My eight-year-old little troublemaker uttered. I only shook my head and grinned at her.

"Honey, you're back? Dinner's ready." My husband's voice came from the kitchen. My body stiffened. "Yeah. I'll go and wash up first." I said and placed Chiara down. "Go and help your Papa set the table. I'll join you soon." I patted her head.

"Okie dokie!" she said and sprinted to the kitchen.

I rushed up to the washroom, shut and locked the door. I leaned over the sink with my trembling, and tears rolled down like a waterfall. My head throbbed, recalling that unhinged man's words.

'I'll never stop, Laura, my love. Not until I make you mine.'

****

A week later.

We were all settled in our living room, laughing heartily and opening gifts since it was Boxing Day. When the door was suddenly kicked open.

Then my worst nightmare walked in as if it owned our home. My face paled at the sight of him.

"Laura, my love. I found you." He uttered with a sadistic grin plastered on his dark face.