Chapter 4

Adrian was downstairs talking with Mark, his right-hand man, when a sudden scream echoed from above. Adrian froze, his eyes snapping to the stairs. Confusion flickered across his face before he muttered under his breath. "Julian.''

Without hesitation, he bolted upstairs, Mark close behind.

At the top, they found a maid trembling outside Julian’s door, her face pale with fear. Adrian shoved past her and rushed inside.

The sight stopped him cold. Julian lay sprawled on the floor, unconscious. Adrian’s chest tightened as he dropped to his knees, pulling Julian into his arms. ''Julian! Julian!'' His voice cracked with urgency.

Mark’s sharp eyes caught it first. ''Boss.'' He said, pointing.

Adrian followed his gaze and saw the cut on Julian’s wrist, blood still flowing. He lifted Julian’s hand carefully, his jaw tightening.

''Fuck!'' Adrian barked. ''Get the car ready. Now!''

''Yes, Boss.'' Mark replied, already sprinting out.

Adrian looked down at Julian, his voice softer now, almost broken. ''Why, Julian? Why would you do this?''

He laid Julian back gently, then tore his own shirt into strips, wrapping the wound tightly. Without wasting another second, he scooped Julian into his arms and rushed outside.

The car was already waiting. Adrian climbed in with Julian pressed against him. Mark slammed the door shut and sped off.

***

Blackstone Private Medical Center...

They arrived at the hospital in a rush. Mark jumped out first to open the door, and Adrian stepped out, carefully carrying Julian in his arms. His voice thundered as he entered the building. ''I need a doctor!''

Nurses hurried forward with a stretcher. Adrian laid Julian down, and they wheeled him quickly into the ER. Adrian followed but stopped at the door, knowing he couldn’t go inside.

A doctor rushed in moments later. Adrian began pacing outside, his face tight with worry.

Mark arrived soon after. He froze, watching his boss. He had never seen Adrian like this before — anxious, unsettled, almost desperate. When it came to Julian, Adrian was always different. Mark wanted to ask why, but he knew better. This wasn’t the time, and questions could cost him dearly.

Instead, he sighed and said quietly. ''Please sit, boss. You can’t keep standing like that.''

Adrian waved him off, his eyes fixed on the ER doors.

An hour dragged by. Adrian stood rigid, his jaw clenched, his fists tight at his sides. Every second felt heavier than the last.

Finally, the doors opened and the doctor stepped out. Adrian moved instantly. ''Doctor, how is he?'' His voice was low but urgent.

The doctor nodded calmly. ''He’s stable now.''

Adrian exhaled sharply, realizing he had been holding his breath.

''He lost a lot of blood.'' The doctor continued. ''But he was brought in on time. That made the difference. There’s no immediate danger.''

Adrian’s eyes flicked to the door behind him. ''Can I see him?''

''He’s being transferred to a recovery ward.'' the doctor said. ''He’ll need close monitoring. Alert the nurses if anything changes.''

Adrian gave a single nod. ''Thank you.'' Then the doctor left.

Julian was wheeled out soon after, pale and weak. Adrian followed closely, Mark at his side.

In the recovery ward, Adrian sat beside Julian’s bed, staring at his fragile face. His thoughts twisted painfully. Did he hate me so much that he’d rather die than stay with me?

He whispered, almost to himself. ''Do you now hate me that much?''

Mark glanced over, confused. ''Boss?'' He thought Adrian was speaking to him.

Adrian ignored him. His mind was set. He would never let this happen again. He blamed himself for not keeping a closer watch. He turned to Mark, his voice sharp. ''Install cameras in every bedroom. Every corner of the mansion. I want eyes everywhere.''

''Yes, Boss.'' Mark replied quickly, leaving at once.

Adrian looked back at Julian, his expression softening. He reached out, stroking Julian’s hair gently. His voice dropped to a whisper, filled with emotion.

''I won’t fail you again, pup.''

Hours passed, and Adrian never left Julian’s side. He sat quietly, waiting, his eyes fixed on the boy’s pale face.

Suddenly, his phone rang. Without checking the caller ID, he answered.

Mark’s urgent voice came through. ''Boss! The villa is under attack. We need you!''

Adrian’s expression hardened instantly. ''Hold them off as long as you can. I’m on my way.'' He ended the call.

Adrian looked down at Julian, his mind heavy with doubt. Was it safe to leave him alone? What if he woke up and tried again? The thought twisted in his chest. But his people needed him. The villa was under attack, and he couldn’t ignore it.

He searched for a solution, and the only thing he could think of was to tell the nurses to keep a close watch on Julian. He didn’t know how long Julian would remain asleep, but he prayed he could return before he woke.

Leaning closer, Adrian brushed his hand gently over Julian’s hair. His voice dropped to a whisper. ''I’m sorry, pup. I have to leave, but I’ll be back soon. I promise.''

He pressed a soft kiss to Julian’s forehead, lingering for a moment, then straightened and walked toward the door, his heart heavier than he wanted to admit.

Minutes after Adrian left, Julian’s eyes opened. He had been awake for some time, waiting for the right moment. He couldn’t risk moving while Adrian was there.

He wiped the kiss from his forehead angrily, his jaw tight. Sitting up, he stared at the bandage on his wrist. It was worth it, he thought bitterly.

Without hesitation, he tore the IV from his hand and climbed out of bed. A wave of dizziness hit him, forcing him to grip the bed until it passed. He closed his eyes, breathing deeply, then steadied himself.

His gaze fell on his clothes folded neatly on the table. He rushed to them, searching frantically, and to his relief, his phone was still there.

Julian carried the clothes into the bathroom and changed quickly. When he came out, he tossed the hospital gown onto the bed. His heart pounded as he moved toward the door.

There was only one thought in his mind; Find his girlfriend. Escape. Start a new life.

***

The first place Julian went was the library, where Valeria worked. But she wasn't there. A staff member told him she hadn't come in that day.

Julian's heart raced. He left immediately and went to her home. When he rang the doorbell, it took a while before she opened the door.

At first, she looked startled. Then relief flooded her face. "Julian!" She cried, throwing her arms around him. "Thank God you're okay. I've been so worried about you." She pulled back, her eyes shining with tears. "I went to your house, but your father and sister told me you were dead. Then they threw me out. I didn't know what to do. I'm so glad you're here." She hugged him again, tighter this time.

Julian held her close. "I'm sorry I made you worry. Something came up."

When she let go, her eyes fell on the bandage around his wrist. She grabbed his hand, her voice trembling. ''Julian… what happened? How did you get hurt?''

Julian shook his head quickly. ''Something happened, Val. I don’t have time to explain now. But please, will you come with me? You know how we’ve always talked about leaving this city, going somewhere far away, somewhere peaceful. Let’s do it, Val. Let’s do it today.''

Valeria blinked, confused. She had always been the one pushing for escape, tired of seeing Julian suffer under his family’s cruelty. But Julian had never agreed. He was too soft, always worrying about how his father and sister would survive without him. Hearing him say this now shocked her.

''What’s going on, Julian?'' She asked softly. ''Please tell me. You never wanted to leave them before. Did something happen?''

Julian glanced around nervously, panic in his eyes. ''I’ll explain everything when we meet again. But please, Val… tell me you’ll come. I can’t do this without you. I need you.'' His voice broke with desperation.

Valeria’s heart ached. She loved him too much to refuse. She had always dreamed of him breaking free, of living a life where he could finally be himself. She saw the potential in him, the strength he didn’t even realize he had.

She took his hands, smiling through her tears. ''I’ll come with you, Julian. I’ll be with you every step of the way. Let’s do this.''

Julian’s happiness overflowed. He kissed her briefly, then whispered. ''Meet me later at our favorite spot. I’ll be waiting.''

Valeria nodded, kissed him goodbye, and watched him leave. Gratitude filled her heart, Julian was finally taking a stand for himself.

Meanwhile, Julian knew he had to return home one last time. He needed his hidden savings, tucked away where his father and sister would never find it, and a few clothes. Soon, he would be gone — leaving behind every terrible memory, and escaping the grip of the Mafia King.