Chapter 5

Julian stood under the tree, waiting. He had managed to sneak into his home unnoticed, gather his hidden savings and a few clothes, and slip out. As he left, he felt a pang of sadness staring at the house one last time. But he didn’t regret it. He only wished his father and sister would finally live an honest life without him.

The lake shimmered under the moonlight, and Julian’s mind drifted back to the day he first met Valeria here. She had been lying on the grass, basking in the sun, looking so beautiful. He had fallen for her instantly, though he never would have dared approach her if fate hadn’t intervened. A thief had snatched her purse, and while others ignored her cries, Julian had chased the man down and retrieved it. That moment had changed everything. She had insisted on taking him out to thank him, and from there, their love story began.

She had always loved him despite his broken life, always supported him, always dreamed of him breaking free. Now, finally, that dream was about to come true. Julian smiled at the thought of their future together — a life of peace, freedom, and love.

''Julian.''

Her voice pulled him from his thoughts. He turned quickly, a bright smile on his lips. ''Val—''

The word died in his throat.

Adrian’s men had Valeria at gunpoint. Adrian himself stood beside her, his expression cold, his eyes blazing with fury.

Julian’s blood ran cold. His heart pounded as he whispered. ''Valeria…'' His chest ached seeing her tears.

His gaze shifted to Adrian. How did he find me? How did he know about her? He had been so careful, so certain. Yet Adrian stood here, proof that escape was impossible.

Adrian smirked at Julian’s fear. His voice was calm, but sharp as a blade. ''Did you really think you could escape me, pup?''

Julian clenched his fists, swallowing his fear. ''Let her go. It’s me you want. Valeria has nothing to do with this.''

Adrian scoffed, stepping closer until they were inches apart. His eyes locked on Julian’s. ''Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t kill her and punish you for trying to run away.'' He leaned closer. ''You belong to me. There’s no escape. You can try, but I’ll always find you.''

Julian’s heart shattered. His plans, his dreams, all ruined in an instant. He cursed his fate. He had wanted to protect Valeria, keep her far from this nightmare. Now she was caught in it. If she died, he knew he wouldn’t survive it either.

Adrian’s voice cut through his thoughts. ''You have two options: come with me, or watch her die.''

The guard cocked the gun, the sound echoing like thunder. Julian’s breath caught. Valeria shook her head through her tears, silently begging him not to give in. But how could he risk her life?

Julian shut his eyes briefly, then opened them, filled with pain and determination. ''Will you let her go if I go back with you?”

Adrian smirked. ''Of course, pup. You have my word.''

Julian’s shoulders sagged. ''Okay. I’ll go with you. Just don’t hurt her. Let her go.''

Adrian nodded once.

Julian turned to Valeria, his heart breaking. He wanted to go to her, hold her, kiss her, tell her he loved her. But Adrian held him back, his grip tightened on his hand. His gaze was cold again, no trace of teasing left. He shook his head, pulling Julian away.

Julian had no choice but to follow. His eyes stayed on Valeria, tears burning as he whispered. ''I’m sorry, Val. I’m so sorry.''

***

When the car finally pulled up to Adrian’s mansion, Adrian stepped out first and walked inside without a word. Julian stayed in the car for a few seconds, his hands trembling as he tried to calm his nerves. The silence during the ride had been unbearable, thick enough to choke him. He whispered to himself to stay strong, then forced his legs to move and followed inside.

Adrian stood in the grand hall, his back turned to Julian. He was trying to calm the storm raging inside him before facing the boy. After dealing with the attack at the villa, he had rushed back to the hospital only to discover Julian was gone. Panic had gripped him, convinced someone had taken Julian. But when he checked the security footage and saw Julian leaving on his own, the truth hit him like fire.

Julian had planned it. He had hurt himself just to escape. And worse, he had done it to run off with his little girlfriend. Adrian’s fists clenched, rage boiling in his chest.

He turned sharply, his eyes blazing. ''How could you put your life on the line just to run off with some woman!?''

Julian’s voice shook, but his words were fierce. ''She’s not just any woman. She’s the woman I love. And yes, I was willing to do anything to escape this hell and live the life I deserve!''

Adrian scoffed, his lips curling. ''Not again. Never again.'' He strode forward until their faces were inches apart. His voice dropped to a low, threatening growl. ''If you ever try to run away again, I swear I’ll make your little girlfriend suffer the worst death imaginable. And I’ll make sure you watch as I tear her apart piece by piece until nothing remains but bones.''

Julian’s eyes widened in horror. His body went cold, his voice lost. He couldn’t speak. He didn’t dare.

Adrian finally stepped back, his expression hard as stone. ''Take him to his room. Lock him up.''

One of the guards grabbed Julian by the arm and dragged him away. Julian’s heart sank, his body heavy with dread.

Left alone, Adrian ran a hand through his hair, frustration burning in his veins. He was furious, restless, needing an outlet for the storm inside him. Without another word, he turned and headed for the training room.

Next morning....

Julian woke up with a dry throat. He felt painfully thirsty.

He looked around the room, but there was no water in sight. His eyes slowly moved to the door. He wasn’t sure if Adrian had unlocked it or not. After a moment of hesitation, he sighed and decided to try.

He got out of bed and walked to the door, when he tried the knob, his eyes widened in surprise.

Unlocked.

Carefully, Julian stepped out into the hallway. His heart pounded loudly in his chest. He didn’t know where the kitchen was, but he was willing to search for it. He also knew one thing, he couldn’t be seen. He had no idea what Adrian would do if he found out he had left the room.

As he walked quietly down the hallway, he noticed two maids cleaning nearby. He kept his head down, planning to pass them unnoticed, but a few words made him freeze.

''Did you see the news?'' One of the maids said. ''A young lady was murdered last night. Her body was dumped in the trash. I heard it was badly disfigured. It was horrible.''

Julian’s heart skipped.

''That’s terrible.'' The other maid replied. ''Who could have done such a thing?"

The first maid shrugged. ''No one knows yet. The police are still investigating. I also heard she works as a librarian at the town library. There’s even a photo of her in the news.''

She stopped cleaning and pulled out her phone, opening the news article.

''Oh my God.'' The second maid whispered, covering her mouth. ''She’s so pretty.''

Julian’s breath became shallow. His legs trembled as fear wrapped tightly around his chest. He didn’t want to believe it. He couldn’t.

Slowly, he walked toward them.

''May I see that… please?'' He asked, his voice shaking.

The maid looked confused but handed him the phone.

The moment Julian saw the screen, it felt like all the air was knocked out of his lungs.

It was Valeria.

His vision blurred. He stumbled back, The phone slipped from his hands as he collapsed to his knees. ''No… no, this isn’t true. This can’t be.'' He whispered brokenly. ''This can’t be real.''

The maids exchanged confused looks, one quickly snatching her phone back.

Julian buried his face in his hands and began to sob. Memories of Valeria flooding his mind—her smile, her laughter, the way she had always believed in him, the promises they both made to each other. Then last night flashed through his mind. her tear-stained face as Adrian dragged him away.

Adrian.

He had promised. He had sworn she would be safe. But he lied. He killed her.

A scream tore from Julian’s throat, raw, painful, full of rage.

''ADRIAN!''

Julian forced himself up and rushed downstairs, his grief turning into pure fury.

''Adrian!'' He screamed. ''Come out, you bastard! Come out and face me!''

His eyes searched wildly until he saw him outside, standing with his men.

Julian stormed toward him without thinking. When he reached him, he grabbed Adrian, spun him around, and punched him hard, putting every ounce of pain and anger into it.

Adrian staggered, shock flashing across his face.

In an instant, guns were drawn. Adrian’s men pointed their weapons at Julian, ready to kill him.

Julian didn’t care. If he was going to die, he would take this monster with him.

He stared at Adrian with burning hatred, his blood boiling, while Adrian looked back at him—stunned, unable to believe what he was seeing.