Mag-log inXavier's POV---The AlertThe sound echoes through the study.Sharp.Relentless.Wrong.---SECURITY BREACH DETECTED---My Blood Turns ColdNot because someone entered the property.Because of the timing.---The Messages.The Photograph.Marcus.The cameras.---And now this.---Not CoincidenceNever coincidence.---AnnaI immediately move toward her.Instinct.Nothing else.---My Hand Finds HersFirm.Certain.Protective.---Anna's VoiceQuiet.Steady.Far calmer than most people would be.---Anna"What's happening?"---TruthI don't know.And I hate not knowing.---My Voice"Stay with me."---Her Eyes SoftenJust slightly.---Anna"I wasn't planning to run away."---Despite EverythingA small smile almost appears.Almost.---Not Tonight---My Phone RingsDominic.Again.---I Answer Immediately---Xavier"Report."---SilenceThen—---Dominic"Motion sensors activated near the east garden."---My Jaw Tightens---Dominic Continues"Security teams are moving now."-
Anna's POV---ImpossibleNobody speaks.Nobody moves.Nobody breathes.---The StudyThe silence inside the room becomes unbearable.Heavy.Sharp.Wrong.---XavierIs staring at the photograph like the world just tilted beneath his feet.---My HeartI've never seen him look like this before.Not during the contract leak.Not during the boardroom scandal.Not even when Madison tried to destroy us.---This Is DifferentThis isn't anger.This isn't frustration.---This is fear.---Real Fear.---My Voice"Xavier."Soft.Careful.---He Doesn't RespondNot immediately.---His Eyes Remain Locked On The ImageAs if looking away might somehow make it disappear.---My PulseRacing.---SlowlyI move closer.Close enough to see the photo clearly.---The FigureA man.Standing near the road.Watching the mansion.---Smiling.---My Blood Runs ColdBecause Xavier is right.The smile feels intentional.---Like a message.---Like a warning.---My Voice"You know him."---SilenceThe
Xavier's POVThe MessageI stare at the phone longer than I should.The words remain exactly the same.Unchanged.Unwelcome.---> Anna is in danger too.---The ProblemMost threats don't bother me.They never have.Threats come with business.Success creates enemies.Power attracts resentment.I've lived with that reality for years.---AnnaIs different.---Dangerous DifferenceBecause for the first time in a very long time—I have something to lose.---The StudyThe room feels smaller now.Darker.The warm peace from the terrace completely gone.---Anna Watches MeCarefully.Concern written across her face.---My Voice"You're not leaving the mansion alone."---SilenceImmediate silence.---Anna's Brows Rise"Excuse me?"---My ThoughtsHere we go.---My Voice"No meetings alone."I begin counting calmly."No private travel.""No unapproved schedules.""No—"---Anna Interrupts"No."---SilenceI stare at her.She stares right back.---Anna"I am not a prisoner."---Frus
Anna's POVSilenceThe message glows on the screen.Three simple words.Three terrifying words.> I know it wasn't an accident.---My Heart StopsFor a moment, I can't breathe.Can't think.Can't move.---Beside MeXavier is completely still.The kind of stillness that feels dangerous.Not calm.Controlled.---The DifferenceI've learned something important about Xavier.The quieter he becomes—The more serious the situation is.---Right NowHe's silent.Which terrifies me.---Xavier Takes A Slow BreathThen another.---His Eyes Never Leave The Screen"Inside."---My PulseThe word isn't a suggestion.---It's an order.---The MansionThe warmth of the terrace disappears behind us.The comfortable peace from earlier feels like a distant memory.---The StudyXavier leads me directly to his private study.The room I've only entered a handful of times.Dark wood.Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.Heavy silence.---The Door ClosesAnd immediately the atmosphere changes.---XavierN
Xavier's POVSilenceI stare at the phone.The message.The words.Five years ago.---ImpossibleFor a moment, the world around me disappears.The terrace.The city.The night.Everything fades.---BecauseThere are very few people who know about five years ago.Fewer still who would use it against me.---Beside MeAnna is watching carefully now.Too intelligent to miss my reaction.Too observant to ignore it.---My ThoughtsDamn it.---Anna"Xavier."Quiet voice.Concerned.---The ProblemI don't answer immediately.And that alone tells her something is wrong.---Because NormallyI always have an answer.A plan.A solution.---Not TonightTonight I have memories.And memories are significantly harder to control.---Another Message ArrivesThe phone vibrates again.---Message> She deserved better than what happened.---My Blood Turns Cold---Anna Sees ItThe colour drains from my face.And immediately her concern deepens.---Anna's Voice"Who is she?"---SilenceThe que
Anna's POVPeaceThe strange thing about peace is that you don't realise how much you've needed it until it finally arrives.For weeks, my life has felt like a battlefield.Contracts.Board meetings.Rumours.Madison.Secrets.Pressure.Fear.But tonight—For the first time in what feels like forever—Everything is quiet.---The TerraceThe city stretches endlessly beneath us.Thousands of lights glowing against the darkness.The air is cool.Comfortable.Soft enough to make me forget every headline and scandal for a few precious minutes.---Xavier Beside MeHe stands beside the railing with one hand in his pocket.The other resting lightly against my lower back.A touch so natural now that neither of us questions it anymore.---The DifferenceThree months ago, Xavier touched me only when necessary.For appearances.For strategy.For cameras.Now—He reaches for me without thinking.And somehow that means more.---My ThoughtsIt's the small things that changed first.Not the kisse







