Semua Bab Claim by the Don: Bab 191 - Bab 200

Melanie p.o.vThe van ride to a stop and we alighted the van, I was met with a view that left me breathless. I felt a sense of awe at the sprawling mansion standing proudly under the sun.The two-story estate was a masterpiece of modern luxury, with clean lines, high ceilings and expansive windows that seemed to stretch on. The exterior was clad in warm, honey-colored stone, complemented by rich wood and meticulously manicured lawns.A circular driveway made of polished black stone swept up to the entrance, where a pair of imposing wooden doors stood guard. The surrounding grounds were immaculately landscaped, with perfectly trimmed hedges and a sprinkling green garden adding a touch of vibrancy to the scene.“Wow.” I whispered.I felt a lot out of my depth as I gaze up at the grandeur of the mansion. Who lives here? Obviously a filthy billionaire, I shrug.“Come along.” The guard’s voice cut into my thoughts. “We

Melanie p.o.v I groggily opened my eyes to the sound of the basement door creaking open. Last night had been a blur of fitful dozing, my exhaustion warring with my determination to stay vigilant. But despite my best efforts, sleep had eventually claimed me. As I sat up straight, rubbing the stiffness from my neck, a woman in a crisp maid's uniform descended the stairs. "Good morning." The woman greeted with a warm smile, her eyes flicked toward me briefly. She carried a tray laden with steaming dishes, which she carefully set on the small table in front of me. The aroma of freshly brewed hot chocolate and scrambled eggs wafted up, stirring my hunger. Hot chocolate! My throat instantly waters, that's my favorite drink. What a coincidence that they would serve me that. I thought to myself. "Breakfast," she announced, her voice soft and detached.

Melanie p.o.v"I hate you." I whispered.“And I’m sure I can always make you change your mind,” he replied.I doubt that was ever going to happen.There was nothing else I could feel for a person who shot a man in my presence without so much as batting an eyelid except hate.I didn't dare ask him what would happen if I failed to come back to the intimidating mansion he called home because something told me he wasn't one to make empty threats.My parents and brother were already involved in this and I was going to keep them safe. No matter what.“I’ll do anything you want if you promise me that you won’t get my family involved in any of this,” I said.He stood up and rounded the desk so that he could stand right in front of me.Adriano was tall. I wasn’t sure how tall but I’ll put him at well over six feet. And since I was still seated, it meant he was towering over me. Not that he wouldn’t even if I was standing.“You’re not in any position to make deals with me, little nurse,” he sai

Melanie’s POV“Melanie!”Luke’s sharp call brought me out of my deep thought.Damn.I can’t believe I got distracted. Worse, I was in the middle of changing Luke’s surgical dressing and I came so close to hurting him.“Sorry, Luke. What were you saying?” I asked.Luke eyed me curiously. “You haven’t been listening to a word I’ve said.”“Sorry, I got distracted for a moment,” I answered.“Are you okay?” he asked. “You don’t look so good.”“I’m fine, I guess I’m just a little tired,” I answered.Luke smiled at my response. “I guess you did celebrate after all.”“Huh?”"It's your birthday. I thought you weren't going to celebrate it, but it looks like you did."I had totally forgotten about my birthday yesterday.“I just had some drinks with friends, that’s all,” I lied. I seemed to be doing a lot of that today.Lying through my tee

Melanie’s POVThe drive back to Adriano’s mansion was quiet.I was in no mood to talk and my designated driver didn’t seem like a chatty person.The closer we got to the mansion, the more my feeling of dread intensified.From what I heard him say on the phone when my escape plan was busted, Adriano was well aware of it and I was scared of what he might do to me.Was he going to hurt me?Or worse, he could harm my family by teaching me a lesson.The thought of either of that happening scared me but somehow, a voice at the back of my head kept telling me that wasn’t the type of person Adriano was.He might be a monster but I didn’t think he would use his physical strength to hurt a woman. Or maybe he would.I didn’t know him well enough to come to any sort of conclusion, and he hasn’t given me a reason not to worry.I was certain of one thing though, I’m not going to give up that easily. I m