All Chapters of Obsessed (Forbidden Desire): Chapter 21 - Chapter 27

Elena's hand trembled around the letter opener. The metal felt cold against her palm, and for a moment, she'd forgotten she was even holding it."Don't," the stranger said again, his voice soft but firm.She stared at him. Tall, broad-shouldered, with dark hair that fell slightly over his forehead. His eyes were a warm honey color, and they held genuine concern. Not pity. Not judgment. Just worry."I wasn't..." Elena started, then stopped. What could she say? That she was just holding it? That she wasn't thinking what he thought she was thinking?The man stepped closer, slowly, like he was approaching a frightened animal. "May I?" He gestured to the letter opener.Elena looked down at it, then back at him. Something in his expression made her trust him, just a little. She held it out.He took it gently, set it on the vanity behind her, then stepped back to give her space."My name is Adrian," he said. "Adrian Mercer."Elena wrapped her arms around herself, suddenly aware of how she mu

The morning sun felt like a miracle on Elena's skin.She stood in the garden, breathing in the scent of roses and jasmine, feeling the warmth seep into her bones. The French toast sat heavy and sweet in her stomach, the first real meal she'd enjoyed in days. Adrian kept a respectful distance, leaning against a stone pillar, watching her with those careful, observant eyes.Elena walked slowly along the cobblestone path, trailing her fingers over the rose bushes. Their petals were soft, delicate. Beautiful things that bloomed even when the world felt cruel."I never thought sitting in a garden would make me feel so happy," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She stopped, staring at the fountain in the center of the garden. "Isn't that strange? Something so simple. So ordinary."She turned to face the sky, closing her eyes against the sunlight."I never valued my freedom in the past. I complained about everything. My father's rules, the boring charity galas, the expectation to be

Elena's vision blurred slightly. The blood loss was starting to affect her. She could feel it, the lightheadedness creeping in at the edges. Her fingers felt numb around the knife handle.Stay focused. Stay in control.But control was slipping. Fast."I mean it," Elena said, her voice weaker now. "I'll do it. I swear I'll…"A hand grabbed her wrist from behind.Elena gasped, her body jerking in surprise. The knife shifted against her throat."Isabelle, NO!" Dante shouted.Elena tried to turn, but Isabelle's grip was iron-tight. Her perfectly manicured nails dug into Elena's bleeding wrist, sending fresh waves of pain shooting up her arm, the snake had sneaked up on her while she was distracted by Dante."Who do you think you are?" Isabelle hissed directly into Elena's ear. Her voice was low, venomous, meant only for Elena to hear. "Blackmailing him? Threatening him? You're nothing but a criminal.""Let go of me!" Elena struggled, but Isabelle was stronger than she looked.To everyone