All Chapters of How To Love A Murderer.: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Chapter Thirty-One: The Blood Trails Ian slammed his finger against the penthouse button, his heart pounding a furious rhythm in his chest. The image of Zhedya with Louis burned behind his eyes, making his vision swim with jealous rage. The elevator doors closed, and it began its smooth ascent. Then, without warning, it jolted violently. A deafening groan echoed in the small space, and everything went pitch black. “What the hell?!” Ian yelled into the darkness, his anger instantly morphing into claustrophobic panic. He fumbled for his phone, his hands shaking as he turned on the flashlight. The beam cut through the dark, revealing the cold, metal walls of his prison. He fired off text after text to Zhedya. Where are you? The elevator just died. Are you with him? No response. Of course not. “Damn it!” he snarled, slamming his palm against the door. “He’s probably too busy with Louis to even check his phone.” The thought made him feel sick. After what felt like an eterni

Chapter Thirty-Three: Gilded Cages and Whispered AlliancesIan blinked his eyes open, the soft morning light filtering through the penthouse windows. The first thing he saw was Zhedya, already propped up on an elbow, just… watching him. A sketchbook was open in his lap, a pencil still in his hand.“Creepy,” Ian mumbled, his voice rough with sleep. “How long have you been staring? And what are you drawing?”“Long enough to memorize every one of your eyelashes,” Zhedya said, his voice a soft caress. He turned the sketchbook around. It was a perfect, detailed drawing of Ian sleeping, his face peaceful and young. “Happy birthday, my love.”Ian’s heart did a little flip. Before he could say anything, Zhedya reached for a luxurious envelope on the nightstand. “I got you a small surprise. I submitted your blog for the ‘Best Crime Journalist of the Year’ award.” He pulled out the official-looking letter. “You’ve been nominated.”“Oh my god, Zhedya,” Ian breathed, his eyes wide as he took t

Chapter Thirty-Five: Pulling Weeds "Are we there yet?" Ian asked, a giddy laugh bubbling up as Zhedya kept his hands firmly over his eyes, guiding him through the penthouse. The anticipation was killing him. "Almost, my love. Just a few more steps... okay. Now." Zhedya dropped his hands. Parked in the middle of the private garage was a car. But not just any car. It was a low-slung, hyper-modern sports car, painted a deep, shimmering blue that looked like a midnight sky. It had a giant red bow on the hood. "A gift for my award-winning journalist," Zhedya said, his voice dripping with pride. "So you never have to rely on cabs or... other people... again. It's programmed to only recognize your fingerprint and mine. It's completely safe." Ian's excited smile faltered for just a second. A normal car would have been amazing. This felt... like a tracking device on four wheels. A beautiful, expensive cage. Zhedya caught the flicker of doubt instantly. "Don't you like it?" he asked, h

Chapter Thirty Seven: The Glasses Shatters. Another check-up. The words felt heavy in Ian’s foggy mind. He sat in the passenger seat of Zhedya’s car, his head leaning against the cool window. He was so tired, a deep exhaustion that sleep never cured. Outside, Zhedya and Dr. Ethan were talking. Ian watched through the glass, his vision slightly blurry. He couldn't hear them, but he didn't need to. Dr. Ethan’s face was a mask of urgent concern, his hands moving in sharp, worried gestures. Zhedya, in contrast, stood perfectly still, his posture cold and dismissive. Then, as if feeling Ian’s gaze, Zhedya glanced toward the car and gave the doctor a chilling, calm smile that didn't reach his eyes. Ian caught fragments of the raised voices as the doctor lost his composure. "…a month was the maximum, Zhedya! His system can’t handle this!" "…memory loss… emotional instability… it’s becoming permanent!" "You’re causing neurological damage! I won’t be responsible for what happen

Chapter Thirty Nine: Cracks in the Glass Ian hugged himself against the chill, standing by the sleek black car at the busy airport. The noise of engines and announcements felt overwhelming. “Call me when you get there,” Ian said, his voice a little shaky. “I wish you didn’t have to go. I’m gonna miss you so much.” Zhedya cupped his face, his touch warm and familiar. “Only three days, my love. The penthouse is yours. The guards are there. Don’t leave unless it’s an emergency, and take the driver.” He tucked a strand of hair behind Ian’s ear. “I’ve programmed the car’s GPS for your safety. Only approved locations.” “You do too much,” Ian whispered, pulling him closer for a long, deep kiss, trying to memorize the feeling. “Be good. Take your medication. I’ll call you tonight.” Zhedya’s grey eyes held his. “I love you.” “I love you too. Have a safe flight,” Ian forced a smile, his heart already aching. He watched Zhedya disappear into the crowd, a confusing mix of relief and l