Chapter 21

— Amanda, sweetheart! How was your day?Her voice is warm, familiar, a balm on my raw nerves. I force a smile, even though she can't see it.— Good, Mum. Just… busy. And you? How's Luna?She laughs softly, a sound that takes me back home, to the cosy living room with the fireplace and the smell of bergamot tea.— Oh, she's adorable! She's already conquered the whole neighbourhood. She meows all the time for cuddles, and she loves climbing the curtains. Thank you again, sweetheart. It was exactly what I needed to fill the emptiness.I listen, letting her voice soothe me. We talk about the kitten: how she's settled her in, the mischief she's already getting up to, which kibble she prefers. Then she moves on to the usual questions: my work, my apartment, whether I'm eating well. I answer vaguely, avoiding details.— Everything's fine, Mum. Really.Lie. But I can't tell her. Not about level -2, not about the torture, not about Cameron.The conversation lasts fifteen minutes. I hang up wit

Dernière mise à jour : 2026-04-30

Chapter 22

I nod, but the tension doesn't subside. I'm dreading it. I'm afraid it will be like last time: men in suits talking about "secure deliveries" and "clean accidents." But when we arrive at the restaurant an ultra‑exclusive place in Mayfair, discreet facade, liveried doorman the atmosphere is different. Dimmed lights, jazz in the background, waiters in tuxedos gliding between tables like elegant shadows. Women in designer dresses, men in tuxedos or dinner jackets. I immediately recognise several faces: an actor known for his charismatic villain roles, a pop singer who graces magazine covers, a billionaire tech entrepreneur whose name is everywhere. No shady looks. No palpable tension. Just luxury, power, money.Cameron places a light hand on the small of my back to guide me inside. The touch makes me shiver despite myself. He nods at people, gives a cold smile. We're led to a round table at the back of the room, surrounded by six other people. Two investor couples, a Russian businesswom

Dernière mise à jour : 2026-04-30

Chapter 23

The drive back takes place in a silence that no longer feels hostile. It's not the icy silence of the first days, when every kilometre seemed to dig a trench between us. It's something else: a charged silence, almost intimate, as if superfluous words had become unnecessary. Cameron is driving himself tonight no Alfred, no separating window, no barrier. Just him at the wheel of the black Mercedes, his hands resting confidently on the leather steering wheel, and me beside him, legs crossed, the black dress having ridden up slightly on my thighs because of the seated position. The rain has started again, light but persistent, and the wipers beat a regular, almost hypnotic rhythm.I watch the streets of Mayfair scroll by through the tinted window. The lampposts cast golden reflections on the wet asphalt, the luxury shop windows are already dark, but their illuminated signs continue to blink like nocturnal promises. The cabin is warm, the smell of new leather mixed with his cologne cedarw

Dernière mise à jour : 2026-04-30

Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 21 - Chapitre 23

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23