AureliaI stood by myself against the window. The world below me was a hyperactive blur of neon pinks, electric blues, and gold, but up here, inside the penthouse, the silence was deafening.From this height, at the very peak of Lucien's corporate headquarters, the city looked like an intricate, glowing circuit board. Thousands of people were down there, living their lives, moving between casinos, laughing, and breathing the cool desert air.I sat on the edge of the plush chaise lounge, my knees pulled gently to my chest as I stared down at the city. Behind me, the massive marble dining table was meticulously set for two. I had arranged the dishes hours ago, trying my best to be the sweet, compliant girl Lucien expected, hoping that my obedience would earn his trust. But as the clock ticked past 8:00 p.m., then 9:00 p.m., the prepared food grew entirely cold.Lucien wasn't coming home.I didn't have a phone. I had no access to the internet, no way to call him, and no way to ask whe
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