Chapter 51

Damian’s POVThe tedious ritual of escorting Adriana Montrosso through Florence's upscale shopping district had already tested my patience to its breaking point. For the past two hours, I'd endured her incessant chatter about fabric choices, jewelry selections, and the social significance of every detail for tonight's gala."The emerald necklace or the diamonds, Damian?" she asked for the third time, holding up two exquisite pieces that probably cost more than most people's annual salaries. "I want to look absolutely perfect tonight. After all, everyone will be watching us.""Either is fine," I replied curtly, checking my watch with deliberate obviousness. "We have other appointments to keep.""Oh, but this is so important," she purred, moving closer with that calculated grace that had probably charmed lesser men but left me cold. "Tonight marks the beginning of so many wonderful possibilities. Grandfather says you've been working too hard, that you need someone to help you appreciate

Chapter 52

Aria's POVThe ride to the boutique district passed in suffocating silence. Damian sat beside me in the back of his sleek sedan, his presence radiating controlled fury that made the air feel thick and dangerous. I pressed myself against the far door, trying to create as much distance as possible between us, but in the confined space of the car, escape was impossible.Lorenzo drove with his usual professional efficiency, his eyes occasionally flicking to the rearview mirror to check on his increasingly volatile boss. Even he seemed to sense the tension crackling through the vehicle like a live wire.When we finally stopped in front of Florence's most exclusive bridal and evening wear boutique, I felt my stomach drop. The pristine windows displayed gowns that looked like they belonged in fairy tales—each one undoubtedly costing more than most people's annual salaries."After you," Damian said with deadly politeness, holding the car door open with a gesture

Chapter 53

Damian’s POVThe gala was in full swing—Florence's elite mingling with carefully selected members of Italy's most powerful families, their conversations a delicate balance of social pleasantries and veiled business negotiations.But where the hell was Aria?I'd specifically instructed her to be my dance partner tonight, had watched her transformation from frightened girl to breathtaking woman in that white dress. The image of her amber eyes wide with a mixture of fear and defiance was burned into my memory from our encounter in the fitting room. She'd looked like an angel—albeit a terrified one—when I'd left her with the stylists.She wouldn't dare disobey me. Not after what I told her about the consequences of violating our contract."Damian, darling!"Adriana's voice cut through my thoughts like fingernails on glass. She materialized beside me with that practiced grace that had been drilled into her since childhood,

Chapter 54

Aria’s POVThe first thing I became aware of was the pain.My wrists burned with a raw, stinging sensation that cut through the fog in my mind like a blade. The rope binding them was coarse and unforgiving, biting into my skin with every slight movement. My mouth felt dry and cottony, sealed shut by what I assumed was tape that pulled uncomfortably at my skin.Where am I?The question crashed through my consciousness as awareness returned in jagged fragments. The last thing I remembered was walking down that service corridor, looking for Damian, and then... nothing. Just darkness and the acrid smell of chemicals that had overwhelmed my senses.I forced my eyes open, blinking against the dim light that filtered through grimy windows. The space around me was cavernous and abandoned—a warehouse of some kind, with high ceilings and concrete floors stained with years of neglect. Broken machinery sat in rusted heaps along the walls, and the a

All Chapters of His Surrogate Fled, He Never Stopped: Chapter 51 - Chapter 54

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54