All Chapters of The Architect Of My Ruin: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Elara’s fingers restlessly tracing the strap of her handbag as her eyes scanned the lobby.She bit down on her lip, silently praying that Killian would cross the floor before her courage completely collapsed.Bzzzz.The sudden vibration of her phone in her palm made her chest tighten. She glanced down at the screen and saw Patrick's name flashing over the screen.Guilt flooded her veins. She was just about to press the answer button when a shadow fell completely over her."Elara."She snapped her head up, her breath hitching as she saw Killian standing before her, his dark overcoat slightly parted, his chest heaving faintly.she stood up instantly, smoothing down her floral gown."Hello, Mr. Vane–""Killian." he interrupted, his eyes solely on her.Elara glanced around nervously.."We are standing in the main lobby of your headquarters, Mr. Vane. I have no intention of letting your employees witness you being addressed with a lack of proper deference."Killian’s brows furrowed slightl

Elara reached out, her fingers trembling slightly as she pulled the leather bound folder toward her. She flipped to the signature page, the white paper staring back at her.I am so sorry, Dad.. her chest tightened..I am doing this to save everything you built.she gripped the pen and swept her signature across the dotted line. She closed her eyes for a second..Twelve months. One year and then everything goes back to normal..offering herself a desperate comfort.When she opened her eyes, Killian was staring down at the file, actually on her signature.She carefully slid the folder back across the desk..Killian retrieved his own pen, and he signed his name right next to hers."At the stroke of the twelfth month, we go our separate ways.." Elara stated, desperately trying to reassert her boundaries one last time.Killian didn't offer a single word of affirmation. He merely closed the folder, in silent dominance."I will see you tomorrow, Killian." She said and walked towards the door.

The following afternoon..Elara stood in the center of her bedroom, looking around the familiar space. Resting by the door was a single large piece of a Rimowa luggage.She gripped the handle and walked out, the wheels rolling quietly over the floor.As she descent down the staircase, the family’s head housekeeper hurried over to intervene."Oh, Miss Elara, please let me carry that down for you.." the woman offered gently."Don't worry, Martha. I’ve got it." Elara replied, with a grateful smile.Elara stepped into the living area, her eyes searching the corner. When she noticed her father's favorite leather armchair was completely vacant, she frowned."Dad?" she called out into the quiet house."Mr. Pierce is currently out in the eastern pavilion, Ma'am." A maid informed her softly, gesturing toward the glass doors. "He’s been sitting in the garden since midday.""Thank you."She pushed through the French doors, stepping out into the golden glow of the late afternoon sun. She walked

Elara pulled the door open, only to let out a sigh of relief. Standing on the threshold wasn't Killian, it was Mrs. Wilson, offering a warm smile."I am so sorry to disturb you, Miss Elara." She said gently. "I just wanted to check in and see if you needed any assistance unpacking your things, or if there’s anything at all I can do to make you feel more comfortable."Elara shifted slightly, a wave of awkwardness washing over her. She still didn't understand why the housekeepers were acting so bizarrely, staring at her like she was some kind of rare exhibit."Oh, um... no worries at all, Mrs. Wilson." Elara replied, offering a polite but strained smile. "I can easily handle everything myself."She didn't mean to sound dismissive. she had always preferred doing things for herself rather than letting the staff cater to her every whim.Mrs. Wilson’s smile never faded."Well, if any need arises, please do not hesitate to call for me, okay?""I will. Thank you." Elara nodded.The older woma

A knock against the door broke through the silence of the room.Elara whined softly into her pillow, twisting and turning under the silk sheets as she tried to block out the sound. She buried her face deeper into the fabric, but a second, more persistent knock followed immediately after.Slowly, her eyelashes fluttered open. She blinked against the bright morning light filtering through the massive windows, looking around the minimalist space before the reality crashed down on her.'Right. Killian's room.'Letting out a morning sigh, Elara threw off the duvet and slid out of the bed. Her feet sank into the plush carpet as she walked across the room toward the entrance.She unlocked and pulled the door open, only to be met by the wide, beaming smile of Mrs. Wilson. Standing right behind the head maid was a younger house staff member, holding a neatly folded stack of thick towels and a silver tray."Um... good morning?" Elara murmured, rubbing the sleep from her eyes."Good morning, Mi