His deadly obsession
As I grappled with the moment, Daren resumed, "Promise me you'll love me, Elena. You're my world."
I grasped in that instant that my destiny wasn't entirely within my grasp; there was a catch. I'd grown weary of Marco's dominance over my family. Though I didn't desire to be Daren's lover, I needed to secure my family's safety. They were all I had left. Becoming Daren's girlfriend seemed a small price to pay. Fate had placed me in the role of a sacrificial lamb, and there was no escaping it.
"You have my love and affection, Daren. Please, just help me," I implored, gazing into his eyes, concealing the weight of my decision.