LOGINThey were eventually rescued from the elevator. The moment the doors slid open, Jayden didn't utter a single word. He simply walked away without looking back, leaving Lena standing there with mixed emotions swirling inside her. Back in the apartment, Lena narrated everything that had happened to Chloe. Ethan had already left earlier. He claimed he had a few things to take care of and needed some rest afterward. While they were still talking, Lena's phone rang. It was Ethan. "I just got back to the hotel," he said warmly. "I was wondering if you'd like to have dinner with me tomorrow. I'd really love for us to get to know each other better." A smile spread across Lena's face. "I'd love that." The next day passed by quickly. After work, Lena returned home, took a long warm bath, and got her nails done. Meanwhile, Chloe happily took over makeup duty and spent nearly thirty minutes helping Lena choose the perfect dress. "There," Chloe said proudly after stepping back. "You're
The next morning, Lena woke up to the smell of food. She remained in bed, wondering where the smell was coming from. Then she remembered Ethan had spent the night. A smile appeared on her face. She climbed out of bed, fixed her messy hair, and followed the smell into the kitchen. The sight that greeted her immediately made her laugh. Ethan was standing in front of the stove wearing an apron while flipping pancakes. Lena folded her arms and leaned against the doorway. "I didn't know you could cook." Ethan turned around. The moment he saw her, his eyes widened dramatically. He immediately grabbed a spatula and pointed it at her. "Ladies and gentlemen, please direct your attention to the beautiful woman who has finally graced us with her presence this morning." Lena laughed. "Oh my God." "The woman. The myth. The legend." "Ethan." "The one and only Princess Lena." He took an exaggerated bow. Lena shook her head. "You are ridiculous." "I know." He looked entirely t
That night, Lena couldn't sleep.She tossed and turned on her bed while Chloe snored softly from the next room.After several failed attempts at forcing herself to sleep, she sat upright.Her gaze landed on the package resting on her desk.The mysterious package.Curiosity instantly got the better of her."Fine."She climbed out of bed and carried the box to the couch."Let's see what all the fuss is about."Carefully, she opened it.The moment she lifted the lid, her eyes widened.Inside was a box of chocolates.A beautiful golden jewelry set.And a shiny preserved rose.Lena couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face.The gesture was thoughtful.Her attention shifted to the envelope she had ignored earlier.She picked it up and unfolded the letter.From Your Admirer to My Princess.Lena smiled.Then continued reading."I know we haven't been talking much lately.""That's my fault, and I take full responsibility for it.""I should have called more.""Or texted more.""My sch
The next morning, Chloe wouldn't stop apologizing."Lena, I'm so sorry."She stood in front of her with a guilty expression."I should never have left you alone."Lena sighed."Chloe, it's okay.""No, it's not."Chloe crossed her arms."I left for one minute,and everything went wrong."Before Lena could respond, Chloe pointed toward the couch."You're not doing anything today.""What?""I'm making breakfast."Lena laughed."You don't have to.""I do."Chloe immediately turned and marched back into the kitchen.Lena shook her head and settled onto the couch.A movie was playing on the television while the smell of breakfast slowly filled the apartment.The doorbell rang."Yeah! I'm coming!"Lena started getting up."Hold up!"Chloe rushed out from the kitchen."I'll get it.""But your—""No worries."She pointed at Lena."Just sit your ass down for today."Lena chuckled."Fine."A minute passedCurious, Lena stood up and walked toward the entrance."Chloe, who's there?"Chloe folded he
A few minutes later, Lena had gotten tired of waiting for Chloe.She glanced around the bar for what felt like the hundredth time before sighing heavily."Where could she have gone?" she mumbled.The alcohol buzzing through her system wasn't helping her patience.With a shrug, she pushed herself off the stool and stumbled toward the dance floor.The music blasted through the speakers as colorful lights flashed around the room.Lena laughed to herself and began swaying her waist to the rhythm.Then suddenly, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind.Lena stiffened.The stranger pulled her closer against his body.She immediately turned around.A man she had never seen before was staring down at her.His smile made her skin crawl."Let go of me," Lena said, trying to pull away.The man chuckled.Unfortunately, he was much stronger."Relax, beautiful."His grip tightened."How about we go somewhere else so you can show me some of those moves?"A creepy smile spread acro
Lena couldn't believe what she was seeing.She stood frozen in shock, trying to understand what was happening.Before she could react, Richard lunged toward her and grabbed her shoulders, shaking her violently."Bitch, what more do you want?" he shouted. "I regret the day I met you."Jayden immediately rushed forward while Chloe struggled to pull Richard away.The moment Jayden reached them, he shoved Richard so hard that he stumbled backward and crashed onto the floor."You bastard!" Richard groaned.Jayden stepped in front of Lena instantly, shielding her from him.Richard let out a bitter laugh as he slowly got back to his feet."Don't you see what she's doing?" he snapped.His finger pointed directly at Lena."This bitch wants to turn us against each other so she can take my wealth. Such a slut."A look of disgust crossed Chloe's face."Old man, you better get your ass out of here before I call the cops."Richard smirked."Cops? Sure. Do it.""Dad, stop this madness," Jayden said
The drive back felt longer than it should have. No one spoke a word. The music from the radio was the only sound heard; they played some slow song. Lena kept her eyes on the window. The ocean had disappeared behind them, but she could still feel it—on her skin, in her hair, the way she felt und
The next morning, the house felt like a minefield. Richard was awake and insistent on sitting in the living room. He looked fragile, his usual commanding aura dimmed."Lena," Richard called softly as she walked past with a tray of mint tea. "Can you sit with me for a moment?"She stiffened, her fin
The house felt different.Richard had been trying lately. She noticed it in the little things that changed .The way he called more during the day, even if it was just to ask if she had eaten. The way he stayed longer at the table instead of rushing off. She was supposed to be happy but she wasn't
The evening air was calm; Richard had insisted on the date.The soft candlelight, the clinking of glasses, the romantic atmosphere, the way he made her feel seen for the first time in a while.By the time they returned home, the car rolled into the driveway.From the window, Lena spotted a figure;







