LOGINCHAPTER 158LARA'S POVIt had been three days since I was rescued. Three days since Rafael died. Three days since my life had almost ended.The nightmares still came, though not as often. Sometimes I'd wake up in the middle of the night with my heart racing, convinced I was still tied to that wooden chair.Each time, Adrian was there. Every single time. He would hold me until I calmed down, whispering softly that I was safe.I always believed him. This morning, I was finally well enough to leave the bedroom.The doctor had insisted that fresh air and the company of loved ones would help me recover faster.So here I was, curled up comfortably on the large cream-colored sofa in Adrian's living room.Adrian sat beside me, reading through a few documents on his tablet. Well...trying to.Every few minutes, he'd glance up from the screen to check if I was comfortable.I caught him doing it again. I smiled."You know I'm not going to disappear."He looked completely unapologetic."I know. Bu
CHAPTER 157AUTHOR'S POVThe evening settled peacefully over the penthouse. Golden rays from the setting sun stretched across the marble floor, bathing the living room in a warm glow.The penthouse felt calm.Adrian sat across Lara, reading through a few reports Vincent had brought over earlier. He had finally resumed some work, though he refused to let it consume his attention.Every few minutes, he'd glance up at her. Just to make sure she was still there. She caught him doing it again."I'm not disappearing." Lara smiled."I know. But I like checking."She shook her head, laughing softly.Before she could tease him further, the doorbell rang. One of the maids walked toward the entrance. A moment later, she returned."Mr. Romano. There's a gentleman here. He says his name is Alfonso."Adrian's expression immediately changed."Let him in."A few seconds later, heavy footsteps echoed through the hallway. Then he appeared. Tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in a black suit. His expression
CHAPTER 156LARA'S POVI slowly opened my eyes. Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, bathing the bedroom in a soft golden glow.For a few seconds, I simply stared at the ceiling, enjoying the silence.No gunshots, shouting or fear. Just peace.I turned my head. Adrian was still sitting beside the bed.His head rested against the edge of the mattress, his fingers still intertwined with mine.He had fallen asleep like that. A lump formed in my throat. My gaze traveled across his face.His hair was messy. A rough stubble covered his jaw. Dark circles rested beneath his beautiful green eyes.He was still wearing the same black shirt he'd worn the night he rescued me.The sleeves were rolled to his elbows, stained with faint traces of dried blood and dust.My heart ached. He hadn't even taken care of himself. All because of me.Carefully, I reached out with my free hand and brushed a few strands of hair away from his forehead. His eyelashes fluttered.A second later, those famil
CHAPTER 155AUTHOR'S POVThe departure terminal buzzed with travelers.Announcements echoed through the airport as passengers hurried toward their respective boarding gates.Among them walked Martina Lopez.A pair of oversized sunglasses hid most of her face, while a black cap was pulled low over her forehead.Beside her, Nora wheeled two expensive suitcases."We're almost there," Nora whispered nervously. "Our flight leaves in thirty minutes."Martina didn't answer.bHer jaw remained clenched.Everything had fallen apart. Rafael was dead. The police were looking for her.bAdrian hated her more than ever. She had lost. But she refused to accept it."We'll leave the country," Martina muttered. "We'll figure something out."Nora nodded quickly. "Yes, Miss Lopez."As they approached the security checkpoint, Martina finally allowed herself to breathe.Just a little farther. Just one more step.Then,"Miss Martina Lopez."An unfamiliar male voice echoed behind her. Martina froze. Slowly, she
CHAPTER 154ADRIAN'S POVI didn't move. Not once. Even after Lara had fallen asleep again, I remained seated beside her bed, my fingers loosely intertwined with hers.The rhythmic sound of her breathing was the only thing keeping me sane.Every now and then, she would stir slightly, her brows knitting together as if she were trapped inside another nightmare. Each time, I gently squeezed her hand."I'm here," I'd whisper. "You don't have to be afraid."Eventually, her expression would soften again. Only then would I allow myself to breathe.A soft knock came from the bedroom door. The family doctor entered quietly with his medical bag."Good afternoon, Mr. Romano."I nodded."How is she?"He walked over to the bed and carefully examined Lara once more. He checked her pulse, looked into her eyes with a small penlight, and asked her a few simple questions when she briefly stirred awake.After several minutes, he smiled reassuringly."She's recovering well."Relief washed over me."But...
CHAPTER 153LARA'S POVDarkness, then...warmth. It wrapped around me like a blanket, gentle and comforting. Somewhere nearby, I could hear the faint murmur of voices.My head felt unbearably heavy. I tried to open my eyes, but they refused to cooperate.A familiar scent drifted into my nose. Sandalwood. The clean, comforting scent I had come to associate with only one person.Adrian.My heart skipped. Slowly, my eyelids fluttered open. The bright light made me squint.Everything around me was blurry at first, but as my vision cleared, I realized I was lying on a large bed.The ceiling...the chandelier...the cream-colored curtains...I recognized them immediately.Adrian's penthouse. I was home. A lump formed in my throat.Was it all over? Had he really found me?Before I could gather my thoughts, I felt someone squeeze my hand.I turned my head. Green eyes. Red-rimmed and filled with exhaustion. Adrian.He was sitting beside the bed, his fingers tightly wrapped around mine. His neatly
CHAPTER FOUR My first week at Blackstone Conglomerate was terrifying. Not because the work was impossible. But because I feared encountering Adrian Romano again. And somehow— I did not see him again because he was the CEO, until when we had an impromptu meeting. I saw him. Our
CHAPTER THREE The moment I drove into our compound, I knew I was finished. The front door swung open before I could even step out of my dad’s Mazda MX-5. “Lara!” my mother exclaimed, rushing outside. “Where are you coming from?” But my father pushed past her immediately. “My car.” His eyes na
CHAPTER TWO The club was packed with people moving in and out, laughter and music blending into one chaotic rhythm. I showed my ID to the large, muscular bouncer, and he let me in without a word. Sadie and I had been here once before, so I roughly knew my way around. The music blasted thro
CHAPTER ONE ““Lara Finn,” the pretty secretary called, hanging up the phone. “Yes, I’m here,” I replied nervously. “You’re next for the interview,” she said, eyeing me from head to toe. I knew my outfit was perfectly appropriate for a job interview—a pair of brown wide-leg trousers, a black







