013: Unwanted Feelings

The mansion didn't sleep that night.

Security guards patrolled every corner of the estate. The front gate was repaired before dawn, while technicians worked on restoring the surveillance system.

Despite all the activity outside, Elena couldn't sleep still.

Every time she closed her eyes, she saw the photograph inside the black envelope.

Someone had been watching her.

Someone had entered Damian's home without being caught.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

"Miss Elena?"

It was Mrs. Harper.

"Mr. Blackwood asked me to bring you breakfast."

"I'm not hungry." She answered almost immediately.

Mrs. Harper smiled gently.

"You need to eat so you can have strength."

After a moment, Elena accepted the tray.

As soon as Mrs. Harper left, she forced herself to eat a little. She couldn't allow fear to control her.

Downstairs, Damian sat in his study.

His expression was unreadable as the head of security placed a file on the desk.

"We've questioned every guard on duty."

"And?"

"No one admits to seeing anything unusual."

Damian looked up.

"What about the cameras?"

"They were hacked from inside the security room."

His eyes narrowed.

"So the intruder had help?" he asked.

"That's our conclusion."

Damian leaned back in his chair.

"There is a traitor in this house."

The room fell silent.

"I want background checks on everyone. Guards, drivers, cleaners, cooks. Everyone."

"Yes, sir."

"And don't tell them why."

The security chief nodded before leaving.

Damian remained seated, deep in thought.

Whoever was behind this wasn't just after him anymore.

They were after Elena.

That was something he couldn't allow.

Meanwhile, across the city, Adrian stared at the untouched breakfast on his dining table.

The house was spotless and very quiet.

For the first time, he noticed the little things Elena used to do.

His coffee was cold because no one had reheated it.

His tie was still lying on the sofa because no one had put it away.

Even the flowers in the living room had started to wilt.

He frowned.

"When did this place become so empty?"

A knock came at the door.

Vanessa walked in carrying shopping bags.

"I thought I'd surprise you."

She kissed his cheek, but Adrian barely reacted.

"You don't seem happy to see me."

"I'm busy."

Vanessa studied him carefully.

"You're thinking about her again, aren't you?"

Adrian looked away.

"No."

"You hesitated."

"I said no."

Vanessa forced a smile, but inside she was furious.

She had waited years to have Adrian all to herself.

Why was Elena still between them even after leaving?

Back at the mansion, Elena decided she couldn't hide in her room forever.

She walked into the garden, taking a slow breath as the morning breeze brushed against her face.

It felt peaceful.

For the first time in days, her heartbeat slowed.

"You should have brought a jacket."

She turned.

Damian was walking toward her.

He held a light coat in one hand.

"You'll catch a cold."

Without waiting for permission, he draped it over her shoulders.

Their eyes met.

"Thank you," she said softly.

"You don't have to thank me."

They walked through the garden in silence.

Finally, Elena spoke.

"Are you afraid?"

Damian looked at her.

"For myself? No."

"For me?"

He stopped walking.

"Every minute."

His answer caught her off guard.

"You hardly know me."

"I know enough."

She lowered her eyes.

"Everyone who gets close to me ends up getting hurt."

Damian's voice softened.

"Then let me be the one who decides that."

Elena didn't know what to say.

For the first time since her marriage fell apart, she felt safe standing beside someone.

That frightened her almost as much as the threats.

From the second-floor window, a pair of eyes watched them.

The curtain moved slightly.

Then became still again.

A phone vibrated.

The unknown person answered.

"They're getting closer."

A distorted voice came through the speaker.

"Good."

"Should we move to the next step?"

There was a brief silence.

Then the voice replied,

"Not yet."

"Let them believe they're safe."

The call ended.

The figure smiled before quietly disappearing into the shadows of the mansion.

The enemy wasn't outside anymore.

The enemy was already inside.