Hours later,
A convoy of sleek black cars swept him straight to his grandfather's mansion.
The moment he entered, the atmosphere shifted.
The butler nearly dropped a tray of wine glasses at the door, and even Irina, who had been seated with grandfather, rose with concern.
"Damian, darling, you're back so soon—"
For the first time, He walked past his mother without a word. His stride was sharp, predatory, every line of his body rigid with wrath.
His grandfather leaned on his cane, eyes narrowing.
"Why is he so angry" his mother said.
"Damian is always angry irina but today...."
His boots echoed up the grand staircase, his movements so swift the maids scattered like frightened birds.
He reached Elena's door and didn't bother to knock
The door flew open, banging against the wall.
Elena, who had just been slipping off her shoes, spun around with a startled gasp, she still had her nighties on.
"Damian!"
He filled the doorway, broad shoulders framed by the light from the hall, his eyes blazing like ice and fire combined.
Her heart stuttered at the sight of him—the intensity in his face, the storm in his movements.
He shut the door behind him with a thud, advancing slowly, each step making her retreat until her back brushed against the edge of the bed.
"You…" His voice was low, dangerous, vibrating through the air. "…went out with a man?"
Elena's lips parted, panic flashing across her face. "I—I didn't—"
"Don't lie to me!" Damian roared, slamming his hand against the wall beside her head.
The sound reverberated, making her flinch. His breath was sharp, his fury almost unbearable to stand so close to.
"It was just dinner!" Elena cried, her voice trembling.
"You weren't even here—I didn't do anything wrong!"
His jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing to slits. "Just Dinner. With flowers"
With another man looking at what belongs to me."
His hand gripped her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.
"Tell me, Elena… were you laughing with him the way you laugh with me?"
Her throat went dry. Tears prickled her eyes. "It wasn't like that…" she whispered.
He took out a weapon from his pocket, pointing it towards her.
"You don't know how bad I want to kill you right now" he said calmly.
"Then do it Damian"- "You won't even let me see my aunt, so just do it" she said as tears kept rushing down her eyes.
He moved the weapon round her body then held her chin and kissed her, he placed his lips slowly down her neck to her collarbone which sent shocking waves on her.
The weapon stopped at her cleavage this time then using his hand to caress her body earning a moan from her.
He seduced her and she fell for it, she pushed him off her body.
"Dress up, we are leaving" he said as he used the weapon to point at the closet.
Scared of the weapon in front of her, she changed from her nighties in front of Damian.
Elena took a half-step after him, fingers trembling at his sleeve, then stopped.
"I don't want to go back to your mansion," she said, voice cracking on the last word
He didn't turn. His coat swung as he moved down the corridor, each step echoing.
"You don't make the decisions here," he said, eyes forward, never softening.
"Your master does."
The words hit like ice. Her chest clenched, tears building hot rage.
They reached downstairs, his mother and grandfather were there, she prayed in her heart that one person will stop them.
"Damian" His mother called him. "What's happening?"
He passed without looking at her. "This is none of your concern". Irina stood there surprised at his words.
He placed Elena in one of the car then the cars sped up till it finally stopped at his mansion.
They got down from the car as they both headed inside.
She tried not to cry. She would not let him buy consolation.
She squared her shoulders and even forced a few small, quiet breaths as she headed to her room.
Then she paused when she heard his cold voice-- "Where are you going?"
"You're not done pleasing your master," he said, It hung in the air heavy and obscene. Elena flinched as if struck.
"What do you mean" she muttered.
"To my room Elena, remember what you are to me, your master needs you now"
"Please Damian, I'm not ready" she said as tears rolled down her eyes.
"You have no choice here Elena" he said coldly and stepped into his room.
She followed slowly, he shut the door when she got in and they made out.
The next day;
After crying her eyes out to sleep she woke up in her bedroom.
She freshens up then hears a knock on the door. "It's time for breakfast ma'am" the maid said.
I'm not hungry' she replied.
She had already lost her appetite after remembering what happened last night.
She lays on her bed closing her eyes wishing that everything goes back to normal, she missed her aunt day by day.
"Come down for breakfast Elena" She heard his voice not icy this time which brought her back to reality.
Damian was inside her room, he stood with his hands in his pocket before he walked to her.
She stood from her bed immediately.
Damian held her hands as he guided her downstairs and she didn't utter any word.
They got to the dining he made her seat, he scooped food into her plate and watched her eat.
"Jeez! Your quiet side scares me Elena, you haven't even said a word" Damian said looking at her.
"I don't think I should speak when my master hasn't given me permission to speak" she said in a low tone.
"Fine! I'm sorry"
" I just got angry because you went out with another guy cupcake! You should stay away from men except me of course"
You're mine Elena and I don't share what's mine" he said and stood up.
He stepped close, his cologne brushing over her like smoke and spice, lowering his head.
"I miss you already,"
He murmured, his lips brushing against hers briefly, not demanding, not claiming — just leaving the trace of his warmth.
Elena didn't move. She didn't respond.
She simply sat there, watching as he pulled away with that unreadable expression in his eyes, like he knew she was fighting herself.
Without another word, he turned and left, the heavy front doors closing behind him.
Silence wrapped around her.
She exhaled slowly, pressing her hand to her chest where his kiss lingered like a ghost.
Shaking her head, she reached for her phone, desperate for a distraction.
The screen lit up with Tia's contact, and before she could overthink it, Elena pressed call.
"Finally!" Tatiana's playful voice filled the line, followed by a dramatic sigh.
"Elena Cruz remembers me, I thought you had forgotten about me."
Elena's throat tightened. She swallowed. "It's not like that," she muttered.
"Mm-hmm," Tia teased knowingly. Then her voice softened.
"So… did you find out anything more about your aunt?"
Elena stood up heading to her room, her fingers curling against her knee.
"No. Nothing. It's like she just vanished after being transferred. Damian won't tell me anything.
He keeps dangling her like some prize." Her voice cracked slightly, but she forced it steady.
There was a pause. Then Tia's voice dropped lower, serious. "Elena… Alex can help you."
"No." The word came out sharper than intended.
"That's a bad idea. Damian found out I went for dinner with him and he—he was furious.
You should have seen him. If I do it again—"
"Elena," Tia cut her off, firm but gentle. "You don't have to date him. You don't even have to mention his name to Damian. Just… let him help you.
That's his job. You have his number, don't you?"
Elena bit her lip, heart pounding. She remembered Alex's easy smile, the way his voice carried warmth without pressure.
He wasn't like Damian.
He wasn't dangerous. "Yes, I have it," she admitted quietly.
"Then use it," Tia urged. "Just call him. Don't overthink it."
Elena closed her eyes. "I'll think about it."
"So you said Damian found out, you went out with Alex?" Tatiana said ready to chat.
Yeah' he got back from his business trip, he was so angry Tia"
"Oh my god! Damian Volkov found out you had a date with another guy and you are still alive" Tatiana teased.
"It wasn't a date' Tatiana"
They continued their chat. Laughing. Gossiping.