Elena stood outside Blackwood Corporation again, but this time the weight on her heart felt heavier than the rain-soaked clothes she wore last night.
Today, she wasn't just a girl asking for help.She was the girl who signed herself away.
The receptionist straightened the moment she saw her.
"Mr. Blackwood is waiting for you," she said, voice tight with fear.Everyone here feared him.And now she belonged to him.
Elena swallowed hard and stepped into the private elevator—the one employees whispered about but never used.The ride was silent… suffocating.
When the doors opened, Adrian was already standing in front of his massive window, city lights reflecting off his sharp features.
He didn't turn around.He didn't need to.
"You're late," he said.
Her pulse raced."I—I came as soon as—"
"I didn't ask for excuses."
Only then he turned, his cold eyes locking onto her like hooks.
"Come here."
Her feet moved before her mind could protest.She stopped a short distance from him, but he closed the rest.
So close she could feel the heat of his body.So close his presence swallowed her whole.
"First," he said, holding out a sleek black card,"this is your key."
Elena hesitated. "Key… to what?"
"To everywhere I allow you to be."His voice dipped lower."Starting today, you don't go anywhere without my knowledge."
Her throat tightened."That sounds—"
"Like control?" Adrian finished.His tone sharpened."Good. Then you understand me clearly."
He stepped even closer, lifting her chin with a grip that was firm but not painful.
"Rule number one," he murmured,"You don't argue with me."
Her breath trembled as his thumb brushed her lower lip.
"Rule number two,""You don't disappear without telling me."
Her heart hammered so hard it hurt.
"And rule number three…"His eyes softened—just a fraction."…you call me if you're scared."
The last line caught her off guard.
Scared? Why would he care?
Adrian straightened, his walls snapping back up instantly.
"Get dressed," he said. "We're leaving."
"W–Where?"
"To the hospital. You want to see your sister, don't you?"
She froze."You—you're coming with me?"
"I don't trust people with what's mine," he said simply.
Elena's cheeks warmed."I'm not yours."
Adrian moved so quickly she barely saw him.In an instant, his hand was around her waist, pulling her close—too close.
His voice lowered to a whisper that brushed her ear.
"You signed the contract, Elena."His breath sent shivers down her spine."You became mine the moment your pen touched the paper."
Her heart skipped a beat.
"Now move," he commanded softly."I don't like waiting."
He let go of her, turning toward the door.
Elena followed him with unsteady steps, a single thought echoing in her mind:
She had sold one year of her life…
…but Adrian Blackwood looked like a man who wasn't planning to give any part of it back.