THE PAST COMES KNOCKING
Elara should have known peace wouldn't last.
The moment she stepped out of the office building that evening, she felt it—the weight of being watched. The city traffic roared around her, people rushing by, but the air felt… different.
"Ellie."
Her body froze.
She knew that voice.
Slowly, she turned.
Evan Cole stood a few steps away, hands in his pockets, wearing the same crooked smile that once made her heart melt. Now, it only made her chest tighten.
"You look good," he said softly. "Successful."
Her eyes hardened. "What are you doing here?"
"Can't an old friend visit?" he asked.
"You stopped being my friend the day you left," she replied coldly. "Without a word."
Evan sighed. "I was young. Stupid. I thought money mattered more than love."
She laughed bitterly. "And now?"
"Now I know I was wrong."
He stepped closer.
"I heard you work for Lucien Blackwood," he continued. "You climbed high."
Elara crossed her arms. "Say what you came to say."
His gaze softened. "I miss you."
Silence fell between them.
"You broke me," she said quietly. "Then disappeared."
"I know," Evan whispered. "That's why I'm here. To fix things."
Before she could reply, a sleek black car pulled up beside them.
The door opened.
Lucien stepped out.
His eyes went straight to Evan's hand—which had moved too close to Elara's arm.
"Who's this?" Lucien asked calmly.
But his jaw was tight.
"Elara's ex," Evan answered boldly. "And you must be the boss."
Lucien looked at Elara.
"You didn't mention him."
"I didn't think he'd show up like a ghost," she replied.
Evan smiled awkwardly. "We were just talking."
Lucien stepped closer, placing a hand on Elara's waist—not gentle. Not soft. Claiming.
"Good," he said. "Because she's busy."
Evan's eyes darkened. "Busy with you?"
Lucien didn't answer.
He didn't need to.
Elara stiffened at the possessive touch but didn't move away.
"Take care, Evan," she said firmly. "Don't come looking for what you lost."
She walked toward the car.
Lucien opened the door for her.
As the car drove off, Evan stood frozen—watching the woman he once abandoned disappear into a world he could never reach.
Inside the car, silence burned.
"Your ex," Lucien said. "Interesting."
"He doesn't matter," Elara replied.
Lucien glanced at her.
"Good," he said quietly. "Because I don't share."
Her heart skipped.
"Remember the contract," she warned.
Lucien's lips curved slightly.
"I don't forget what's mine."
The city lights flashed past the windows.
And somewhere behind them…
Evan decided he wouldn't give up so easily.