RUNNING AWAY
Elara didn't go home.
She walked.
Past bright stores, loud traffic, couples laughing—through a city that didn't care she was breaking inside.
Her phone buzzed nonstop.
Lucien.
She ignored it.
Evan.
She blocked it.
When she finally stopped, she was standing in front of a small bar she used to visit years ago—back when life was simpler.
She went in.
One drink became two.
Two became too many.
"Rough day?" the bartender asked.
"You could say that," she muttered.
Her phone buzzed again.
Lucien: Where are you?
She laughed bitterly and typed.
Elara: Somewhere you don't control.
She downed another glass.
---
Lucien found her an hour later.
He stepped inside, eyes scanning the room until they locked onto her slumped form at the counter.
"Get up," he said quietly.
She laughed. "You don't own me."
He took her arm gently.
"You're drunk."
"And you're late," she snapped. "CEO problems?"
"Stop," he said. "Come home."
"Home?" she scoffed. "That penthouse isn't my home. It's your cage."
His jaw tightened.
"I'm trying to protect you."
"From what?" she cried. "Your world?"
Silence fell between them.
"You knew this would happen," she continued. "Rumors. Lies. Attacks."
Lucien exhaled slowly.
"I didn't think they'd go this far."
She laughed bitterly.
"Of course you didn't. You've never been the one crushed."
Her eyes filled.
"For once," she whispered, "I just want to breathe."
Lucien's voice softened.
"Come with me."
She hesitated… then stood unsteadily.
---
Outside, cold air hit her face.
"Don't touch me," she warned.
Lucien obeyed—but stayed close.
"Serena leaked another thing," he said quietly.
Her heart dropped.
"What?"
"She's claiming you slept your way into this job."
Tears spilled.
"I didn't," Elara whispered.
"I know," he said firmly.
She looked at him—really looked.
"You always know… but you never stop it," she said. "You only clean up after."
Lucien froze.
"You don't fight for me," she continued. "You manage me."
His eyes darkened.
"That's not true."
"Then prove it," she challenged. "Choose me."
Silence stretched.
Lucien opened his mouth—
Then his phone rang.
Serena.
Elara laughed brokenly.
"Of course."
She stepped back.
"Goodnight, Mr. Blackwood."
She turned to leave.
Lucien grabbed her wrist—not hard. Desperate.
"Don't walk away."
She looked at him.
"Then don't make me."
Their eyes locked.
For the first time…
Lucien had no answer.