THE BREAKING POINT
Elara packed her things quietly. The office whispers, the judgmental stares, and the security footage—real or fake—had destroyed her confidence.
Her penthouse keys felt heavy in her hand. Every object she touched reminded her of Lucien's control, his obsession, the constant tension.
I can't stay here. Not like this.
She left the building without saying goodbye. Her heels clicked sharply on the sidewalk, each step a mixture of fear and determination.
---
Lucien's POV
He had watched her leave. His chest tightened.
She's gone. She left.
He stormed out of the office, checking the streets, the elevators, the parking garage.
"She can't just disappear," he muttered under his breath.
"I won't let her. Not now. Not ever."
His anger and desperation boiled. For the first time, the CEO who controlled everything felt powerless.
---
Serena's Celebration
From her luxury apartment, Serena poured herself a glass of champagne.
"She finally left," she whispered to Evan, smirking.
"She'll regret it when she sees who truly controls this city."
Evan nodded, but hesitated.
"Be careful. Lucien won't take this lightly."
Serena laughed coldly.
"Let him chase. Let him burn himself out. She's mine for the taking—or at least broken enough to be ruined."
---
Elara Alone
Elara didn't stop walking until she reached a small café far from downtown.
She sat in a corner booth, heart pounding, hands shaking.
She felt… free. But the freedom was bittersweet.
Her phone buzzed. Multiple messages.
Lucien.
Evan.
Unknown numbers.
She ignored them all.
This is my life now, she whispered.
I can't be anyone's pawn.
And for the first time in months, she allowed herself to breathe.