WALKING AWAY
The press conference room buzzed with whispers and flashing cameras.
Elara stood behind the podium, hands trembling slightly. Lucien stood close, a quiet wall of support.
"Miss Wynn," a reporter called out,
"Is it true you're stepping down from your company?"
Elara inhaled slowly.
"Yes," she said clearly.
"Effective today, I'm taking a leave of absence."
Gasps filled the room.
---
Her Public Goodbye
"I built Wynn Media from nothing," Elara continued.
"I'm proud of it. But right now, my priority is my health and my child."
Her hand rested gently on her stomach.
"This is not surrender," she added.
"It's a pause. I'll be back."
Cameras flashed wildly.
Lucien watched her with pride.
---
Private Tears
In the car, Elara finally broke down.
"It hurts," she whispered.
"That place was my dream."
Lucien pulled her close.
"Dreams don't die," he said.
"They wait."
She nodded slowly.
---
Serena's Unexpected Move
In prison, Serena sat unusually calm.
A guard approached.
"You have a visitor."
She smirked.
"Finally."
A lawyer stepped in.
"We've filed a motion," he said quietly.
"There was an error in your sentencing."
Serena's eyes lit up.
"So… I'm getting out?"
"Not yet," he replied.
"But there's a chance."
Her smile widened.
"Good. Very good."
---
Lucien Tightens Security
Back home, Lucien doubled their protection.
"No more solo outings," he said firmly.
"No unscheduled visitors."
Elara sighed.
"I feel like a prisoner."
"Alive prisoner," he corrected gently.
"That's what matters."
---
A Strange Feeling
That night, Elara woke up suddenly.
"Lucien…"
He sat up instantly.
"What's wrong?"
"I don't know," she whispered.
"I just feel… uneasy."
He pulled her into his arms.
"Nothing will happen. I promise."
But outside—
A car idled in the shadows.
A familiar pair of eyes watched their balcony.