“Good choice, Ve,” Lucas said, staring at the map on the dining table. He saw the signature on the agreement letter. “I wouldn't do this if I wasn't desperate, Luc,” Velia said, avoiding eye contact. “Never.” “I consider it fate.” Confidently, Lucas stood up from his chair and walked slowly, circling around Velia. Velia immediately became cautious as Lucas stopped right behind her. “You know?” Lucas asked, not waiting for Velia's answer. “People say that you can't escape your destiny. No matter how hard you try.” Lucas's breath brushed against Velia's neck. His hand lifted and touched her skin there. “Just like what's happening to you now. You can consider me as your destiny.” Velia closed her eyes. Lucas's hand moved and landed on her waist. Lucas kissed Velia's neck, breathing and licking there. “From now on,” Lucas said, turning Velia's body. “You are mine.” Velia opened her eyes, directly facing Lucas. “You mean your mistress? Or your pet?” “Call it whatever you want. We
The luxury car seemed to have lost its way. The narrow streets in the lower-class neighborhood were clearly not the right route for it. Especially with the houses packed together and the squalid environment, who knows what the driver would think. “Do you live here?” The car stopped at a small rented house. The passenger inside asked, observing the place with a frown. “Yes.” Velia's voice sounded flat. She unbuckled her seatbelt and forced a smile that Lucas could not interpret. “Why?” Lucas reached for Velia's hand, momentarily holding back her desire to leave immediately. “What happened to you, Ve? Why do you live here? Where is your home?” “Home?” Velia asked bitterly. “This is where I live. I don't have a home or anything.” Lucas fell silent. “Why? Are you regretting making a deal with me?” Shaking his head, Lucas replied firmly, “Not at all.” “You should know, Luc. I did all this out of necessity. That's why I want to make sure of something,” Velia continued. “Will you
Upon arriving at the office, Lucas immediately called Vlora. He sat down and without beating around the bush, he asked, “How is it? Have you taken care of everything?” Vlora nodded and handed two cards to Lucas. “The credit and debit cards you wanted are ready for use.” “Thank you,” Lucas said as he took the cards. “Oh, by the way, can you also start looking for an apartment? I think it's best to find one not too far from the office.” Vlora weighed Lucas's words carefully. The office building was undoubtedly located in an elite area. As such, there were several apartments available, but it did not mean it would be easy to find one in such a short time. Vlora was well aware of Lucas's desires and did not want to disappoint him. “Velia's living conditions are really bad. It's truly terrible,” Lucas said, adding a sense of urgency for Vlora. In the end, she nodded. “Alright, sir. I will prepare everything.” Lucas nodded. “I'm counting on you, Vlo.” “Thank you, sir.” Vlora left Luc
Velia could barely hold back her drowsiness as the car finally came to a stop. She, who had almost fallen asleep, suddenly felt refreshed and turned her head. They had arrived at a towering building that appeared incredibly grand. “Let's go,” Lucas's voice coincided with the opening car door. They got out and quickly entered. A security guard welcomed their arrival. He smiled and greeted them. Unfortunately, Lucas did not receive a similar response. The same went for the unassuming receptionist. In fact, the man only nodded briefly and continued walking towards the elevator. The elevator carried Lucas and Velia away from the lobby. As they ascended floor after floor, the journey was enveloped in silence. It did not take long for the elevator doors to open. Lucas and Velia arrived at their destination floor, and they walked along the corridor. There was only one door on that floor. The sole place they were headed to, and Lucas said, “Remember this passcode, Ve.” Velia blinked, sli
Velia groaned. Her sleep was disturbed. Something was present, transforming tranquility into restlessness. It felt strange, like a ticklish sensation that spread second by second. It created a tingling that made Velia squirm. Half-conscious, Velia's heart raced faster. Her previously relaxed breaths instantly changed, becoming more fervent. Comfort eroded. Restlessness emerged. Velia's head moved restlessly on the pillow. She still had her eyes closed, but her hands began to search in confusion. Clutching the pillow, she groaned again. Velia took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but in vain. A faint touch caressed along her thigh, rendering her powerless. Warmth landed. Moisture enveloped Velia's nipples, leaving a mark on the satin nightgown and creating a feminine silhouette underneath. Velia opened her eyes. One face greeted her, and she was not surprised at all. “Luc.” Lucas was there, lying beside Velia. His position was sideways, with his hand slipping under Velia's
“Good morning, Sir.” As usual, Vlora greeted Lucas at the grand courtyard of Greatech. She took Lucas's briefcase and escorted him to the dedicated elevator. “Sorry in advance, Sir.” Vlora's voice coincided with the lift starting to ascend. Lucas raised an eyebrow, glanced at his watch, and waited for Vlora to speak. “Mr. Sanders is here.” Lucas furrowed his brow and raised his left hand. He checked the time and instinctively asked. “This early?” Frankly, Lucas was impressed. He did not expect to receive a visitor even before work hours. It made him exhale a bit, imagining what would happen if he decided to come to the office a little late—just a little. Not without reason. Opening his eyes and finding Velia sleeping in his embrace was the biggest temptation for Lucas. If he followed his heart's desire, he probably would not come to the office that early. That early or maybe too late. Those were the two choices Lucas faced for breakfast. “It seems he has gotten used to waking
Velia arrived at the apartment just before the sun completely set. Her hands were full of shopping bags, and she politely declined the help offered by the apartment staff. The elevator ascended, giving her time to reflect on everything that had happened that day. Velia's two objectives for going out had been accomplished. She visited Harry and paid off her debt to the loan shark. Despite what she was going through, she should feel relieved now. If only that encounter had not happened. Sandra's warnings and threats echoed in Velia's mind. Just echoes, but strangely enough, they triggered the tremors once again. Believe me, only God knows how much I didn't want to meet Lucas. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. It did not just bring them together; it bound Velia to Lucas once again. It was pathetic, but he was the only one who could support her. She was dependent on him and could not let go. Despite that, Velia was certain that Lucas would not let her go. The luxurious apartment wa
Lucas was disturbed from his deep sleep. There were faint murmurs that disrupted him. He woke up and found the source to be Velia. Velia appeared restless. Her sleep was troubled, as if something terrible was disturbing her. Something like... ~ “What did you forget about what I said? How many times do I have to tell you? Look at who you are.” “No. Please.” “Oh, of course. The lowly nature of your parents truly flows in your blood, Velia.” “No. Not my parents.” “So, go. Go as far as possible until Lucas can never find you again.” “I promise. I will go.” “I'm not joking. If you still get close to Lucas, I will ruin your life.” “I promise. I will stay away from Lucas.” “I'll hold you to your promise, and if your life falls apart someday, don't be surprised. It means you've broken your promise.” “I won't break it.” “Don't let Lucas find you, or else I can do anything. Starting with your parents.” ~ Sweat dripped. The murmurs grew louder. Velia appeared tormented, trapped in