Lena couldn't shake the feeling that something was horribly wrong.
The locked door. The way Elias had reacted. The way the house felt too still, like it was holding its breath.
She should leave.
But every time she thought about it, Elias would do something to make her stay.
"I made you breakfast, love."
"You work too hard. Let me take care of you."
"I don't want you walking home alone anymore - it's not safe."
At first, his care felt sweet. But soon, it started to feel like control.
He decided where they went. Who she could talk to. What she should wear.
One afternoon, Lena mentioned grabbing lunch with her best friend, Mira.
Elias's smile faltered. "Why?"
Lena frowned. "Because I miss her?"
His jaw tensed. "I just think she's a bad influence."
"A bad influence?" Lena scoffed. "Mira has been my best friend for years."
Elias sighed, brushing his fingers over her cheek. "I'm just trying to protect you, darling. Not everyone wants what's best for you."
Lena didn't argue. But the next day, when she texted Mira to meet up - her message wouldn't send.
Blocked.
Her stomach dropped.
She tried calling. Straight to voicemail.
Panic crept in. She checked her social media. Mira was gone. Like she had never existed.
Lena's hands shook as she turned to Elias. "Did you do this?"
Elias looked at her with soft, patient eyes. "I told you, love. She wasn't good for you."
Lena felt the walls closing in.
This wasn't love.
This was a cage.
And she had no idea how to get out.