Lena's heart pounded as she stared at Elias.

"You blocked Mira?" Her voice was barely above a whisper.

Elias smiled, tilting his head. "I only did what was necessary. She was filling your head with doubts about us."

Lena took a step back. "That wasn't your decision to make."

Elias sighed, his expression softening. "I know this is hard to understand, but I love you, Lena. I need to protect you. You're everything to me."

His words were sweet, but they felt like chains wrapping around her wrists.

That night, she barely slept.

She needed to get out.

The next morning, while Elias was in his home office, Lena grabbed her things and rushed to the front door. Her hands shook as she reached for the handle -

It wouldn't open.

Her breath hitched. She tried again. Locked.

Not just locked - there was a new deadbolt on it.

Panic shot through her. She ran to the back door. Locked. The windows? Sealed shut.

Elias had trapped her.

Lena's breathing turned ragged as she backed away from the door. She needed to think. She needed to act normal.

Just as she turned, she heard his voice behind her.

"Going somewhere, love?"

She whirled around to see Elias leaning against the doorway, watching her. He looked calm, amused even.

Lena forced a shaky smile. "I just wanted some fresh air."

Elias walked toward her, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "You don't need to go outside for that. Everything you need is right here."

Lena swallowed hard.

She was a prisoner.

And Elias wasn't going to let her go.