Episode 4: "One Step Back"
227 Words
Elena’s POV
“Oh no, Dad, not at all. I just want to be punctual,” I said, avoiding his stare.
“Elena… I’m sorry,” he said softly. “If you want to save this family by marrying the CEO, you may have to forfeit your career.”
“What?” I screamed. Just a contract marriage… I whispered, trying to calm the tension in my chest.
“It’s not that simple, Elena,” Dad said, walking away toward his room.
Rage burned in me for someone I hadn’t even met. I needed to see the man trying to take my freedom.
All my life, I had been independent and brave. No one dares touch my freedom… not even you, Mr. Adrian, I thought.
I grabbed my bag and headed for the door—then froze. My stomach sank. I didn’t even have Adrian’s office address.
I had to go back.
“Dad,” I called, voice trembling slightly.
He looked up. “Yes?”
“I… I need Adrian’s office address,” I said, forcing myself to sound steady.
His eyes softened slightly, but I could feel the weight of everything riding on this moment. I clenched my bag tighter. One wrong move, and my family would pay.
I took a deep breath. “Please,” I whispered, “I need it now.”....
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