CHAPTER3
1179 Words
(Amara's POV)
"Who was that?" My voice was shaking as I helped Elias get into the apartment. Why did you ask?
He winced as he sank onto the couch, his shirt stained with blood. His face was pale, and his breathing was weak. His eyes told me he was hurt, but he tried to hide it from me.
"Someone who wants me dead," Elias said through gritted teeth, his voice strained. "And your father is behind it."
My heart sank, and I felt a heavy weight in my chest. "Lukas? Oh no, he wouldn't—"
Elias spoke quickly and cut me off. "Don't stand up for him. "You have no idea what he can do."
I stared at him, my mind running. Was Lukas truly capable of murder? I had always known him to be harsh, but this... this was something else entirely.
Elias leaned back and closed his eyes for a moment. "I need you to get the first aid kit," he said, his voice hoarse but demanding.
I nodded and rushed to the bathroom, my hands shaking as I looked for the kit. Each second felt like an eternity. When I returned, Elias was trying to remove his shirt, but the action caused him to wince in pain.
"Let me help," I said, putting the kit down and slowly pulling the blood-soaked fabric away from his wound.
He didn't protest, which told me just how much pain he was in. The bullet had touched his shoulder, leaving a deep, angry gash. I cleaned the cut as best I could, my hands shaking the entire time.
"Why would Lukas want you dead?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Elias opened his eyes, his look sharp and serious. "Because he's a coward," he said, his voice cold. "And because he knows I'm getting closer to the truth."
"The truth about what?"
He didn't answer right away, his jaw tightening as I applied the patch. "About my parents," he finally admitted, his voice heavy with feeling.
I froze, my hands stilling for a moment. "Your parents?"
Elias nodded, his face hardening with the weight of his past. "They didn't die in an accident, Amara. They were killed. And your father was behind it."
"No," I gasped, backing away slightly, my heart pounding. "That can't be true!"
"It is," he insisted, his voice unyielding. Lukas was engaged. He wanted me out of the way, and now he's using you.
I felt a flurry of emotions—anger, betrayal, fear. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"Because I needed you to trust me first," he answered, his eyes relaxing just a bit. "And I thought you were still loyal to him."
"How can I be loyal to someone capable of that?" I snapped, my heart racing as I processed the truth.
Elias reached out, his hand gently grabbing my wrist. "Amara, listen to me. We need to stick together. If Lukas finds out you're asking him, you'll be in danger too."
I nodded slowly, trying to understand everything. The weight of the situation pressed down on me. "What do we do now?"
"We gather facts. "We need to show what he's done," Elias said, determination flashing in his eyes.
I locked myself in the guest room, my hands shaking as I dialed Lukas's number. I needed to hear it from him. I needed to know if what Elias said was true.
"Amara?" Lukas answered, his voice smooth yet cold.
"Lukas, I need to talk to you," I said, trying to keep my voice steady even as my heart raced.
"You're naive, Amara. Elias is the enemy. Do as I say, or you'll regret it."
My heart pounded in my chest, fear creeping in. "Why are you doing this? Why would you want him dead?"
"Because he's a threat," Lukas snapped, his tone hard and merciless. He's always been a threat to me and our family. Now, stop asking questions and do what you're told.
I shook my head, even though he couldn't see me. "No. I won't be a part of this. I won't help you hurt him."
There was a long pause on the line, anxiety growing like a storm. When Lukas finally spoke, his voice was low and dangerous. "You think you have a choice? You're in too deep, Amara. If you don't do as I say, you'll regret it."
I felt a chill run down my spine. "What do you mean?"
"You know exactly what I mean," he answered, his tone chilling and threatening.
I hung up, my hands shaking so badly I could barely hold the phone. My mind was rushing, and I felt like I was sinking into a sea of confusion and fear.
I had to find out the truth.
"This doesn't make sense," I whispered, looking at the old newspaper story I found in Elias's office.
I waited until he was asleep before sneaking into his study. The room was dark, the only light coming from the moon outside the window. I had been looking for something—anything—that could help me understand what was going on.
And then I found it.
The title read: "Prominent Couple Killed in Mysterious Car Accident." The victims were Elias's parents. And the prime suspect? Lukas Frey.
My hands shook as I read the story, the world around me slipping away. According to the story, Lukas was the last person to see Elias's parents living. He had been questioned by the police, but there wasn't enough proof to charge him.
I felt sick to my stomach. Was this why Elias married me? To get close to Lukas? To use me as a pawn in his game of revenge?
I didn't want to believe it, but the proof was right in front of me.
As I tried to process the information, the lights in the apartment suddenly went out. I froze, my heart beating in my chest.
And then I heard it. Footsteps.
Someone was in the house.
I held my breath, my ears trying to hear any sound. The footsteps were getting closer, and I could feel the fear rising in my chest.
I quickly hid the newspaper story and pressed myself against the wall, trying to make myself as small as possible. The door to the study creaked open, and I could see a dark figure standing in the doorway.
"Amara?" a voice called out.
It was Elias.
I let out a shaky breath, my legs nearly giving out from under me. "Elias!" I whispered, relief rushing through me.
But before I could reply, I heard another sound—a weak click, like a door opening.
Elias's eyes narrowed, and he turned toward the sound. "Stay here," he said, his voice low and anxious.
I nodded, my heart still racing. As Elias left the room, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was badly wrong.
And then I heard it—a gunshot.
The anxiety hung heavy in the air as I stood frozen, fear pooling in my stomach. What had just happened?
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