In the arms of two sins

Chapter 16

Elias’s POV

The message replayed in my head all night.

All morning too.

I’ll be at the anniversary tomorrow.

And I have a surprise for you.

Whoever sent it wanted me on edge. And it worked.

I remembered how I’d stormed into the company the moment I received it, convinced it was Mara, playing another mind game, pushing another button just to see how far I’d go.

I pressed the elevator buttons so hard my fingers hurt, and the second those doors opened, I marched straight to her office and barged in without knocking.

She flinched, just once, then stared at me, confused.

“What's the problem?”

I froze.

She didn’t look guilty. She didn’t look startled. She didn’t look as if she had been caught.

My chest tightened.

“N… nothing,” I muttered, stepping back. “Never mind.”

I walked out before I could embarrass myself further.

And the question kept burning in my head:

If it’s truly not her… then who the hell is playing games with me?

I stood in front of my mirror, adjusting my tie.

I smoothed my hair back, wore my watch, straightened my sleeves, and drew in a slow breath.

It was the anniversary day.

Everything needed to be perfect and go well.

And I had to make sure of that.

When I left my room and descended the stairs, the entire Lawson family was ready, glittering in golds, blacks, and expensive fabrics.

Of course.

Then

Footsteps echoed above.

I turned.

Mara appeared at the top of the stairs.

My breath caught before I could stop it.

Her dress was blood-red, flowing, fitted, with a slit that demanded attention without trying. Her hair fell down her back, glossy, and her skin looked warm under the chandelier glow.

She looked like beautiful.

Painfully beautiful.

I forced myself to blink before anyone noticed.

Camille clapped lightly. “Perfect, Mara. You look perfect.”

Mara nodded stiffly.

I regained my composure and started toward the door.

We stepped into the limousine, our convoy already lined outside. The ride to the dock was silent except for Camille chatting with her daughter and David stealing glances at Mara, which I didn’t like.

When we reached the dock, our private family yacht waited—bright white, massive, elegant.

One by one, everyone began to board.

Mara approached the walkway, hesitating slightly as the boat rocked.

David immediately stepped forward.

“Here,” he said gently. “Give me your hand.”

I moved faster.

“I’ve got her.”

My hand closed around hers before she could decide.

David’s hand hung in the air, frozen.

He swallowed and stepped back.

Camille smiled proudly. “Such a gentleman, Elias.”

I said nothing, focused only on Mara’s tiny gasp as her hand steadied in mine.

We crossed onto the yacht, then sailed across the water toward the Lawson private island resort. The lights reflected off the waves like scattered diamonds.

When we finally arrived at the hall, everything gleamed as I had planned.

Philip’s photos were displayed at the entrance.

A video montage played softly—his voice, his smile, memories captured in time.

Mara stiffened at the sight.

Her hand trembled.

I pretended not to notice.

The hall inside was a masterpiece—gold, crystal, white marble. The chandeliers glowed like stars. Guests arrived with elegance, brought by the family's private yachts.

Richard approached me. “Good day, sir.”

“Richard,” I said. “I want the full guest list, every single name, after this party.”

“I'll have it ready today,” he replied.

“Good,” I said, walking away.

I greeted investors, businessmen, diplomats, everyone who mattered.

When it was time for the speech, I walked onto the stage.

A hush fell over the hall.

I spoke calmly, steadily.

“Thank you all for being here… Tonight honors not just the company’s legacy, but Philip Lawson’s vision…”

After speaking on Philip, I introduced Scott Enterprise.

Their manager walked up, smiling too much, representing the CEO of Scott Enterprise. That was unexpected.

When we stepped off the stage, I leaned close to him.

“I expected your CEO.”

“He’s rarely in New York, Mr. Lawson. I handle his business here,” he said.

“He’s not even in the news,” I replied.

“He prefers anonymity,” he added.

“Thank you. I’m sure Mr. Scott himself will be pleased.”

I offered a brief smile. “Tell your boss I’d like to meet him. I need to know who I’m partnering with.”

As I turned away, Mr. Halter approached—his handshake firm.

“You made the right choice with Scott Enterprise,” he said.

I nodded. “We’ll see.”

His words didn’t reassure me.

At some point, one of my VIP investors, Chavez called out.

“Elias!” He shook my hand, then turned toward Mara.

She joined me as we approached him.

Chavez laughed loudly. “Ah, the beautiful widow! Your husband was a great man. A shame he…”

He reached out, brushing Mara’s arm lightly.

I swallowed hard.

Mara glanced at me quickly, sensing the shift.

Chavez finished talking eventually, and I forced myself to stay polite.

But the moment I turned—

Mara was gone.

Where had she gone?

I scanned the hall again and found her at the exit door, heading out.

Where was she going?

Curiosity swallowed me. I needed to know.

I followed her.

She walked quickly across the resort grounds toward the private mansion, her heels crunching softly on the gravel.

She entered the building and headed straight upstairs.

Then she pushed open a room door and went inside.

What was she doing?

Meeting someone?

Hiding something?

I didn’t wait.

I barged inside.

“Mara!”

She spun around so fast her dress whipped.

“What is wrong with you? You're always following me!” she demanded.

I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

She crossed her arms.

“Elias, why are you following me everywhere tonight?”

“I…”

I swallowed, finding the right words to use.

“I’m sorry.”

My chest tightened with embarrassment.

Before she could respond,

The door clicked behind us.

The handle rattled.

Locked.

Mara stared at me.

“…Elias, what did you do?”

“I didn’t do anything,” I said sharply.

But the truth was chilling:

Someone had locked us in.

Together.

Her eyes met mine.

Fear flickered there.