ALINA’S POV

Then show him. Use your words, your eyes, your silence, your body–whatever you have left. But for once in your life, Alina, be vulnerable.”

She paused for dramatic effect.

“Stop trying to outy a man who’s already broken every rule for you. Just sit outside that door, bstay /bsoft, and let hime to you. Don’t chase. Just wait.”

I stared at the locked door in front of me, my throat tightening.

–

And if he doesn’te?” I whispered.

Talia didn’t answer right away.!--

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“He will,” She said finally, her voice softer. “Because despite everything. Mr. ckwood alwayses back to you.”

There was a prolonged silence between us for a few seconds.

“Do you really think so?” I asked.

With my whole damn soul.” Her voice was filled with confidence. “Now put your phone away, fix your hair, and wait like the woman who has finally figured out what she wants.”

A little smile spread across my lips. “You’re scary when you’re wise,

“And you’re exhausting when you want something. Call me when he opens the door–and only if you’re still alive.”

Wait what-”

“And if he doesn’t open the door, then we would move to n B. She continued not giving me a chance to respond to herst

statement

“What is n B. My tone was bcurious/b.

“I will tell you only if n A doesn’t work.” She responded. “Call me if he doesn’t open the door in the next thirty minutesb.” /b

“Talia hold on-

She hung up before I could finish my word

“I guess bI /bbhave /bto wait then I muttered to myself

Five minutester, Maya walked up to me.

Would you

like to eat something, ma’am?” She asked softly.

“No thanks, Maya. I’m goodb.” /bI managed a weak smile.

“Did you have anything else to eat today aside from the breakfast this morning?” Heptone was motherly, filled with concern

I thought about her question and realized I hadn’t eaten anything else since morning. I had been so busy with my escape and getting things done that Ipletely forgot to eat.

“Judging by the look bon /byour face, byou /bhaven’t,” She noted. “Why don’t I set the table for you!” She suggested gently.

“No. I have to wait here in bcase /bciares out.” I told her, ncing back at

the shut door.

“I’m sure you cane eat something and be /bback before Master ckwoodes out.” She pushed bkindly/b.

lithought about her offer.

But what if Lucian came out when I was at the dining table? I didn’t want to risk it. I couldn’t risk it.

620 AM

bChapter /b18

“I think I’ll just wait here for him.” I finally responded.

“In case you c

change e your mind, just let me know.” She said with a resigned sigh.

“Will do.” I shot her a grateful smile, and she left.

Ten minutester, Ace showed up in front of me

“What do you want?” My tone was sharp

He had never missed a chance to show his dislike for me, so I didn’t see the need bto /bbe nice to him.

“Ma’am, you should get off the floor before you catch a cold.”

Wait–was that concem I heard?

“I’ll be fine.” I said simply.

“Boss wouldn’t like it if you caught a cold.” He spoke again, his voice oddly soft.

of course. The only reason Ace was worried about me was because he knew Lucian would worry and fuss bover /bme if something happened

“Well, he should open the door and talk to me if he doesn’t want me catching a cold. You tell him that. I know you’re speaking to him through that stupid earpiece of yours.” My tone was a little harsh.

Lucian knew I was sitting out here. He sent Ace to send me away. Well, too bad, I’m not leaving.

Ace knew I was spot on with myst statement, he stood there like a robot not saying a thing.

“If that’s ball/bb, /bthen leave. I told him sharply.

He left without another word.

The next fifteen minutes were the slowest twenty–five minutes of my life, Lucian bstill /bdidn’t even when I pressed my ear against the door.

Well.. that part might be because the room was soundproof.

I called Talis back.

“I take it he didn’te out. She stated knowingly.

“Yeah” I said softly, my tone heavy with sadness.

“Damn. He must be really mad at you.”

“Talia.” I whined, not in the mood formentary. “What’s n B?” I basked /bdesperately.

“Go jump off the balcony of your room.”

Her tone was bso /bbcasual/b, so bmatter/b–of–fact, like what she’d bsaid /bwas the most bnormal /bbthing /bin bthe /bworld.

“WHAT?!”