The mall was eerily silent, echoing Haven's internal longing to retreat into the comfort of her room and escape the reality she found herself trapped in.

She moved through the aisles mechanically, her mind elsewhere as Vincent examined engagement rings with sheer excitement. The looming engagement felt like an iron shackle, tightening with every tick of the clock.

"Look at this one, Eva," Vincent called, his voice brimming with enthusiasm as he pointed to a glittering diamond ring. "It's perfect, isn't it?"

Haven forced a smile, nodding slightly. "Yes, it's beautiful," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Vincent's eyes sparkled with satisfaction. "Pack these," he instructed the jeweler, before turning back to Haven with a grin. "Come on, Eva."

She followed him mindlessly, each step feeling heavier than the last. After the shopping ordeal, Vincent insisted she accompany him to his mansion, under the pretense that it was more convenient for the engagement tomorrow. Despite every fiber of her being screaming to flee, she had no choice. She was bound by a sense of fear that surpassed her own desires.

As they exited the mall, Vincent took her hand, leading her toward his car. The luxury vehicle gleamed under the streetlights, a symbol of the life she was being pulled into.

"Come on, Eva, let's go," Vincent said, opening the car door for her.

Haven hesitated, glancing around as if looking for an escape route. "I-Ivan, I really think I should go home," she said, her voice tinged with anxiety. "Hayden will be worried if I don't show up."

Vincent paused, raising an eyebrow in confusion. "Hayden? You mean my right-hand man?" He laughed dismissively. "He is just acting Evan, he is not your real brother, come out of the character, nobody is here baby"

She bit her lip, trying to muster the courage to argue. "D-does he know t-that I am coming with you"

Vincent frowned, a flicker of suspicion crossing his features. He leaned closer to her caging her between the car and him "Why do you care so much if Hayden is aware or not? He's not your actual brother."

Haven's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly forced a smile, trying to sound nonchalant. "It's not that I care so much, it's just... he's always been kind of like an overprotective brother to me. I guess I'm just used to making sure he knows where I am." She gulped hard in disgust as defended her. If he got exposed then she would never be able to save Aezvan.

Vincent studied her for a moment, his gaze searching hers. "An overprotective brother, huh?" he repeated, a hint of doubt in his voice. "You're not hiding anything from me, are you, Eva?"

"No, of course not," Haven replied, hoping her voice didn't betray her. "I just want to keep things smooth with everyone."

Vincent seemed to consider this, his suspicion lingering in the air like a faint shadow. "Alright," he said finally, though his eyes still held a trace of doubt. "But you don't have to worry about hayden. I'll handle him."

She nodded, relief mingled with unease. "Thank you, Ivan. I just want everything to go smoothly."

"It will," he assured her, though there was a slight edge to his voice. "Now, let's not keep anyone waiting."

Haven got into the car, her mind racing as they drove to the mansion. She could feel Vincent's eyes on her, a silent reminder that her every move was under scrutiny. The thought of Aerius's likely reaction tugged at her heart, but she knew she had to tread carefully.

As they arrived at the mansion, Haven resolved to be more cautious. She had to protect both herself and Aerius's secret, to keep Aezvan safe.

.
.

Upon entering the mansion, Haven was greeted by Maverick, Vincent's youngest brother, who eyed her with a mix of amusement and contempt.

"Hello, my dear sister-in-law," Maverick drawled, leaning casually against the doorframe. "The beauty and the beast finally getting engaged tomorrow, huh? It's gonna be fun to have you around... permanently."

Haven shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. "I'm just here for the engagement," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

Maverick smirked, looking her up and down. "Well, I hope you're ready for a lifetime of the capo's... attention."

Vincent intervened, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "Rick, enough. Show some respect."

Maverick shrugged, unbothered by the reprimand. "Just making conversation, brother," he said, sauntering off with a mocking grin. Haven felt exposed and unsettled, wishing she could disappear.

Haven took a deep breath her eyes fixed on the lavish flooring. Her mind was a storm of emotions, a mix of fear, resentment, and rage. She wondered if there was any end to her sufferings at the hands of these monsters who seemed to control every aspect of her life. It felt as if her world was a never-ending cycle of cruelty, each new tormentor more sinister than the last.

In the darkness, memories flickered through her mind—moments of fleeting happiness overshadowed by the shadows of betrayal and pain.

The future seemed bleak. Each time she thought she had faced the worst, a new, more terrifying adversary emerged, testing her strength and resolve. The weight of it all pressed down on her, a suffocating presence that made it hard to breathe.

Would she ever find freedom from this nightmare? Or was she destined to remain a pawn in a game she couldn't control?

Hi guyzzzz, hope you like the chapter. Today we have a double update❤️