Chapter 3 Beneath The Mask

There was an unspoken moment that hung between us in their words. The atmosphere between us suddenly became thickened, with the energy between us shifting to a more intimate and charged quality.

Right when I was about to talk, he moved closer to me and whispered in a low tone."What if we get out of this place?" The proposal had the hit of a shockwave on me. My heart faltered, my thoughts racing. Every logical part of my body insisted.

This is a mistake; I shouldn't accompany him. I shouldn't get closer anymore, especially since my mission was to destroy him. However, there was also the impulsive, uncontrollable part of me that desired to surrender. I was curious about the direction this would lead to.

I swallowed, feeling my parched throat. "Where is our destination?" Once more, Alexander's lips formed that risky smile. "In a more peaceful location. Apart from the hustle and bustle area."

I felt my heart pounding in my chest. Even though I was aware of what this was. I was fully aware of where this would ultimately take us. However, I was unable to stop myself. The connection we felt was undeniable, something impossible to ignore just like that; the force was too powerful to resist.

I briefly paused, struggling between my mission and the overwhelming temptation that appeared right in front of me. However, when his hand lightly touched my arm, a simple action caused a surge of electricity to run through my body.

As I gazed up, I made eye contact with him, and, in that instant, I had no option but to make my choice. "Yes," my voice barely audible. "Let's leave this place." He slightly raised the corners of his mouth, showing he had expected no different response. Without speaking, he extended his arm to me, which I couldn't decline, sensing the power in his well-fitted suit as we navigated through the crowd.

The ballroom seemed to become blurry as we walked towards the exit, with the people and voices becoming less distinct and fading away into the background. With each step I took, my pulse raced faster, feeling the heavy burden of my decision on my shoulders.

This wasn't part of the original plan. My intention in coming here was to destroy him and hold him accountable for all the harm he caused my family.

Now, as I strolled next to him, the distinction between vengeance and something much more dangerous started to fade. Stepping outside into the cool night air, the tension between us continued to increase. Alexander's intense stare made me feel vulnerable for the first time that evening as he turned towards me.

I had thought I could control this, control him. Now, as I met his gaze, I understood I'm not in control anymore; I had underestimated him. "Where are we going?" I inquired, a touch of anxiety evident in my voice.Alexander took his time before responding.

However, he moved closer and gently pushed a loose strand of hair away from my face, his fingertips remaining against my skin for a moment, causing a shiver to run down my back.

"Believe me," he whispered gently, his exhale comforting on my cheek. As the city lights flickered in the distance, I realized I was in deeper than I thought.

The next day......

I woke up to the gentle rustling of silk sheets as the only sound in the room. My body was in pain in strange ways, and I briefly stayed lying down with my eyes shut, enjoying the lingering heat of the bed next to me. However, as I became fully aware, a profound feeling of fear coiled in my stomach. I suddenly opened my eyes and was overwhelmed by the harsh reality.

I was alone. The area beside me was chilly and vacant. The indentation of Alexander's body had already disappeared from the mattress, only leaving an empty reminder of what had happened overnight.

"Ah jessss, what have I done?"

I began to breathe faster, feeling panic gripping my chest. Clutching the sheet to my bare skin, I pushed myself up, my mind racing as I took in the luxurious penthouse. The scene was untouched, appearing as though the previous night had been erased from existence, as if I hadn't let myself succumb to the man I swore to ruin.

The harsh light of the sun shone through the tall windows, illuminating the consequences of my self-betrayal. Replaying the night in my mind caused a nauseating sensation in my stomach. The manner in which I had surrendered control, the way his touch had weakened my determination, how effortlessly I had let myself be obsessed at the moment.

This was not included in the original plan. I tossed the sheet away and got up, feeling my legs shake as I picked up my clothes that were shattered all over the floor.

Every item of clothing I held seemed to be heavier than the previous one, burdened by the repercussions of my choices weight on me. While putting on my dress, I struggled with the zipper at the back, my hands shaking as I tried to fix it. I glanced at the penthouse door, feeling a bit hopeful that Alexander might return, with his arrogant smile that always affected me. However, the silence stayed overwhelming, taunting me with its lack of noise.

I muttered a curse quietly. This was a mistake, a disastrous error. I walked towards the bathroom barefooted, softly padding on the marble floor. Seeing myself in the mirror made me feel nauseous.

My typically keen eyes were filled with bewilderment, my complexion flushed with the remnants of a night I hoped to erase from my memory. My puffy lips from his kisses served as a stark reminder of how close I had allowed myself to come to danger.

With my hands against the sink, I faced my reflection, seeing the harsh reality. "You're a fool, Emily," I muttered angrily. "You allowed him to come out victorious." However, did he emerge victorious? Maybe I simply had no control over the situation. I shook my head, attempting to rid myself of the thoughts that were overwhelming me.

This wasn't love. This no longer involved lust. This was... a matter of survival. I had fallen into the trap, but there was still a chance for me to bounce back. I still had the ability to regain control.

The vibrating phone on the nightstand caused me to snap out of my downward spiral of thoughts. I quickly went over and seized it, looking for a diversion, but felt my stomach sink upon seeing the name displayed on the screen-Lucas.

My heart pound in my chest as I paused before responding. I held the phone against my ear, speaking with tension in my voice. "Lucas?" "Emily, where on earth are you?" He spoke sharply, showing his frustration. "I have been attempting to contact you throughout the entire night."

I felt my throat constrict. He must not find out. He lacks knowledge of my actions. "I'm... I am good. "I was simply..." I quickly looked around the luxurious room, trying to come up with a plausible excuse.

"I attended the event."

I must have... lost all sense of time. My heart raced while I awaited his response, and there was a moment of silence before he replied. "Emily, you're becoming too complacent," he eventually remarked, his tone cold. Remember the reason for your presence. "Remember what Alexander Wolfe did to us?"

I felt a chill in my blood when Alexander's name was mentioned, haunted by guilt within. I lied, barely whispering; "I haven't forgotten." "Okay," he responded, his tone becoming more stern. If you don't succeed, if you allow him to triumph, then all our efforts will be wasted.

I closed my eyes tightly as the gravity of Lucas's words crushed me. "I will not be unsuccessful." "Do not even think about it," he warned with his voice. "Don't forget, Emily-he's not your buddy. He is someone who is against you."

The call ended abruptly, leaving me in silence, my heart pounding in my chest as I stood there. I put the phone down on the bed and sat on the edge of the mattress, holding my head in my hands.

His words resonated in my head. "He is not a friend to you. He is your foe." However, last night didn't seem like that. I saw something in Alexander last night that made me believe he wasn't the monster I thought he was.

However, that was the issue, right? I allowed myself to become too attached. For a brief period of time, I had allowed myself to forget his true identity. I straightened my posture while advancing towards the door. I had to depart before his return, before he noticed the weaknesses in my defenses.

The game was still ongoing, not finished. There is still a possibility for me to emerge victorious. I will still be able to make him suffer the consequences. However, as my hand lay on the doorknob, a gentle click reverberated from the back. My heart leaped into my throat when the door to the penthouse suddenly opened, making me freeze. Alexander entered, holding his suit jacket in his arm, his gaze immediately focusing on me.

"Are you departing early?" His voice remained smooth and casual, giving the impression that nothing had altered between us. However, his gaze held a sharp and knowing quality that caused my heart to beat faster.

I felt a lump in my throat as my grip on the doorknob loosened. "I... I have tasks to complete," I answered, my voice wavering a bit. He stepped closer; he filled the room with a powerful presence that caused my skin to tingle.

"There is no need for you to leave." My breath hitched, my thoughts urging me to run through the door and to abandon him. However, my feet remained motionless. I found myself ensnared, trapped in the web I had woven myself.

I whispered, "I have to," barely audible. "I can't wait any longer." Alexander's gaze shifted to a darker shade, creating a palpable tension in the air. Moving nearer, he lightly touched my arm with his fingers, causing a surge of electricity to course through me. "Are you sure about it?"

I felt my heart racing in my chest, my mind full of both confusion and desire. I should leave quickly. I should run. However, the intensity of his stare and the warmth of his touch left me feeling paralyzed.

"I'm sure," I murmured, despite the quiver in my voice. He moved nearer, his breath feeling warm by my ear. "This is far from finished, Emily." After his words hung in the silence, I understood that he was correct.