Chapter 5 Unexpected encounter

(ONE MONTH LATER)

....She makes me wanna get off the road

Wish I could turn it off, let it go

But she's too fucking beautiful.

- "Beautiful" by Michele Morrone

*****

In the heart of the woods, far from civilization, a grand, ominous mansion stood tall. The silence was broken only by the occasional cries of agony and despair echoing from deep within.

Inside the lavish lounge, a man sat on an opulent chair, sipping wine while gazing at a photograph in his hand. His lips curled into a smile as he studied the image-a woman with flowing brunette hair, her nose scrunched as she held a playful puppy.

A servant approached hesitantly, carrying a tray. Curiosity flickered in his eyes, wondering about the photograph that had softened his boss's typically stern demeanor.

"Sir, the ice cubes," the servant announced.

"Leave them on the table," the man replied curtly, his voice cold yet commanding. Rising with a glass of wine in hand, he strode toward the fireplace.

"You make me crazy," he murmured, his voice dark and low. "Your presence is my obsession. Your kiss is the only drug I crave." His eyes gleamed with a dangerous intensity as he swirled the wine.

Addiction. A weakness he despised in others, yet he was helpless when it came to her. His mind, his body-it all burned with an insatiable hunger for her touch. He knew that once he had her again, he would never let go.

"Soon, my sweetheart," he whispered to the photograph. "Every second away from you is a torment I cannot bear." The firelight reflected in his eyes, mirroring the flames of his relentless obsession.

Tracing the photo with his finger, his voice hardened. "Do you feel this pain too? You will. Once I have you in my trap, I'll make you pay for every day you stayed away from me."

The promise in his tone was chilling. She had dared to believe she could escape him, but he would remind her who she belonged to. He had power, wealth, and everything a man could desire-except her. And he would stop at nothing to make her his.

---

The shrill buzz of the alarm shattered the morning stillness. Groaning, Evanora reached out blindly, fumbling to silence it. She buried her face back into the pillow, desperate for a few more moments of peace.

But her reprieve was short-lived. The door burst open, and a group of maids flooded in, their voices far too cheerful.

"Rise and shine, Missy!" they sang in unison.

Evanora groaned louder, clutching the pillow over her ears. "I swear, you're all getting fired if you don't leave me alone!" she grumbled, though without real conviction.

One of the maids, Cruella, smirked. "You've been saying that for years, and yet here we are, still happily spending your money."

Evanora cracked an eye open, glaring at the group. "You're starting to sound like Cruella de Vil," she muttered, earning a chorus of laughter.

"Well, Miss De Vil," Cruella teased, "you have one last scene to shoot today. The movie wraps up!"

Evanora sighed, throwing the pillow aside. "Fine, fine. Go prepare my bath."

As Cruella scurried off, Evanora leaned back against the headboard. A month had passed since her world had crumbled-since her broken marriage and the relentless scrutiny of the public eye. She forced herself to keep going, telling herself she could push through.

Interviews to clear her name, endless explanations to satisfy the fans-it was exhausting.

A knock interrupted her thoughts. Before she could respond, the door creaked open, and another maid entered, holding a large box.

"You've got another gift," the maid said with a giggle, setting it down.

Evanora stiffened, her stomach twisting with unease. The gifts had been arriving for weeks, always anonymous, always unsettling.

With trembling hands, she opened the box. Her breath hitched. Inside was a photograph-of her, taken the previous night while she slept. Naked.

Her hands shook as she read the note accompanying it: "Looking like an angel. See you soon, sweetheart."

"Mrs. Eva!" A voice broke through her shock. She jumped, turning to find the maid staring at her in concern. "Are you okay? I've been calling you."

Snapping out of her trance, Evanora barked, "Throw this garbage out. And tell the guards-I don't want to receive any more gifts."

The maid rolled her eyes but complied, taking the box away.

Evanora's phone rang, pulling her from her spiraling thoughts. Seeing her sister Andrea's name, she smiled faintly and answered.

"Congratulations, sweetheart!" Andrea's cheerful voice greeted her.

"Thanks, sis," Evanora replied, her tone softening.

After a pause, Andrea hesitated. "I hope you can come to the family dinner."

Evanora sighed. "I'm busy-"

"No excuses!" Andrea cut her off. "You're family, and you need to be here. Besides, I want to introduce you to my fiancé and his family."

Rolling her eyes, Evanora relented. "Fine. I can't say no to you."

"Great! Love you, kiddo," Andrea chirped, blowing kisses through the phone.

Evanora laughed, the weight of the morning lifting slightly. "Love you too."

________

---

"Good day, Mrs. Evanora," the workers bowed respectfully as she strode through the hall with regal grace. Guards surrounded her like an impenetrable wall, her beauty radiating like diamonds under the sun.

Evanora was the epitome of elegance, admired even among the most celebrated stars, but behind that flawless exterior lay a heart that had endured unimaginable pain.

"Hey, guys, sorry I'm late, but I had to-" Her words froze mid-sentence as her eyes locked onto a figure she had tried to forget for months.

The man she had a one night stand with....