Chapter 5 Elara's POV

I walked briskly toward my small apartment, my mind clouded with worry. I had spoken to Tessa earlier about my sudden and urgent relocation to Toronto. She had cried like a child, not wanting me to leave. Truthfully, I didn't want to go either, but I didn't have a choice.

When she asked why I was leaving, I had fabricated a story about Ivy receiving a job offer there. I also spoke with Jane, Tessa's cousin in Toronto, and she had thankfully agreed to help us. Tessa had even escorted me to the train station to purchase two tickets. Now, I was heading back home after the exhausting errand.

The train was set to depart at 9 PM, and it was already 7 PM. I barely had time to prepare. I silently prayed that Ivy had finished packing so we could leave this city-and Matteo's reach-for good.

As I reached the door to my apartment, I noticed something unusual. It was unlocked. That was odd; Ivy never left the door open. A sinking feeling settled in my stomach as I pushed the door open and peeked inside.

My heart dropped.

The once-cozy apartment was in complete disarray. Pillows lay scattered on the floor, chairs were overturned, and clothes were strewn carelessly around the room.

"What happened here?" I whispered, dread twisting in my chest.

"Mabel!" I called out, my voice trembling as panic seized me.

An icy wave of fear washed over me, and my heart raced wildly. Could Matteo have taken my sister? No, that didn't make sense. He didn't know about our plans to leave, and the ultimatum he gave us wasn't over yet.

I ran outside, my eyes stinging with unshed tears. I fumbled for my phone, about to dial 911, when a black SUV screeched to a stop in front of me.

The door opened, and a tall, bald man stepped out. His cold, piercing gaze locked onto mine, and I recognized him instantly. It was Bruno, one of Matteo's men from the club.

My throat tightened, and my stomach churned. A terrible sense of foreboding gripped me.

"Get in," he barked, his voice harsh and commanding.

I froze, my body unwilling to move. "Why?" I managed to ask, trying to summon even a shred of courage.

Bruno's lips curled into a sneer. "Unless you don't care about seeing your sister again."

His words sent a chill down my spine. My eyes widened in horror.

"What did you do to my sister?" I asked, my voice shaky and thick with fear.

"Get in, and you'll find out," he said sharply.

Nervously, I climbed into the back seat, and the door slammed shut behind me. A loud click told me it had been locked.

Tears streamed down my cheeks as my thoughts raced. My heart pounded erratically, and my body trembled uncontrollably. My mind was consumed with worry for Ivy. She was my world-if anything had happened to her, I wouldn't survive it.

The SUV drove for what felt like an eternity before coming to a sudden stop. My stomach churned as Bruno opened the door and yanked me out roughly by my arm. His grip was painfully tight, and he dragged me toward a building without a second glance at my trembling state.

The structure in front of me resembled a scene from a horror movie-a decrepit warehouse with peeling paint, shattered windows, and rusted walls covered in layers of dust.

Bruno led me inside, and the stench of blood, dirt, and decay assaulted my senses. The dimly lit interior was filled with armed men whose cold, hostile eyes followed my every move.

At the center of it all stood Matteo. His icy gaze landed on me, unfazed by my tears or visible fear.

"Where is my sister!?" I screamed, my voice cracking as Bruno shoved me to the ground. Pain shot through my knees as I hit the floor.

Matteo approached me, crouching down to my level. His fingers gripped my hair tightly, forcing me to lift my head and meet his chilling blue eyes.

"You've made a very bold move, Elara," he said, his tone venomous.

"What-what did I do?" I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.

His jaw tightened, and he yanked my hair to the side, making me wince. My hands instinctively flew to his, trying to ease the pressure.

"You thought you could escape me, didn't you? You and your sister. You both thought you could run away from me," he growled before standing up, towering over me.

"You didn't give me a choice!" I cried. "How can you expect me to sell myself to you? I'm not an object or a possession. I'm a human being! Please, just give me more time-I'll work hard and pay back your money!"

Matteo let out a dry, mocking laugh. His expression was unreadable, but the coldness in his eyes made me shudder.

"Bring her in," he said flatly.

My heart sank as I heard footsteps accompanied by muffled cries.

My blood ran cold when I saw one of Matteo's men dragging Ivy into the room.

Her body was bruised and battered, clothed only in her underwear. Her disheveled hair clung to her tear-streaked face, and blood trickled from her swollen nose. She looked barely conscious-half-alive.

"Ivy," I choked, my breath catching in my throat.

Matteo's gaze didn't waver as he spoke. "Your sister will pay for your foolishness."

"Please don't hurt her!" I begged, my voice hoarse with desperation.

Matteo ignored me, his expression cold and detached. "You," he said, addressing the man holding Ivy. "Do whatever you want with her, then kill her."

"No!" I screamed, terror consuming me. I scrambled to my knees and crawled to Matteo, clasping my hands together as I sobbed uncontrollably.

"Please, Matteo. Don't hurt her! She's all I have. I'll do anything you want. I'll sell myself to you-I'll never disobey you again. Just please, don't do this!"

A predatory smirk curled his lips. "I love seeing you like this," he said, his voice dark and satisfied. "Let this serve as a warning. If you ever try to escape me again, I'll kill both of you."

I nodded frantically, my tears soaking the floor beneath me.

"Bruno," Matteo said coolly, "get Ivy some clothes and take her to the hospital. Make sure their home is cleaned and drop her off once she's discharged."

He turned his attention back to me, his smile widening. "As for you, Elara, you'll be coming home with me."

Matteo had won. He had broken me, and there was nothing I could do to fight back.

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