Nadine stared at Lucas, her eyes filled with confusion and fear. Outside, Queen Dior stood. Her best friend. The one person who had always been there for her.

But why did her gut tell her something was wrong?

"Lucas, don't open it," she whispered shakily.

Lucas looked at her, then back at the door. His expression was hard, full of suspicion.

From the other side, Queen's voice came again, more urgent this time.

"Nadine? Lucas? Please open up. I know you're in there."

Lucas straightened his posture. His hand was on the doorknob, but he didn't turn it.

"Why are you here, Queen?" he asked, his voice sharp.

Silence.

Then, Queen's voice sounded hesitant. "I... I was just worried. I know something's going on. I want to help."

Lucas looked at Nadine again, searching for confirmation. Nadine shook her head quickly.

"Don't trust her," she whispered. "Something's not right."

Lucas frowned.

Before they could decide, another voice spoke from outside.

A voice that froze Nadine's blood.

"Lucas."

Adrian.

His voice was low, full of certainty, as if he knew he would get what he wanted in the end.

Nadine slowly backed away, pressing her body against the wall. Her breathing became erratic.

"This game is over," Adrian continued in his usual calm tone. "I don't like waiting. And you, Lucas... you won't be able to keep her from me much longer."

Lucas clenched his fists. "Get out of here, Adrian."

A small chuckle echoed through the door. "You know I won't."

Nadine could feel the tension rising between them. But at the same time, she couldn't shake the strange feeling gnawing at her.

Queen Dior.

Why was she here? Why did she show up just as Adrian did?

No way...

Before she could finish her thought, there was a soft click from the door.

And when it opened-

Nadine's world crumbled.

2. LUCAS – A TRUTH THAT MAKES HIM STEP BACK

Lucas never imagined that betrayal would come from someone so close to him.

As the door opened, Queen Dior stood there with an unreadable expression. But behind her...

Adrian.

Standing tall, his dark eyes locked onto Lucas's, challenging him to act.

And in that moment, everything became clear.

Lucas looked at Queen Dior, disappointment darkening his face.

"You're working with him?" His voice was barely audible, but the restrained anger was evident.

Queen bit her lip, unable to respond immediately.

But Lucas's gaze already said it all.

"You betrayed us."

Queen closed her eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply. "Lucas, it's not what you think."

Lucas let out a dry laugh, devoid of amusement. "Really? Then explain it to me, Queen. Why are you here? Why is Adrian here? Why does it feel like you planned this from the start?"

Queen lowered her head, unable to answer.

And then, Adrian stepped into the room, completely unbothered.

"Enough with the drama," he said coolly. "Lucas, you know this is pointless."

Lucas turned sharply, his eyes burning with hatred. "Shut up, bastard."

Adrian smirked slightly. "Do you really think you can win against me? I could destroy you in an instant."

Lucas clenched his fists, ready to strike Adrian at any moment.

But before he could move, Adrian raised a hand, signaling that he still held control.

"Lucas, you know this is futile," he said. "I'm stronger. I have more power. And I love Nadine more than you do."

Lucas froze.

And that's when he realized it.

All this time, he thought he could protect Nadine. He thought he could save her.

But he was wrong.

Adrian wasn't just a man obsessed. He was a threat that couldn't be stopped.

And Lucas knew... sooner or later, he would lose Nadine.

3. NADINE – THE INEVITABLE SURRENDER

Nadine wanted to scream.

Wanted to fight.

But her body wouldn't move.

She stared at Queen Dior, heartbreak evident in her eyes. "You... you sided with Adrian?"

Queen looked at her with teary eyes. "Nadine, I didn't want to see you get destroyed. I just-"

"What?" Nadine's voice trembled. "You just wanted Lucas?!"

Queen fell silent.

And in that moment, everything became clear.

Tears welled up in Nadine's eyes, but she let out a bitter laugh.

"So this was all about Lucas?" she whispered. "I trusted you, Queen. I treated you like my own sister."

Queen started crying. "Nadine, I'm sorry..."

But Adrian had already stepped forward, pulling Nadine into his grasp.

"Enough talking," he said coldly. "We're leaving."

Nadine's breath hitched. "What?"

Adrian looked deep into her eyes and whispered something in her ear.

"You've known from the start, Nadine. No matter where you go, I will always find you."

Nadine's heart pounded wildly.

Her eyes flickered to Lucas, who stood motionless, his jaw clenched.

She knew this was the end.

Lucas couldn't save her.

No one could.

Slowly, the last glimmer of hope faded from her eyes.

And as Adrian pulled her out of the apartment-

Nadine no longer resisted.

Chapter 6 THE INEVITABLE TRAP

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