From Selena' perspective
Angry as a wasp, I stormed toward the side of the street, already sensing what was coming. I had given up my entire life for this bastard—sacrificed everything to protect him—and now he was fading away before my eyes. I quit my good job, lied to my family, telling them the company was moving me to New York, all so I could be with Felix and secure his happiness. And now he says he can't handle living like this anymore? I couldn't understand what was happening to him. He was like a scared little kid again, the same one I used to defend from bullies in elementary school.
Was this some medication side effect? Or was it who he really was after all the treatment in that psychiatric hospital?
Then I remembered that night I answered the phone and heard a woman's voice warning me: a mentally ill person, even after proper treatment, would never be completely sane again.
Was this it? Was Felix sinking into a depressive episode?
I stopped mid-step and turned to face him. He walked silently ahead, head lowered, not even noticing I had stopped.
"We're going back to my apartment. We'll stay there and see what happens. Lucky I didn't sell it—I guess I had some kind of premonition," I said suddenly, making him stop and lift his face, confusion flickering in his eyes. "I see something bad is happening to you. Whatever happens, happens. At worst, I'll face Lucas. We can't run forever. This was a reckless decision, born out of desperation."
"No, Selena," he said, meeting my eyes with sadness. "It's me who will face him. I'll protect you. I promise he won't hurt you. You're right—it was reckless, made in desperation. I'm sorry I messed up your life. I never thought I'd get this weak, unable to go on. I thought running away with you would make me happy…"
I watched him with a soft, caring eye, knowing something terrible was happening inside him.
"Lucas was right when he said I'm your poison," I whispered.
"You're not my poison. Never were. I'm the poison for everyone around me. It's me. Always me."
My heart softened. Without a word, I stepped forward and hugged him tight, pressing my face against his chest, closing my eyes.
"Running away is a fatal method, but I'll find a way to get you out of this. And I'll free you—from Lucas and from all your past."
Felix held me tighter and kissed the top of my head.
"Selena, you've become so brave. You remind me of who you were as a child."
I laughed quietly, ignoring a car rushing past us.
"I guess it's just my nature. I nearly lost you all those years. I missed the thrill of not having you by my side."
I pulled away and watched his face as he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
"I missed you, too. Without you, my life has no meaning," he said softly, his sad eyes piercing my heart.
I worried more and more about him. I could see happiness slipping through his fingers.
"We're in the middle of this damn mess, but stay strong. We'll find some bus stop soon."
"You know," he said, half-joking but still sounding sad, "it's more likely Lucas's men will find us first and give us a free ride."
"Maybe," I replied. "But even though Mike and Eve are our friends, I don't want them to know we're going back to my apartment—at least not yet. We dragged them into this mess already. They'd be mad if we gave up."
He just nodded.
*
From Lucas' perspective
I watched Hannah sitting next to me in the VIP section with amused eyes. Her expression said everything—how unhappy she was in my company. She should be proud, sitting here as my escort, when not long ago she was just a waitress. I had finally let her out of the house where she'd been trapped, yet she didn't look pleased.
"What's wrong, mouse? Becoming an introvert? Don't like the club?" I teased.
"What do you really want from me?" she shot back, eyes blazing. "Why aren't you looking for Felix and Selena? What do you need me for?"
I took a slow sip of whiskey, savoring its burn. "Mouse…"
"Don't call me that. I'm no delicate beauty. I'm more of a rat," she snapped, indignation lacing her voice. I laughed.
"Well then, rat, be glad I'm not keeping you locked up. After tonight, you'll have your freedom."
"Are you joking?"
"No," I said flatly. "You can even go to the police and report I kidnapped you."
Her face suddenly paled. "You have someone in the police on your side, don't you? That's why you're not searching for Selena and Felix yourself. The police are doing it for you."
I applauded slowly, a smile creeping onto my lips. "I love that sharp mind of yours, Hannah. You figure things out quick."
"What have you done?"
"Nothing. If they find them, they'll charge Selena with kidnapping my cousin, who still isn't well. I'm his legal guardian."
I saw panic bloom in her eyes.
"Then why did you kidnap me?"
I raised an eyebrow and took another sip of whiskey. "Because you caught my eye. I wanted to know you."
"Are you mocking me?"
I put down the glass and leaned in, grabbing her neck, pulling her close. I stared into her eyes, then slid my gaze to her lips.
"I come from a family that has the whole world at its feet. I can have anything I want. Now, do you understand?"
"Is this your pastime? Hurting innocent people?"
"Innocents? You mean yourself? Or Selena?"
"I mean Selena," she said firmly, never dropping my gaze. "She still loves Felix and only wants the best for him. You've got a corrupt cop helping you, trying to destroy her life because she dared defy you."
"Felix is still sick. I'm taking care of him. He needs his meds, and that idiot kidnapped him, thinking she'd give him a better life. Her being around will only kill him. She's stubborn and selfish."
"And you don't think about yourself? Sebastian says you keep him close because he's your only family. You're afraid to be alone."
I cut her off with a kiss, silencing her. She tried to pull away, but I didn't let her.
"Boss…" a voice called behind me. I stepped back from Hannah, who was wiping her mouth on her sleeve.
"What?" I asked over my shoulder, irritation creeping into my voice. "I'm busy."
"Sebastian just showed up at the club. He's not alone—he's with Selena's friend."
I stretched out on the couch, smiling widely. Hannah glared daggers at me.
"Excellent… the big show is about to start."
"Are you really going to ruin Eve's life? She has a man and a baby!" Hannah shouted, standing. "Give them a break!"
I raised an eyebrow. "Why? They should have stayed out of Felix's escape. They helped Selena, so I'll mess with their lives a bit."
"You'll only hurt the child."
"Well, I don't like kids," I said harshly. "She was born into this family. She'll suffer. I suffered—and had no choice."
"Please…"
"I'm asking you for something too!" I yelled, rising and grabbing her shoulders, shaking her gently. "Cooperate like a good girl, or I'll destroy your life. I'm giving you a chance because I like you. Think about it."
I pushed her away and left the VIP area, heading to the dance floor, ready for my next move.
Adjusting my gold watch, my eyes locked on Sebastian and his blonde companion standing at the bar.
"A traitor has the nerve to show up at my club?" I said smoothly, stepping beside Eve, who looked worried. "Aren't you afraid I'll kill you—and her? I gave you a chance, yet you keep coming back…"
"Boss…" Sebastian played scared, but I knew he had no choice if he wanted to live.
"For the past we share, I'll let you have fun here tonight. But never come back. And don't call me boss, you traitorous scumbag," I spat, eyeing Selena's friend as I left with a mocking smile. "I don't know who you are, but watch your back. He might stab you too."
Crossing the dance floor, I rubbed my lips with a finger, loving revenge against those who crossed me.
A girl weakly grabbed my forearm, but I pushed her hand away with distaste.
"Keep your paws to yourself."
When Hannah came up to me, I let her take my hand, eyebrow raised in surprise at her boldness.
"What do you want?"
"If I stay by your side, will you give me a life of luxury?" she asked, eyes shining.
Money corrupts everyone, of course.
I smiled wryly. "I told you—you have a choice. Decided so quickly?"
"I have no family, no friends, and I'm tired of working like a mule for pennies. And I don't want your problems."
"Good. I hope it's really your choice, and you're not plotting against me, rat," I said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Because if you do, you'll end up worse than the rest."
She swallowed nervously. No turning back now. She had to stay strong.