"Are you sure there's no other option?""No, sir. That man has earned her trust. Her mother sold her six months ago for a considerable amount. The crime is scheduled for this Saturday, and it will be streamed on the dark web. The only way… is for you to do it first."Bastien loosened his collar and leaned back in his chair. A cigarette rested between his fingers as he tapped the ash into an overflowing ashtray. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, overwhelmed."She'll hate me forever for this.""But sir, if you don’t do it, her fate will be worse. They won’t stop until you send proof.""Fine. Do it." Bastien exhaled a painful breath while Lucca, his right hand, issued the order over the phone."Lucca...""Mmm?""Don’t hurt her," he warned."Understood."The man walked out of the office, leaving Bastien lost in thought, a glass of whiskey in one hand and a cigarette in the other.Meanwhile, at the university, Katherine was reviewing her notes when a pair of hands suddenly covered her eyes

Kate trembled, hugging her pillow. What had happened the day before still made her shake with fear and disgust. She stood up and looked out the window. She was on the second floor. Below, she saw a large garden full of red roses—her favorites—and a small patch of lavender, her second favorite flower. There was a massive pool with crystal-clear water. The place was so big, she couldn’t see all of it at once. What she could see was that it was surrounded by walls at least eight feet tall. She sighed against the glass, fogging it up.—“I have to get out of here… Sebastián must be worried. We were supposed to have our first time this Saturday… and that bastard took it from me. How will I even look at his face again?” —she sobbed against the window.Her stomach growled. She looked at the breakfast. It was still warm. She ate some fruit, drank the juice, and finished the eggs—which tasted surprisingly good. After showering, she opened the closet. There were clothes her size… and even her st

Kate woke up and saw a tray with food on the nightstand. The door opened, and she quickly shut her eyes, pretending to be asleep. She felt Bastien’s scent drift toward her. It was definitely him. She listened as he moved around the room, until the mattress dipped slightly under his weight.She felt the tip of his fingers brush against her face, gently moving a curl away from her eyes. He sighed—deep and sorrowful. Then his lips pressed lightly to her forehead.—“My Kate… please, don’t hate me…”He stood and left the room. Kate opened her eyes, heart pounding. She could still feel the warmth of his lips on her skin. She heard the roar of an engine and rushed to the window, her foot throbbing—but she didn’t care.Outside, she saw a sleek black sports car leaving, followed by two dark SUVs.On the nightstand was her favorite meal: lasagna. Next to it, a glass of mint lemonade and a slice of watermelon.—“How does he know what I like? How long has this man been watching me…?”She sat and

"Follow me," he said.They walked across the ground floor until Bastien opened a door. The room was bright, filled with sunlight pouring through large windows overlooking the garden. Inside, there was a mannequin, an incredible variety of fabrics in different colors and textures, sewing and cutting machines, threads, needles, a design table—everything one would need to create fashion.—"Wow…" —Kate murmured as she walked slowly among the fabrics, running her fingertips over them like she was touching memories. Bastien leaned against the wall with his arms crossed—"These fabrics are expensive… and rare. Where did you get them?"—"I have my contacts. I know you're studying fashion design and love creating clothes. Everything you need is here."—"And for what purpose? I’m a prisoner."—"When you're ready, we’ll do a fashion show in Milan. I’ll help you launch your own brand. You’ll show the world your talent."—"But I’m still in college. I haven’t even graduated."—"What use is a diploma

The next morning, Kate walked down the stairs. She could hear noises coming from the kitchen. She peeked in and found Bastien trying to cook—one-handed.—“Damn it…”—“Need help?” —Kate’s voice made Bastien freeze, though he didn’t turn to face her.—“What are you doing here? I told Lucca to let you know you didn’t have to come down anymore… ah—”—“Let me help. He said it wasn’t necessary if I didn’t want to, but today… I wanted to.” —Kate took the spoon from his hand, the one he was using to stir the eggs, and looked into those stunning amber eyes—. “Sit down. I’ll finish.”—“What made you change your mind? Yesterday, you hated me.”—“I still hate you. I’m just hungry.”Bastien smiled at her remark. Deep down, he knew—Kate was beginning to soften.She made breakfast. Even baked her cookies.When Bastien reached for one, Kate slapped his hand.—“Wait. They’re hot.”—“But they smell amazing.”—“I know. I made them,” —she said proudly.Kate walked to the fridge for milk, and Bastien took