Page 54 of Breaking the Annulment

David chuckled darkly, wiping blood from his lip. “You really think you’re in control here, don’t you? Victor has plans, Michalis. And soon, you’ll have no say in the matter.”

Michalis stepped closer, his voice dropping to a growl. “Give Victor a warning. The only one he’s going to get. Stay away from Aurelia. Or die.”

David’s smirk slipped, replaced by a flicker of unease, but he quickly masked it with bravado. “We’ll see.”

Michalis glanced at Ajax. “I have to get back to my guests. Take him out the back. Collect Ms. Morrow and bring their car around. They’re leaving.”

Ajax grabbed David by the arm, hauling him toward the stairs. David glanced back over his shoulder, his smirk firmly in place. “This isn’t over, Michalis.”

22

Aurelia stood in the soft glow of the bedroom lamp, the piece of paper in front of her blurring as tears welled in her eyes. She read her own words again, though the ink was already smeared in places where her tears had fallen.

Michalis,

I love you more than I can ever say. But I can’t raise a child in your world—a world you’ve admitted is too dark and dangerous for me to even know about. If you love me, if you love this baby, you’ll let us go. Please don’t try to find us. The only way we’ll ever be safe is away from this life. I’m so sorry.

Her hands trembled as she carefully folded the note and propped it on the vanity mirror. She turned, grabbing her small bag packed with essentials, and slipped on her running shoes. The cool night air hit her face as she stepped outside, her breath fogging slightly as she crept through the estate grounds.

Every shadow loomed larger, every sound sharper—the crunch of gravel underfoot, the faint rustle of palm trees swaying in the breeze. She avoided the glow of the security lights, sticking to the shadows and moving swiftly. Her heart pounded as shereached the edge of the driveway, crouching behind a row of bushes.

The gates were visible in the distance, the faint hum of passing cars punctuating the otherwise silent night. Aurelia clutched her bag to her chest, praying that David would stop when she flagged him down.

She didn’t have to wait long. Headlights appeared, the sleek silhouette of a black sedan approaching the gates.David’s car.Taking a deep breath, she darted out from the bushes, waving her arms desperately.

The car slowed to a stop, its tires crunching on the gravel. The driver’s side window rolled down, revealing David’s familiar face. His expression shifted from confusion to concern as he leaned out. “Aurelia? What the hell are you doing out here?”

“I need a ride,” she said, breathless. “Please, David. I need your help.”

David hesitated for only a moment before stepping out of the car and opening the back door. “Of course. Get in. Tanya, you can drive.”

Aurelia climbed into the car, clutching her bag tightly. Now in the driver’s seat, Tanya turned to glance at her, her brow arched in curiosity but saying nothing as David slid into the seat beside Aurelia.

David’s gaze softened as he took her in. “You’re shaking,” he said gently. “What happened?”

She noticed the dark bruise forming on his jaw and frowned. “What happened toyou?”

David touched his face, grimacing. “Your husband happened. He dragged me down to the basement and beat me up. Just because he could.”

Aurelia’s stomach twisted with guilt. “David… I’m so sorry. I didn’t?—”

“Don’t worry about it,” he said, cutting her off with a small smile. “I’m fine. Just tell me what’s going on. Why are you out here?”

“I can’t stay,” she said, her voice cracking. “I need to leave town, and I need your help. Please, can you take me?”

David’s concern seemed genuine as he nodded. “Of course. Where do you want to go?”

“Houston,” she said quickly. Relief flooded her as she exhaled. “I just need to get to Houston.”

Tanya glanced at David in the rearview mirror, her lips twitching with something Aurelia couldn’t quite place. “Houston, huh? Long drive.”

“It’s fine,” David said smoothly. “We’ll get you there.”

Tanya started the car, and they pulled away from the estate. Aurelia leaned back against the seat, her body tense, her heart aching more with each passing mile.

The miles rolled by,the darkness outside broken only by the occasional passing car. At first, Aurelia sat quietly, lost in her own misery, but as the scenery became less and less familiar, unease began to creep in.

“David,” she said hesitantly, glancing out the window, “this isn’t the way to Houston.”

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