The Ultimatum Youre lying, Elena hisses, her voice shaking with fury and fear, her hands clutching the marriage certificate like a lifeline.
This isnt real.
This cant be real.
But Rafael just stands there, looking almost bored, his arms folded across his chest.
Theres no anger in his eyes, just a cold, calculating calmness that chills her to the bone.
Hes not flinching.
Hes not backing down.
Its real, Elena, he says smoothly, his voice soft but full of certainty.
Youre my wifeon paper, in law, and soon enough, in reality.
Elena stares at him, her throat tightening with disbelief.
She wants to scream.
She wants to throw the papers in his face and run out of the room.
But shes trapped.
Every part of her is screaming for freedom, but the walls are closing in, and she feels like shes suffocating.
This… this is illegal, she whispers, trying to hold onto any shred of hope, any excuse that might explain away the nightmare shes in.
You cant just marry someone without their consent.
You forged my signature! Thats a crime! Rafael doesnt flinch at the accusation.
Instead, he steps closer, his shoes tapping lightly against the wooden floor, each step sending a shiver down her spine.
The law is just a tool, Elena, he says, his voice low and dark.
A tool for those who dont have control.
And I have control.
Over you.
Over everything.
She steps back, her chest rising and falling in rapid breaths.
No.
I wont be your prisoner.
I wont let you control me.
Rafael raises an eyebrow, a small, almost amused smile playing on his lips.
You already are, sweetheart.
You just dont realize it yet.
Elena shakes her head, her pulse pounding in her ears.
She cant believe this.
She cant believe hes actually doing this, cornering her like this.
But the reality is sinking in, every word he says cutting deeper into her heart.
Shes stuck.
Theres no escape.
Not anymore.
Then what do you want from me? Elena demands, her voice trembling but full of defiance.
Whats the point of all this? What do you expect from me? Rafael steps even closer now, so close that she can feel the heat of his presence.
His eyes are dark, his expression unreadable.
Two things, Elena, he says quietly.
You have two choices.
And Im giving you the freedom to choose, just like I promised.
Her stomach twists.
She doesnt want to hear this.
She doesnt want to know what his twisted mind has planned for her.
Option one, he continues, his voice smooth, too smooth.
You accept this marriage.
You accept me.
You become my obedient wife, the way things are supposed to be.
No more running, no more fighting.
Just peace.
Elena cant help the bitter laugh that escapes her lips.
Obedient wife? she repeats, as if the words taste like poison.
You want me to just… surrender to you? To your control? Rafaels eyes flash, but his smile remains.
Thats what I want.
Thats what youre going to give me.
Whether you like it or not.
She shakes her head again, her mind screaming.
Ill never be your slave.
But Rafael doesnt seem affected by her words at all.
And then theres option two, he says, his voice turning colder, darker.
You run.
You try to escape.
But if you do that… His gaze locks onto hers, intense and unyielding.
Youll watch Alexander pay the price.
Her heart stops.
Alexander.
The name hits her like a physical blow, making her knees buckle.
She cant breathe.
She cant think.
What… what do you mean? she whispers, her voice barely above a breath.
Rafael steps back, enjoying the shock in her eyes, the fear thats starting to spread across her face.
Ive already told you.
Youre mine.
And if you decide to leave me, if you decide to run, then Ill make sure Alexander suffers.
Ill make sure he knows what it means to defy me.
To defy us.
Elena feels the blood drain from her face.
The weight of his words crushes her chest.
Hes threatening Alexander.
Hes threatening the only person whos ever cared about her.
Dont… dont hurt him, Elena begs, her voice breaking, her hands trembling as she grips the edge of the desk.
Please.
He hasnt done anything.
Hes just… hes just trying to help me.
Rafael watches her, his expression unreadable, but theres a dangerous gleam in his eyes.
Thats his choice, Elena.
Im not the one whos pushing him into this.
Hes the one who made the choice to get involved.
And now, hell pay the price for it.
Tears prick the corners of her eyes, but she blinks them away.
She cant show weakness.
Not now.
Not when Rafael is holding all the cards.
You dont have to do this, she says, her voice shaking with raw emotion.

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Please.
Theres always another way.
We can fix this.
I can leave without hurting anyone.
Ill disappear.
Just dont hurt him.
Rafael smiles, but its a smile that sends a chill down her spine.
You really think Ill let you go that easily? he asks softly.
No, Elena.
Youre not going anywhere.
Youre mine.
And if you think you can just walk away without consequences, then you dont know me at all.
Elena clenches her fists at her sides, tears threatening to spill over, but she forces them back.
She wont let him see her break.
She wont give him the satisfaction.
Youre nothing but a monster, she spits, her voice filled with disgust and fury.
Ill never be yours.
You hear me? Never.
Rafaels smile fades, his eyes narrowing slightly, but he doesnt seem angry.
No, he seems… entertained.
Like hes enjoying thisenjoying watching her struggle.
You will, Elena, he says, his voice low and dangerous.
Youll come around.
Eventually.
And when you do, well be together.
Forever.
In one swift motion, Elena slaps him across the face.
The sound of her hand connecting with his cheek echoes through the room like a gunshot.
Her hand stings from the impact, but she doesnt care.
She wants to feel something.
Anything.
Rafael doesnt flinch.
He doesnt even seem surprised.
He just laughs, a low, dark chuckle that makes her skin crawl.
Youll come around, mi amor, he says, his words dripping with amusement.
I promise you.
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