The Return to Rafaels Cage I knew youd come back to me, mi amor.
Rafaels voice oozes with dark satisfaction as he steps forward, his eyes glinting with a mix of pride and dominance.
The words roll off his tongue like honey, smooth and dangerous, and they send a shiver down Elenas spine.
Hes playing his game, and shes the pawn hes waiting to control.
Elena stands in the grand entryway of his mansion, the heavy doors closing behind her with a thud.
The walls, the chandeliers, the expensive decoreverything here reminds her of the cage she once escaped from.
And yet, here she is again.
Shes back.
Not by choice, but by necessity.
Her hand trembles slightly as it rests by her side, but she forces herself to stand tall, her chin lifted.
The facade is everything now.
Shes not here to break.
Shes here to fight back, to bide her time.
She cant let him know how much she loathes him, how much her heart aches from the very sight of him.
But shes not weak.
Not anymore.
She forces a smile, the kind that doesnt reach her eyes.
Im here, Rafael, she says, her voice steady but cold.
Ive made my choice.
His lips curl into a smile, pleased by her obedience.
He steps closer, his hand reaching out to caress her cheek.
She stiffens, but doesnt pull away.
Hes been watching her every move, expecting her to break, to give in.
But shes stronger than he realizes.
The game isnt over.
Not yet.
I knew youd come back to me, he murmurs again, his breath hot against her skin.
Youre mine, Elena.
Always have been.
The words hang in the air, thick with possessiveness.
She bites the inside of her cheek to stop herself from snapping at him, from telling him exactly what she thinks of his claim over her.
Instead, she lowers her gaze, forcing the mask to stay intact.
Lets get this over with, she says, turning away from him and heading toward the stairs.
Im ready for whatever you have planned.
His chuckle follows her, deep and dark.
Of course you are.
You always were, my perfect little fiancée.
Elena walks up the stairs, her mind racing.
She has to keep up this act.
Every movement, every word, needs to be carefully planned.
She cant let him see her fear, her resentment, or the fury bubbling inside her.
Not yet.
But she knows this is it.
This is her last chance.
Once shes locked back in this mansion, theres no turning back.
Rafael will be watching her every move, waiting for her to slip up.
But Elenas not about to let that happen.
Not again.
She reaches the top of the stairs, turning to face him as he follows.
His eyes are dark, studying her every step.

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She can feel the weight of his gaze, the possessiveness in it.
Youre so beautiful when youre obedient, he says, his voice low and seductive.
Elena keeps her expression neutral, the smile still in place.
Im only doing what I have to do.
Rafaels smile widens.
And what is that, mi amor? What do you have to do? Im going to be the perfect fiancée, she replies, her voice cool.
You wanted me to come back, and now Im here.
Ill make sure everyone knows that youre the one I chose.
Youll have your perfect little life, just the way you always wanted.
His eyes gleam with satisfaction.
Hes buying it.
She can tell.
He thinks hes won.
But Elenas thoughts are far from this moment.
Shes already working out her escape plan, already thinking about whats next.
She knows she cant let herself slip into complacency, not when hes watching her every move.
I knew youd come around, Rafael says, his voice dripping with pride.
I always knew youd realize that you were meant to be with me.
You dont need to fight it anymore.
Elena swallows the bile rising in her throat.
She wont let him see how much his words disgust her.
Youre right, she says softly, her voice almost too sweet.
Ive come back.
And now we can be together.
Just like you wanted.
He steps closer, reaching out to take her hand.
The familiar sense of control he exudes is overwhelming, but she holds her ground, refusing to let him see how much it unnerves her.
His fingers close around hers, and she doesnt flinch.
Tomorrow, mi amor, he whispers, his breath hot against her ear.
Tomorrow, you will prove you belong to me.
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