CHAPTER FIFTEEN
THE TRAP
That night indeed wasn't ordinary, they felt it like a sharp knife piercing through their skin but nothing could be done, immediately they left Victor's apartment and headed back home awaiting the next torment from Victor. There was silence between them, no one spoke till they got home.
The wind carried a strange stillness that night, Lena felt it the moment she stepped out of the car, the kind of silence that pressed against her chest and made it had to breathe. Below, the city light flickered like distant stars , beautiful but cold. Behind her, Adrian watched quietly. "You feel it too don't you?" She asked without turning. He didn't pretend to misunderstand her. "Yeah," he said. "What should be our next step? She wrapped her arms around herself, her voice softer now . "It feels like everything is about to change." We should be ever ready for the outcome.
Adrian stepped closer, slowly, as if approaching something fragile."Lena." "I trusted you," she cut in, turning to face him, her eyes shining with emotion. "Even when things didn't make sense..I still choose you." His chest tightened. "And now?" He asked carefully, her lips trembled ." I still do." Before he could respond a sudden click echoed behind them, both of them froze. The balcony door was locked, he said. Lena heart skipped "Adrian." He moved instantly trying the handle, "jammed." "Stay behind me," he said , his voice low and controlled. Light inside the room flickered on. And they saw it figures. Three .. no, four men , stepping out of the shadows, their faces hidden but their intentions clear.
Lena grip on Adrian's shirt tightened . "It's a trap." Adrian's jaw tightened. "Yeah." One of the men stepped forward slowly, clapping mockingly. "Impressive, took you long enough to figure it out." Tell Victor he failed this time. Tears filled her eyes, "I'm the reason this is happening." "No he said firmly, "you're the reason I'm still standing." Even now he chose her. One of the men outside said. The man chuckled darkly. "Touching, really, but unfortunately this is where your story ends"
A gun raised , time slowed. "No!" Lena cried, stepping in front of Adrian without thinking. The gun fired. Adrian pulled her back, just in time. The bullet shattered the glass beside them. They men rushed inside, chaos exploded. Adrian moved like a storm, disarming the closest attacker with ruthless precision. Lena stumbled back, her breath shaking, but she didn't freeze not anymore. Another man charged at her. Fear surged but she grabbed a metal chair and swung it hard knocking him off balance. Adrian glanced back, a flicker of pride cutting through the danger. "You're incredible." He breathed. "Focus!" She snapped, though her voice trembled. The fight intensified, more shot, more movement. The balcony felt smaller, tighter like it was closing in on them. Then a sharp blow struck Lena from behind . she gasped, falling hard to the ground. " Elena!" Adrian's voice broke. Rage consumed him. He took the attackers down with brutal force, The movement wild, fueled by fear and something deeper LOVE.
The men ran out when they heard the sirens passing. Adrian dropped beside her , his hands trembling as he lifted her face. "Hey stay with me," he whispered urgently. Her eyes fluttered open.." I'm okay.." "you're not" he said , his voice cracking. "You don't get to scare me like that." A faint smile touched her lips. "You look scared. "I was scared," he admitted,"I still am." Her hand reached for his weak but certain." Let's see a doctor," he said. "No! I'm perfectly fine, she said. "I'm here ," she whispered, their hand intertwined, for a moment, the world faded just them. Just this fragile desperate love. Just that moment the world outside seems not to exist, like they have not just finished fighting with Victor's . "You're incredible appear to be more romantic today than ever, "haha have I not been before?" "Just let me enjoy the beautiful endowment of the almighty God. Silence filled the room, only the sound of love and harmony was heard. Morning came quickly as though its never had a night. Victor's rage was so intense. He wondered why two could defeat one, "I must use a better way. Back at Adrian's apartment. Lena lay on the couch with her head on Adrian's lap, she held a piece of candy in her hand, taking a bite one at a time. I think we should report Victor. "No! It's not yet time let's gather enough information so as to present more evidence for the arrest. He kissed her lips and both smiled. "I have to go back to work." Lena said , its been two weeks since this whole drama. Adrian stared at her and nodded, "it's not about going back to work it's all about your safety