Liza stood in front of the mirror, her reflection staring back at her. She traced her fingers over the faint marks Viktor had left on her skin, remnants of the night they shared. It was a memory that still sent shivers through her, a reminder of how far their relationship had come. The contract marriage had started as a cold transaction, but now, there was something real between them—a bond forged in the heat of passion and a growing trust.
She smiled softly, but that smile faded as her thoughts turned to Christoph. The betrayal still burned in her chest. She knew Viktor would do anything to protect her, but a part of her didn't want to just sit idly by, waiting for the next threat to come. She was stronger now, and she couldn't always rely on Viktor to fight her battles.
With a deep breath, Liza resolved to take control of her life again. She couldn't let Christoph or anyone else think she was weak or vulnerable. Not anymore.
She dressed quickly, pulling on a simple but elegant outfit—a black dress that hugged her curves, paired with heels that made her feel powerful. Her hair fell in soft waves down her back, and she applied just enough makeup to accentuate her features without overdoing it. It was time to face the world on her own terms.
As she made her way downstairs, the house was eerily quiet. Viktor had left to handle business, and though she trusted him to return safely, a part of her always worried when he walked out the door. His world was dangerous, and she was only beginning to understand just how deep it went.
A knock at the front door pulled her from her thoughts. Her heart raced for a moment, but she steadied herself before opening it.
To her surprise, Christoph stood on the other side, his expression unreadable. He looked different—more haggard, as if he had been through hell since they last saw each other. But there was still that cold gleam in his eyes, the one that told her he hadn't let go of whatever obsession he had with her.
"Liza," Christoph said, his voice soft but with an edge that sent chills down her spine. "We need to talk."
Liza's hand tightened on the door handle, but she didn't let him see her fear. She squared her shoulders, raising her chin defiantly. "There's nothing left to say, Christoph. You made your choice when you betrayed me."
His jaw tightened. "You don't understand. It wasn't supposed to happen like this. I didn't mean—"
"Stop." Her voice was firm, cutting through his words. "You don't get to play the victim here. You made your decisions, and now you have to live with the consequences. I've moved on, Christoph. So should you."
He stepped forward, his hand reaching out as if to touch her, but Liza took a step back, keeping the distance between them. "Moved on?" Christoph's voice hardened. "With him? With Viktor? You think he's any better than me, Liza? He's dangerous—far more dangerous than you realize."
Liza's heart pounded, but she held her ground. "I know exactly who Viktor is. And I trust him. He's never lied to me, never betrayed me like you did."
Christoph's eyes darkened, and for a moment, there was a flash of something cruel beneath his expression. "You're making a mistake. You'll regret choosing him over me."
Before Liza could respond, a voice interrupted them from behind.
"I believe my wife has already made her choice, Christoph."
Liza's breath caught as she turned to see Viktor standing in the doorway, his posture tense, his blue eyes fixed on Christoph with a cold fury. There was an unmistakable aura of danger around him, one that made even Christoph hesitate.
"Viktor," Christoph sneered, though there was a flicker of fear in his eyes. "This isn't over. You can't keep her from me."
Viktor stepped forward, his presence commanding the space around them. "You don't get to decide what happens anymore. Liza is mine, and if you come near her again, I won't hesitate to end this once and for all."
There was no mistaking the threat in Viktor's words. Christoph swallowed, his gaze flicking between Viktor and Liza before he stepped back, hands raised in mock surrender.
"Fine," Christoph said, his tone bitter. "But remember, Liza—this isn't the last you'll see of me."
With that, Christoph turned and walked away, leaving the tension thick in the air.
Viktor moved quickly, shutting the door and pulling Liza into his arms. She melted against him, the adrenaline still pumping through her veins, but there was comfort in his embrace.
"Are you okay?" Viktor asked softly, his fingers brushing through her hair as he held her close.
Liza nodded, burying her face in his chest. "I'm fine. I didn't expect him to come here."
"He's desperate," Viktor murmured, his voice filled with contempt. "But he won't get another chance. I'll make sure of it."
Liza pulled back slightly, looking up at Viktor with a mixture of admiration and concern. "I don't want you to put yourself in danger because of me."
Viktor cupped her face in his hands, his expression softening as he looked into her eyes. "I'd do anything to protect you, Liza. You don't have to worry about that."
Liza's heart swelled at his words. She knew Viktor would fight for her, but she also realized she needed to start fighting for herself. She wasn't the same woman who had been betrayed and broken. She was stronger now, and with Viktor by her side, she felt like she could face anything.
She leaned up, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "Thank you, Viktor. For everything."
Viktor smiled against her lips, his arms tightening around her. "You don't have to thank me, love. I'm your husband. This is what we do—together."
As they stood there in each other's arms, Liza felt a new resolve settle within her. Christoph might still be a threat, but she wouldn't let him control her life anymore. She had Viktor, and together, they were unstoppable.
Their love wasn't just about passion and desire—it was about loyalty, trust, and the strength to face whatever came their way. And no matter what, they would face it together.
As Liza looked up at Viktor, she knew that this was just the beginning of their journey. There would be more challenges ahead, but with him by her side, she wasn't afraid.
They had already come too far to turn back now.