Leo, disguised in a doctor's gown, sneaked into Ivana's ward. His eyes locked onto her peaceful form, a sinister grin spreading.
Ivana slept, oblivious to the danger approaching. Leo's footsteps quiet, his presence unnoticed.
Leo's hand caressed Ivana's leg, jolting her awake. Fear paralyzed her voice, her eyes wide with horror.
The man who haunted her nightmares stood beside her, his touch sending shivers. Ivana's mind racing, her heart pounding.
Leo's fingers pressed against her lips, silencing potential screams. His whisper sent chills: "You'll never be free from me, Ivana."
Leo's anger boiled over, his voice low and menacing. "I see you reported me to the police, with that bastard Keal wrapped around your finger. Have you been opening your legs for him too?"
Ivana's eyes widened in horror as Leo's words cut deep.
"Am I not enough for you?" Leo spat, disgust etched on his face. "Are you that desperate for a man's attention that you'd believe anything he says? I'm the only one who can touch you, fuck you. Nobody needs you, and you know it."
Leo's anger boiled over, his voice low and menacing. "You think you're clever, don't you, Ivana? Reporting me to the police, with that bastard Keal wrapped around your finger."
Ivana's eyes flashed defiance, but Leo's words cut deep.
"Am I not enough for you?" Leo spat, disgust etched on his face. "Are you that desperate for a man's attention?"
"You're an attention whore, Ivana," Leo sneered. "Your parents are wasting their time here because of you."
His hands gently cupped Ivana's face, inches from hers. "Call off the investigation...or do you want bad news about your parents?"
Ivana smacked Leo's hands away, protesting. "How dare you! You're insane!"
Leo's anger flared, and he pulled Ivana toward him, forcing a kiss.
In disgust, Ivana slapped him, tears of rage streaming down her face. "I'll never drop the case!"
Leo's grip tightened on her waist. "You don't want your family again, do you?"
His lips grazed her neck, sending shivers of fear.
"Your mother's reputation will suffer," Leo whispered. "Your father's business will crumble."
Ivana's eyes widened in horror.
Ivana's voice trembled, but her resolve strengthened. "Leo, please...leave my family alone. Leave me alone. I'll drop the case."
Leo's laughter echoed through the hospital corridor, sending chills down Ivana's spine.
"You think that's possible?" Leo sneered, turning to face her. "I'll never let you go, Ivana. You're mine."
Ivana's eyes pleaded, but Leo's determination only grew.
"However," Leo paused, a calculating glint in his eye, "I can spare your family...for now. But you must drop the case."
His voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "And I'll be watching you, Ivana. Always."
Leo's words hung in the air like a poisonous cloud, threatening to consume Ivana's life.
Ivana's heart sank, realizing Leo's obsession knew no bounds.
"You'll never be free from me," Leo whispered, before turning to disappear into the hospital corridors.
Ivana stood frozen, her mind racing. She knew she couldn't trust Leo, but desperation drove her to consider his proposal.
Protecting her family became her top priority.
Ivana collapsed onto her bed, shaken.
Tears streamed down her face.
Emma rushed into Ivana's hospital room, concern etched on her face. "Ivana, sweetie, what's wrong?"
She enveloped her daughter in a warm embrace, noticing tears streaming down Ivana's face.
Ivana struggled to compose herself, hiding the truth. "I'm just...happy you're here for me, Mom."
Emma's intuition sensed something amiss. "Is everything okay, Ivana? You can tell me."
Ivana forced a smile, shielding her mother from worry. "Everything's fine, Mom. Just overwhelmed."
Emma's eyes searched Ivana's, seeking reassurance. "We're here for you, always."
Liam, Ivana's father, entered the room, carrying flowers and fruit. "Hey, kiddo! We brought your favorites."
Ivana's tears subsided, replaced by a grateful smile. "Thanks, Dad."
Moments later,Beatrice and Keal arrived, completing the circle of love.
"Hey, Ivana! How was your day today " Beatrice said, handing Ivana a bouquet.
Keal's gentle gaze asked silent questions, sensing Ivana's unease.
Present time
Keal Vanderbilt's brow furrowed, concern etched on his face as he approached Elias. "Hey, man, have you heard from Sofia lately?" His voice was tinged with unease.
Elias's gaze drifted to his phone, his thumbs hovering momentarily before he looked up, a hint of distraction in his eyes. "No, Keal, nothing. Why? Still worried about Ivana?"
Keal's jaw clenched. "That hospital outburst... Sofia's threats... I won't underestimate her."
Elias nodded sympathetically. "I get it. But maybe she's finally moved on."
Keal's eyes narrowed. "I hope so, for her sake."
As Elias's attention strayed to his phone again, Keal noticed. "Everything okay? You seem... distant."
Elias's smile was faint. "Just waiting to hear from... someone."
Keal's curiosity piqued.
Keal leaned against the sleek, black marble counter, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he gazed at Elias. "So, who's the mystery person you're eagerly waiting to hear from?" Keal asked, his voice laced with playful teasing.
Elias's cheeks flushed, his eyes darting away, attempting to feign nonchalance. "No one, Keal. Just business."
Keal chuckled, his grin widening. "Save it, Elias. I've seen the way you look at Beatrice. You two have something going on, don't you?"
Elias's composure cracked, a sheepish smile spreading. "Maybe... possibly... okay, fine. Yes, it's Beatrice."
Keal's laughter filled the room. "I knew it! You're smitten, Elias!"
Elias's face reddened further. "Shut up, Keal."
Keal teased on, his tone light-hearted. "I've seen the way you two steal glances, the whispered conversations... You're hooked."
Elias shook his head, laughing. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
Keal nodded, unrepentant. "Absolutely. Someone's finally caught your eye, and I get to witness it."
Elias's expression softened, his eyes drifting to his phone. "She's amazing, Keal. Smart, funny... beautiful."
Keal's grin softened. "I'm happy for you, Elias. You deserve it."
As their banter subsided, Elias glanced at his phone, his face falling slightly. No messages, no calls. He shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant.
Keal noticed. "No word from Beatrice today?"
Elias shook his head, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "Not yet."
Keal clapped Elias's back. "Don't worry, she'll come around. You're irresistible."
Elias chuckled, tucking his phone away. "You're biased, Keal."
The two friends shared a laugh, the tension dissipating.
As they stood in the sleek, modern space, Keal's expression turned thoughtful. "Elias, I know you're invested in Beatrice. Here's my two cents: be patient, genuine and yourself."
Elias listened intently, his eyes locked on Keal.
"Don't rush her," Keal continued. "Let Beatrice set the pace. She's Ivana's friend, so she's got spirit. Respect that."
Elias nodded, absorbing Keal's words.
"Authenticity is key," Keal emphasized. "Show Beatrice your true self, flaws and all. If she's meant to be, she'll appreciate you for who you are."
Keal's gaze turned serious. "And Elias? Guard your heart, but don't fortress it. Love requires vulnerability."
Elias smiled, gratitude in his eyes. "Thanks, Keal. Your insight helps."
Keal smiled back. "Anytime, man. Now, go make your move – thoughtfully."
Keal's voice broke Elias's reverie. "Keep an ear out for Sofia, okay? Ivana's safety matters."
Elias nodded firmly. "Consider it done, Keal."
Elias stepped into his apartment, memories flooding back. Last night's passion with Beatrice lingered in every room.
He poured a whiskey, his gaze drifting to the couch where they'd shared intimate laughter.
Checking his phone, Elias's heart skipped a beat. Still no response from Beatrice.
"Hey Bea, hope your evening's better than your day," he messaged again, eagerness tempered with patience.
Minutes ticked by. Silence.
Elias's thoughts swirled,Was she busy? Distant? Reconsidering their connection?
He shook off uncertainty, focusing on the present. Their chemistry was undeniable.
Last night's whispers, soft touches and warmth lingered in his mind.
Elias sipped his whiskey, eyes fixed on his phone, willing a response.
The apartment grew quiet, the only sound the ticking clock.
Beatrice woke to morning sunlight peeking through her curtains. She stretched reaching for her phone,
Here's the scene:
Beatrice woke to morning sunlight peeking through her curtains. She stretched, reaching for her phone.
Notifications flooded her screen, work emails, social media... and Elias's message from last night, she smiled as Elias's message caught her eye.
"Hey Bea, hope your evening's better than your day"
His thoughtful words reassured her. Last night's intimacy, though impulsive, felt right.
Elias's kindness and genuine interest shone through. Beatrice's doubts dissipated.
She felt valued, not just physically, but emotionally.
"Morning, Elias. You made my evening – and morning" she typed, warmth spreading.
Adding a invitation, she sent: "Coffee soon?"
Beatrice's heart felt lighter, anticipation replacing uncertainty.
Elias's response would solidify their budding connection..