Evelyn's world felt smaller with every passing day. The island was beautiful, almost picturesque, with its private beaches, towering cliffs, and lush forests. But none of that beauty could distract her from her reality. Nickolas had taken away her freedom and her choice, and now all that remained was the question of how long she could survive like that.
As she walked through the grand hallways of the mansion, she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Every movement she made was monitored, every expression scrutinized. Nickolas was never far, always lurking in the background like a shadow. His obsession with her had grown deeper and more intense, and she knew his need to control her, whatever love he felt.
She paused at the large windows overlooking the ocean. The waves crashed violently against the rocks below, a perfect metaphor for her turbulent emotions. She had been raised in a world of power, surrounded by men who played dangerous games, but she had never imagined herself as a pawn in someone else's life. Yet here she was, trapped in a game she never wanted to play.
Downstairs, Nickolas sat in his office, his fingers drumming impatiently against the wooden desk. He had known this would be difficult. Evelyn was strong-willed and independent, and her resistance had been greater than he expected. But that was part of what drew him to her. She wasn't like the others—she was untouchable, a mystery he had spent years trying to solve.
He was captivated by her picture as a young boy in the Maxwell mansion. Evelyn was everything he wanted: beautiful, powerful, and unreachable. And now, she was his. But Nickolas knew that her love was something he couldn't simply take. It had to be earned or forced if necessary.
He glanced at the phone on his desk, which he had taken from her. There had been no activity, no messages sent—at least none that he hadn't intercepted. She was trying to play along, pretending to accept her fate. But he wasn't fooled. He knew she was still trying to escape, still hoping for a way out.
A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts, and one of his most trusted men stepped into the room. "Sir, we've intercepted a message."
Nickolas's jaw tightened. "From Evelyn?"
"No, sir. From her brother. Dmitry Maxwell."
At the mention of Dmitry's name, Nickolas's grip on the desk tightened. He had expected the Maxwells to interfere at some point but hadn't anticipated it happening so soon. Dmitry was protective of his sister, and while Nickolas respected him, he wouldn't allow anyone to take Evelyn away from him.
"Send someone to watch him," Nickolas ordered, his voice cold. "If Dmitry makes a move, I want to know about it. And if he tries anything..."
Nickolas didn't need to finish the sentence. His man nodded and left the room without a word. The tension in the air was palpable, and Nickolas knew that time was running out. He had to secure his hold on Evelyn before her brothers could intervene. If they tried to take her, he would have no choice but to escalate the situation. He would do whatever it took to keep her.
Even if it meant blood.
Later that evening, Evelyn sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the night sky through the open window. She had no idea how much time had passed since she sent the message to Dmitry. Nickolas had intercepted it for all she knew, and help would never come. She felt trapped, suffocated by the weight of her isolation.
The door creaked open, and Nickolas stepped inside, filling the room. Evelyn tensed, instinctively wrapping her arms around herself as he approached. His eyes were dark and intense, roaming over her with possessive hunger.
"You've been quiet again," he said softly, sitting beside her on the bed. His hand reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "What's on your mind, Evelyn?"
Evelyn forced herself to remain calm and keep her voice steady. "I'm just... tired, Nickolas. This place... it feels like a prison."
His expression darkened, and for a moment, she thought he might lash out. But instead, he sighed and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her against him. "I know it's difficult," he murmured, his voice gentle but firm. "But I'm doing this for us. For you. You're safer here."
"Safe?" Evelyn whispered, her voice barely audible. "From what?"
Nickolas's grip on her tightened slightly. "From the world. From the people who would hurt you. I've lost too many people I care about, Evelyn. I won't lose you either."
Evelyn's heart ached at his words, but she couldn't let herself be swayed by his vulnerability. She had seen this side of him before—the man who claimed to be doing everything for her, who believed his actions were justified because of his love. But love wasn't supposed to feel like this. Love wasn't supposed to be suffocating.
"You don't need to protect me like this," Evelyn said softly, looking up at him. "I'm not going to run. But you can't keep me locked away forever."
Nickolas's jaw clenched, and she saw the conflict in his eyes. "You think you'll be free if I let you go?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "But you won't. Your family and the people you care about will always use you. The only way to be free is to be with me."
Evelyn shook her head, tears stinging her eyes. "That's not freedom, Nickolas. That's control."
For a long moment, they sat silently, the weight of her words hanging between them. Nickolas's grip on her loosened, and he stood up, his back to her as he stared out the window.
"You're right," he said, his voice cold and distant. "I am trying to control you because I can't lose you. And if you keep trying to leave..."
He trailed off, and Evelyn's heart sank. She knew what he would say before the words even left his lips.
"If you keep trying to leave, I'll make sure you can't," Nickolas continued, facing her. "I'll give you something to stay for."
Evelyn's breath hitched as the meaning of his words sank in. He wasn't just threatening her freedom anymore. He was talking about something far more permanent.
"You're not serious," she whispered, her voice shaking.
Nickolas stepped closer, his eyes dark and determined. "I've never been more serious, Evelyn. You want a way out, but I'll make sure you stay. You'll carry my child, and then you'll have no reason to leave."
The room felt like it was closing on her, and Evelyn's heart pounded. She had always feared he would cross this line—the moment when his obsession would take on a new, terrifying form. She had to get out. Now.
She stood abruptly, backing away from him, her hands trembling. "Nickolas, you can't do this."
But his expression remained calm, almost gentle, as he approached her. "I can," he said softly. "And I will because I love you. And I know that once we have a family, you'll see that this is where you belong."
Evelyn's mind raced, desperate for a way to stop this. She couldn't let him take away her future, her choice. But she was alone on this island, with no way to escape. Her brothers were coming—she had to believe that. But until then, she had to survive.
Meanwhile, Dmitry sat in his office, reviewing the latest intel his team had gathered. His jaw clenched as he read the reports. Nickolas was keeping Evelyn on an island, isolated and guarded. Getting to her wouldn't be easy, but Dmitry wouldn't let that stop him.
His phone buzzed, and he glanced at the screen. It was his contact in Italy.
"We're ready," the voice on the other end said. "We know where she is. Just give the word."
Dmitry closed his eyes, the weight of his responsibility pressing down on him. He had to get his sister back, no matter the cost. But he knew that going up against Nickolas meant risking everything. If this mission went wrong, it could end in bloodshed.
But there was no choice. Evelyn was in danger, and he couldn't stand by any longer.
"Do it," Dmitry said, his voice cold and determined. "We're going to get her back."
The night air was thick, her mind racing, trying to absorb the gravity of Nickolas's latest threat. The island breeze tousled her hair, but it didn't bring the usual comfort. Her world was closing in on her, and she had never felt so utterly helpless.
Nickolas was downstairs, no doubt about his next move. He had always been careful, always calculated, but now, with his obsession growing deeper and more dangerous, Evelyn feared there was nothing he wouldn't do. The idea of being forced to carry his child, of being bound to him in such a permanent way, sent a chill down her spine.
She had spent so long fighting to survive, to maintain her independence, but she could feel her strength slipping away, one piece at a time. The weight of his control, of his love, twisted into obsession, pressed down on her like a crushing burden.
Nickolas paced back and forth in his office, his mind churning with plans. He was a man used to getting what he wanted, and Evelyn was no exception. She was the missing piece to his life, the one thing he had desired for as long as he could remember. She had become his world from the moment he saw her in those family photos.
But Evelyn was different from the other women who had entered his life. She was strong, fierce, independent—and it drove him mad that she couldn't see that she belonged to him. She didn't realize how much he had sacrificed for her, how much he had risked keeping her safe, even from her own family. But Nickolas was determined to show her that they were meant to be together. If it meant forcing her to stay with him, then so be it.
A soft knock interrupted his thoughts, and one of his men entered the room, his expression serious.
"Sir, we have word from our people in Italy. Dmitry Maxwell is planning something. He's been gathering people."
Nickolas's eyes darkened. "So he's finally making his move."
"Yes, sir. He's not going to stop until he gets her back."
Nickolas clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. He had always known Dmitry would come for Evelyn, but he had hoped to avoid a confrontation. Now, it seemed inevitable. But no one—not even her brother—would take Evelyn from him.
"Double the security," Nickolas ordered coldly. "I want eyes on every inch of this island. If Dmitry tries to get near her, I'll handle him myself."
The man nodded and quickly left the room, leaving Nickolas to his thoughts. He couldn't lose her. Not now. Not after everything he had done. He would marry her, and they would have a family. He'd make her see that he was the only one who could love her the way she deserved.
Evelyn's heart raced as she paced her room, trying to think of a way out. There had to be something she could do. She couldn't let Nickolas trap her any further; she couldn't let him take away her future. But with each passing day, the walls of her gilded cage grew higher, and escape seemed more impossible.
Her mind wandered back to the memories of her life before all of this—before Nickolas had become her captor. Her family had its own challenges, but she was free. Her brothers had always protected her, especially Dmitry. He had been there for her through everything, even her marriage and divorce. She missed that sense of safety.
But now, even her brothers were powerless against Nickolas. Dmitry had tried to reach her, but she knew it would only be a matter of time before Nickolas cut her off completely, ensuring no one could get to her.
A quiet knock at the door startled her. It wasn't Nickolas's usual method—he never knocked. He simply entered, his presence overwhelming and suffocating.
"Evelyn," a voice whispered from the other side.
Her heart jumped. It wasn't Nickolas. She rushed to the door and opened it a crack, her eyes widening as she saw a young man she didn't recognize standing there.
"I don't have much time," he said quickly, glancing over his shoulder nervously. "I'm with your brother."
Evelyn's heart raced as hope surged through her. "Dmitry? He's here?"
The man nodded, his voice low. "He's coming for you. We've disturbed Nickolas's security, but you have to be careful. He's watching you closely. Dmitry is planning an extraction, but it's too dangerous."
Evelyn's mind raced, her body trembling with fear and hope. She had been waiting for this moment, praying for a way out. But Nickolas's hold on her was strong, and she knew escaping wouldn't be easy.
"Tell Dmitry I'm ready," she whispered, her voice shaking slightly. "But be careful. Nickolas won't let me go without a fight."
The man nodded and slipped away, leaving Evelyn alone with her thoughts. Her heart pounded in her chest, a storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. Escape was within reach, but the danger was greater than ever. Nickolas would never let her leave willingly; if he found out, he would stop at nothing to keep her.
Then, hours later, Nickolas returned to Evelyn's room, his expression calm but watchful. He could sense a change in her—something was different. She was quieter and more reserved, as if she was hiding something.
"Are you feeling better?" he asked, sitting down beside her on the bed.
Evelyn forced a smile, trying to hide the growing fear in her chest. "Yes, I'm fine," she said softly. "Just tired."
Nickolas's eyes narrowed slightly, studying her face for any signs of deceit. He knew her well, too well. He could always tell when something was wrong. But tonight, he let it go, leaning in to kiss her forehead.
"You don't have to worry anymore," he murmured, his voice laced with a possessive warmth. "We'll have a future together. You'll see. And once we start our family, everything will fall into place."
Evelyn's stomach twisted at his words, but she kept her composure, nodding as if she agreed. "Y— yeah," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
But in her heart, she knew she couldn't let that happen. She had to find a way out—before it was too late.
Meanwhile, Dmitry stood at the island's edge, his men prepared for what would come. The night was quiet, but the air was palpable. He had been planning this for days, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Nickolas had taken Evelyn, and Dmitry wouldn't let him get away with it.
He glanced at his watch. It was time.
"We move in now," Dmitry ordered, his voice cold and determined. "Get her out, no matter what."
His men moved swiftly, their steps silent as they approached the mansion. They had one chance to get Evelyn out before Nickolas could react. If they failed, it could mean war. But Dmitry was willing to risk everything for his sister.
As they neared the mansion, Dmitry's heart pounded in his chest. He had always been the protector, the one who kept Evelyn safe. And now, she needed him more than ever.
He would get her out, no matter the cost.
The night felt heavier than usual, as though the air itself had absorbed the air that had been building between Evelyn and Nickolas. The soft hum of the sea in the distance did nothing to calm her racing heart. She paced in her room, her mind a storm of thoughts. She was preparing for a rescue that could come at any moment, yet dread gnawed at her insides. Would Dmitry be able to get her out before Nickolas enacts his dark plan to bind her forever?
The idea of carrying Nickolas's child as a means to cement her imprisonment sent shivers down her spine. She had never felt so close to losing herself, to being trapped in a life she hadn't chosen.
Suddenly, there was a faint knock at the door, and it opened slightly. It was one of the guards loyal to Nickolas for years. But this one had a different look in his eyes tonight.
"Miss Evelyn," he whispered, glancing over his shoulder as if to ensure no one was watching. "There's a way out. Now."
Her heart leaped. "Where?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Your brother is close. Dmitry's men are in position. But we have to move now before Nickolas notices anything. I can help you get to them."
The hope that had been fading within her flared back to life. Could this really be the moment she had been waiting for? Could she finally escape Nickolas's obsessive grip?
But as much as she wanted to believe it, Evelyn knew how dangerous it was to underestimate Nickolas. He had eyes everywhere, ears in every conversation. And if he caught her trying to leave...
She steeled herself, forcing the panic down. There was no other choice. If she didn't take this opportunity, Nickolas would soon trap her forever, binding her to him in a way she could never escape.
"Let's go," she whispered, her voice shaking despite her determination.
The guard nodded, and Evelyn grabbed her small bag—one she had prepared secretly over the past few days. It had essentials, nothing more. She couldn't afford to take anything that would slow her down.
Meanwhile, Nickolas was in his study downstairs, reviewing plans for the island. He had meticulously mapped out every corner of his world with Evelyn, ensuring that no one—especially her—could leave without his knowing. His obsession with her had consumed him, turning him into a man who lived for control and possession.
Tonight, though, something was bothering him. A feeling in his gut told him that something was off. He leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes scanning the security feeds on the monitor before him. Nothing seemed out of place, but the sense of unease persisted.
Nickolas had always known Evelyn's strength. She wasn't like the women he had encountered before. She fought back. She resisted. And part of him loved her even more for it, but it also made her unpredictable. And unpredictability was dangerous.
A knock on his door pulled him from his thoughts. One of his men entered, his face unreadable.
"Sir, there's been movement near the northern perimeter," the man said, his voice low and cautious. "We believe Dmitry's men are close."
Nickolas's eyes narrowed. So, Dmitry had finally come for her. He had anticipated it, but it didn't make the situation any less frustrating. He stood up, the tension in his body radiating as he adjusted his jacket.
"Ready the men," he said, his voice deadly calm. "No one is to leave this island."
Evelyn moved quietly through the hallways back upstairs, her heart pounding with every step. The guard led her through a hidden corridor that she hadn't known existed, one that had been designed as a secret escape route from the mansion. Every sound, every creak of the floorboards, made her hold her breath, terrified that Nickolas would appear at any moment.
As they neared the door that led to the outside, Evelyn could feel the rush of freedom beckoning her. She was so close—so close to leaving behind the man who had turned her life into a twisted prison of obsession and control.
But just as they reached the door, a voice rang behind them.
"And where do you think you're going?"
Evelyn froze, her blood turning to ice. Nickolas stood at the end of the hallway, his eyes blazing with fury. His presence was overwhelming, filling the space with an energy that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.
The guard immediately backed away, fear evident on his face.
"I told you, Evelyn," Nickolas said softly, his voice chillingly calm as he took slow steps toward her. "You're not going anywhere. Not without me."
Evelyn felt her heart pounding in her chest. She took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage she had left. "I won't let you control me anymore, Nickolas," she said, her voice steady despite the fear gripping her. "I'm leaving."
A dark smile spread across his face as he stopped before her. He reached out, brushing a finger down her cheek, and Evelyn flinched, her entire body recoiling from his touch.
"I love you," he whispered, his eyes filled with that dangerous intensity she had come to fear. "And I'm not going to let you go. Not now. Not ever."
His hand slid down her arm, wrapping around her wrist in a possessive grip. "You think your brother can save you?" he asked, his voice laced with disdain. "He's too late. This—us—this is fate."
But before Nickolas could say anything more, the guard suddenly moved, tackling Nickolas to the ground. The impact caught him by surprise, and for a split second, Evelyn saw her chance.
"Run, Miss Evelyn!" the guard shouted, struggling to hold Nickolas down.
Without thinking, Evelyn turned and bolted through the door, sprinting into the night air. The cool breeze hit her face as she ran, her legs carrying her as fast as they could across the dark landscape. She could hear the sounds of a struggle behind her, but she didn't dare look back.
She had to find Dmitry's men. She had to get off this island.
Nickolas roared in fury as he shoved the guard off him, his eyes wild with rage. How dare anyone come between him and Evelyn? How dare anyone try to take her away from him? He stood up, his chest heaving angrily as Evelyn disappeared into the darkness.
"You won't escape from me, Evelyn," he muttered, his eyes narrowing. "You can run, but I'll always find you."
Without wasting another second, he pulled out his phone and called for backup. His men were already mobilizing, spreading across the island to block every possible escape route.
She was his, and no one—not even her brother—would take her away from him.
Evelyn ran, her lungs burning with every breath as she made her way toward the northern perimeter of the island. The trees loomed overhead, casting dark shadows that made it hard to see, but she pushed forward, her body fueled by the adrenaline of survival.
Up ahead, she saw movement—figures dressed in black, moving silently through the trees. Dmitry's men.
Relief flooded her as she ran toward them. "Over here!" she called out, her voice hoarse.
One of the men turned, his eyes widening when he saw her. "Miss Maxwell!" he said, rushing toward her. "We're here to get you out."
Tears pricked at Evelyn's eyes as they reached her, surrounding her protectively. "Is my brother here?" she asked, her voice shaking.
"He's on his way," the man said. "We need to get you to the boat."
Evelyn nodded, but just as they began to move, a loud gunshot rang out, echoing through the trees. She froze, her heart-stopping as she realized what had happened.
Nickolas.
He was coming for her.