Chapter 3
Alina's POV
I stood in front of Viktor's towering office building, staring up at the sleek glass windows reflecting the afternoon sun. My heart pounded in my chest, but this time, it wasn't from longing or excitement. It was from the anticipation of finally breaking free.
In my past life, I would have walked through those doors with a wide smile, eager to see him, to lose myself in the fantasy he had built around us. But not today. Today, I was here to end things, to take back the power I had once handed over so willingly.
I walked in with purpose, ignoring the warm greetings from the staff who had always been kind to me. They thought I was here for another one of my surprise visits. If only they knew.
When I reached the top floor, Viktor's secretary, Paula, looked up at me with a knowing smirk. "Here to surprise my Boss again." she said, standing to open the office door for me. I simply nodded, my fingers tightening around the engagement ring on my hand.
Inside, Viktor stood by the window, his sharp suit clinging perfectly to his form. He turned, his lips curling into a smile that once made my knees weak. "Alina," he greeted smoothly, his voice rich with the charm that had fooled me before.
He crossed the room, closing the distance between us in a few strides. Before I could react, he leaned in, reaching to kiss me like he had done countless times before. But this time, I stepped back, avoiding his touch.
Viktor froze, his brows furrowing. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with confusion and a hint of irritation.
I took a deep breath, slipping the engagement ring off my finger and holding it out to him. "I'm no longer interested in marrying you," I said, my voice steady despite the ache clawing at my chest.
His eyes darkened as he stared at the diamond ring in my hand. Slowly, he took it, twirling it between his fingers before letting out a low chuckle. "Alina, you and I belong together," he said, taking a step closer. "We're mates. You can't just wake up one morning and decide to walk away from me."
I met his gaze without flinching. "I haven't found my mate since I turned eighteen, Viktor. You were never my mate. I loved you… but that was a choice, not fate."
He narrowed his eyes, his jaw clenching. "Is this because of your family? Did they put you up to this again?"
I shook my head. "No. This is my decision. I don't see myself with you anymore."
I turned to leave, but before I could take a step, Viktor grabbed my wrist, his grip firm and unyielding. "You don't have the right to leave me like this," he said, his voice low and dangerous.
My stomach twisted with rage. Memories of the dungeon, the betrayal, the pain, everything flashed before my eyes. With a sharp yank, I pulled my hand free, glaring at him. "Stay away from me, Viktor. As of this moment, I'm done with you."
Without another word, I walked out, my heart hammering in my chest. Just as I reached the hallway, I saw her, Mira.
She was striding toward Viktor's office, dressed in her usual designer perfection, her face lighting up with fake concern when she saw me. But I didn't stop, I didn't acknowledge her. I knew why she was here, knew the role she played in my past life. But in this one, she no longer mattered.
I stepped into the elevator, forcing back the sting of tears. As I stared at the buttons, a deep voice broke the silence. "Rough day?"
I turned and met the eyes of a tall, handsome man standing beside me. His dark hair was neatly styled, and there was a calm confidence in the way he carried himself.
Before I could respond, the elevator doors suddenly stopped closing. Viktor.
He stood there, his face dark with frustration. "Alina, come with me. We're not done talking," he said, reaching for me again. "You can't leave me unless you find your mate."
I tried to resist, but his grip was too strong. Just as panic started to bubble in my chest, the man beside me reached out and grasped my other hand.
"She's already found her mate," he said smoothly, his voice like steel wrapped in silk.
My eyes widened in shock, and I glanced up at him. Viktor froze, his eyes narrowing dangerously.
"Excuse me?" Viktor hissed.
The stranger pulled me closer, wrapping his arm around mine protectively. I could feel the strength in his touch, the silent message he was sending. "Alina is my mate," he said firmly, his gaze never leaving Viktor's.
I swallowed hard, but something inside me told me to go with it. "That's right," I said, pressing closer to the stranger, looping my arm around his. "I've already found my mate."
Viktor's face twisted in disbelief, his hands balling into fists. "This can't be true."he said, disbelief etched in his face.
"It is, Viktor. Give up already. I don't love you anymore. Get over it."
He shook his head. "This isn't over," he growled.
The man beside me smirked. "Oh, it is. Henceforth, I don't want you near my mate anymore."
He pressed the elevator button, and the doors slid shut, cutting Viktor off from my view. I let out a shaky breath, my entire body trembling from the encounter.
"Thank you," I whispered, looking up at the man who had just saved me from Viktor's grip.
He looked down at me with a soft, yet knowing smile. "Anytime," he said.
As the elevator descended, I couldn't help but wonder, who was this man? And why did a strange sense of familiarity settle in my chest when I looked at him?
I turned to face him, staring deep into his green eyes. "How shall I pay back for your kindness?" I asked him, expecting him to disagree with getting anything in return but he glared back at me, crouching lower towards me, the space between us almost closed.
"I want you. Be my mate for real."