The press conference was a blur of flashing cameras and shouted questions. Julian's arm remained tightly around me, holding me in place as he smiled and waved for the cameras.
I felt like a prop, a mere accessory to Julian's grand facade. But I knew I had to play along, for my mom's sake.
As the conference drew to a close, Julian leaned in and whispered in my ear. "You're doing well, Alex. Just keep smiling and we'll get through this."
I nodded, trying to keep my revulsion in check. But as I glanced up at Julian, I saw something in his eyes that made my blood run cold.
It was a glimmer of possession, of ownership. And in that moment, I knew I was trapped.
As we left the conference, Julian's assistant, Maria, approached us. "Sir, you have a meeting with the board of directors in an hour."
Julian nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "I'll be there. Alex, why don't you go and get some rest? You look a bit... peaked."
I felt a surge of anger, but I knew I had to keep up the charade. "Yes, of course. I'll go and rest."
As I turned to leave, Julian's hand shot out and grasped my wrist. "And Alex?"
I turned back to him, my heart racing. "Yes?"
Julian's smile was cold. "Don't think about trying to escape. You're mine now."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as Julian's eyes seemed to bore into my soul. I knew I was trapped, and I didn't know how to escape.
As I walked away from Julian, I felt like I was walking into a nightmare. And I didn't know if I'd ever wake up.
I made my way back to my room, my mind racing with thoughts of escape. But every door I tried led to more questions, more guards, and more reminders that I was trapped.
I felt like I was living in a prison, with Julian as my jailer. And I didn't know how much longer I could keep up the facade.
As I sat on my bed, staring blankly at the wall, I heard a knock at the door. It was Maria, Julian's assistant.
"Alex, I have some clothes for you," she said, holding out a rack of designer dresses. "Julian wants you to look your best for the upcoming events."
I took the clothes, feeling a surge of resentment. "Thanks," I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.
Maria smiled, but her eyes seemed to hold a hint of sympathy. "If you need anything, Alex, don't hesitate to ask."
I nodded, feeling a small sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, Maria could be an ally in my quest to escape.
But as I looked at the clothes, I felt a wave of despair wash over me. I was trapped, and I didn't know how to escape.
And then, I heard Julian's voice, echoing in my mind. "You're mine now."
I felt a shiver run down my spine, and I knew I had to keep fighting. For my mom, for myself, and for my freedom.
Julian's POV:
As I looked at Alex, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. She was playing her part perfectly, smiling and waving for the cameras like a dutiful wife.
But I knew it was all an act. I knew she hated me, and I reveled in it. There was something about her defiance that sparked a fire within me.
As I leaned in to whisper in her ear, I felt a thrill run through me. She was so close, yet so far away. And I was determined to break her, to make her mine.