Lana's POV
I squinted, trying to block the morning sun from entering my eyes. When the brightness finally faded, I opened them fully, taking in the unfamiliar environment.
Where am I?
Have I been kidnapped? Am I going to be killed just like my sister?
My heart thumped heavily as my puzzled mind scrambled for answers. I darted my eyes around the beautiful, well-designed, and furnished room once more, my gaze landing on a figure in the bed — a man's broad, sculpted frame.
I reached for the duvet, gently pulling it back to reveal who it was.
I gasped, almost waking him.
Xavier.
I whispered his name in shock, wondering how I had ended up in bed with my sister's killer.
This was where he had been hiding, living comfortably and calmly — something a wicked soul like him shouldn't be allowed to experience.
A wave of shame and anger washed over me as I remembered how I had called him, asking if I could stay with him.
How I had bawled my eyes out about Eva's death.
How he had pulled me into a hug, sympathizing with me, and how I had unknowingly fallen asleep beside him.
I carefully moved my hand, aiming directly at his neck.
I could end this right here, right now.
No one would know.
And even if they did, I could plead guilty, claim it was an accident, or even self-defense.
No one would believe a killer over me. No one.
A flashback of my nightmare surged through me, fueling my desire to kill him.
But just as I was about to strike, he stirred and opened his eyes gently, making me jolt back in fear.
"Lana," he called softly.
His morning voice was like birdsong — soft, melodic, disarming.
"You're up already."
I stayed mute, my mind spiraling from everything happening at once.
Why did I come here in the first place?
Why did he have to wake up now of all times?
And why the hell was I being affected by him?
"Lana?" He snapped his fingers in my face, snapping me back to reality as he gradually sat up.
"Are you okay? Are you still feeling sad?"
Yuck.
What is this?
Why is he suddenly acting nice... like he isn't a beast capable of killing me too?
"No, I'm fine," I said softly, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
He immediately stood up from the bed, like he had just realized how close we had been.
"You can stay here as long as you want. Let me know if you need anything," he said, heading towards the door.
"Wait."
He halted, turning to face me.
"I... I'll leave. I shouldn't have come here in the first place."
"Why?"
"Why not?"
"Lana," he said seriously, "I swear I didn't do it. But honestly, I don't care if you believe me or not."
"But you confessed!" I shot back.
He breathed in sharply. "That wasn't me, for fuck's sake!"
His sudden intensity startled me.
"Then why are you on the run if you're innocent?!"
"Because I need time. Time to think, time to plan, time to investigate. Time to clear my name!"
I snorted a sad, bitter laugh. "You're just making things harder for yourself, Xavier."
"I don't understand."
"There's no amount of apology that will bring my sister back, but you could at least start somewhere. Turn yourself in. Apologize. Maybe you'll find some redemption."
"Settle in, Lana. We're not doing this," he said, swinging the door open.
"I can't stay here!" I blurted out, jumping from the bed and grabbing my suitcase.
Thankfully, I hadn't unpacked yet.
"You're going nowhere, Lana."
"Get out of my way, murderer!" I yelled, trying to push past him, but he was too strong, too big.
"You will stay here!"
"Why? So you can kill me too and escape judgment?! Live happily ever after with your mistress? No fucking way!"
He laughed in shock. "What mistress? There's no fucking mistress!"
"Deny it all you want, Xavier. I know you cheated. I know you killed her because she wouldn't sign the divorce papers. You wanted your happy life, but Eva was standing in your way. That's why you killed her!
Guess what? You won't have that happy life — because I'll be here to ruin it!"
I jabbed a finger at his face. "Move. Now."
Xavier held my suitcase tighter. "I swear, it wasn't like that. But fine. Believe whatever you want. I can't let you go back to that mansion — not after the nightmare you had. I'm doing this for Eva, not for a spoiled brat like you."
"I don't care what you think, but don't you dare mention her name with your filthy mouth," I snapped.
He sighed. "Lana—"
"I just want my sister back," I cried out, dropping the suitcase and pounding on his chest. "I want Eva back. I miss her. I want her back, Xavier! Give her back to me!"
He stood there, taking the beating. Then, he suddenly pulled me into an embrace, stroking my hair as I cried.
"I don't need your fucking apology! I need Eva!" I sobbed against his chest.
"Shh..." he whispered soothingly.
I cried harder, my heart shattering.
"I promise I'll make things right, Lana. I promise."
I woke up with my head pounding so hard it felt like the noise could be heard from the estate gates.
My phone started vibrating.
I sighed and reached for it.
I glanced at the screen and froze.
Nathan.
"Baabyyy," he said enthusiastically when I answered. "I missed you so much."
"Oh," I replied flatly.
"You don't sound happy to hear from me, Lana."
"That's because I'm not."
"Why?"
"Did you really just ask why?"
"Yes?"
"Nathan, we haven't spoken in over a month. You clearly forgot you had a girlfriend."
"I didn't forget, Lana. I've just been busy."
"Too busy for me," I cut in.
"It's not like that. You know what? I'm in town."
My heart leapt — but I quickly masked my excitement, remembering I should still be mad at him.
"You're in Calderm City?" I asked calmly.
"Yes, I am."
"Oh, good for you," I said, pretending not to care, even though my insides were screaming.
"Nope. Good for us. I'll send you an address. Get ready, baby. Be here in a jiffy."
"You're not picking me u—"
He hung up before I could finish.
Still, I danced in excitement anyway.
"See you, then," I murmured and jumped out of bed, rushing to get ready.
I wasn't about to get stood up.
I took a quick shower, pushing away the thought that I was still under the same roof as my sister's killer.
I threw on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt — something comfortable.
I hadn't unpacked yet, because deep down, I knew I wouldn't be staying long.
Bag in hand, phone tucked securely behind my credit card case — just in case Nathan decided to ditch me — I headed to the living room.
There he was.
Xavier.
Seated, legs crossed, casually recording a voice note with one hand, a glass of wine in the other.
Chilling.
Like he had no sins to pay for.
Like he hadn't destroyed a life.
Vexation surged through me, but I cleared my throat, masking it.
"I have somewhere to go," I said, coming down the stairs.
"Where?"
"I'm going to see my boyfriend."
"That's fine. Remember, no one has to know you're here."
"I'm aware."
He smiled at me, turning his attention back to his phone.
I turned to leave but stopped mid-step.
"I've decided to stay," I said, facing him again.
What the hell am I saying?
I can't stand this man — and now I'm choosing to stay?
"You have? Nice. Why the change of mind?"
"Nothing. I just figured it's dangerous being alone in a mansion that size."
"That's fine. You can stay as long as you want."
I nodded and headed for the door.
I would stay.
Even though I hated the air he breathed.
Because if I was going to get justice for Eva, I needed to keep my enemy closer — just like the saying goes.
Revenge had never felt so good, just thinking about it.
I finally had a reason to live.
I would live just to kill.
And no one would stop me.