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Episode 11: Run, and He'll Chase
The sound of the rain echoed inside the taxi like a warning.
Evan sat curled in the back seat, one hand on her belly, the other gripping the burner phone Nori had slipped into her coat months ago.
She hadn't called anyone.
Not Abel.
Not Nori.
Not even her father—though he probably wouldn't pick up anyway.
She didn't know where she was going.
All she knew was that she had to leave.
Leave before she became the reason Abel lost everything. Leave before her heart got too tangled in his quiet, unreadable promises. Leave before the next attack came.
And she knew it was coming.
Because Cassandra Vale wasn't finished.
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Luna Estate – Midnight
Abel stood at the edge of the nursery, drenched from the storm.
He'd searched every room. Every corner.
And she wasn't there.
"Evan!" he shouted, voice raw.
He found the note on the window seat.
"Don't come looking for me. You deserve peace, not a mess like me."
His hands shook as he crumpled the paper.
"She's gone?" Nori whispered from the hallway.
"Yes," Abel said hoarsely.
"But… she's pregnant. She shouldn't even be walking far, let alone—"
"She doesn't trust me," he muttered.
Nori stepped forward. "Then earn it back."
Abel stared out the window, his reflection fractured by lightning.
"I'm not letting her go."
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Downtown — Runaway Motel, Room 6
Evan lay on the narrow bed, her hoodie pulled over her belly.
The babies moved. One kicked.
She closed her eyes and tried not to cry.
She had money. A safe phone. But the truth was—she had nothing.
Not really.
Her heart ached in places she didn't know could feel.
She missed him.
His silent warmth. The way he hovered without touching. The way he looked at her like she was something his.
But she couldn't go back. Not while the world was still trying to rip them apart.
And especially not when Cassandra had her scent.
A knock at the door jolted her upright.
She didn't speak.
Another knock.
Her hand went to the pepper spray under the pillow.
But then—"Evan?"
Her eyes widened.
It was Grant.
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5 Minutes Later – Inside the Room
"What are you doing here?" she asked as Grant stepped in, soaked and panting.
"Tracking your phone," he said. "You turned off the main one, but Luna's security network picked up this signal. He told me to find you."
"I didn't want to be found."
Grant sat across from her, rubbing his forehead.
"He's losing it," he said. "Like… really losing it. There are private investigators all over the city. He canceled board meetings. He threatened to burn the tower down if someone didn't give him a clue."
Evan looked away. "He deserves better."
"He wants you."
"Because I'm carrying his babies."
"No." Grant's voice softened. "Because you're the only thing that ever made him human."
Tears welled up in her eyes. "Then why does it feel like I'm still alone?"
Grant reached into his pocket and handed her something.
It was a photo. From Abel's office.
A sonogram, framed in dark glass.
"I didn't tell him I was bringing this," Grant said. "He's too proud. But maybe you need to see… you're not just carrying his blood."
"You're carrying his future."
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Cassandra's Hideout – Surveillance Room
"Damn it," she hissed, watching Grant enter the motel room.
Evan had almost slipped through the cracks. Almost disappeared.
And then Abel had to send his golden lapdog.
Cassandra slammed her laptop shut.
"No matter," she muttered.
She turned to her assistant.
"Move to Plan B. She won't be scared enough until we push harder."
"What does that mean?"
Cassandra's lips curved.
"Send the footage of her escape to the press. Let the world see how weak she looks. Pregnant. Alone. Running."
"And if she runs again?"
"Then we make her think she lost the babies."
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Next Morning – Back at Luna Estate
Abel heard the car before he saw it.
He stepped outside, shirt wrinkled, eyes sunken from no sleep.
And then she stepped out of the back seat.
Evan.
Soaked from the rain. Eyes tired. But alive.
They stood staring at each other for a long, breathless moment.
"You found me," she whispered.
"No," Abel said quietly. "You came back."
She nodded, lip trembling.
"I don't want to run anymore."
"I don't want to give you a reason to."
And without another word, he walked up and wrapped his arms around her, careful but unshakable.
Like he never wanted to let go again.
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Later That Night – Bedroom
She lay curled against him in their bed. The storm had passed, but the thunder still echoed in her bones.
"Why didn't you say it before?" she whispered.
"Say what?"
"That I mattered."
He brushed her hair back gently.
"Because I didn't know how to love you… not without breaking the walls I built."
She closed her eyes.
"They're still up."
"Then let me take them down," he said. "Brick by brick."
And for the first time since the marriage...
She believed him.
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🔥 End of Episode 11
> Next in Episode 12:
Evan collapses. The twins are in danger. Abel faces his darkest fear—and Cassandra makes a move that could end it all. But this time… Abel won't play defense.
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