THE TRAP CLOSES
Leon knew something was wrong the moment he got the call.
"Car's blocked," his informant's voice whispered over the phone. "Austen set it up. Cameras everywhere. He's making it look like you're reckless."
Leon's hands clenched on the steering wheel. He'd suspected Austen was plotting, but seeing it unfold in real time made his blood boil.
Meanwhile, Elliana sat at home, restless, trying to focus on homework, but her phone buzzed incessantly.
Leon: Don't go out tonight. It's a trap.
Her heart skipped. "A trap?" she whispered aloud.
Elliana: What's happening?
Leon: Austen. He's trying to get me arrested. He'll use anything to make it look real. Just… stay home.
Elliana nodded, though she knew he couldn't see her. The panic curling in her chest made her feel helpless. She wanted to be with him, to warn him, but she couldn't—not tonight.
Across town, Leon navigated the streets cautiously. Every turn, every alley felt like a calculated risk. He could hear the distant sirens, know that someone—Austen—was pulling strings to make him look guilty.
When he arrived at the location Austen had lured him to, it was obvious. Cameras lined the corners, recording angles of his car and the streets. His tires squealed slightly as he braked, noticing the scene: staged accidents, fake evidence, and witnesses who were clearly in on the plan.
Austen stepped out from the shadows, his clean-cut smile tight. "Evening, Leon. Fancy seeing you here."
Leon's eyes narrowed. "This is your doing."
Austen's hands were open, innocent in appearance. "Of course not. Just… protecting the girl. She deserves better than… whatever this is."
Leon's laugh was harsh. "Protecting her? You've gone too far."
Austen didn't flinch. "Do what you must. But make a mistake, and Elliana will think you're the criminal."
At that moment, Leon understood—the war wasn't just between him and Austen. Elliana's heart was in the middle, vulnerable, and Austen was determined to win.
He clenched his fists, jaw tight. "I won't let you touch her. Not like this."
Austen's smirk widened. "Then let's see who she chooses when it all comes crashing down."
Back at home, Elliana felt the tension like a storm pressing against her chest. Something told her she should stay away. But a part of her—the part that had grown to trust Leon more than anyone—wanted to be there.
Her thumb hovered over her phone. I should go…
But deep down, she knew: she couldn't stop herself from running toward danger.
And tonight, Leon would realize just how far Austen was willing to go to keep them apart.