Victor's words hung in the air, creating a wave of tension that immediately ensnared Vella.

"Aren't you curious why your career suddenly plummeted after we broke up?"

Vella's world seemed to pause for a moment. Her breath caught, and for a second, she couldn't say anything.

Victor was still staring at her, enjoying her shock like someone deliberately trapping their prey.

"What do you mean?" Vella finally found her voice, although it sounded weaker than she had hoped.

Victor shrugged casually, as if his question wasn't a big deal. "I'm just asking. Isn't it an interesting thing? You were quite a promising model back then. Then, suddenly, your agency terminated your contract. The ads that were supposed to feature your beautiful face suddenly chose other models. Even several companies that were once very eager to work with you... changed their minds."

Vella felt her blood run cold. She remembered all of that clearly.

A year ago, after breaking up with Victor, everything had started to change without her realizing it. At first, she thought it was just a coincidence—the entertainment industry was cruel and competitive. But now, hearing the way Victor said it…

Was it all not a coincidence?

"I don't know what you're talking about." Vella tried to control her expression. "This industry is tough. Not everyone can survive."

Victor smiled slightly, but his gaze said otherwise. "Yes, that's true. But some people just need a little... help to fall."

Vella's heart beat faster.

No, this couldn't be. He couldn't possibly...

Victor stepped closer, making her feel increasingly cornered by his intimidating aura. "I'm curious, Vella," he whispered softly. "When all that was happening… didn't you ever suspect even a little?"

Vella straightened her back, refusing to appear weak. "If you're trying to say you had something to do with that—"

Victor let out a small laugh, but there was something eerie in his voice. "I'm just asking." He stared deep into her eyes, as if enjoying how her mind was beginning to unravel.

Vella wanted to move away. She wanted to turn around and forget all of this. But before she could take a step, Victor continued in a lower, more threatening tone.

"But I'm glad to see you here, Vella. It seems fate still wants us to meet."

Vella clenched her fists at her sides, trying to suppress the tremors creeping into her fingertips.

Fate?

Or was this something Victor had planned from the very beginning?

Before she could say anything, someone called Victor from a distance. A middle-aged man in an expensive suit—Vella's stepfather.

"Oh, Victor! I didn't know you were coming."

Victor turned, displaying a friendlier smile. "I couldn't miss an important wedding like this."

Vella's stepfather patted Victor's shoulder familiarly before turning to Vella. "You've met Victor, right? He is my son… and now, technically, he is your stepbrother."

Vella's world felt like it was crumbling further.

Step… brother?

Victor looked at her again, his smile widening—a smile that made her blood curdle uncomfortably.

"Glad to be part of your family, Vella."

Her blood seemed to stop flowing as she stared at Victor, searching for signs that this was just a bad joke. But the man only gave a small smile—a smile that was never truly warm, a smile that hid something behind it.

Vella wanted to say something, anything, but her throat felt dry.

"Oh, you two already know each other?" Her stepfather chuckled, seemingly unaware of the tension between them. "Good, good. I was hoping you could get along."

Victor stared at Vella without looking away. "Of course. Vella and I… have a long history."

Vella clenched her fingers, trying to calm her wildly beating heart. Victor's gaze made her feel as if she was trapped in a game she couldn't control.

"I didn't know you were the son of my father's business partner," Vella finally said, her voice striving to sound steady despite a slight tremor.

Victor smiled. "There are many things you don't know, Vella."

Before Vella could retort, someone approached—a woman in a bright red dress and perfect makeup. A face she knew all too well.

Chloe Laurent.

A top model, the favorite face of luxury brands, and most importantly… the woman who had indirectly destroyed her career.

"Victor." Chloe touched Victor's arm in a overly familiar way. "I've been looking for you."

Vella's gaze hardened. She remembered clearly how Chloe had snatched the projects that should have been hers a year ago. That woman was always one step ahead, as if there was an invisible force constantly pushing her upward—and now, seeing her here, standing next to Victor…

A frightening possibility dawned on Vella.

Was all this connected?

Was Victor the one helping Chloe rise, while she fell?

"Ah, Chloe," Victor turned to her casually, but there was something cold in his tone. "I suppose you've met Vella before, haven't you?"

Chloe smiled thinly, her gaze assessing Vella from head to toe. "Of course. We worked together… once."

Once. Before everything fell apart.

Vella steeled herself. She couldn't appear weak. Not in front of Victor. Not in front of Chloe.

Victor looked at Vella meaningfully. "It's a small world, isn't it?"

Vella lifted her chin slightly, trying to show she was unaffected. "Yes. And full of surprises."

Victor smiled. "Oh, this is just the beginning, Vella."

Victor said it in a casual tone, as if the words carried no veiled threat. But Vella knew better—she knew this man never said anything without a specific intention.

Chloe was still standing beside Victor, her arm linked with his in a clear display of possession. The smile on her face looked sweet, but the glint in her eyes said otherwise.

"So," Chloe tilted her head slightly, her expression full of feigned curiosity. "After all this time, you're finally back in this world, Vella?"

Vella felt her jaw tighten. She knew Chloe was testing her, trying to find a weakness to belittle her.

"I never really left," Vella replied, her voice remaining calm.

Chloe let out a small laugh, covering her mouth gracefully. "Of course. But… this world changes so fast, you know? New models appear all the time, and this industry only accepts those who can survive."

Vella knew the underlying meaning behind those words. Chloe was saying that her spot had been taken. That she had been forgotten.

Before Vella could retort, Victor spoke, his eyes still locked on her. "Don't worry, Chloe. I'm sure Vella still has a place in this world… if she knows how to survive."

There was something in the way Victor said it that made Vella's stomach clench.

"And you certainly know how, don't you, Vella?" Victor continued. "You've experienced it before—how it feels to lose everything."

Vella tensed. She could feel her heart pounding hard, but she refused to show her weakness. She looked directly into Victor's eyes, trying to find answers there.

"What do you really want, Victor?" she finally asked.

Victor smiled slightly, raising the champagne glass he was holding. "I just want to enjoy tonight. Celebrate our family's wedding."

Family. The word felt so wrong coming from his mouth.

"But of course," Victor continued, "we'll be seeing each other often from now on. As siblings… I should naturally make sure you're doing well."

A chill ran down Vella's spine. She knew this wasn't just a warning. It was a promise.

Victor never did anything without a reason.

And now, he was back in her life.

Not as an ex-lover.

But as her stepbrother.

---

Vella walked out of the ballroom with quick steps, letting the sounds of the still-echoing party fade behind her. Her hands were clenched at her sides, her mind in turmoil.

Victor.

That man hadn't just returned; he now had an unavoidable place in her life. Stepbrother? It felt like a cruel joke the universe had created to trap her back in the snare of her past.

She needed air.

Pushing open the balcony door, Vella took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. The cold night air touched her skin, offering a slight sense of peace.

But that peace only lasted a few seconds.

"Are you running away from me, Vella?"

That voice made her body tense.

Vella closed her eyes for a moment before turning around. Victor stood in the balcony doorway, looking at her with a relaxed expression, but his eyes gleamed with something hard to explain.

"I just needed some air," she replied, trying to sound neutral.

Victor stepped out, approaching with movements that were too smooth, too controlled. "Air?" He let out a dramatic sigh. "Or do you need to get away from me?"

Vella stared at him sharply. "Do you want me to stay away?"

Victor gave a small smile. "No. Quite the opposite."

Vella's heart beat even faster.

"Why are you doing this?" she finally asked, her voice softer.

Victor shrugged, his expression remaining calm. "Doing what?"

"Coming back into my life. Appearing as my... stepbrother." The word almost caught in her throat.

Victor looked at her for a long time before answering, his voice low and smooth. "I didn't choose this, Vella. Just like you didn't."

"But you're enjoying it," Vella accused.

Victor laughed softly, but there was something dangerous behind it. "Of course. It's an interesting game, isn't it?"

Vella felt her blood boil. "You can't play with me, Victor."

The man stepped closer, forcing her to retreat until her back touched the balcony railing. She could feel his presence so close, his masculine scent and expensive cologne wafting in the air.

"I don't need to play with you," he whispered, staring at her as if piercing her soul. "I'm just taking back what should have never left me."

Vella held her breath, her body frozen.

"I don't belong to you," she said with as much firmness as she could muster.

Victor raised his hand, his fingers tracing a strand of her hair with a gentleness that felt threatening. "Oh, darling... that's what we'll see."

Vella swallowed, trying to suppress the fear creeping inside her.

One thing she realized tonight:

Victor was not going to let her go.

Flashback.

New York, one year ago.

Vella was just beginning her career as a commercial model. She lived in a small apartment in Manhattan, a place comfortable enough for a newcomer in the entertainment industry. Her life was busy, filled with auditions, photoshoots, and parties she had to attend to expand her network.

Amidst that busyness, there was one person always present in her life: Victor.

Back then, Victor wasn't the CEO everyone knew. He was just a man who claimed to work as a manager at an ordinary company. He was attentive, always by her side, and always made sure her needs were met.

Too attentive.

Vella remembered how she initially thought Victor's attention was sweet.

"I just want to make sure you're okay," he'd say every time he showed up at her apartment unannounced, bringing food and preparing everything for her.

"I don't need to be looked after like this, Victor. I can take care of myself."

"Of course you can. But I want to do it for you," he'd answer with a soft smile that always made it hard for her to get angry.

At first, Vella let Victor into her world. She felt loved in such an intense way, something she had never experienced before.

However, as time went on, that attention turned into something more... binding.

Victor started showing up at her photoshoot locations, waiting for her until she finished.

He would message her constantly, asking where she was, who she was with, and what she was doing.

He would call her in the middle of the night just to make sure she was home and not out with anyone.

"Victor, you don't always need to know where I am."

"Of course I need to know. It's not about trust, Vella. It's about making sure you're safe."

"I'm fine," she insisted.

Victor smiled slightly, but his eyes remained sharp. "I just want you to stay by my side. Is that so hard?"

That was when Vella started to feel trapped. Victor's love wasn't liberating—it was possessive.

The breaking point was the night Vella decided she couldn't go on like this.

That night, she had received an offer to attend a major industry party, a golden opportunity to build connections. Victor opposed it.

"You don't need to go to parties like that," he said coldly. "I can introduce you to more influential people."

"Victor, this is my career. I have to build it myself."

Victor stared at her in silence, his jaw tightening. "So you're choosing them over me?"

"That's not the point. I just need space."

Victor sighed, then gently stroked her cheek. "Alright," he finally said. "If that's what you want."

"Tomorrow, meet me at the city square," Victor said.

Then he left just like that, leaving Vella standing at the doorway of her apartment with mixed feelings.

She should have felt relieved. So why did her chest feel tight?

As the night grew later, her mind kept racing.

Victor loved her—she knew that. But Victor's love was too big, too suffocating, too binding, making her feel like she was losing control of her own life.

And now, she knew what she had to do.

Tomorrow, she would end it all.

The Next Day – City Square

A light snow fell on that winter morning, covering the sidewalks with a soft white. The New York city square was quiet, with only a few people passing by, enjoying the cold air while sipping hot coffee.

Vella stood in the middle of the square, her fingers hidden deep in the pockets of her long coat. She felt nervous, but she had to do it.

Then, she saw him.

Victor walked towards her with steady steps, wearing a long black coat that made him stand out even more in the crowd. His hand was gripping something inside his jacket pocket, and there was a soft gleam in his eyes as he looked at Vella.

For a moment, Vella felt hesitant.

But no. She couldn't hesitate.

"Thank you for coming," Victor said, his voice softer than usual.

Vella swallowed. "I want to talk about something."

Victor gave a small smile. "Me too."

Her heart pounded hard as the man took a breath, as if gathering courage.

But before Victor could continue, Vella spoke first.

"I want to break up."

Instantly, time seemed to stop.

Victor didn't react immediately. He just stared at Vella, as if her words made no sense.

"What?" his voice was low, almost a whisper.

Vella bit her lip, holding back the guilt beginning to creep into her chest. "I think... our relationship has gone too far. I need space, Victor. I want to live my own life again."

Victor remained silent.

Then, with a slow movement, the hand that had been hidden in his jacket pocket clenched something tightly.

A ring.

A small diamond ring in a black velvet box.

But before Vella could see it, Victor calmly slipped it back into his pocket, hiding his intention as if it had never existed.

Her heart sank.

Yet Victor didn't show his surprise any longer. He nodded slowly, then gave a small smile—a smile that, strangely, felt colder than usual.

"If that's what you want."

Vella thought he would get angry. Would beg. Would ask why.

But no.

Victor just stood there, accepting her decision without a fight.

And for some reason, that felt far more terrifying.

Flashback end.

---

Vella tried to ignore the chilling sensation creeping through her body as Victor stood so close, his smile faint but his eyes full of hidden meaning.

"You look tense," he said softly, his fingers almost touching Vella's cheek before the girl took a step back.

"I'm just surprised," Vella said, her voice striving to sound flat.

Victor raised an eyebrow, as if mocking her. "Surprised that I'm back? Or because you've finally realized you can't escape me?"

Vella's heart beat faster. She couldn't get caught in this game.

"I've forgotten you, Victor."

Victor laughed softly, his expression seeming self-amused. "You really want me to believe that?"

Vella didn't answer. She chose to leave, stepping past Victor. However, before she could get far, Victor caught her wrist. Not too tight, but enough to stop her.

"You'd better get ready, Vella," he whispered close to her ear. "I'll make sure you can never ignore me again."

Vella held her breath, trying to free herself from Victor's grasp. "Let me go."

Victor gave a small smile before finally releasing her.

But before Vella could truly walk away, he managed to whisper, "Welcome back to my life, darling."

---

Vella couldn't stand staying at that party any longer. After exchanging pleasantries with a few guests she didn't even really know, she finally asked her mother for permission to leave early.

"I'll be staying at the hotel tonight," her mother said with a happy smile. "Enjoy the house by yourself tonight, dear."

Vella just nodded. Honestly, she was relieved. She needed space to breathe.

A light rain was falling as Vella stepped into the house. The atmosphere was quiet. Silent.

She turned on the living room light, dropped her bag on the sofa, and walked straight to her bedroom. After changing out of the stuffy party dress, she went into the bathroom, trying to wash away all the burdens on her mind under the stream of warm water.

But the image of Victor kept appearing in her head. His gaze, his words from earlier that night...

"I'll make sure you can never ignore me again."

Vella let out a heavy sigh, quickly dried her hair, and went into the bedroom. She was just about to get into bed when her phone suddenly vibrated on the nightstand.

Unknown number.

She frowned. It was past midnight. Who would call at this hour?

Hesitantly, she slid the green button. "Hello?"

A few seconds of silence. Only soft breathing on the other end.

Vella was about to hang up when the voice sounded.

"You left too early, darling."

Vella froze.

It was Victor's voice. Soft. Calm. But there was something that made her hair stand on end.

"Victor?" her voice rose, a reflex. "How did you get my number?"

Victor laughed softly. The sound sent shivers down Vella's spine.

"I always know what you have, Vella." Then the call disconnected.

Vella stared at her dark phone screen, her chest pounding.

How did he know? Had Victor been following her? Or… had he infiltrated her life deeper than she imagined?

Her mind was filled with fear that was starting to turn into panic.

She gripped her phone tightly, staring into the darkness of the night outside her window.

Biting her lip, she tried to think clearly. This must just be a psychological game. Victor just wanted to scare her. But why did it feel so real?

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart.

DING-DONG.

Vella jolted.

The doorbell rang.

The sound echoed through the spacious, quiet house, reverberating in the empty halls.

Who would come at this hour?

She glanced at the time on her phone—12:24 AM.

Her hand clenched the phone tightly as the bell rang again. This time, longer.

DING-DONG. DING-DONG.

Vella held her breath.

She strained her ears, trying to hear any sound outside. No footsteps, no sound of a car stopping in front of her house.

DING-DONG.

Her heart beat faster.

She walked slowly towards the front door, passing through the dark hallway. The shadow from the outside light cast a faint silhouette on the marble floor.

Arriving at the door, she stood still. Didn't dare move.

She stared at the peephole. Hesitant.

But before she could see who was outside, her phone vibrated again.

A message from an unknown number:

"Why aren't you opening the door, Vella?"

Her breath caught.

Vella's hands trembled as she slowly backed away. She didn't dare look through the peephole again.

The doorbell didn't ring anymore.

However, in the silence of the night, she could feel something.

Someone was out there. Waiting for her.

And she knew exactly who it was.

Victor.

Vella bit her lip, her heart pounding as she stared at the door in front of her.

She knew this was a bad idea. A very bad idea.

But curiosity and fear mixed into one, making her slowly reach out her hand and turn the doorknob.

As the door opened, Victor stood there.

He was dressed entirely in black, his hair slightly disheveled, and his expression was completely different from the man she met at the party earlier. Cold. Dark. Dangerous.

The drizzle had dampened his shoulders, and his gaze immediately pierced through Vella's eyes, sharp and demanding.

Vella felt her tongue go numb.

"Victor… what are you doing here?"

Victor didn't answer immediately. Suddenly, the man stepped inside without waiting for an invitation.

"Victor! What are you—"

Click.

He closed the door behind him and quickly locked it.

Vella took a step back, her chest rising and falling rapidly. "Victor, get out."

Victor didn't move. He just looked around the house, as if assessing every corner, before his gaze finally returned to Vella.

"A big house," Victor murmured softly. "Too big to live in alone."