Selene thought leaving would make the pain smaller.

It didn't.

It only made it quieter.

Her new life was built on survival, not comfort. The apartment was smaller than her last one, and the walls were thin enough to hear her neighbor's television arguing every night. The restaurant smelled like burnt oil and impatience. Customers snapped fingers like she was invisible until they needed something.

Still, it was hers.

No secrets.

No lies.

No billionaires pretending to be someone else.

She told herself that was enough.

But some nights, exhaustion peeled away her discipline, and Austin crept in uninvited-his calm voice, the way he listened, the softness he hid behind control. She hated that her heart still reacted like it hadn't been warned.

She hated herself more for missing him.

Austin, meanwhile, was unraveling in slow motion.

He showed up to meetings late. Sometimes not at all. His phone rang endlessly, unanswered. His apartment smelled like alcohol and regret. Every glass he poured felt like a punishment he deserved.

He replayed the moment Selene had asked, Why didn't you tell me who you were?

Because he was a coward.

Because he'd learned early that honesty cost people their lives, their families, their power.

Because his father had taught him that secrets were protection-even when they destroyed everything else.

His grandmother saw through him easily.

"You look like a man hiding behind excuses," Victoria Blake said calmly, pouring tea in his penthouse like it was her own home. "And excuses rot faster than guilt."

"She left," Austin said bitterly.

"She ran," Victoria corrected. "Because you gave her no reason to stay."

She studied him for a long moment. "Diana is watching her."

Austin's head snapped up. "What?"

"She always watches the things she wants to destroy."

That night, Austin made a decision.

He would fight for the ladyhe actually cared about.

Selene noticed the changes before she saw him. A car parked too often across the street.

Someone asking her coworkers questions.

A message slipped into her locker at work-blank, except for a single red lipstick smear.

She told herself she was imagining things.

Until the flowers arrived.

White lilies. They looked expensive and familiar.

She didn't need to read the card.

She threw them away.

The next day, Austin showed up.

He stood at the edge of the restaurant, suit too sharp for the greasy floor, eyes fixed on her like she was the only thing keeping him upright.

Selene froze.

Of course, he came back like this-polished, controlled, looking like regret dressed in money.

She turned away.

"Selene," he said softly.

She kept walking.

He followed.

"Please," he added. "Just five minutes and I'll leave."

She stopped, spun, and hissed, "You don't get five minutes. You lost that privilege."

Customers stared. Someone whispered.

Austin swallowed. "I just want to talk."

She laughed without humor. "Funny. You were silent when it mattered."

She walked past him.

That was the first rejection.

The second time, he waited outside her apartment.

The third, he showed up during her break. She ignored.

The fourth, he sent a message through his grandmother-I raised him better than this. Hear him out.

The fifth, he showed up soaked in rain like the night they met. Waiting for her outside her apartment again, she saw him through the window but she never came out till he left.

The sixth time, Selene looked him dead in the eye and said, "If you come near me again, I'll call the police."

Austin nodded. "But give mea chance to say I'm sorry." she ignored 

He left.

She thought that was the end.

She was wrong.

The seventh time, everything went wrong.

It happened fast.

Selene was walking home after a late shift, anger simmering beneath her skin. She'd seen Diana's face that morning-on a magazine cover, smiling, perfect, untouched.

Engaged to Austin Blake.

The universe had a terrible sense of humor.

She heard footsteps behind her.

"Selene-wait."

Her chest tightened.

"No," she snapped, walking faster.

"Please," Austin said, urgency cracking his voice. "Just listen-"

She turned sharply. "I said leave me alone!"

She stepped off the curb without looking.

Austin lunged forward.

The car came out of nowhere.

The impact was sickening.

Metal screamed. Glass shattered.

Austin hit the ground hard, his body folding unnaturally as blood spread beneath him.

Time stopped.

Selene screamed. She ran towards him and dropped beside him, hands shaking, pressing against his chest like she could hold his life in place.

"No no no," she sobbed. "Stay with me. Please-don't you dare leave me now."

His eyes fluttered.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

Her tears fell onto his face. "I love you," she cried. "I never stopped."

Sirens filled the air.

Hands pulled her away. "No leave me alone " she yelled in frustration "I want to be with him, please" tears rolling down her face.

And just like that, the city took him from her again.

The hospital smelled like fear and antiseptic.

Selene paced until her legs gave out.

When Diana arrived, dressed perfectly in black, Selene knew instinctively-this woman was not here to console.

The slap came without warning.

"If he dies," Diana hissed, eyes wild, "I'll make sure you rot in jail."

Her Security dragged Selene away.

"Take her away I don't want to see her disgusting face here". Diane snapped 

"Let go of me". She sobbed as they rough-handled her to the door

Austin survived.

But Barely. His pulse had become steady but he was still in a coma. 

But Selene wasn't allowed to see him.

Days later, she was wiping tables at the restaurant when the room went quiet.

She looked up and drifted into her imagination.

She imagined Austin standing in the doorway.

Smiling and Alive.

She imagined running into his arms hugging him tightly..

"I thought I lost you," she whispered into his chest.

"You can't get rid of me that easily," he said hoarsely.

Right there-among strangers and spilled drinks-he dropped to one knee.

"Will you marry me?"

Selene didn't hesitate.

"Yes."

"Hello.. hello Selene" her boss yelled snapping her back to reality. She was just daydreaming and unconsciously spilled tea on the floor.

"What's wrong with you? Can't u focus at work or do you want to continue the rest of your day unemployed?" He asked angrily 

"No, I'm sorry it'll never happen again" she said pleading 

"Now get back to work or this will be your last" he replied and walked back to his office 

Somewhere far away, Diana watched.

And smiled.

Because she had already had plans for Selene if Austin didn't make it alive-

If she couldn't have Austin... no one would.

...............................................

Weeks passed and Austin was still at the hospital. Diann been visiting him regularly not because she cared but because the public expects much from the CEO's fiancée. She left the hospital early that day.

Not long after she left the nurse came in to check up on Austin. And that's when it happened. His finger twitched, the nurse noticed while trying to refill his drip then he suddenly gasped for air almost like he was in shock, and opened his eyes immediately. His nurse rushed immediately out of panic to give him oxygen.

"Where's Selene?" He asked 

"Please sir you have to calm down, you need rest Selene is fine". The nurse said 

"Please I need to see her"

"Ok we'll arrange a day for her visit but you need to rest please" 

"No I need to go see her now, she's in danger " Austin replied looking frustrated and restless 

"Unfortunately we can't do that sir" the nurse replied 

"I'll pay you, just get me out of this place" he replied desperately 

"Ok hold on let me talk to my boss, I'll be back " she left his ward and went to meet Dr. Charles at his office 

"Uhmm good day sir"

"How are you nurse Ellie"  he replied 

" I'm alright" " sir we have an issue with one of the patients " she added immediately 

"What's the issue" his gaze was now serious 

"Sir he wants to leave the hospital to see someone he said it's important " she said 

"Hmm, and who's this patient you speak of?" Doc Charles asked

"Sir I think it's Mr Blake " she responded 

"Take me to his ward" he instructed 

On getting to his ward, Austin had already forced himself up, he was now sitting on his bed like he was trying to get up and run

"How are you doing Mr Blake" Dr Charles asked once they entered the room

"You must be her boss" Austin replied " I've told ur staff to get me out of this place I have something urgent to attend to

"But sir you haven't fully recovered... I mean...."

"I'm doing just fine" Austin interrupted " I'll pay you, just get me to her restaurant then I will come back to continue my treatment"

"Or are you forgetting who my family is??" 

"No sir, Ellie get him a wheelchair " the doctor instructed 

"Yes boss" she left

" but sir this is risky, are you sure this can't wait till tomorrow?" The doctor asked Austin 

"I'm afraid it can't, she's in danger"

"Just know I can lose my job for this, but I'll help you " replied doctor Charles 

In the Ambulance the doctor dropped off Austin across Selene's restaurant that evening and nurse Ellie assisted in pushing his wheelchair towards the restaurant.

It was almost closing time and Selene was tidying the tables and mopping the messy ground while waiting for the remaining customers to finish. That's when she saw them at the doorway.. 

"Could this be real?" she wondered

She was happy and worried at the same time when she saw him in the wheelchair, "Does this mean her poor Austin will never walk again?" Tears streamed down her face as she watched him being pushed by the nurse

Austin could not hold back his tears either

"Selene" he finally said as he was now facing her directly 

"I thought I lost you," she whispered

And just right there-among customers and strangers, he told the nurse to assist him down the wheelchair and he dropped to one knee.

"Will you marry me?"

Selene was shocked it was just as she imagined. She couldn't hold back the tears anymore.

She said yes. She didn't hesitate 

She dropped down, wrapped her arms around him hugging him tightly.. and kissed him.

The word came out shaky, soaked in disbelief, but it was real.

The restaurant erupted in murmurs, applause, forks clinking against plates as people realized they were witnessing something intimate they had no business watching. Austin stayed on one knee longer than necessary, like standing up too quickly might make her disappear again.

He slipped the ring onto her finger with trembling hands.

"I don't have anything figured out yet," he said quietly. "My life is a mess. My family is worse. And I've already hurt you more than I can forgive myself for."

Selene exhaled a broken laugh. "That's the most honest thing you've ever said."

He looked up at her. "I'm done hiding."

She wanted to believe him. God, she wanted to. But trust didn't heal as fast as bones.

The scar on his collarbone peeked through his shirt, a violent reminder of how close she'd come to losing him. Her chest tightened.

"Don't ever scare me like that again," she whispered.

Austin stood, pulling her into his arms. "I promise."

But Promises were dangerous things.

Almost immediately he passed out

"No no no not again.. babe wake up" Selene's distorted voice echoed in the distance as Austin was rushed back to the hospital by the nurse. That was the last thing he had before he lost consciousness completely.

Diana shattered the illusion two hours later.

Selene was in Austin's hospital room, fingers tracing circles on his wrist as he slept. Machines beeped softly, indifferent to human suffering. She watched his chest rise and fall, counting each breath like a prayer. He managed to open his eyes weakly.

The door opened without knocking.

Diana Blake stepped inside like she owned oxygen.

Her eyes locked on Selene's hand-specifically, the ring.

Something dark flickered across her face.

"So," Diana said coolly, "this is how betrayal looks in person."

Selene stiffened but didn't move. "You shouldn't be here."

Diana smiled. "Funny. That's exactly what I was about to say to you."

Austin stirred. "Diana," he groaned. "Leave."

She ignored him.

"You think almost killing him earns you loyalty?" Diana continued, voice dangerously calm. "Or sympathy? Or-" her gaze dropped again "-a ring?"

Selene stood slowly. "I didn't push him."

"No," Diana agreed softly. "You just exist recklessly."

Austin forced himself upright, pain slicing through his ribs. "Enough. I chose Selene. You don't get a vote."

Diana laughed - a sound sharp enough to cut glass. "You've always been weak where emotions are concerned."

She stepped closer to Selene. Too close.

"This won't last," Diana whispered. "Men like Austin don't belong to girls who wait tables."

Selene's lips curved in a small, deadly smile. "And women like you don't belong anywhere near love."

For a moment, the air felt combustible.

Then Diana straightened, smoothing her coat. "Enjoy your engagement."

She paused at the door.

"While it lasts."

Austin was discharged three days later.

Selene moved back in temporarily, ignoring every instinct screaming that this was dangerous. His penthouse felt colder than before, like it remembered all the lies spoken within it.

At night, Austin woke sweating, breath shallow, fingers gripping her like she was the last solid thing in the world.

"I saw the headlights again," he whispered once.

She held him tighter. "I'm here."

But unease crept into Selene's bones.

Her phone started acting strange - calls dropping, messages unsent. Once, she found her door unlocked when she was sure she'd closed it. Another time, she caught a black SUV idling across the street.

Austin noticed her silence.

"You're scared," he said one evening.

She shook her head. "Just tired."

He didn't believe her. He also didn't push.

That night, Selene stood at the window, watching the city glow beneath her like a trap dressed up as opportunity.

She touched the ring.

Somewhere in the darkness, a camera lens clicked.

And Diana began planning the final move.

Selene didn't sleep that night.

Austin was finally resting, his breathing slow and even, but her mind refused to quiet. The penthouse felt too large, too silent, as if the walls were listening. She kept replaying Diana's voice in her head-While it lasts.

At dawn, Selene slipped out of bed and padded into the kitchen. She made tea she didn't drink and stared out at the city that never really cared who survived it. This was supposed to be her fresh start. Instead, it felt like she had stepped into someone else's unfinished war.

Her phone buzzed.

Unknown Number: Nice ring.

Her fingers went cold.

She stared at the screen, heart thudding. Slowly, she typed back.

Selene: Who is this?

Three dots appeared. Disappeared. Then another message came through.

Unknown Number: Tell Austin congratulations. He always rushed into bad decisions.

Selene deleted the conversation, but the unease stayed.

When Austin woke, she forced a smile. "You're staring," he said.

"Just making sure you're real," she replied.

He reached for her hand. "Talk to me."

She hesitated, then shook her head. "Later."

Austin didn't like that answer. He never had.

That evening, his grandmother called. His parents had been too busy to even see him at the hospital.

Selene listened quietly as Austin paced the living room, voice low with suppressed Anger and tense. When he ended the call, his jaw was tight.

"She knows," he said.

"Knows what?"

"About Diana. About how manipulative she was. About what she's capable of." He stopped in front of Selene. "She thinks Diana won't stop until you're gone."

Selene let out a humorless laugh. "That's comforting."

"I'm serious."

"So am I," Selene said softly. "I won't live my life hiding."

But fear was already curling in her chest.

Two days later, Selene finished her shift late. It was past 11pm.

The restaurant was nearly empty when she stepped outside, apron folded over her arm. The street was quieter than usual. Too quiet.

Her phone rang.

Austin.

"Hey babe we closed late today, couldn't get a cab going towards my direction so I have to walk down to the next stop, sorry I couldn't call earlier I know u were worried" she told him 

"By this time? You can't walk down those streets alone. I'm on my way," he said. "Please don't move."

"I'm fine," she replied, scanning the road. "You worry too much." Then ended the call

She took three steps forward.

A hand grabbed her from behind.

The phone slipped from her fingers and clattered to the ground as a cloth pressed over her mouth. She struggled with muffled groaning as she was suffocating till she collapsed.

The world tilted, sounds blurring, lights smearing into darkness.

The last thing Selene heard was a woman's voice-calm, satisfied.

"Finally."

Somewhere across the city, Austin Blake felt his chest seize with a fear he couldn't explain. He got his car keys and rushed out to Selene's workplace.

And somewhere out there Diana smiled.

Austin reached the restaurant in under fifteen minutes.

He didn't remember the traffic lights on George Street or the way he cut across Darling Harbour like the rules didn't apply to him anymore. His hands shook as he parked badly, door slamming behind him as he ran inside.

"Selene?" he called.

The staff looked up, confused.

"She left already," the manager said. "About ten minutes ago."

Austin's chest tightened.

Outside, the night air felt wrong. Too still. His eyes scanned the pavement-and then he saw it.

Her phone.

Lying face down near the curb.

His heart dropped straight into his stomach.

He picked it up. The screen was cracked. Her last call was his number. It was a missed call. No signal now.

"Selene," he whispered, louder this time. Panic clawed its way up his throat.

No response.

Somewhere behind him, a black SUV eased into traffic and disappeared toward the Anzac Bridge.

...............................

Austin stood frozen outside the restaurant for a full minute, Selene's phone heavy in his palm.

The screen was cracked, and the battery was almost dead. One missed call. Then nothing.

"She wouldn't leave this," he muttered.

His chest tightened as understanding settled in-slow, undeniable.

She hadn't walked away.

Someone had taken her.

He drove straight to Vaucluse.

His grandmother's house sat quietly above the water, lights glowing warmly, as if nothing in the world had gone wrong. The irony made his hands tremble as he pushed the door open without knocking.

"I couldn't find Selene," he said, his voice rough. "She's gone."

His grandmother looked up from her chair.

Silence.

"You knew," Austin said slowly. "Didn't you?"

She set her teacup down with care.

"Answer me," he snapped. "Did you know this would happen?"

Her eyes hardened. "Do not raise your voice at me, my son."

He laughed-short, broken. "My fiancée is missing."

"She chose to be involved," his grandmother replied calmly. "Some choices come with consequences."

Austin stared at her. "What does that mean?"

She stood. Smoothed her cardigan. "You're exhausted. You're imagining things where there are none." She is fine.

"Selene is not imagination," he said. "She's real. And she's in danger."

His grandmother held his gaze. "Go home, Austin."

Something cold settled in his gut.

She wasn't surprised.

Selene woke with a pounding head and ropes biting into her wrists.

The warehouse smelled like oil and saltwater. A foghorn sounded in the distance. She was near the docks-maybe Port Botany.

Diana crouched in front of her, her heels immaculate, expression almost kind.

"Do you know how your parents died?" Diana asked casually.

Selene was silent for a few minutes, then she muttered. "It was an accident." her gaze facing her feet 

Diana smiled. "That's what they told you."

Selene shook her head. "Yes."

"Oh Really?" Diana tilted her head. "Two men built a company together. Best friends. Big dreams. Bigger money." she continued 

Selene's breath caught. She looked up at Dianne.

"Your father wanted clean growth," Diana continued. "Austin's father wanted power. Offshore accounts. Arms routing through shell companies. Government contracts greased with bribes."

"That's not-"

"Your father threatened to expose everything," Diana said softly. "He walked away. He planned to start fresh, a clean start and a better family."

Selene's voice broke. "Stop."

"They staged the crash, Selene" Diana finished. "Weather reports were adjusted. They caused the brake failure, they planted the truck that hit them and that was it. Case closed."

Selene laughed weakly. "You expect me to believe this?"

Diana leaned closer. "Ask yourself why Austin's family never talks about that year."

Selene's heart pounded.

This wasn't proof.

But it wasn't nonsense either.

Across the city, Austin sat alone in his car overlooking the Harbour Bridge, staring at Selene's ring on the passenger seat.

For the first time, he wondered-

What else had his family hidden from him?

And why is Dianne so obsessed with Selene?

Selene woke to pain that wasn't sharp-but intentional.

Her wrists burned where the ropes dug into her skin, tightened just enough to remind her they were still there. Her throat felt dry, like it had been scraped raw from the inside. The concrete floor beneath her was cold and unforgiving, as though there was an inbuilt air conditioner in the ground, stealing warmth slowly.

She didn't scream when she opened her eyes. She just scanned the room.

Not because she wasn't afraid-but because she'd learned fear fed the people watching.

The air smelled stale. Time had lost its shape.

Three days.

That's how long it had been since she last drank water. Since hunger had turned from discomfort into something comforting -something that hollowed her out and made her limbs weak.

The door creaked open.

Footsteps entered the room.

Selene lifted her head with effort.

Diana stepped inside.

She looked flawless. Dark hair smooth, makeup untouched, heels clicking against the floor like this was her stage and Selene was just a prop placed badly. Two men followed her-broad chests, quiet, faces blank. Not bodyguards. Enforcers.

"Still breathing," Diana said, almost disappointed. "You're stronger than you look."

Selene swallowed painfully. "If you're going to kill me...just do it."

Diana laughed-a short, delighted sound. "Kill you? No. That would be merciful."

She walked closer, eyes sharp and glittering. "You see, Selene, I believe you know something."

Selene frowned weakly. "I don't know anything."

Diana tilted her head. "Your father did."

Selene's chest tightened. As she glared at her with pain in her eyes.

"Documents," Diana continued. "Evidence. Financial trails. He was very careful." She smiled. "Where did he hide them?"

Selene shook her head slowly. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Diana's smile vanished.

She straightened and snapped her fingers once.

The next moment, pain exploded in Selene's stomach.

"AAHHN"

She cried out despite herself, body jerking forward as one of the men struck her hard. The air rushed from her lungs in a sharp, helpless gasp. Her vision blurred.

"Again," Diana said calmly.

Another punch.

Selene whimpered, folding inward, her body screaming in protest. Tears spilled freely now-not from weakness, but from the sheer shock of it.

"I don't know!" she cried. "Please-"

Diana crouched in front of her, eyes blazing. "You don't get to beg yet."

She stood and nodded.

The men stepped back.

Selene sagged in the chair, chest heaving, every breath painful. Her stomach throbbed, nausea rising. Blood streaming down her nostrils.

Diana watched her carefully. "Your father threatened powerful people," she said. "Men who don't forgive." Her lips curled. "He wasn't stupid enough to leave proof lying around."

Selene shook her head weakly. "He never told me anything I swear."

Diana sighed, annoyed. "Then we'll try something else."

One of the men returned holding a bucket.

Selene's eyes flicked to it, hope flashing for half a second.

Freezing Water.

The man lifted it-and dumped it over her head.

Cold water drenched her clothes, soaked her hair, and splashed across the floor. Selene gasped, shivering instantly, thirst burning worse than before.

Diana smiled. "See? I'm not heartless."

Selene's lips trembled. "You're cruel."

Diana leaned down, whispering, "Cruel is letting empires fall because of sentiment."

She turned and walked toward the door. "Think harder."

The lights went out.

The lock clicked.

Selene sobbed quietly in the dark, body shaking-not just from pain or cold, but from fear.

Because if Diana was right...

Her parents hadn't just died.

They'd been erased.

Hours later-or maybe days-Selene barely registered the sound of the door opening again.

Diana's voice floated toward her. "He's coming."

Selene lifted her head weakly. "Austin?"

"Yes," Diana said with satisfaction. "And he still believes in family."

Selene's heart ached painfully.

Diana stepped closer. "By the time he leaves here, that belief will be broken."

Across the city, Austin Blake stared at his phone screen.

A location glowed back at him.

"Port Botany."

One message beneath it.

"Come alone."

His chest tightened.

He grabbed his keys.

He didn't know what waited for him there.

He didn't know how much harm had already done to Selene.

But he knew one thing-

Selene was running out of time.