THE DAY EVERYTHING BROKE
Elara didn't go back to the penthouse.
She went straight to the office the next morning—with red eyes, steady hands, and a decision burning in her chest.
People stared.
Whispered.
Judged.
She ignored them.
Lucien was already in his office when she walked in without knocking.
"I'm resigning," she said calmly.
He looked up sharply.
"What?"
"I can't do this anymore," she continued. "Your world, your rules, your enemies—I'm done."
"You can't quit," he snapped.
She laughed bitterly.
"See? You still think you own me."
Lucien stood.
"This isn't about ownership. It's about safety."
"My safety?" she asked. "Or your image?"
Silence.
Then the door burst open.
Serena.
"Oh good," she smirked. "You're both here."
Elara stiffened.
Serena held up her phone.
"Guess what just went viral."
She turned the screen.
A video.
Elara's face drained of color.
It was an old clip—years ago—of her crying outside a small apartment building.
The caption read:
'CEO's mistress once dumped and homeless.'
The comments were brutal.
Lucien's expression turned dark.
"Take it down," he ordered.
Serena laughed.
"It's everywhere."
Elara's hands trembled.
"You followed me?"
"Of course," Serena replied. "I wanted to know who you really were."
Lucien grabbed Serena's wrist.
"You've gone too far."
She smiled coldly.
"Have I? Or did I finally show the world your dirty secret?"
Elara shook her head.
"I'm not your secret."
Lucien released Serena and walked to Elara.
"I'll fix this."
"No," she whispered. "You can't."
Tears spilled despite her strength.
"This city doesn't forgive," she said. "It devours."
Lucien clenched his fists.
"Then I'll burn it down."
Serena scoffed.
"You're choosing her?"
Lucien turned slowly.
"Yes."
The room froze.
Serena's eyes widened.
"You'll regret this."
She stormed out.
Elara stared at him.
"You just made a powerful enemy."
Lucien met her gaze.
"I already had one."
She shook her head.
"This doesn't change anything. I'm still leaving."
Lucien stepped closer.
"Where will you go?"
"Somewhere you can't protect me," she replied softly. "Somewhere I can breathe."
His chest tightened.
"Elara—"
She turned away.
"Goodbye, Lucien."
She walked out.
And for the first time…
Lucien Blackwood watched something he cared about
walk out of his life
without control.