On the other hand, Nikolai was making calls, asking his men to prepare everything for their journey.
"Yes, I need my private jet ready by tomorrow morning. One passport for her—make it quick."
He cut the call and looked back at her lying form on the bed.
A victorious smirk played on his lips as he murmured to himself, "Your so-called lover is so desperate to get you, huh? But I will take you right under his nose, little bird… and he won't be able to reach you."
When the word passport hit her ears, Elena's face broke into a small smile under the blanket.
That one word changed everything.
She didn't need to worry about her passport anymore.
She didn't need to think how to get it.
It would come to her on its own.
That meant one thing—
Escape was possible.
Her heart started beating faster, but she controlled herself carefully, not letting even a single movement give her away.
After what felt like an eternity, her eyes began to feel heavy.
Her body was exhausted.
Her mind was tired from thinking too much.
And slowly, without realizing, a deep sleep took over her.
For the first time in a long while, she let herself rest… even in the middle of chaos.
—
Morning came quickly.
But the sun didn't shine.
Dark clouds covered the sky, making the room look dull and heavy.
A loud thunder cracked across the sky.
Elena's eyes snapped open.
She sat up slowly on the bed, her heart still slightly racing.
Another thunder followed.
The sound echoed in the room.
Before she could think further, the door opened.
Nikolai stood there.
Dressed in a sharp black suit.
Clean.
Perfect.
Dangerous.
Terrifying.
Elena looked at him with a scrutinizing gaze, watching his every move carefully, as if expecting something unexpected at any moment.
He walked toward the bed slowly.
His presence alone made her uneasy.
Without thinking, she slid backward on the bed, creating distance between them.
A low chuckle escaped his lips.
"Relax, little bird," he said in a husky voice.
"I'm not going to bite… not for now at least."
Her jaw tightened at his words, but she didn't say anything.
He tilted his head slightly, observing her reaction.
"By the way," he continued, "you have twenty minutes. Get ready and come downstairs. We are leaving."
Elena stayed silent.
But inside—
Her emotions were a storm.
Excitement.
Fear.
Nervousness.
Hope.
Everything mixed together.
Because today—
This was her chance.
And she wasn't going to miss it.
Not at any cost.
"Where are we going?" she asked, her voice steady despite everything.
Nikolai smirked.
Then he winked at her.
That small action made her clench her jaw tightly in irritation.
"We are going to one of my private islands," he said casually. "And it's the perfect place for our honeymoon."
Her stomach turned at his words.
Disgust filled her instantly.
But she forced herself to stay calm.
To not react.
To not give him the satisfaction.
"Get ready," he added, his voice dropping slightly, "or I will come and dress you up myself."
A clear warning.
Without waiting for her reply, he walked out of the room.
The door locked from the outside with a sharp click.
Elena exhaled slowly.
The moment he left, her entire body relaxed slightly.
But not completely.
She didn't have the luxury to relax.
Not now.
Not today.
She got up from the bed quickly and walked straight to the bathroom.
She splashed cold water on her face.
Again.
And again.
Trying to clear her mind.
Trying to stay focused.
"This is your chance…you can do it Elena" she whispered to herself.
She freshened up quickly and chose comfortable clothes.
Something simple.
Something easy to move in.
So she could run.
Jump.
Fight if needed.
Her hands were slightly shaking, but she ignored it.
She had to be strong.
She stepped out of the bathroom and stood in front of the mirror.
Her reflection stared back at her.
Tired eyes.
Pale face.
But there was something else now—
Determination.
She looked at herself for a long moment.
As if trying to gather strength.
"You can do this," she whispered softly.
"You have to do this."
Her fingers clenched into fists.
She took a deep breath.
Then another.
Because once she stepped out of this room—
There would be no turning back.
And she knew one thing clearly—
She wouldn't stay under anyone's control.
Not Adrian.
Not Nikolai.
No one.
Today—
She would try.
No matter what happens next.