Waking up, Leila realized the truth that everything she endured was really not a nightmare. It was the truth. A very horrible truth.

She was still there, locked and beaten but with a new discovery that Alexander had full hand in this. A choked but hateful sob left her lips tiredly. How could he do this?

Anger was burning her insides in spite of the physical pain and mental scars her mind had.

Her wounds were treated, though she did not appreciate this kindness. Knowing Alexander was working with someone who killed her parents- her fists clenched. Tears soaked her vision again. Is there really no way out? Was she going to die too?

The answer came with the slam of door. Alexander entered. He smirked at her reaction. She looked miserable but he knew she had hate bubbling up inside her. And, he liked that.

At this moment, Leila Lambordi was his. His to break.

He hated his family because of her. She was to blame that they no longer supported his actions and practically banished him. All those years planning to put Lambordi family on their knees was for nothing, his father backed down from the fight because they came to know about the severity of the situation as one old enemy appeared. They wanted to work together with both Silas and Lambordi family and Alexander passionately hated this idea.

This was the chance to prove. His family could have let this enemy take care of the Lambordis' and then they would have the complete control of the country. Again, his entire family opposed Alexander's perspective.

Therefore, when given a offer by 'him', he accepted. He may have fallen in love with Leila, however it was nowhere to be pure and unconditional. It was sick and twisted, doubled up with years of hate and rage.

He wanted her to suffer but keep her on his side and this was the perfect opportunity.

Collecting his thoughts, he approached her. The more he stepped closer to her, the more uneasy she became and dare to say, he cherished every bit of it.

Her fear was like a sweet melody and he was obsessed or maybe it was 'his' teachings. All this time when Alexander was MIA, 'he' had taken the liberty to train him. Alexander had never felt so strong.

"Leila..." He muttered lowly, a hint of seductiveness in his tone made the girl cringe.

Leila was scared. The expressions on Alexander's face were bit more sadistic. Just, what has happened to him?

Strangely, he paused few feet away, but it was enough for he could grab her chin as pleased.

"There is no way out for you, Leila.. You are 'my' captive." He whispered.

Her eyes widened when he suddenly raised his hand up and hit her across her face. The force was enough to knock the breath out of her. Her hair whipped to the side in process.

"Eyes fucking down!" He growled.

"You have no authority to look at me. Like a good slave, your eyes should always be down!"

He felt weirdly content at the sight of a single tear that rolled down her cheek. But she did not dare to look up. There was already a bruise forming on her cheek.

At the sight, Alexander faltered a little. His eyes went to her cheek and then back to his hand. His hand shook slightly.

"I-" He tried to say something but no words came out.

"Alexander!" The deep voice was back.

Leila flinched.

'He' was back.

Alexander straightened up.

"Mr. Russo..." He greeted warmly.

He stepped aside letting him come forward in front of Leila.

She could not look up. Whether it was the fear 'he' had awakened inside her earlier by assaulting her or the fear Alexander had instilled in her by doing same but not much as worse as him.

"Ah. How pitiful." He addressed her injuries.

"But not much to satisfy me." His voice darkened.

Just like a 'monster'.

"You must really not like me, huh?"

If this was another time, she would have openly be baffled.

"Neither I do honestly."

Grabbing her left hand in his without acknowledging its slight tremble, he pulled her up.

"I have a gift for you. Maybe after seeing it, your hatred would lessen a bit."

She slowly lifted her eyes up to look at him. He was smiling 'sincerely'. The expression made her heart shudder.

"You can go, Alexander." He waved merely and Alexander obeyed wordlessly. He tried to look at Leila to catch her eye but she refused to look at him. She was obeying him.... He wanted to smile in satisfaction but it did not feel right. It felt like someone was squeezing his heart.

Mr. Russo or he dragged her towards somewhere. They entered a living room where few men were idly sitting or assembling weapons.

They bowed to 'him' and completely ignored her, pretending as if she does not even exist.

He pulled her into an elevator and pressed the 0 button. Leila watched the whole thing a little strangely. The uncomfortableness she felt at the moment was beyond the words as she found herself alone with him.

"We are here!" The evil smirk was back on his face.

Leila stumbled a little as he pushed her to move. Just as she took a step out, a cold blow of wind knocked her lungs. She shuddered. It was too cold down here. The location Leila assumed as a basement.

A loud growl startled her. She looked at her left and barely held her shriek back at the sight of big wolves. The big cage they were held in was covered with blood.

They snarled at her, barring their teeth, promising to shed her apart. She flinched as her back hit Mr. Russo. He looked at her with pure amusement radiating in his eyes. It was not good amusement.

Not removing her eyes from him, he put his index finger on his lips. The growling and snarling instantly stopped. A single wolf whined but it was too low to even hear.

"You see them, right?" He asked tauntingly.

"If you do something that I don't like, I will not hesitate to throw you in this cell. You would become their dinner."

He felt satisfied, seeing visible horror in her eyes.

"Let's go."

He stepped forward, already aware that she would follow him. Leila, one last time, looked at the wolves. On the spur of moment, they switched back to their earlier mood.

She almost ran to catch up to him.

They moved through the creepy hallway. Poor maintenance of lightings on the ceiling proved that it was nothing but the place intended to torture someone before she even managed to look inside the cells on either side of the hallway.

There were so many other captives.... Leila did not know why 'he' had not sent her here yet. She was atleast given a room and it was good but just what is he planning?

As they turned a corner, Leila felt a strange feeling hit her heart. Was it anticipation? She thought. But about what?

The state of the cells were becoming worst as they walked deeper. Few moments later, he finally paused.

Leila took a deep breathe.

He clicked his rings against the bars of cell almost mockingly, catching her attention.

"Good evening, my favourite guest." He sounded cheerful.

She shuddered once again as his hand reached back for her wrist. With a little force, he pulled her forward.

He cleared his throat before shouting.

"Presenting Leila Lambordi! Isn't she a sight to behold, Lucifer Lambordi?"

Just then, Leila's whole world collapsed again.

Thank you for reading!!!💞

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