Bound by lies Trapped by Desire novel Chapter 100

Chapter 100

Elena’s POV:

The police station smelled faintly of disinfectant and old paper, a mix that turned my stomach even before the officer began to speak. I sat stiffy on the rold plastic chair, my palms clammy against my thighs as I tried to process the words coming out of his mouth

“Mrs. Kovalyova,” he said calmly, folding his hands over a thin stack of papers. “This appears to be the fourth incident in a series of ongoing investigations. We believe a serial perpetrator may be involved“.

Estared at him, eyes wide, lips parted in stunned silence. The sound around me dulled, as if someone had plunged the room underwater.

“What?” I breathed.

He nodded somberly.

A serial…

ly went cold.

My body

I felt the air drain from my lungs, my mouth suddenly dry. I wanted to ask how, when, where, but the look in his eyes told me that didn’t want to know

“It was gruesome,” the officer admitted, seeing the questions forming in my expression. “And we’re withholding the details from the public for now.”

I nodded slowly, my vision swimming.

Another officer joined in–younger, maybe just a couple years older than me. He offered a kinder tone.

“We just want to confirm a few details,” he said gently. “We have reason to believe you spoke with her recently.”

“Yes,” I whispered. “Three days ago. On the bus. She told me her brother was getting married. She was so happy. She looked…beautiful. She’d gotten her hair done. A perm.”

My voice cracked on the last word

“She looked radiant,” Fadded, barely above a whisper, “She was excited. Her best friend was becoming her sister–in–law. It was…everything she dreamed

ol

I could still hear her laughter,

Still see the shimmer in her eyes

“I’m sorry” whispered again, this time to no one

The younger officer offered a sympathetic nod. “Your statement helps. And for what it’s worth, you’re not under suspicion, Your records show you were in the university library when the incident occurred. We just needed to understand their last known contacts.”

I nodded again, slower this time, the pressure behind my eyes building.

And then–without warning–I doubled over

My stomach lurched, and I barely managed to rush to a nearby trash bin before I vomited. Bitter acid, water, and banana–everything I’d eaten. It came out in harsh waves as my body trembled.

The officers stood back, giving me space, but their concern was palpable.

“I’m okay,” I croaked, wiping my mouth with the back of my sleeve. “I’m okay”

1/4

Chapter 100

But I wasn’t

I felt like the earth had tilted and thrown me off balance.

Priya. The person I had worked with for years in the coffee shop

Dead.

The word refused to settle. It hovered, sharp and cruel, slicing through every memory I had of her.

When I finally stepped out of the station, the sky had already darkened. The world was painted in hues of orange and navy blue, streetlights casting a yellow sheen over damp pavement.

The younger officer followed me out, keys jangling from his belt. He hesitated.

“Do you have someone to come get you?” he asked.

I shook my head, still dazed.

“It’s late,” he added. “Let me give you a ride. Please.

I wanted to say no. But the exhaustion in my bones made the decision for me.

“Okay.” I whispered.

The ride home was quiet. The hum of the engine was the only sound. I stared out the window, watching the blur of street signs and apartment buildings.

When we pulled up to my building, he parked and turned to face me.

“Ms. Kovalyova,” he said, his voice soft but firm. “I shouldn’t be saying this officially, but…you match the victim profile. Not just appearance wise- as well

-the age

My heart skipped.

“Please be cautious,” he continued. “Don’t go out alone at night. Be aware of your surroundings. Just…please. If you think you’re ever in danger then please don’t hesitate to contact me. Or if you find anything suspicious.” He handed me a business card with his number on it.

I swallowed hard, nodding. “Thank you. I will.”

He waited until I was safely inside before driving off.

The hallway to our apartment smelled like fresh mapped floors and overused air freshener. My keys trembled in my hand as I unlocked the door.

The second I stepped in, Theard the TV.

Mom was in the living room, sitting on the edge of the couch, eyes locked on the screen. The news was on. A photo of Priya smiled from the television, framed in a tragic mosaic of breaking headlines.

Beatrix turned, her face stricken.

“Elena,” she breathed, getting to her feet. “That girl…Priya. That’s your friend, isn’t it? She’s come over a few times. For chai.”

Inodded.

My voice cracked. “She’s dead, Mom.”

Her eyes widened, and she crossed the room in two strides, wrapping her arms tightly around me. sagged into her.

“What happened?” she asked, holding me like she could keep the pain out.

2/4

“The police found her dead body. They think it’s a serial killer” I said, my voice hollow just talked to her that day, Mom, Three days ago happy.”

My mother tightened her embrace, stroking my hair “t down. Drink some water. Breathe

1 sat, the glass of water in

in my trembling hands. And finally, the tears fell

“Why is everything falling apart?” I whispered, “Why won’t life just stop doing this

Beatrix rubbed my back. “It will pass, Elena. Things will look up soon. I promise.t

But her voice was trembling too.

And 11

I felt ridiculous crying this hand. But I couldn’t stop. Because for the first time, I was scared.

Truly scared.

My hand slid to my abdomen.

This wasn’t just grief.

This was fear.

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