Bound by lies Trapped by Desire novel Chapter 115

Chapter 115

Elena’s POV:

“I’m sorry about his behaviour, Elena, It’s entirely my fault,” Hanuki said, his voice Mled with genuine regret an we stood awkwardly in the surprisingly spacious kitchen. I took another sip from the glass of refreshingly chilled orange juice.

He and Malakali were both nursing cups of coffee, the steam curling upwards. Shinichiro remained locked away in his bedroom. The moment Haruk introduced me as a new “tenant‘ he’d gotten up and marched inside.

I sighed softly, setting the empty glass down on the gleaming granite countertop, “Haruki… I truly appreciate your incredibly generous offer, however, hesitated, searching for the right words to convey my concerns without sounding ungrateful, “I honestly don’t see how can possibly help you if your brother doesn’t agree to this arrangement. He clearly isn’t thrilled about my presence.”

Imeant every word. While Hanuki’s kindness was overwhelming, and the condo was undeniably lovely- the open–plan kitchen and the guest rohad shown me earlier was far more luxurious than anything I could afford on my own–I couldn’t shake the feeling that I might be walking into a situation

that would benefit neither of us.

if Shinichiro remained hostile and withdrawn, my presence wouldn’t offer Haruki any peace of mind, and I would simply be an unwelcome intruder in someone else’s home. It felt like I might be taking advantage of his kindness, accepting such wonderful accommodation without being able to fill his very reasonable request to simply look out for his brother

Malakai leaned against the counter, his own expression thoughtful “Listen, Elena…. I know it seems awkward and tense right now. But let’s just give it a try, okay? What do you have to lose? I mean, the condo is Sterally a ten–minute walk to your workplace at Legacy Motors, from what I understand. You couldn’t ask for a more convenient location in this city.” He paused, a hint of a hopeful smile touching his lips. “As for Shinichiro… I’ve known that kid since he was a baby. Trust me, he might be quick to retreat into his shell when he feels threatened or misunderstood, but he’s just as quick when it comes to coming out ofit and warming up to people, especially someone like you…” He trailed off, a flicker of realization crossing his face, as if he’d inadvertently said something he hadn’t intended.

“Someone like me?” questioned, my brow arching slightly. What did that even mean? He offered a wry, slightly embarrassed smile. “Don’t get me wrong, Elena… It’s just that you seem very humble and down–to–earth. Not stuck up or entitled, as most people might be in your… unique situation, know? Married to a billionaire and all. He finished, and frowned, the compliment, if that’s what it was, feeling strangely backhanded.

That was a weird reason to think his reclusive brother might warm up to me. But honestly, this whole situation felt decidedly weird, blame twist of fater Thadn’t seen coming.

Finally, Haruki interjected again, his gaze earnest. “Would it be possible for you to stay here for just a week or two? if things go well, if you and Shinichiro find a way to coexist peacefully, then we can proceed with a more permanent arrangement… otherwise,” he added quickly, his tone reassuring, “I’ll personally help you find a suitable place, I promise.” He said, and I bit my lip, contemplating his offer. Two weeks…it wasn’t a huge commitment, and it would give me a chance to properly explore other options if this didn’t work out.

Then I sighed, looking at the genuine desperation in Haruki’s eyes. He even had noticeable bags under his eyes. My own anxieties seemed to pale in comparison to his quiet desperation.

“Alright,” I conceded, a small nod confirming my decision. “Two weeks it is.

Haruki’s eyes instantly brightened with relief, and Malakai clapped his hands together. “Perfect! That’s fantastic news, Elena. To make things easier for you, I can even arrange for some movers to bring your belongings here.” He offered enthusiastically, but I quickly shook my head. “That’s alright. I really don’t have much stuff to bring with me. And I need to head back to Velhaven today anyway… I’ll come back here the day before my internship actually begins.” They both nodded in understanding.

With the unexpected living arrangements tentatively figured out, I decided to grab a quick bite for lunch at a nearby cale. After bidding them a polite goodbye, promising to be in touch about the move–in date, I headed out.

*Once I returned home to Velhaven, I made sure to keep my expression neutral as plained to Mom that I had managed to find a good place to stay in Maxcester City, something that fit my rather tight budget. I deliberately cut out the whole complicated deal with Haruki and his reclusive brother. There was no way she would understand my dechion. This arrangement felt even more unconventional, and simply didn’t have the energy to navigate another lengthy discussion or potential argument with her right now

1/3

Chapter 115

Time passed by quickly in a strange sort of limbo as I spent the remaining days contacting a lawyer and finalizing the divorce papers. The leal documents were ready just as the date for my move to Mascester City arrived. With my small suitcase packed and a sense of nervous anticipatio, hanging in the air, I was finally ready to leave. My heart had been heavy all web, a strange mix of apprehension and a quiet sense of metancholy

to me.

It was strange. Nikolai would be officially served with the divorce papers today. I should have felt a sense of relief, a lightness at finally taking this stap. But all I felt was a pervasive, unsettling anxiety, a knot of uncertainty tightening in my stomach.

“Elena, your car has arrived!” Mom shouted from downstairs, her voice echoing up the stairwell I grabbed my suitcase, took one last look around my room, and hurried down. “Coming”

I bid Mom a bittersweet goodbye on the porch, promising to come back next week for the weekend, I could tell Mom had gotten teary eyed, her facade cracking slightly, and I felt a matching wave of emotion wash over me. This was the first time I would be away from her for such an extended period, and the realization tugged at my heart.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and hugged her tightly, fighting back my own tears. “I’m sorry if I upset you about anything, Mom… I just… just really need to do this. I don’t want you to be mad at me.” She shook her head, her eyes glistening, “It’s alright, honey. Let’s forget about all that for now. Just focus on your internship. We’ll discuss everything else later, when you come home,”

Inodded, offering her a smile, then turned to Hug Aunt Rosaline, who stood by the car, a small box wrapped in brown paper clutched in her hands. handed it to me with a warm smile. “Here you go, love. A little something for the journey.” I thanked her, the rich aroma of her home–baked brownies watting from the box, and made my way to the waiting cab

The cab ride to Maxcester City was smooth and uneventful, the scenery flashing by in a blur of unfamiliar buildings and bustling streets. The lack of any significant hitches or delays only seemed to amplify my underlying anxiety, the quiet journey giving my overactive imagination ample time to conjure up all sorts of worst–case scenarios

When the cab finally pulled up outside the condo, I made my way up, took another deep breath and rang the doorbell. The person who opened the door wasn’t Haruki, as I had expected. It was Shinichire, and his already closed–off face dropped the moment he saw me standing there with my suitcase in hand.

He frowned, his expression a mixture of annoyance and something akin to disbeliel “You’re actually here?” He questioned, his tone flat, as if my arval was an unwelcome surprise. I plastered on what I hoped was a friendly, reassuring smile. “Thank you for letting me stay here,” I said, the words feeling slightly awkward in the tense atmosphere, but I tried my best to make my voice sound pleasant. “Is… your brother home?” questioned, and he visibly clenched his jaw, his eyes flickering away from mine

“He had an

Ian emergency and had to leave early today… Shinichiro said, a hint of resentment in his voice as he stepped aside just enough for me to enter the spacious hallway. He didn’t offer any further greeting or explanation. “There are spare keys on the kitchen counter. Do whatever you want, just… stay out of my business.” With that less–than–welcoming pronouncement, he turned on his heel and disappeared down a hallway, closing a door fimily behind him.

I sighed, the initial relied of arriving safely dissolving into a wave of utter exhaustion. Perfect Just what I needed. I rolled my eyes skyward as my phon buzzed in my pocket. Frowning, I pulled it out

An image sent

int by Nikolai? My heart skipped an unwelcome beat

A feeling of foreboding washed over me as I clicked on the picture, my thumb hovering over the screen. When the image finally loaded, my brows shot up in stunned surprise.

Divorce papers. Those were undeniably the divorce papers that had been served to him this very morning

But what baffled me wasn’t the papers themselves. It was what was written, or rather scribbled, across the bottom of th reserved for his signature.

A big, fat, capital “NO”

ight on the dotted line

Chapter 115

Time passed by quickly in a strange sort of limbo as I spent the remaining days contacting a lawyer and finalizing the divorce papers. The legal documents were ready just as the date for my move to Maxcester City arrived. With my small suitcase packed and a sense of nervous anticipation hanging in the air, I was finally ready to leave. My heart had been heavy all week, a strange mix of apprehension and a quiet sense of melancholy clinging

to me.

It was strange. Nikolai would be officially served with the divorce papers today. I should have felt a sense of relief, a lightness at finally taking this step. But all i felt was a pervasive, unsettling anxiety, a knot of uncertainty tightening in my stomach.

“Elena, your car has arrived” Mon shouted from downstairs, her voice echoing up the stairwell I grabbed my suitcase, took one last look around my room, and hurried down. “Coming!”

Ibid Mom a bittersweet goodbye on the porch, promising to come back next week for the weekend. I could tell Mom had gotten teary–eyed, her facade cracking slightly, and I felt a matching wave of emotion wash over me. This was the first time I would be away from her for such an extended period, and the realization tugged at my heart.

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