Bound by lies Trapped by Desire novel Chapter 136

Chapter 136

Chapter 136

Elena’s POV:

I frowned at the casual use of that intimate pet name.

I had searched up what “Dochenka” meant a while back, the Russian endearment for ‘little daughter,‘ and it felt unsettling

to hear this man call me that,

‘Don’t call me that.‘ I typed out quickly.

‘Is that your first condition?‘ he typed back almost instantly.

I clenched my jaw, the familiar surge of anger rising within me. Then, instead of engaging in a petty text exchange, I hit the call button, bringing the phone to my ear. This time, I spoke first, my voice firm and resolute, leaving no room for

argument.

“Firstly, Mr. Morozov… I want your absolute guarantee that no one. And I mean no one, including your own household staff or any of your… associates, finds out about me coming to your place or having any contact with you whatsoever. If you can’t unequivocally agree to that condition, then just say so right now, and I won’t be coming.”

He chuckled softly on the other end of the line. “Don’t worry your pretty little head about that. I will personally ensure the utmost discretion, if that’s what you desire. I’m guessing you also mean your… soon–to–be ex–husband shouldn’t find out? Would you like me to… eliminate the people he’s so diligently sent to tail you?” He asked the last question with an unnerving nonchalance.

I clenched my jaw at the way he referred to Nikolai. “No. Absolutely no ‘eliminating‘ or harming in any way, shape, or form. I just need you to ensure they are kept off my back, that they cease their ridiculous surveillance.” The idea of anyone, even Nikolai’s annoying guards, being harmed on my account was abhorrent.

“Alright, Elena. As you wish. What’s the second condition?” He asked, and I steeled myself, preparing to lay down my final, most important demand.

“The only reason I am even considering coming to meet you is for my friend, Mielle. And if you decide to waste my time on anything that has absolutely no direct relation to my reason for being there, then I will leave your house immediately.”

He seemed to have paused for a moment, the silence on the line stretching. I could distinctly hear a soft, rhythmic clicking sound on his end, and I frowned, wondering what he was doing. Was he fidgeting with a pen?

“Alright, Elena,” he finally said, his voice losing some of its playful edge, becoming more serious. Then he paused, and spoke again, his tone softening slightly. “A car will be waiting for you when you get off the metro in Velhaven.” He said, and I felt a surge of surprise, quickly followed by a dawning realization. Of course. He would know my whereabouts if he knew so much. He was Sergei Morozov, for crying out loud.

I sighed. Why were all the men in my life so… strange? Except for George of course.

“How will I know which car to look for?” I asked, my voice filled with a weary resignation. He chuckled softly. “Don’t worry, dochenka. You’ll know.” He said, and then, without another word, he abruptly cut the call.

I pursed my lips, my mind racing. Could I really trust this man? Was I making a terrible mistake by even considering

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Chapter 136

meeting him? Was I somehow betraying Nikolai, even after everything that had happened between us? Was I putting myself, and my unborn child, in unnecessary danger?

But then I shook my head firmly, pushing the doubts aside. I had already made up my mind, hadn’t I? I couldn’t afford to second–guess myself now, not when I had already taken this leap of faith, however precarious it might feel.

I quickly sent a text message to Mom, telling her that I would be a little late returning to Velhaven and was meeting up with a friend for lunch. I felt a pang of guilt for lying to her again, realizing with a sinking heart that I was already breaking the promise I had made to her.

But… if I ended up going through with this meeting with Sergei, if it led to something substantial, then I would definitely tell her everything. Because it would mean that I would inevitably need to get involved with the police. I wasn’t naive. enough to believe that such powerful people wouldn’t potentially target not just me, but also the people I cared about

most.

I soon reached the Velhaven metro station. I grabbed my bag and stepped off the train. Walking towards the escalator, I made my way up to street level, the cool morning air hitting my face, carrying the familiar scents of the city.

As I looked around the busy station plaza, I realized immediately why Sergei had been so confident about me recognizing the car that would be waiting for me.

Because it wasn’t the specific make or model of the car I needed to recognize. It was the distinct individual leaning against it.

The man slowly pulled off his dark sunglasses, his piercing green eyes, an exact replica of Lazar’s. He then pulled his gloved hands from the pockets of his luxury looking fur–lined white coat. His smile, as he offered it, looked not even the

least bit genuine, a mere upturn of his lips that didn’t reach his cold eyes. Maybe, I thought fleetingly, no one had ever truly taught him how to smile properly.

I took a deep, steadying breath, my fists clenching inside my own gloves. They were trembling slightly despite the warmth of the wool. But I needed to project an image of calm, of control. I refused to show any sign of the fear that was swirling

within me.

I walked towards him, and he pushed himself off the car, walking forward to meet me, not speaking a single word. With al smooth, practiced gesture, he pulled the passenger door open for me. I took another deep breath and got inside the expensive SUV. The heater was already on full blast, blasting warm air that instantly made me feel a little better, but the heavy, cloying scent of stale tobacco and rich leather made my chest tighten with an immediate and profound discomfort,

He got into the driver’s seat. “Buckle up, Dochenka.”

I froze, my fingers hovering over the seatbelt clasp. Then, I gritted out through clenched teeth, “Don’t call me that. I have a name, you know.”

He turned to look at me fully. “Okay, Evelina.” He said, the unfamiliar name grating on my ears, and I groaned inw was doing this on purpose wasn’t he?

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