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Bound by lies Trapped by Desire novel Chapter 82

Chapter 82

Chapter 82

Elena’s POV:

My heart dropped into my stomach like a stone sinking in cold water. That one word Yes-glared back at me from the screen of my phone, pusing with a quiet finality that made my throat tighten.

So that was it. He’d really stop messaging mestop everythingif I simply fulfilled my end of the contract?

Just gave him sex five times a week. Like I owed him a bodily debt.

I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I stared at the message for what felt like ages, the white screen gleaming in my hand, my knuckles pale from how tightly I clutched the device.

But I wouldn’t cry. Not anymore. I wouldn’t give him that satisfaction.

I huffed quietly under my breath, trying to convince myself that it didn’t hurt, that this wasn’t a betrayal, just business. That everything between us was a fabrication from the start, and thisthis was just another transaction. Just stress relief. A mutual release. Nothing more.

Yeah. That was what it would be.

A convenient arrangement. Physical contact to replace the emotional chaos. The illusion of intimacy to bury everything else beneath heat and skin and the quiet moans of forgotten pain.

If we had sex enough times, maybe these feelings would fade. This whirlwindthis goddamned whirlwindof hurt and hope and longing, Maybe it would burn itself out.

Maybe I’d be free.

I tried to snort at my own delusion. Who was I kidding? I wasn’t free. I hadn’t been for a long, long time.

After all, I owed him, didn’t I? That was the narrative that kept ringing in my head, clawing at my sanity like rusted nails. I mocked myself inwardly for ever pretending I could live a righteous life, untouched by the dirt and grime that surrounded the Vetrovs and Morozovs. I was already in this mess, waist deep. I might as well swim through it.

If I was going to sell my body to himthen I’d take every dime I could get in return.

God, I was so tired of trying to be good.

Someone one shouted, jarring me out of my thoughts, and I blinked down at the nowdimmed screen of my phone before shoving it back into my bag. Class had ended. I hadn’t heard a word of it.

I moved like a ghost, standing and gathering my books, the chair legs screeching against the linoleum in an agonizing echo. I had a thirtyminute break before my next class. I could grab something to eat, sit alone, try to sort through the hurricane in my head.

Or at least pretend to.

But the moment I stepped out into the hallway, I noticed the footsteps behind me.

Persistent. Heavy. Familiar.

I didn’t need to look to know who it was.

Lazar.

I paused and turned, my expression cold as my voice dropped low. Why are you following me?

He blinked at me, feigning innocence. Me? I’m just heading to the cafeteria.

1/3

al zo

Chapter 82

I narrowed my eyes, unconvinced. You? The guy who dines at rooftop restaurants that cost more than my entire semester Linition) (outa per cen

food from the uni cafeteria? Since when?

He chuckled. That infuriating, infuriating smirk tugging at the edge of his lips. What can I say? I wanted to try common people food today calle culinary experiment. By the way, are you stalking me?

I rolled my eyes so hard it gave me a headache. Yeah, right. In your dreams.

But he kept walking with me anyway, matching my stride with unsettling ease.

We entered the cafeteria together, though I refused to acknowledge his presence. I grabbed a tray, some mediocre snacks, a chocolate milkshake, and slid into a seat at the far end of the room, hopingprayinghe would take the hint.

Of course he didn’t.

Of course, five minutes later, he slid into the chair across from me like we were best friends.

I didn’t even try to hide my sigh. Lazar,I said slowly, dragging the straw between my fingers, what do you want from me? Why are you doing this?

He smiled. Not smug this time. Juststrange. Hm. I’m curious.”

I gave him a flat look. About what?

About your father,he said, leaning forward slightly, his gaze gleaming with a strange light. Who else?

My heart thudded once. Then again. I chuckled under my breath, masking the sudden tightness in my chest. I only had one father. And he’s dead now

A silence fell between us. The cafeteria noise dulled for a moment. Something shifted.

I paused midsip when I felt it. The atmosphere around us change. I looked up and saw his expression. He wasn’t smiling anymore. In fact, he looked

angry?

Why?

So,” he said, voice sharper now, your biological father means nothing to you? Even knowing he’s been missing you all his life?

I stiffened.

I didn’t want to play this game. Not now. Not with him.

He’s mafia,I said flatly. If he really wanted to find me, he would’ve. Instead, he ran an empire that ruined my life. He’s the reason my family’s in debt. He’s the reason I hate everything about where I come from.

Lazar’s jaw clenched. You don’t know the full story.”

And I don’t care,I shot back. He can rot in a cell for all I care.

I watched his face twist. Anger? Frustration? Maybe something else.

He stared at me for a moment, then leaned back in his chair, exhaling through his nose like he was trying to suppress something.

You’re thinking is too shallow,he said finally, voice colder now. I thought you were smarter than that.

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