Chapter 13

Realizing she was actually afraid of him, Ariella gave herself a mental slap-she couldn't keep backing down like this, couldn't let him think she was weak. Lifting her chin defiantly, she met those cold, savage eyes of his and spoke without flinching, "I've told you, my feelings are mine. I have every right to like him-and be with him." "Damn it!" Lucian cursed under his breath, then without the slightest gentleness, threw her onto the bed and pinned her down. He never should've gone soft. Should've shown her what it meant to push his limits. "You still dare talk back?" His tone had shifted, no longer as icy, but the edge in it remained. Ariella gasped for breath, weakly, then forced out a whisper, "You can't stop me like this." That faint little sentence was enough to send Lucian's rage skyrocketing. His hand shot up, about to slap that stubborn look off her face-to make her finally understand what self-respect meant. But the moment her eyes shut tightly in reflex, something in his chest seized-and he froze, hand mid-air. Instead, he grabbed her chin roughly, squeezing until tears welled in her eyes. "What is it you want from me? Don't ever say that again!" "If you really don't want me with Ryan," she said carefully, voice shaking, "there's only one way-end our agreement early. As long as we're no longer ‘tied,' I promise you'll never have to see me again." So that was her plan. Lucian let out a cold chuckle, then leaned close, fixing his gaze on her shimmering eyes. "Ariella, hear this-there are plenty of ways I can ruin things between you two. And if you think you can walk out of my life? Not a chance." His tone was so firm, whatever little hope she'd held onto just collapsed. But she wasn't ready to give up. Meeting his gaze, she asked, "You have Fiona, and you love her. Why can't you just let me go? You don't love me. You don't need me-not in your life, not in your bed. Can't we just end this peacefully?" She was practically begging now, every word a dent in her pride. "No." "Why the hell not?" "You really wanna know? Fine. I'll tell you. Because I-hate-you!" He spat out every word like it burned his throat. And she could see it-raw, intense hatred in his eyes. This wasn't some bluff. He meant every word. But why? Did something happen when she lost her memory? "Did I hurt you...?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, her eyes searching his cold, unreadable face. Lucian let out a sharp snort and yanked his hand away. He got out of bed, straightened his clothes, and walked out-leaving Ariella lying there in a daze, head full of unanswered questions. She had to figure out why he hated her so much. Maybe if she understood, she could fix it. Maybe then he'd let her go. She got out of bed and started looking around the room for any photos of Lucian. She wanted to bring one to Ryan and ask him about it. She turned the place upside down. Nothing. Okay then, next time he shows up, she needs to find a way to sneak a picture of him. Can't have another shouting match. Still sore from what happened earlier and now exhausted from rummaging through everything, she slumped onto the floor, back against the closet. "Could there be a photo in here?" she muttered, knowing full well the chance was next to nothing. Still, she got up and opened the closet. Wait, what's going on here? Is this...a sleepwear store? She stared, mouth slightly open, eyes sweeping from one end of the closet to the other. Nope, she wasn't seeing things. The closet was packed with pajamas. All sorts-silks, cottons, lace trims-in every color and style imaginable, all perfectly hung up. Lucian always had a thing for outfits. This apartment even had a dedicated walk-in closet almost fifty square meters, strictly for his clothes, accessories, the works. But this side? Not a single piece of his usual stuff. Just pajamas. And fancy ones too-brands she didn't even have to squint at to recognize. She knew the price tags by heart. She opened the other side of the closet. All his usual things were crammed in there now. Looked more packed than before. Money clearly wasn't the issue here. What she couldn't wrap her head around was why he had gone through all this trouble. Was it just because she said last night that If he rips her pajama, she'll have to bug a new one? Sounds petty, but who knew with Lucian.