Chapter 40: Shackled Reunion
Luca's head pounded as his eyes fluttered open. The dimly lit room reeked of dust, sweat, and metal. Cold chains dug into his wrists and ankles, binding him to an iron chair bolted to the floor. Across the room, he spotted her—Janet.
She was unconscious, tied to a chair with thick ropes. Her head leaned forward, hair cascading down her shoulders like a fallen halo.
"Janet… JANET!" Luca screamed, struggling violently.
Her eyes blinked open groggily. "Luca… you're here?" Her lips trembled, and for a fleeting second, hope lit her eyes.
Before they could exchange more words, Dmitri stepped into the room.
He clapped slowly, mockingly. "Ah, what a heartwarming reunion."
Luca's eyes darkened with rage. "Let her go, Dmitri. You've already lost."
But Dmitri only laughed. "Lost? No, Luca. You see… she was never yours. Even if you married her, she always belonged to me."
Janet's breath hitched.
"I was the one meant to buy her from that scum Asher. I planned everything. And now, finally, I have her—and you," Dmitri smirked, walking toward Janet like a predator circling prey.
Luca pulled at his restraints with bloodied wrists. "Touch her, and I swear I'll rip you apart."
Dmitri leaned in close. "And what will you do, tied up like an animal?"