"His Obsession, Her Curse" Thorns Beneath Roses

Evelyn counted the seconds.

Three minutes since the guard passed her door. Four since the camera in the east hallway blinked red instead of green. She noticed the detail. Memorized it. Her mind was a weapon, even if her body felt powerless.

She wasn’t going to be caged like some exotic pet. Not for Kael. Not for anyone.

The door wasn’t locked. That was the first thing Evelyn noticed when she woke. No bolt. No alarm. Just an elegant brass handle and the eerie freedom of choice. A silent dare.

She stood slowly, bare feet sinking into the plush rug. She still wore the same ivory silk dress they’d dressed her in. Her reflection stared back at her from the long mirror across the room. Pale. Angry. Controlled. But beneath the surface… her mind spiraled.

Evelyn Veronica

If he didn’t lock the door… does that mean I’m free? Or is that part of it?

Dressed in a pale silk robe that wasn’t hers — likely left to soften her will — she crept barefoot through the corridor. Every step against the marble echoed too loud, but she kept going. Quiet. Controlled. The estate felt like a maze of beauty hiding traps.

She moved through the corridor like a shadow, memorizing every camera angle, every hallway curve. The estate was a masterpiece of cold wealth — no creaks, no drafts. It was too perfect. Too quiet. She took the servant stairs. Downward. Toward the kitchens. That’s when she saw it — a side door. Steel. Emergency exit. An exit door — glass, framed in steel. Just past the kitchen. Unalarmed. Unwatched. She sprinted.

Her hand gripped the bar. Heart in her throat. But before she could push—

Nikolai Vasiliev

(from behind): “Ten points for effort.”

She froze. The press of cold metal kissed her neck. A gun. Not touching. Just a whisper against her skin.

Nikolai Vasiliev

Do you really think I'd make it that easy?

Her heart stopped. She turned slowly. He stood in the doorway. Not furious. Not even surprised. Amused. That made it worse.

Evelyn Veronica

(quietly): Shoot me. Go on.

He spun her around. His expression unreadable.

Nikolai Vasiliev

But he doesn’t want you harmed.

Evelyn Veronica

Tell Kael he can go to hell.

Nikolai Vasiliev

Oh, darling.

He leaned in slightly

Nikolai Vasiliev

He already lives there.

They brought her back — not to her room, but to Kael’s private study. It was dark wood and steel, books stacked like trophies. Kael stood with his back to her, sipping whiskey, staring out the window as if the world didn’t exist beyond his rules.

Kael Vasiliev

(Without turning): Where would you have gone?

No answer

Kael Vasiliev

Do you even have anyone who’d take you in? Any idea what happens when you run from me?

Evelyn Veronica

(Evelyn’s fists clenched): You’re not God. You’re not some protector. You’re a man with a castle and a control issue.

Kael Vasiliev

(turning slowly): You’re wrong.

He stepped toward her, slow and quiet.

Kael Vasiliev

I’m not trying to control you.

Evelyn Veronica

Then let me leave.

He stopped. A tense silence

Kael Vasiliev

(Then, softly): I’m trying to unbreak you before the world finishes the job.

Evelyn Veronica

(Voice low): Why leave it unlocked?

Kael Vasiliev

(calmly): Because I want to see how far you’ll crawl for the illusion of freedom.

He took a step forward.Not rushed. Not loud. Like a predator that never needed to run. He held her chin and looked in her eyes.

Kael Vasiliev

It’s psychological warfare, Evelyn. You were a psychology major, weren’t you?

Evelyn Veronica

(stiff): You read my records?

Kael Vasiliev

(smiling): I don’t cage things I don’t understand.

She stepped back, bumping against the glass.

Evelyn Veronica

You think this is control? Tricking me with fake exits?

Kael Vasiliev

No. Control is making you doubt the exits.

He circled her like smoke.

Kael Vasiliev

It’s when I don’t have to chain you… because fear and confusion already have.

Kael Vasiliev

It’s when you question whether escape was ever real.

Kael Vasiliev

That’s when I’ve won

Evelyn Veronica

(quietly): You're sick.

Kael Vasiliev

(tilting his head): No. I’m disciplined.

Kael Vasiliev

You’re the one who’s breaking.

She didn’t respond. Wouldn’t give him that. But her silence said enough.

Kael Vasiliev

I’m trying to unbreak you before the world finishes the job.

His words hit something — not her mind, but her memory. Of crying herself to sleep in a tiny apartment. Of shielding Aiden from screaming landlords. Of debts piling. Of fear becoming routine. For a moment… She hated that a piece of her wanted to believe him.

Kael Vasiliev

(Quieter now): The world is a cage, Evelyn. I just put cushions on the bars.

Evelyn Veronica

(bitterly): Comfort doesn’t erase captivity.

Kael Vasiliev

No. But comfort makes you forget how much it hurts.

Kael leaned in, his breath warm and calm against her ear.

Kael Vasiliev

Then I’ll make the cage a garden. Let you rot among roses.

He stepped closer. Their bodies inches apart.

Kael Vasiliev

(softly): You can hate me. But eventually… you’ll rely on me.

Kael Vasiliev

You’ll wait for my voice in the silence. Crave it. Even if you don’t realize it yet.

Evelyn Veronica

(Her jaw clenched): I’d rather rot

He stepped away just as quickly

Kael Vasiliev

(gently): You’re not here because I need a toy

Kael Vasiliev

You’re here because something in you… something hollow… echoes something in me. And I always collect what reflects me.

She swallowed hard. That was the worst part — a part of her did feel hollow. Not weak. But empty in a way that his words slithered into. She hated that. She hated him.

Evelyn Veronica

I’m not a reflection. I’m not yours.

Kael Vasiliev

You’re not yet.

He walked past her — not touching her. Not this time. But she could feel the power in his steps. Controlled. Unapologetic.

Kael Vasiliev

Your brother is safe. Because I decided he should be.

Evelyn Veronica

Is that supposed to make me grateful?

Kael Vasiliev

(smiling faintly): No. It’s supposed to make you

The door unlocked with a click. He pushed it open behind her. Wide. Open.

She blinked. Looked outside.

No guards. Just night and rain.

Kael Vasiliev

(smiling softly): Run if you want. But if you step outside… You’ll never see your brother again.

She didn’t scream. Didn’t cry. She stood in silence. Let the fury burn quietly inside her ribs. He turned to leave, but paused at the door.

Kael Vasiliev

You can try to escape again. The door will always be unlocked.

Evelyn Veronica

That’s a trap.

Kael Vasiliev

(softly): No. It’s a test.

He walked away, leaving her at the threshold. The rain misted her bare arms. The wind smelled like ash and rain. Her heart pounded in her throat. She stood frozen. Because he wasn’t lying. And that was the cruelest thing. She could walk away — but the cost wouldn’t be hers alone.

She waited until he left. Collapsed onto the chair in the corner. Her throat tight. Her hands shaking.

Evelyn Veronica

(But her voice — steady as steel when she whispered to herself): You don’t get to win, Kael.

She closed the door herself.

_____________

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