Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty
A surge of anger flows through my veins, burning through me like wildfire. My most expensive dress, the deep burgundy one Nicholas loved seeing me in—was missing. And so were several of my most treasured jewellery pieces. I knew exactly who had done this. Julia.

My fists clenched as I turned to Nicholas, expecting an immediate response, but instead, he focused on fastening his watch. His movements were slow and deliberate. As if he were buying time. Avoiding my question.

“Nicholas”, I called, stepping toward him. My voice was steady, but my patience was unravelling. “Is Julia here?”

He didn’t answer. Instead, he straightened his cuffs with practised ease, his expression unreadable.

“Nicholas.” My voice sharpened, demanding. “Is she here?”

His face turned towards me for the briefest moment before he turned away. “Princess, hurry up. We don’t have time. We need to get out of here.”

That smooth, commanding tone—one I had come to recognise as his way of dismissing what he didn’t want to discuss.

I stared at him in disbelief. He was keeping me in the dark. Again.

I bit my lip, trying to suppress the storm raging inside me. Questions swirled in my mind, each one heavier than the last. What was Julia’s real intention? Why did she warn Nicholas if she was the same person who had been scheming against us? And if she cared about our safety, why steal my dress and jewellery? Nothing made sense.

Frustration settled in my chest. I didn’t even have the energy to argue anymore. With a resigned sigh, I wore a simple pink gown, a stark contrast to how I felt inside—drained, uncertain, and more lost than ever.

I turned to Nicholas, my voice quieter this time. “Are we leaving because of Julia’s message?”

“Yes.” The answer came sharp, clipped, without hesitation.

I searched his face, desperate for a deeper truth. “And do you believe she’s telling the truth?”

He exhaled, his fingers tightening around his watch strap. His silence was louder than any.

answer he could have given.

“Princess”, he said instead, tone softer but still evading. “Can we go now?”

I gritted my teeth. He was shutting me out again.

“We’re heading to the airport,” he continued. “Our flight leaves at seven.”

I glanced at the clock. 6:20 PM.

“What?” My heart pounded. “Nicholas, where are we going?”

His eyes darkened with an emotion I couldn’t quite place. He took a step toward me, his fingers grazing my arm, his touch warm despite the tension.

“I can’t afford to risk your life again,” he murmured. “Your wound is still fresh, still painful. I need you to heal first.”

There was something in his voice—something raw, unspoken.

I should have felt comforted by his concern. But instead, fear crept down my spine.

Because Nicholas wasn’t just running to protect me.

He was running from something.

And I had no idea what it was.

“Truthfully, you don't have to bother about me; I will be fine.” I said assuredly.

“Exactly. I really want you to be fine, and that is why I want you out of here for a little time; I need to sort out some things while you are away.”

“Oh wait, are you saying we are not going together, or what do you… Nic!” I shouted in frustration. “Tell me. What is happening?”

I sobbed as I let out those words. As I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my wounded knee, I sat down to calm down a bit. Nicholas immediately rushed towards me, “Princess, are you OK?” He asked with concern on his face.

“Nic, you know, you know I am not fine.”

When exactly will this unending war come to an end? For how long are we going to continue shooting guns and keep hiding ourselves? Let's just face this once and for all. I know with you by my side, we will overcome them all.”

A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. It was Claire. The moment I opened it, she stepped forward and wrapped me in a tight embrace, holding on as if she never wanted to let go.

"I’m going to miss you so much, Adrianna," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. Tears welled in her eyes, and I fought to keep mine from falling.

I was already dressed, my bags packed, my heart steeled for what lay ahead. The airport awaited, but in this moment, all that mattered was the silent goodbye between us—the unspoken words, the bond we had built, and the uncertainty of when we would see each other again.

A fierce determination rushed through me, igniting a fire in my veins like never before.

This time, I refused to be trapped by guilt or hesitation.

I no longer cared whether my father paid for his sins or if Julia stood by my side or betrayed me. The fates of Sebastian and Dante were no longer my concern.

I was ready to fight—but not recklessly, not with an injured knee, just as Nicholas had warned. I needed to retreat, regain my strength, and return like a lion, ready to hunt down my enemies.

All that mattered now was bringing them all to ruin. Every last one of them would fall, and I would be the one to end their reign of destruction.

I will confront the chaos head-on and overcome it, and at the end of it, I would stand victorious with Nicholas, Claire and Roman by my side.

No more betrayals. No more fear. This war would only end one way—with their blood staining my hands and my freedom secured.