Those words hit me. I knew then that Elena's heart had begun to move.
Chapter Twenty
Elena
I didn't object, and those words haunted me like a ghost, following me all the way from kindergarten to my studio.
They were basically the same as giving in. My mind was screaming at me, warning how crazy this was—how this man had stormed into my life like a barbarian just days ago, forcing me, terrifying me. But my body, my emotions—they were all leaning toward forgiving him.
Igor parked the car downstairs from the studio and came up with me. Just like yesterday, I buried myself in work while he watched with that intense, burning gaze, occasionally helping out with small tasks.
I was checking the new gem samples when Marco pushed open the studio door. He stood in the doorway, his face still bruised—from the beating Igor had given him a few days earlier.
"Marco?" I stood up. "How did you—"
My words were cut off. Igor rose from behind the workbench, where he'd been organizing my design sketches. His movements were slow and deliberate, but a dangerous tension filled the room instantly.
"You've got the nerve to show your face," Igor's voice was low and ominous, like the calm before a storm.
Marco's eyes skipped over Igor, fixing straight on me. "Elena, I need to talk to you. Alone."
"She won't be alone with you anywhere," Igor stepped beside me, his hand resting naturally on my waist.
That possessive gesture made Marco's face darken even more.
"What gives you the right to stay at Elena's place!" Marco exploded, his voice echoing through the studio. "I've been the one taking care of Elena and Stella all these years! I got them through the hardest times, watched Stella grow up. Stella's my daughter!"
"So what?" Igor's tone turned icy. "You want a participation trophy?"
Marco's voice hardened. "I don't need thanks, but today, I'm taking them with me!"
With that, he turned to me. "Elena, come with me. Leave this man. He abandoned you five years ago, then shows up out of nowhere and turns your life upside down."
Every word pierced my heart. Because it was all true. If it weren't for Igor, I wouldn't have endured that betrayal. And now, his return was stirring up my emotions all over again.
"You're right," I heard myself say. "This is all because of him."
Igor's arm stiffened.
Marco's eyes brightened. "So you're coming!"
"But that's not a reason for you to take us," I continued. "Marco, I'm grateful for everything you've done over the years. Really. You're a good man, and you deserve better."
"I don't want better!" Marco rushed toward me. "I just want you, Elena!"
He reached for my arm, but before he could touch me, he was sent flying. Igor kicked him—swift and vicious. Marco crashed into the wall with a pained grunt. He tried to scramble up, but Igor was already there, his foot pressing down on Marco's chest.
"You fucking touch her again and see what happens," Igor's voice was laced with pure killing intent.
"Stop!" I hurried over and grabbedIgor's arm.
He turned to me, his deep green eyes blazing with fury. "Elena, you're still protecting this asshole?"
I shook my head instinctively. "I mean, you can't do this here. This is my studio—please."
I saw his jaw tighten, veins throbbing at his temples. He was struggling to hold back. Finally, he lifted his foot.
Marco struggled to sit up, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth. He looked at me, his eyes filled with a whirlwind of emotions.
