Adrian stared at Claire's eyes with seriousness in his eyes. Claire couldn't hold his gaze as she looked away feeling guilty for hiding such a secret to him especially when they were both are in a relationship. Crossing his arms over his chest, Adrian stared down at Claire while Matthew was taking care of Claire's bloodied arm.

"So, I'm waiting Claire."

Claire looked up to him, holding his gaze, then sighed. She turned to Matthew and placed her hand on his. "Matthew, can you please give us a moment?"

Matthew looked between Claire and Adrian for a moment before nodding. "Ok, I will wait outside while watching the area.

He stood up from his seat leaving Claire's arm unattended and left the safe house. Adrian decided to take Matthew's place and took her arm alongside the bandage.

"Adrian, I-I didn't mean to lie to you or even hide things from you,"

"But you did." He cut Claire off while treating Claire's wounds.

She sighed. "You are right, I did but listen..." she turned to Adrian and stared into his eyes. "I have my reason why I hid it from you."

He looked up at Claire, no emotions on his face. "What's the reason, Claire?"

"You know that my past isn't as beautiful and memorable as others." she stood up, pulling her arms and ignoring Adrian who was treating her wounds. "I lost my memories for three years. Both my parents died, and I was the only one who was alive. My business partner whom I thought I could trust try to take over my company and he didn't even try to find me. I was married to the man I hate and now he is my business partner. I have an enemy, Adrian. Lots of enemies and I fear my enemies are expanding." Adrian sat quietly listening to Claire's explanation, not interrupting her for once.

"Remember your car explosion? Do you think that's an accident?"

"I- is not is it?"

She nodded. "Yes, it is not an accident. Someone decided to blow up your car. That person has planned the whole thing, why? It's because of me. He is targeting me and if I keep pulling you into my eyes, having you involved in all my troubles, I'm scared for your life." her voice slightly trembles as she looks away. "Claire, I-"

"Adrian, I hid this from you because...I don't want you to get hurt. You were already hurt because of me and I thought it was the right thing to do by hiding it from you."

"Well, your thought is wrong. Yes, I got hurt but I don't regret any of it. Yes, I broke my legs, wounds on my face, and such but I don't care about it. Cause you are with me, you didn't leave me. I know that you are the one who tried to find the person behind my car explosion,"

Claire's eyes widen slightly. "How-how do you know?"

He shrugged. "I put two and two together. Matthew told me you are a hacker. The Raven is your alter ego and Cryptonic is your...how should I say this...your getaway, your place of solace. You chose to be the prime suspect of that dead body you found just to locate the one behind the explosion. You know the risk and yet, you still took it."

"Because you are not supposed to get hurt, Adrian." She took a step forward and caressed his cheek. "You are linked to me and those who are linked to me will get hurt." She said with a hint of seriousness in her voice.

"What if I say, I don't care? I don't care if I get hurt, I don't care if someone wants to kill me. I want to be with you, alongside you in your fight. I don't want you to face this alone. I was there when someone was drugging you, remember?& was scared shitless about you, and I regret not being with you. So, this time, I will be with you wherever you go, and I want you to be honest with me about everything in your life. About this person who is chasing us. I want to protect you, Claire." Adrian said to Claire with seriousness in his tone and eyes.

Claire is touched by his words, captivated by the way he said it. "Are you serious?" "More than serious, Claire."

She couldn't believe her ears, moreover, she couldn't believe Adrian would do something like that. Knowing that he is a Saint Laurent, the one who will continue the Saint Laurent business. One of the most important figures in the business world and he chooses to protect Claire and neglect his own safety just for her.

Her eyes glistened and tears ran down her face as she couldn't hold them. Claire is not the type of person to cry in front of people, not even Matthew cause for her, crying shows weakness, and she hates it but Adrian's words, and promise touched her heart.

She rose onto her tiptoes, her heart

racing as she gently pressed her lips to his. The soft warmth of his kiss

باد

sent a wave of butterflies through her, making her heart flutter. Adrian responded tenderly, his lips moving against hers in a slow, deliberate rhythm. It was a kiss that spoke Volumes-filled with unspoken promises, deep affection, and an undeniable passion that set her soul alight.

They should be wary of Eligos's team tracking their movements, as the danger looms closer with every passing moment. The thought of being discovered lingers faintly at the back of their minds, like shadow they cannot entirely shake off. Yet, in this fleeting moment, neither of them can bring themselves to care. All their fears, worries, and the chaos surrounding them melt away as they become completely absorbed in each other's presence. The warmth of their embrace offers a sense of safety that feels almost defiant against the threats outside. Their kisses deepened, a silent promise shared between them, unspoken yet understood for now, this is their sanctuary, no matter how temporary it may be. They pulled away to take breaths as they both stared into each other eyes.

"So, are you ready to tell me the person who is chasing us?"

Claire threw him a small smile and

nodded. "The one who is chasing us, his name is Eligos. I don't know if that is his real name or fake, but he has been haunting me for months However, there was one time that he stopped. No threats, no messages, and ì thought that maybe he had

given up but then suddenly, he showed up sending me a message, hacking through my company

system and now kidnapping me.”

Adrian frowned deep in thought. "Have you seen his face?"

She sighed. "I wish I could see his face, but he wore a mask. It's as if he doesn't want to be known. He

wants to remain unknown as far as I know."

"Or it's a sign that his game or whatever it is, is not over yet."

She nodded. "That could be true too."

"Once this chasing is over and we can get away from this person, I will help you find him. Maybe with my influence, we both can find him faster."

"Thank you, Adrian but I doubt he will be easy to find."noveldrama

The front door opened, and Claire and Adrian turned to see Matthew. "Hate to ruin your moment guys, but

I think the area is safe, Let's go now before they find us."