Dark Romance: A Cruel Obsession

“Don’t hold any illusions, Vivian,” Vilem’s expression was serious. “You understand father, and you understand Joseph. They are not good people.”

Yes, they are both demons.

Vivian struggled to swallow. “I understand, Vilem.”

Vilem comforted Vivian for a few more moments before hanging up the phone.

This call left Vivian in a whirlwind of emotions. Concern for her mother and joy for Vilem’s safety tugged at her, leaving Vivian both happy and sad, wishing she could sprout wings and fly to her mother’s side.

Mare had already arranged an afternoon massage for Vivian. The masseuse was selected by Alajos and was a lovely girl with a lively personality and a smile as radiant as sunshine. This inevitably reminded Vivian of Luzia, who was now far away in Los Angeles.

Vivian felt a closer connection to her, unable to resist speaking with her.

“Why did you become a masseuse?” During their conversation, Vivian learned that the girl’s university was nearby, and she studied management.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“I do it part-time to earn some pocket money,” the girl said playfully. “The high-end spa only serves high-end clients. Those who come for massages have to book at least a day in advance. The tips alone from generous clients are enough to cover a week’s living expenses for me.”

“I save up the tips, spend carefully, and during summer, I can go traveling. I want to go to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, see the Statue of Liberty in New York, go to Disneyland in Los Angeles, ride roller coasters, and Ferris wheels…”

Vivian listened quietly as the girl listed her dream travel destinations, feeling the breath of freedom.

She slowly closed her eyes, drifting off in the girl’s skillful massage.

Right before consciousness slipped into darkness, a loud rumble erupted in her ears, and Vivian felt the bed beneath her violently shaking, the entire building swaying.

An earthquake?

It’s an attack!

In her panic, Vivian managed only to slip on a robe. Her masseuse had already fearfully hidden under a table, a place offering her no protection.

Mare did not arrive by Vivian’s side immediately, so Vivian decided to find him.

The spa was under attack. Vivian saw a breach emitting thick black smoke, and armed men fiercely barged in.

Everyone in the spa was engulfed in extreme panic, screaming as they ran in different directions. The sound of machine gun fire reverberated, bullets hitting the floor and walls, dust and debris swirling.

Mare finally broke through the chaotic crowd to find Vivian, pulling her hand and leading her into a nearby corridor, rushing along.

Vivian was still bewildered. “What’s happening? Who are these people?”

“Bratva,” Mare said, uttering a dreadful name.

Vivian’s legs gave way. “Are they after me?”

“I can’t think of any other reason.” Mare cursed at the footsteps closely following them. He pushed Vivian into a small compartment and hid in a blind spot, ready to strike when the pursuer came close.

“Ah!” A sharp, frightened scream rang out, a familiar voice that made Vivian pause cautiously, “Emilija?”

Emilija was the girl who had given Vivian a massage.

“Madam!” Emilija cried like a wounded fawn, pitiful and heartrending, making it hard not to feel sorry for her. “I’m scared.”

“Mare,” Vivian pleaded for her, “she’s just an innocent girl.”

“Her behavior is suspicious.” If it weren’t for the gunfire exposing their position, Mare would have wanted to shoot her. “Why is she following us?”

“I… I’m not,” Emilija shifted slightly in Vivian’s direction.

As soon as she moved, the sound of a round being chambered in a pistol froze her in place.

Mare’s gaze was stern. His left hand, which wasn’t holding the gun, reached behind him, feeling for the dagger he always carried. “You’re lying!”

“I didn’t… I didn’t…” Tears streamed down Emilija’s face. She was too frightened, trembling all over, her voice quavering, “I’m so scared, I just wanted to find a safe place to hide.”

“Mare,” Vivian couldn’t bear it, “she’s just a student. She happened to choose the same escape route as us…”

“I don’t believe in coincidences.” Mare pulled Vivian behind him, the gun pointed steadily at the girl. “Choose a different way to leave, don’t follow me…”

Boom!

The sound of an explosion rang out again, causing the building to shake. Cracks tore open in the walls, bricks and rubble incessantly falling from the ceiling, the corridor lights flickered and went out completely.

The corridor plunged into darkness. Mare took the opportunity to hand the dagger toVivian.

The surroundings were too dark for Emilija to notice Mare’s movement. She couldn’t see Vivian’s momentary shocked expression, falling to the ground, unable to get up.

Mare, navigating through the darkness, pulled Vivian away. He didn’t care if Emilija continued following them. The furious shouts of the Bratva grew increasingly clear. They had to leave immediately.

“Aren’t we going to help her?” Vivian struggled against Mare’s iron-like grip, forced to be dragged along. “She’ll die!”

“That’s not my concern. My duty is to protect you and ensure your absolute safety.” Mare’s response was unusually indifferent, but his goal remained clear.

Once again, they turned a corner, only to find the passage to the side door blocked by Bratva men, armed with guns.

Mare wasn’t sure if they could reason with them. He quickly pulled Vivian back, running towards another corridor, frantically searching the sides of the hallway.

“Don’t trust anyone easily,” Mare panted, “you never know who is an undercover agent or a traitor. Disguise is a mandatory course for undercover agents and traitors. You can’t see through them, but they can stab you in the back, hitting you right in the heart.”

Vivian was too exhausted from running. She couldn’t engage in too much physical activity. She held her stomach, panting heavily. “Is Emilija an undercover agent?”

“I don’t know,” Mare said. “I suspect her.” Everyone who came near Vivian was met with Mare’s suspicion. He verified the true identity of each person through his heightened vigilance, ensuring Vivian’s safety.

Safety exit!

Mare’s eyes lit up. He pulled Vivian towards it, but at that moment, a barrage of bullets sprayed towards them. A soldier, with a thick Russian accent, shouted, “They’re here!”

“Damn it, don’t shoot, we need them alive.” Mare heard a commanding voice, followed by a heavy slap landing on the head of the soldier who had been shooting at them. The gunfire ceased.

Now was the time!

Mare pulled Vivian and shoved her behind the safety door, then locked it with a click.

The Bratva quickly caught up. The locked safety door became their obstacle. The man in the front kicked the safety door, making a loud “bang,” but the heavy door didn’t budge.

“Damn it!” The man wiped his face. “Blast it open for me!”