Eva blinked awake, her senses slowly catching up to the reality around her. The gritty, damp smell of the abandoned building mingled with the metallic tang of blood in the air. Her wrists throbbed from the now-loosened restraints, and her body ached, but her resolve was sharper than ever.

She glanced at Celine, sprawled on the ground, barely conscious. The sight of the woman who had once been her closest friend—and later her cruelest betrayer—stirred a mix of emotions in Eva. Pain, anger, and a grim sense of justice. This was the end for Celine.

Eva’s breathing steadied as she watched Celine writhe, blood staining her dress from the knife wound Eva had inflicted. “You…” Celine groaned, her voice a rasp. “You’re a monster.”

Eva knelt beside her, the knife still in her hand, its blade gleaming with crimson. “A monster?” she whispered, her tone calm yet icy. “I learned from the best, didn’t I? Or did you forget how you destroyed my life with your betrayal?”

Celine coughed weakly, blood splattering her lips. “I—I was…wrong. I’m sorry…Eva…please.”

Eva’s lips curled into a sardonic smile. “Sorry? You think ‘sorry’ is enough? You took away everything I held dear, and now you want me to show mercy?”

Before Celine could respond, footsteps echoed down the hallway. Two kidnappers stormed in, their faces pale as they took in the scene before them. “What the hell is going on here?” one demanded.

Eva rose to her feet, her gaze piercing as she raised her gun. “Leave now, or join her,” she said, her voice steady, her aim unwavering.

The kidnappers hesitated, their eyes darting to the bleeding Celine. One of them took a cautious step forward, but Eva didn’t flinch. She fired a warning shot, the bullet embedding into the ground near their feet.

“Get out!” Eva shouted, her voice reverberating through the room.

They scrambled to retreat, dragging their injured companion with them. The room fell silent once more, save for Celine’s labored breathing.

Eva turned back to her former friend, who stared at her with wide, panicked eyes. “Please…” Celine whispered, her voice barely audible.

Eva didn’t reply. Her face was a mask of determination as she lifted the gun and ended it. The sound of the gunshot echoed like a final exclamation mark on their history. The room seemed to exhale as silence fell once again.

Eva’s knees buckled, and she sank to the floor. Her hands trembled as she stared at the blood that stained them, a grim reminder of what she’d just done. It’s over.

The sound of boots on concrete startled her, but she didn’t have the strength to react. A flood of armed men entered the room, led by none other than Andrew. His eyes widened as he spotted her, her bloodied hands, and the lifeless body on the floor.

“Eva!” Andrew shouted, rushing to her side. He dropped to his knees, pulling her into his arms.

She looked up at him, her tears breaking free. “Andrew…”

“Shh, sweetheart,” he murmured, stroking her hair as she broke down. “I’ve got you. You’re safe now.”

Andrew swept her up in his arms, holding her as though she might disappear. His men stood by, awaiting his orders. “Clear this place,” Andrew commanded, his tone cold and unforgiving. “Make sure there’s no trace left behind.”

The guards nodded and began their work as Andrew carried Eva out of the building. He placed her gently in the car and took a moment to collect himself before sliding into the driver’s seat. His jaw clenched as he thought about Camilla, about everything she’d orchestrated.

She’d pay. They’d all pay.

When they arrived home, Eva had fallen into an exhausted sleep in the car. Andrew carried her inside, laying her down gently on the bed. He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his hardened expression softening as he watched her sleep.

She doesn’t deserve this. Not any of it.

Hours passed, and Eva stirred awake. The sound of rain pattered against the windows, and the soft glow of a lamp lit the room. She found Andrew in the living room, his laptop open on the coffee table, but his eyes fixed on her the moment she appeared.

“Sweetheart,” Andrew said softly as she sat beside him, leaning into his embrace. “What’s wrong?”

“What I did today,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “It’s wrong, Andrew. I killed her.”

Andrew tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Listen to me,” he said firmly. “You didn’t kill an innocent person. You were protecting yourself, Eva. What you did was justified.”

Eva searched his eyes, finding unwavering belief and love in them. She nodded slowly. “Then… I want revenge, Andrew. Not just for myself, but for everything they’ve done to us.”

Andrew was taken aback by the fire in her eyes, but he didn’t flinch. Instead, he nodded. “If that’s what you want, then I’ll stand by you. Whatever you need, I’ll be your shield.”

A small smile graced Eva’s lips as she rested her head against his chest. “Thank you.”

Just as they shared the quiet moment, Eva’s phone rang, breaking the stillness. Andrew frowned, irritation flickering across his face. “Who is it now?”

Eva picked up her phone, seeing Tristan’s name flashing on the screen. Andrew answered before she could, putting the call on speaker. Tristan’s angry voice boomed through the room. “Andrew, you bastard! How could you let this happen? What if something happened to Eva?”

“Calm down, brother,” Eva interjected, her tone soothing. “I’m fine. Really.”

“You’d better be. I’m coming over,” Tristan declared.

“No need,” Andrew said coldly. “I can take care of my wife.”

The tension eased as the call ended. Eva chuckled softly, explaining, “Tristan’s just overly protective. Don’t take it personally.”

Andrew grumbled but allowed himself to be distracted as Eva pulled him into the kitchen to eat. Her laughter and teasing brought warmth back into the apartment, momentarily dispelling the day’s darkness.

That night, as they lay in bed, Eva shifted restlessly. Andrew pulled her close, his arms a protective cocoon around her. “Everything’s okay,” he whispered. “I’m here.”

Eva finally relaxed, her breathing evening out as sleep claimed her. Andrew watched her for a long moment, his mind racing with plans. Tomorrow would bring more battles, but he would protect her—no matter the cost.