♥ Chapter 22 ♥

Magnus Darkmore.

As soon as the door closes behind her, the mask I wear every day begins to crack. A grim smile forms on my lips as I stare at the door through which Yara has just exited. The frustration I feel at her still trying to resist is almost unbearable. I've tried to be patient, I've tried to take it easy, but there are limits to my control.

I walk to the window and look out at the garden, trying to calm down, but all I feel is growing anger. Not anger at her, but at whatever is stopping her from giving herself to us. If it's her bloody husband who's keeping her at a distance, then he's a problem. And difficulties need to be eliminated. My mind starts to work in a cold and calculating way, imagining the possibilities.

''If it's the husband who's stopping you from giving yourself completely to us, then we'll get rid of him, Yara...'' I mutter to myself. '' I mutter to myself, my voice carrying a dark tone. ''We'll get rid of any obstacles that stand in the way.

My fingers drum on the windowsill as I consider what needs to be done. I don't mind getting my hands dirty if it means it will finally be ours. We try to be careful, we try to win her trust because we don't want to push her away. But if she can't see what's obvious—what's right in front of her—then maybe it's time to change tactics.

'' I don't care if she hates us... '' I say, feeling the weight of my own words. ''As long as it's ours, that's what matters.

That's the truth. My desire to possess her, to have Yara in every possible way, is stronger than any consideration for her feelings. She'll realize that sooner or later. And when that moment comes, she will have no choice but to accept what we all know is inevitable.

My breathing is heavy, and my thoughts are dark and determined. Damien and Kael can continue with their subtle approaches for now, but I'm ready to take more drastic measures. If that's what it takes to get her, then so be it.

'' She'll be ours, Yara... '' I whisper again, feeling the power of the words reverberate inside me. ''And nothing is going to stop me from guaranteeing that.

I'm still absorbed in my dark thoughts when the bedroom door opens and Kael walks in. His gaze is as sharp as a blade, but when he sees me, his expression turns into a mischievous smile, a reflection of what I feel. He notices the change in my countenance, and his smile widens.

''What happened?'' Kael asks, his voice laden with curiosity and a touch of amusement.

I look up at him, the gloomy expression still visible on my face.

'' She gave in to the kiss, Kael. I had the pleasure of tasting those sweet, inexperienced lips. But even so, she still refuses to give herself over completely. She's afraid of something. She confessed to me that she doesn't love her husband. And if it's her husband who's stopping her from giving herself to us, then we need to get rid of him.

Kael raises an eyebrow, the mischievous smile never leaving his face.

'' So you've finally decided that there's no more room for patience. I see you don't want to play the strategist anymore, you're ready to get straight to the point.

I give a short nod, my anger and frustration now mixed with ruthless determination.

'' I'm tired of waiting. If she's hesitant because of him, then let's get him out of the way. What matters is that she's on our side. We'll do whatever it takes to ensure that.

Kael seems to ponder for a moment, the smile on his lips never fading.

'' I understand your frustration. And really, if her husband's presence is getting in the way of our plans, then we need to act. It might be interesting to see how far we can get without the need for so much mystery.

He takes a step closer, his eyes twinkling with a calculating glint.

'' How do you intend to deal with her husband? Do you have a plan in mind?

I stare at Kael, who is already formulating the next phase of the plan.

''You're going to speed up the divorce petition. You're a judge, and you can ensure that the process is handled with the utmost urgency. We'll help you get rid of this shitty arranged marriage. If necessary, we'll use our influence to ensure that the process is as quick and efficient as possible.

Kael smiles with a dangerous glint in his eyes.

'' Leave it to me. I'll take charge of the case and ensure that the divorce petition is prioritized. I'll also arrange for a lawyer who can ensure that everything goes smoothly and without delay.

Furthermore, I give a firm nod, satisfied with the answer.

'' Excellent. In addition, we'll have to make sure that her husband doesn't get in our way. We can use more persuasive tactics to convince him to stay away, either out of fear or through some kind of coercion. We won't leave anything to chance.

Kael raises an eyebrow, a cruel smile forming on his lips.

''So we're talking about doing the dirty work if necessary. If he represents a real obstacle, we can treat him as such. It might be interesting to see how far he's willing to go to maintain his position.

I nod, my resolve becoming even more solid.

'' Exactly. And let's not stop there. We need to ensure that, once free of this marriage, Yara not only feels relieved, but also completely devoted to us. Let's create an environment where she feels that only we can offer her what she really wants.

Kael smiles, seeming to appreciate the boldness of the plan.

'' Considering what we already know about her husband, we have a golden opportunity. I'll prepare everything necessary to make the divorce a success and ensure that her husband has no chance to interfere.

He takes one last calculated look and prepares to leave.

'' I'm going to take charge of the case right now. When the time comes, you'll have the situation under control, and Yara will finally be able to give herself fully to what she really wants.

As Kael leaves the room, I'm left alone, my heart racing with the certainty that we're on the right track. My mind is buzzing with strategies and plans to ensure that Yara is completely on our side. If there are any obstacles, we will do what is necessary to remove them. The determination is unshakable, and there is no more room for hesitation. Yara will be ours, and we will do everything necessary to ensure that.