Chapter 68


Nina’s POV

Mark inched closer, his every step calculated, his eyes locked on Alexa, as though trying to read her mind and defuse the storm brewing within her. My heart thumped wildly, the blade pressing against my neck a cruel reminder of how fragile the thread between life and death could be. I wanted to scream, to tell him to stop, but the fear of what Alexa might do silenced me.

Alexa, listen to me,Mark began, his voice steady but laced with urgency. You don’t have to do this. Put the knife down. Nobody needs to get hurt.

Alexa laughed, a cold, brittle sound that echoed in the dimly lit room. Its simple, Mark. You sign those papers, and I’ll let her go. Thats the deal.She jabbed the knife harder against my skin, and I winced.

Mark, don’t,I managed to whisper, shaking my head slightly, tears streaming down my cheeks. Don’t give her what she wants.

Alexa yanked my head back by my hair, forcing my gaze up to meet hers. Her face was contorted wit