The hope in Xenia's eyes was completely extinguished.
She finally understood that Caleb would never let her go. No matter the terms, he would refuse. The only way she could leave was if she ceased to exist—if it were as though she had never entered his life at all.
She couldn't comprehend why this seemingly powerful, high-status man was so fixated on her, so desperate to keep her.
But Xenia knew she had to return to Alexander.
Even if it meant sacrificing her life, she was unwavering.
Though she appeared delicate and beautiful on the outside, Xenia possessed a resilience far beyond the ordinary. It was this inner strength that had allowed her to survive after Evelina had pushed her into the deep sea.
Now, that defiance was rising within her again.
She resolved to resist Caleb's coer
