My mysterious fiance

Previously

…“You might think you own me, Julian,” Elara said, her voice gaining strength, the tremor subsiding. She met his gaze, refusing to flinch. “But you’re wrong. You don't own me. You never will.” She took a breath, the air still heavy, but now it felt like a breath of resolve. She wasn't the naive girl who had fallen for his charm. She had seen the darkness, had faced the truth, and she would not be broken. She had a choice to make, a terrifying, life-altering choice, and the first step was to refuse to be a prisoner any longer.