Chapter 15
Jayden kept Kimberly prisoner in his mansion. Heavy chains encircled her wrists and ankles, each slight movement producing a delicate, musical clink that seemed to mock her captivity. It was only now, in this gilded cage, that she truly understood the depths of his obsession. His journey across the world to find her had nothing to do with love. It was about possession—about reclaiming what he considered his property.
“What am I to you, Jayden?” she asked on her thirty-eighth failed escape attempt. He traced her face with reverent fingers, his eyes burning with something more frightening than hatred could ever be. “You’re the love of my life,” he answered without hesitation. Kimberly laughed then—a hollow sound that dissolved into silent tears.
During her imprisonment, Jayden had spared no expense. The kitchen prepared gourmet meals three times daily. Couture clothing and jewelry worth millions appeared regularly at her bedside. Even the household staff encouraged her to accept her fate as Mrs. Charlemet, to embrace this life of effortless luxury. But the more he gave, the emptier she felt. The chains binding her were more than physical restraints—they were a constant reminder that she wasn’t a person to him. She was an acquisition.
Gradually, her depression returned with crushing force. Her body began rapidly deteriorating, becoming a fragile shell that housed a fading spirit. When Jayden returned from a business trip, the sight of her shocked him to his core. He rushed to remove her chains, but she had no strength left to run. She simply collapsed against him, her breathing shallow and labored.
“What have you done to her?” Jayden roared at his staff, veins bulging at his temples. “Get a doctor here immediately!”
Phoenix Nirvana: She Pirouetted Through the Flames They Set
Chapter 15
The physician arrived within the hour, conducting a thorough examination before pulling Jayden aside. “Miss Jordan’s condition is psychological,” he said gravely. “You can’t continue keeping her confined like this, or else—” “Or else what?” Jayden’s gaze grew menacing. The doctor had heard stories about Jayden Charlemet’s violent tendencies. After a moment’s consideration, he swallowed his warning. As he prepared to leave, he heard Kimberly’s feeble voice calling out to him: “Please… help me get out of here.” Though his heart ached at her plea, he hardened himself and walked away. Watching his retreating figure, Kimberly closed her eyes in absolute despair.
In the days that followed, Jayden brought in hypnotherapists, attempting to erase her traumatic memories—to make her forget the pain he’d caused so she could love him again. Just when Kimberly had abandoned all hope of escape, fate intervened. A fire broke out in the mansion, forcing the staff to remove her restraints as they evacuated the building. In the midst of the chaos, a familiar figure appeared before her.
“Kim, come with me!” Olivia urged, hoisting Kimberly onto her back and staggering through the smoke-filled corridors to a waiting car outside. When Kimberly saw who was behind the wheel, she froze in disbelief. It was someone she’d never expected to see again. The last blood relative she had left in this world.