CHAPTER FIVE: THE MAN THEY SHOULDN’T CROSS
[Killian’s Penthouse – Morning Light]
Sunlight spilled through the tall windows.
Marble gleamed.
Silence reigned.
Killian Hart
You didn’t sleep well.
Serena Vale
(softly) I’m not used to silence, I guess.
Killian Hart
No locked doors here.
No eyes watching you every second.
(beat)
Unless you count mine.
[Their eyes meet. Her walls begin to crack.]
Serena Vale
You’re different from what I expected.
Killian Hart
(dryly) You expected another monster.
Serena Vale
I expected someone who wouldn’t care.
But you…
You notice everything.
[Killian’s phone buzzes. Keith.]
Killian Hart
(answers) Yes?
Keith Lancaster
(voice call) They’re looking for her. The Vales.
Private channels only—airports, hospitals, shelters.
Killian Hart
(tense) Desperate move.
Keith Lancaster
Tonight’s charity gala at Bellavista.
They’re sending someone.
Killian Hart
(coldly) Let them.
[He hangs up. Turns to Serena.]
Killian Hart
(firmly) They’re looking for you.
But they’ll find something else instead.
[Night – Bellavista Charity Gala]
[Serena steps out of a black car, navy gown catching the light.]
The city sparkled.
Her heart raced.
But her steps didn’t falter.
[Killian joins her, placing a hand on her waist.]
Not just a guest.
Not just a runaway.
She was his.
Guest B
Is that… Serena Vale?
[Killian leans in to whisper.]
Killian Hart
(whispering) Ignore them.
Tonight, you shine.
[Across the room – Hana Vale at the balcony, wine glass in hand.]
Hana Vale
(stunned) …Impossible.
[She watches Serena—elegant, unbothered, radiant.]
The pawn they thought had vanished…
Was now protected by a king.
[Later – Garden Outside the Gala]
Three glasses of wine in, Serena slipped away, heels in hand. The garden was quiet, moonlight dancing on dew-kissed grass.
Killian Hart
(appears, loosening his tie)
Serena.
Serena Vale
(twirling barefoot, smiling dreamily)
Killian…
Killian Hart
You’ve been drinking.
Serena Vale
Three glasses. Maybe four.
(leans in, whispering)
Tonight, I like it.
(playful)
And I like you.
Killian Hart
(steadying her)
You hate alcohol.
Serena Vale
(finger against his chest)
You always look so serious. So cold.
(tilts her head)
But you’re not. You’re… warm.
Killian Hart
You’re drunk.
Serena Vale
(soft pout)
I’m not drunk… I’m bold.
(then—quietly, she kisses him)
It was soft. Unexpected. Lingering.
He didn’t move at first. But then his hands found her waist, holding her steady. She pulled back, eyes shining.
Serena Vale
I feel safe when I’m with you.
And for the first time, Killian Hart—unshakeable, ruthless—felt something else.
Killian Hart
You’re dangerous when you smile like that.
Serena Vale
(nuzzles his chest)
And you’re impossible when you’re gentle.
There, in the moonlit garden—no past, no shadows. Just the sound of breathing.
Two guarded hearts…
…learning how to trust.
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