The Devil Who Claimed Me

Remy looked up in surprise when Mila entered the clinic.

"You?" He stood up. "How are you feeling now?"

"I’m fine."

"Good to see you out of that room. Dominic finally allowed you to step out." He studied her for a moment before warning her. "Don’t do anything reckless again. You know where that will lead."

Mila gave a faint smile. "I won’t."

But deep inside, she had no intention of accepting this life. She would leave this place soon, but she wouldn’t argue with others like before.

At first, she had been naïve. She had exposed her desire to escape too openly. She had made mistakes, but not anymore. This time, she would be patient, careful, and plan her escape secretly.

"I’ll be working here from now on," she added with a smile.

Remy blinked, caught off guard. Then he let out a laugh. "Well, I am honored. Working alongside a heart surgeon isn’t something I expected."

Mila chuckled. "It’s me who will be learning from you to stay calm and only focus on work."

Remy grinned widely, clearly pleased. Having someone by his side lightened his burden.

"Let me show you around."

He gave a small tour of the clinic, showed her the equipment, and told her about his routine.

As they worked together, she asked casually, "How many people live here?"

"This island is a secret base, owned by Dominic," Remy replied. "Before the attack, only a few people stayed here to maintain the mansion. Then the attack happened. Things changed. Now, all his loyal people have been brought here. Their families, too. It’s a closed system."

Mila’s face paled.

’An island?’

She had thought this place was somewhere near a coast, that she could find a way to escape as long as she got out of the mansion. But it was a private island. Highly secured. Cut off from the world.

’How am I supposed to get out of here?’

Remy noticed the change in her expression. Worry clouded his face.

"Are you okay?" he asked, searching for her eyes. "You look pale. Go and rest if you are not feeling well."

Mila shook her head and forced a smile. "I am fine. I want to work."

She had not lost her hope yet.

Remy had been with Dominic for years. He knew everything about him, about this place.

Working with him would help her learn everything, the loopholes, the secrets. And when the right moment came, she would leave. Until then, she would patiently wait.

Remy was still hesitant.

"I am fine," she assured him. "Trust me."

"Alright. Let me show you the current cases." He handed her a set of files. "Also...Dominic’s wound has not healed completely," he added. "His bandage needs to be changed regularly."

Mila grabbed Dominic’s file. "I’ll take care of it."

"Okay."

In the study...

A man stood before Dominic. "Miss Mila is working in the clinic with Dr. Remy," he informed. "She has been reviewing patients’ files. Nothing unusual so far. She seemed focused, comfortable."

Dominic leaned back in his chair. A faint sense of relief settled in him.

’Maybe she is changing. Maybe she is slowly accepting this place.’

It was a good sign, but it was too early to place his full faith in her.

"Keep watching her," he commanded.

The man nodded. "Yes, boss."

He walked out and nearly bumped into Lucas at the door. Bowing his head to him, he left.

Lucas entered and took a seat across from Dominic. "If you don’t trust her, why let her out?" he asked directly.

"If I kept her locked any longer, she would have snapped again," Dominic said, leaning forward. "And this time, it would be worse. I’d rather keep her where I can see her."

Lucas shrugged. "You could have still restricted her access. Why let her work in the clinic?"

"Remy is overloaded," Dominic explained. "And Mila...She needs something to hold onto. If she stays occupied, she won’t think about escaping."

After a pause, he added, "Working in the clinic will let her understand the situation here. It will help her see the people here and their lives. It may change her mind."

Lucas was unconvinced. "I hope you are right. But Mila is a tough woman. She is not easy to change. Don’t expect too much."

Before Dominic could respond, Valentina entered with a stern look on her face. She didn’t even glance at Lucas.

"I don’t agree with your decision," she said bluntly. "You can’t make her your mistress."

Dominic’s expression changed. The air in the room seemed to turn cold.

But Valentina didn’t notice it. She didn’t care. "You shouldn’t let her get close to you," she continued. "She is dangerous. She can hurt you."

Her voice rose slightly. "How could you trust her enough to keep her in your room?"

Dominic didn’t interrupt, but his features stiffened.

"She doesn’t belong here," Valentina went on. "Her mind is always plotting to find a way out of here. She doesn’t care about this place or about you."

Her words grew sharper. "What if she attacks you while you are asleep?"

Dominic’s fingers curled into balls. Lucas noticed every subtle change in him and could tell Dominic was furious. Still, he remained silent and didn’t stop Valentina.

"And letting her work in the clinic is another mistake," she added fiercely. "She is skilled. She could hurt people for her own benefit."

Dominic could hardly restrain his fury.

"It’s a mistake that you will regret later."

"Enough," he thundered, slamming his fist on the table.

Valentina flinched.

"When did you start questioning my decision?" he asked, eyes burning in fury. "I don’t need your judgment. And I certainly don’t need you deciding what risks I can or cannot take." 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Valentina bowed her head. "I am sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. I am only worried about you."

"I didn’t ask you to be."

The words hit harder than a slap. He had never talked to her like this.

Valentina’s heart ached. She felt humiliated. She couldn’t believe that he had scolded her because of an outsider. It was as if she had no value to his eyes.

Years of loyalty, sacrifices, her presence by his side – nothing seemed to matter to him. She was only worried about him and warned him for his safety, but he would only trust Mila.

For the first time, she was furious with him. A burning ache spread across her chest.

"Leave."

She turned and walked out instantly. Anger, humiliation, and jealousy – all mixed, making her hard to breathe.

’You are trusting the wrong person,’ she muttered under her breath. ’You will regret it one day.’

Lucas watched everything silently. Seeing Dominic’s furious expression, he also left. He followed Valentina.

"Wait a moment," he called out.

Hearing his voice, Valentina paused and turned around.

Lucas strode toward her. "What was that?" he asked sternly. "You are challenging him?"

"I wasn’t," she shot back. "I’m only concerned. I could see what he couldn’t."

Lucas grew solemn. "Don’t challenge him that way again," he said in a threatening tone. "You don’t know what he is planning."

"My concern is his safety, and that woman is dangerous for him," she still countered.

"He has not stopped watching her," Lucas cut in sharply. "Be careful next time."

With that warning, he left.

But Valentina was too furious to understand anything. Her chest burned.

"It’s all because of her."

She blamed Mila for everything. A dangerous resolve settled in her heart. "Mistress, huh? I won’t let this continue. I’ll tear them apart."