As Gabriella slowly opened her eyes, she was greeted with the harsh light of day. It had been more than a full day since she had seen any sunlight, and her eyes struggled to adjust. But despite the blinding brightness, she couldn't help but feel comforted by the cool dampness on her forehead. It reminded her of her mother's care when she was sick, staying up all night just to make sure Gabriella's fever didn't get too high.
But today, it wasn't her mother sitting beside her bed. Someone else had taken up the role of caregiver, and although Gabriella didn't know who it was yet, she felt grateful for their presence. As she blinked away the last remnants of sleep from her tired eyes, Mary, the maid who had served her meals during her captivity in the basement, came into focus.
Mary noticed Gabby struggling to open her eyes from the blinding sunlight. Without hesitation, she left the towel on Gabby's forehead and swiftly closed the curtains before returning to her side.
"Are you okay?" Mary asked with a concerned tone.
Gabby slowly opened her eyes and recognized Mary. She nodded lightly to confirm she was alright, but her body still felt weak and exhausted.
"You passed out last night after dinner," Mary explained. "Boss had his family doctor come and treat you. He also prescribed some medicine that I've arranged for someone to pick up. How do you feel now?"
Gabby expressed gratitude towards Mary for taking care of her. She appreciated the efforts made to ensure her well-being, even if she didn't fully trust the intentions behind them. But she knew she couldn't afford to show suspicion or resistance. She had to bide her time and gather information.
Without delay, Mary brought over a tray filled with freshly made food and fruits. "Try eating something," she suggested kindly.
Gabby pushed herself into a sitting position and began to eat, savoring the nourishment that had been absent from her life for so long. Despite feeling weak, she couldn't help but feel grateful for Mary's kindness. It was a small reprieve in the midst of her captivity.
As Gabby ate, she observed her surroundings. The room she was in was spacious and opulent, a stark contrast to the dark basement she had been confined to. Her gaze wandered and fell upon a telephone situated on a table at the far end of the room.
"Does the phone work?" she asked tentatively, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mary hesitated for a moment before replying. "I've never tried it, but everything here is in working order. Why do you ask?"
A flicker of hope flashed across Gabby's face. "I wanted to talk to my father and let him know I'm alright."
Mary's expression darkened, and a shadow of concern passed over her features. "Honestly, that's a terrible idea," she cautioned. "I'm not sure the boss would be happy about that."
Crestfallen, Gabby nodded in understanding. She knew better than to challenge Mary or the man who had brought her here. For now, all she could do was endure in silence and pray for a way out. But the spark of hope remained within her, fueling her determination to find a way back to her family and freedom.
Gabby finished her meal, her appetite somewhat diminished by the weight of her situation. Mary cleared the tray and left the room, leaving Gabby alone once again. As she lay back against the pillows, a sense of restlessness washed over her. She couldn't shake off the feeling that she needed to do something, to take some control over her circumstances.