"Bea?" David whispered, barely believing his eyes.
"David," Beatrice said softly but urgently. "We don't have much time."
"Where have you been? Everyone's looking for you. Atlas... he's acting way too calm for someone whose wife is missing," David said, his voice tense with suspicion.
Beatrice sighed deeply, gripping David's hand. "I'm alright, David. But I need to know what's been happening while I was out. What's Atlas been up to?"
David searched her eyes, looking for any sign of fear or weakness, but he only saw resolve. "Atlas," he muttered. "He's all over Carter Empire business. I think he's trying to take over. You know I've never trusted that guy."
Beatrice nodded slowly. "That's what I was afraid of. I need to stay hidden for a while. Atlas can't know I'm back."
"What? You need to go to the police, Bea. Atlas could be dangerous!"
"No, David," Beatrice cut him off. "It is not safe for me."
"Why?"
Beatrice's voice trembled as she spoke, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and determination. "David, you don't understand the power Atlas wields. His business dealings are darker than anyone knows, and as you can see, he's free. As long as he lives, I'll never be able to defeat him through legal means."
David leaned forward. "Beatrice, we can find evidence. We can expose him."
She shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper.
"No, David. If I try to fight him now, he'll just have me committed again and throw me back into that mental institution. I have nothing left. They've taken everything from me. I'm just a nuisance to them, someone who needs to be eliminated. I need to reclaim what they stole from me," Beatrice said, her voice steely with determination as she clenched her fists.
"Beatrice, there's something I don't understand. How did you not see what Atlas was doing to you before? Why are you realizing all of this now?" David asked, his brow furrowing with concern.
"I... I was blind to it for so long, David."
David listened intently. "But what changed? What made you see the truth?"
"After I woke up from the coma, I started seeing things differently. Everything became clearer. I could no longer ignore the truth."
"You're lying," Blade interjected, but Beatrice ignored him.
"Atlas is a master manipulator. He made me believe I was at fault, that I was losing my mind. He gaslighted me, isolated me from anyone who could help, and controlled every aspect of my life."
"You're getting better at lying. I'm proud of you," Blade taunted.
David's face hardened with resolve. "We will get back what's yours, Beatrice. And we'll make sure Atlas pays for everything he's done."
Beatrice's hand reached across the table and grasped David's. "Thank you," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
David recalled Victoria's words about how Beatrice had changed since waking up from the coma. She was now more logical and clear-minded, a stark contrast to her previous emotional nature. Before, Beatrice always prioritized her feelings.
"Have you eaten?" David asked gently, his concern evident.
Beatrice shook her head, her exhaustion apparent.
"Eat something," David insisted. "After that, you can rest at my apartment. We'll make plans for the future."
Beatrice hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Thank you, David. I'm not sure I can manage this alone."
"You're not alone," David reassured her.
Beatrice took a bite, her hands trembling slightly. "It's been so overwhelming," she admitted between bites. "I don't even know where to start."
David sat across from her, his expression serious but kind. "We'll take it one step at a time. First, you need to regain your strength. Then we'll gather all the evidence we can against Atlas. We'll find a way to bring him down."
Beatrice nodded, feeling a spark of hope. "I never thought I'd have to fight this hard just to keep my own life."
"Sometimes, the people we trust the most turn out to be the ones who betray us," David said softly. "But you're strong, Beatrice. Stronger than you know."
"Did you?" Blade interjected.
*
David invited Beatrice to stay at his apartment. Once they arrived, David handed her a towel and a toothbrush.
As Beatrice started showering, Blade began to chime in.
"You know he likes you," Blade teased.
"No, he doesn't. He's been my best friend since we were kids," Beatrice replied, rolling her eyes.
"He's liked you since you were kids," Blade insisted.
"No," Beatrice said firmly, rinsing shampoo from her hair. "He's always been just a friend."
"Friends don't invite friends to stay at their apartments," Blade countered.
"He's being nice! Where else am I supposed to go?" Beatrice argued, turning to face the invisible Blade.
Blade chuckled. "Sure, 'nice.' And giving you a towel and a toothbrush is just 'nice' too?"
"Yes! It's called hospitality," Beatrice shot back, exasperated. "And stop using air quotes, it's annoying."
Blade snickered. "Face it, Bea. He's totally into you."
Beatrice groaned, turning off the water. "You're impossible. He's not into me. We're friends. That's it."
"Keep telling yourself that," Blade said smugly. "You're just afraid to admit it."
Beatrice stepped out of the shower, wrapping herself in a towel. "You're ridiculous. I'm done arguing with you."
Blade's laughter echoed in her mind. "We'll see. We'll see."
"Go away, Blade! I don't need you anymore!" Beatrice shouted, her patience finally snapping.
Blade sneered. "Just because you have David now, you're throwing me away? You ungrateful little—"
"Get out of here!" Beatrice yelled, her eyes blazing with anger. "Leave me alone!"
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. "Beatrice, are you okay? I heard you shouting," David called out, concern evident in his voice.
Beatrice took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She opened the bathroom door, putting on a smile. "I'm fine, David. I was just... dealing with some difficult thoughts. I needed to let it out."
"Oh, alright," David said, still looking worried. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I also informed your sister, Victoria, that you're here. She seemed really worried about you."
"Thank you, David," Beatrice replied, genuinely grateful. "I appreciate it."
David gave her a small smile. "If you need anything, just let me know. Take your time."
Beatrice nodded. "I will. Thanks again."
As David walked away, Beatrice closed the door and leaned against it, taking a moment to collect herself.
The storm of emotions from her encounter with Blade began to settle, and she felt a bit more at ease knowing she wasn't completely alone in her struggle.
She was with David.
*