Reading an article to while away time and focus on something else away from her troubles, Lexa stumbles on an article about a young entrepreneur's success story. Out of curiosity and boredom, she decides to read through the article and to her greatest surprise and delight, it was about Jace. His hard work and determination were beginning to pay off as he is focused on making a name for himself in the business world. Lexa to her utmost delight reads through Jace's story, how he started a business from scratch, before going into car dealership. His story marvels and overwhelms Lexa as she reads through it with glimmers of hope and renewed strength to endure her current situation.
___________
Cameron's attitude towards Lexa escalates into abuse. He becomes physically violent, verbally abusing, leaving bruises and scars that Lexa tries to hide from the world. He locks her in the room over little arguments, hurting her physically. His manipulative tactics leaves her feeling trapped and powerless, her once vibrant and cheerful spirit overshadowed by fear and despair.
Cameron continues to isolate her further, restricting her access to communication and controlling her interactions with others, as Lexa's attempt to seek help are been thwarted at every turn, leaving her increasingly desperate for a way out of her nightmarish situations.
Admist the turmoil, Lexa finds brief moments of respite. She clings to memories of her time with Jace and draws strength from their love. These moments of clarity fuel her determination to break free from Cameron's control.
________
"Oh!, I'm really sorry, wasn't meant to do that...please let me help you out" Jace said after bumping into a lady at a mall as her shopping bags fell off her hands.
"It's...it's fine, no worries" Valerie replied as she bent over to grab her shopping bags that have fallen off.
"Val..Valerie, you look exactly the same, just like the pictures..your Valerie.. Right?" Jace blurted out almost immediately as he removed his sunglasses in shock.
"Excuse you...what pictures?" Valerie asked in total confusion.
"I'm really sorry once again, excuse my manners. Are you Valerie? A friend to Lexa..Lexa Raynolds?" Jace asked.
"Yes, how do you know her?" Valerie questioned again.
"Wow! A small world indeed. I'm Jace..Jace Anto...
"My gush! Your Jace...for real?, Goodness Gracious!! Lexa..Lexa talks a whole lot about you, in school, everywhere..she really can't keep shut about you." Valerie gushed.
"Oh my! Uhmm, if you've got time to spear, maybe we can talk a little, I really want to know how she's faring, that's if you don't mind" Jace replied as he went to a nearby coffee shop with Valerie who happened to be in Jace's city for her royal training.
------------
..."well...that's basically the crossed road I'm in right now" Jace concluded as he explained to Valerie everything about him and Lexa, and also his success story and his plans to get Lexa back.
"Who knows how she's dealing with all these, she really misses you, she has become a complete shadow of herself. I really don't know what to do anymore. I will help you, I promise. I really want that vibrant Lexa back again, she is stucked in an abusive marriage and everything is just falling apart for her. I will help you out, we have to set Lexa free before something dangerous happens to her" Valerie said as she gave her word to Jace to assist him get back Lexa. They exchange contacts as they promise to keep in touch and figure out a way to make Lexa and Jace meet once again.
__________
Valerie, who was back in the state for a break decided to visit Lexa in her matrimonial home while Cameron was away on a business trip for some weeks.
Valerie, bursted out the good news to Lexa about meeting Jace and his earnest desire to communicate with her and help her out of the turmoil she was facing with Cameron. Despite the risks, Lexa who's heart was gladdened after a long while spoke and corresponded with Jace as they exchange messages and occasional phone calls, each communication a lifeline in the midst of their seperate struggles.
With due preparations, Jace returned back to the state briefly as he intends to meet with Lexa while Cameron was still on his trip. Going back to the apartment where he lived and met Lexa for the first time, memories came rushing back, the first day they met and talked, the first kiss they shared in this house, their first date. He smiled as he cherished those memories and the plans which brought him back to the state. Having known the sufferings and turmoils Lexa is going through in the hands of Cameron, the man her parents forced her to marry due to social standings. He longed for the time he will get to see Lexa again, remembering the memories they both shared together.
After learning that Jace was in town, Valerie who was bent on rescuing Lexa from her sufferings visited her with an excuse of taking her for shopping. Due to Lexa's restrictions, Cameron had to be contacted to give his instructions before Lexa could leave the house due to his securities.
______
"Is Jace in town already" Lexa asked with a beam of smile.
"Yes girlie, I didn't want Cameron's securities to spy on us, exactly why I refused his gesture for us taking his car and driver and insisted on us taking my car darling" Valerie replied.
Jace met Lexa and Valerie at the cafe where they had their first date. Lexa couldn't help but jump on Jace the moment they met, as tears prickled down her eyes. Jace hugged her with so much passion, not wanting to let go. They hugged each other for a while before taking turns In wiping each other's tears.
After a few hours over coffee and pastries, they finalize her escape plan, meticulously mapping out each step to minimize risk and maximum success. They set a date and prepare for the dangerous journey ahead, knowing that their future together hangs in the balance. The risks are high but the prospect of freedom gives Lexa hope for a new beginning.
Lexa plans to run away with Valerie In a week time, with an excuse of School reunion in a different state before Cameron's arrival, which she hopes Cameron buys the idea and let's her go.
As the escape date approaches, tension mounts. Jace and Lexa braces themselves for the challenges ahead, drawing strength from their love and determination to overcome the obstacles in their paths.