Eleanor stepped out of the mansion, feeling a sense of freedom she hadn't experienced in weeks. Liam had left for a business meeting, and she had managed to slip out of the house without being noticed.
She walked quickly, her heels clicking on the pavement as she made her way to the coffee shop on the other side of town. It was a risk, she knew, but she needed to get out of the mansion and clear her head.
As she walked, Eleanor felt a sense of unease. She knew Liam had eyes and ears everywhere, and she was taking a risk by leaving the mansion without his knowledge.
But she couldn't stay trapped forever. She needed to start taking control of her life, and that meant taking small risks like this.
Eleanor pushed open the door to the coffee shop, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She was safe, for the moment.
As she waited in line to order, Eleanor noticed a woman sitting in the corner, sipping a cup of coffee. There was something about the woman that caught Eleanor's attention, something that made her feel like they had a connection.
And then, as Eleanor was ordering her coffee, the woman caught her eye and smiled.
"Eleanor, right?" the woman asked, standing up and walking towards her.
Eleanor's instincts told her to be cautious, but there was something about the woman's warm smile that put her at ease.
"Yes, that's me," Eleanor replied, taking a seat across from the woman.
"My name is Ava," the woman said, extending a manicured hand. "We met at your wedding to Liam."
Eleanor's eyes widened as she shook Ava's hand. "You were one of the guests?"
Ava nodded. "I was Liam's secretary at the time. I helped plan the wedding."
Eleanor's mind was racing. Why was Ava talking to her?
"I'm surprised you're talking to me," Eleanor said, trying to sound casual. "Liam didn't exactly part ways with you on good terms."
Ava's expression turned bitter. "He fired me after the wedding. Said I was no longer needed."
Eleanor's ears perked up. "What really happened?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Ava hesitated, glancing around the coffee shop nervously. "Let's just say that Liam and I didn't see eye to eye. He's not an easy man to work for."
Eleanor nodded, feeling a sense of solidarity with Ava.
"So, what have you been up to since you left Liam's company?" Eleanor asked, trying to make small talk.
Ava launched into a lengthy story about her new job and her struggles to adjust to a new work environment. Eleanor listened politely, asking occasional questions to show her interest.
As they sipped their coffee, Ava asked Eleanor about her favorite hobbies. Eleanor talked about her love of reading and hiking, and Ava shared her own passion for painting.
The conversation meandered on, with neither woman seeming to notice the passage of time. They talked about everything and nothing, their conversation flowing easily.
At one point, Ava asked Eleanor about her favorite type of music. Eleanor thought for a moment before responding, and Ava launched into a lengthy story about her own favorite musician.
Eleanor listened patiently, nodding along as Ava talked. She was starting to feel a sense of comfort with Ava, a sense of connection that she hadn't felt in a long time.
As the afternoon wore on, Eleanor realized that she had been talking to Ava for hours. The coffee shop was starting to close, and Ava glanced at her watch.
"I'm so sorry, but I have to run," Ava said, gathering her things. "I have a meeting on the other side of town."
Eleanor stood up, feeling a sense of disappointment. She had enjoyed talking to Ava.
But then Ava turned to her and smiled. "Would you like to come with me? I could drop you back home afterwards."
Eleanor hesitated for a moment, but then nodded. She didn't want the conversation to end.
As they left the coffee shop together, Eleanor felt a sense of freedom she hadn't experienced in months.
Ava's car, a sleek black Sedan, was parked on the street outside. Ava unlocked the door and gestured for Eleanor to get in.
Eleanor slid into the passenger seat, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She was finally doing something for herself, something that didn't involve Liam.
As Ava pulled out of the parking space, Eleanor felt a sense of excitement. She was taking control of her life, and it felt amazing.
But as they drove through the city streets, Eleanor's sense of freedom was short-lived.
Ava was driving down a busy street, weaving in and out of traffic. Eleanor was chatting with her, enjoying the conversation, when Ava slammed on the brakes.
A pedestrian had stepped out into the crosswalk, directly in front of Ava's car. Ava swerved to avoid him, but it was too late.
The car skidded across the wet pavement, its tires screeching in protest. Eleanor felt a jolt of fear as the car careened out of control.
Ava's hands were gripping the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles white with tension. Eleanor saw her eyes darting back and forth, searching for a way to avoid the impending crash.
But it was too late. The car crashed into a lamppost, the impact throwing Eleanor forward. She felt a searing pain in her head and arm as she was thrown against the dashboard.
The accident happened in slow motion. Eleanor remembered feeling weightless, suspended in mid-air as the car spun out of control.
When the car finally came to a stop, Eleanor was disoriented. She looked over to see Ava shaken but unharmed.
Eleanor, however, was not so lucky. She had been sitting with her seatbelt undone, eager to escape Liam's grasp, and had been thrown forward during the accident.
As Ava rushed to her side, Eleanor realized she was injured. Her head was throbbing, and her left arm felt twisted at an awkward angle.
"Ava, I think I need to go to the hospital," Eleanor whispered, wincing in pain.
"Eleanor, oh my God, are you okay?" Ava was crying, her voice shaking with fear.
As Ava called 911, Eleanor's head began to spin. 'Would Liam find out about the accident? And what would happen to her now'
And then, just as the paramedics arrived, Eleanor saw a familiar face in the crowd.
But before she could process what was happening, everywhere went black.