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Chapter 12
"Hope is a cruel thing, whispering freedom when the cage is locked tight."
The warm water ran down Sophia's skin, washing away the lingering scent of Adrian, but not the feeling of him. She scrubbed harder, desperate to erase his touch, but no amount of soap or hot water could cleanse the filth she felt inside.
She gripped the edge of the marble tub, her breaths uneven. Tonight. It had to be tonight.
Adrian had left for work, just like he always did. She had watched him dress his black tailored suit fitting him perfectly, the crisp white shirt unbuttoned at the collar, revealing a hint of the dangerous man underneath. He had kissed her forehead before leaving, a silent warning in his dark eyes. Behave.
She wouldn't.
This was her chance.
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Dressed in a simple black dress and flats, Sophia moved carefully down the hallway, her heart pounding with each step. The mansion was eerily quiet, the air thick with the presence of unseen eyes.
She kept her head down as she passed the guards near the front door. Act normal. Don't run.
One of them eyed her. "Going somewhere, Mrs. DeLuca?"
She forced a small smile, clutching her stomach. "I… I just need some fresh air. I feel a little sick."
The guard hesitated, but Adrian had instructed them not to restrict her too much. After all, where could she go?
She stepped outside, inhaling the cold night air like it was her first breath in years. One step closer to freedom.
The gates loomed ahead—high, menacing, but not impossible. Her eyes darted to the side where a delivery truck was parked. The driver stood nearby, smoking, oblivious to her presence.
Now.
She dashed forward, her legs burning as she ran toward the truck. She barely had time to climb into the back before she heard a voice.
"Hey! Stop her!"
Her blood ran cold.
She threw herself deeper into the truck's dark interior, curling into the shadows. The doors slammed shut. Please drive. Please, please, please.
The engine roared to life. The truck jerked forward. She was moving. She was escaping.
Tears burned her eyes. For the first time in weeks, hope felt real.
---
She didn't know how long she stayed hidden. Minutes? Hours? Time blurred together.
When the truck finally stopped, she listened carefully before pushing the door open and slipping out. A city street. Crowds. Freedom.
Her heart raced as she hurried toward a familiar café. Liam. He would help her.
The bell above the door jingled as she stepped inside. The scent of coffee and pastries hit her, bringing back memories of a time when she was just a girl with dreams, not a prisoner in a gilded cage.
Liam turned, his eyes widening in shock. "Sophia?"
Her lips trembled. "I need your help."
He was by her side in an instant, gripping her shoulders. "What happened? You look—" His voice caught as he took in her pale face, her trembling hands.
She shook her head. "No time. Just—please, can you take me somewhere safe?"
Liam didn't hesitate. "Of course. Come with me."
Relief flooded her, making her knees weak. She had done it. She was free.
Then the door swung open.
And her world shattered.
A figure stepped inside, dressed in black, exuding danger.
Adrian.
Her breath left her in a choked gasp. No. No, no, no.
His gaze locked onto her, dark and unreadable. But she knew the storm beneath it. Rage. Betrayal. Possession.
Liam instinctively moved in front of her. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
Adrian didn't even glance at him. "Move."
"Not a chance."
Adrian sighed, almost bored, before snapping his fingers.
The next moment, two of his men seized Liam, twisting his arms behind his back.
Sophia screamed. "No! Let him go!"
Adrian stepped closer, his voice terrifyingly calm. "Did you really think you could run from me, little dove?"
Tears ran down her face. "Please, just let me go."
His fingers brushed her cheek, deceptively gentle. "I warned you."
Then he turned to his men. "Take them both."
Sophia's world went dark.