Chapter 30 Chapter 31
Valerie's POV
The hospital room felt smaller now. It was as if the walls had leaned closer just to watch me suffocate.
I couldn’t lie still anymore.
The sheets scratched against my skin and the scent of antiseptic choking the air, reminded me that I was weak, monitored and contained.
My heart was hammering so hard as I pushed myself upright.
Every movement felt heavy, but I refused to stay in that bed another second.
If I stayed, I would break and I refused to let him win like that.
With my hands resting on my waist, I began pacing around as my mind raced faster than my body could keep up.
Think, Valerie. – I yelled in my head, digging my teeth into my bottom lips.
Luciano believed I had nowhere to go if he deleted Lauren's contact and that was exactly what he did.
The thought that he had the upper hand made anger flare in my chest like a match striking gasoline.
After pacing for a while, I stopped at the window, pulling the curtain aside.
The city sprawled beneath me, distant and unreachable. Even if I wanted to jump to my freedom, I would never survive it.
Standing there, a bitter laugh escaped me.
Of course he would put me somewhere impossible to escape.
Moments later, I turned toward the door. I had barely taken three steps before it swung open suddenly.
One of the guards leaned in, his massive frame blocking half the doorway.
“Everything okay, ma’am?” he asked, his eyes scanning me carefully.
Forcing a smile, I nodded once, “Just restless.” I mumbled.
He hesitated, clearly unconvinced, but eventually, he closed the door again.
My shoulders sagged as I returned to the bed. I give it to Luciano, he won this round.
Minutes later, just as I threw my legs over the bed again to resume pacing, the nurse entered pushing a trolley that held syringes and medication.
The sight of it made my stomach twist.
“Time for your dose,” she said gently.
“No,” I whispered instinctively, shaking my head.
“It will help you relax.” She cooed.
While she was speaking, all I saw was Luciano’s smile and that instant, something inside me snapped.
Before I could think twice, I moved. My hands grabbed her wrist, adrenaline drowning out hesitation.
Startled, she gasped but I didn't give her a chance to recover. I pushed harder than I thought I could, leading her away from the tray.
Her eyes widened in confusion then she went limp as I hit the side of her neck with my hand.
Shocked, I stared at her unconscious body.
Now sweating profusely, my breath was coming out in short bursts.
Oh God, oh God, what have I done? – I cried, darting my eyes around.
The moment my gaze landed on the door, I dragged her towards the bed, whispering apologies she couldn’t hear.
My fingers trembled as I stripped off my hospital gown and pulled on her uniform.
The fabric hung loosely on me but it worked.
To disguise myself, I wore her nose mask then shoved my hair under her cap all the while avoiding the mirror because I didn’t want to see who I had become.
By the time I got to the door, my heart was pounding so loudly I was sure the guards could hear it.
“Everything alright?” one of the guards asked, looking me over.
I lowered my head slightly, mimicking the tired posture I had seen nurses use.
“She needs rest,” I muttered, praying my voice didn’t betray me.
They exchanged a glance and for a second, I thought it was over.
“Hey…” the second guard was going to say something else but the beeping of the walkie talkie cut him off.
Run. – I yelled in my head.
My body moved before my brain caught up.
I slipped past them, forcing myself not to sprint until I turned the corner then I ran.
I kept running until I got to the nearest bathroom, locking the door behind me.
With shaky hands, I tore off the uniform and changed into the casual clothes I had seen on the wash hand basin.
It reeked of dirt as it was discarded but that was the least of my concern.
When I stepped out, I had my head bent to the ground as I scurried towards the door. This was my only chance of escape and I wasn't going to miss it for anything.
When I got to the entrance, the automatic doors slid open and cool air hit my face welcoming me into freedom.
On a cue, a taxi drove past and I waved frantically, climbing inside before it fully stopped.
“Where to?” the driver asked.
“Lauren’s place,” I blurted without a second thought, typing out the address on the dashboard screen.
“Are you okay?” The cabbie asked, looking over his shoulder.
“I am.” I bit out, looking over my shoulder again.
“You look…”
“Start the trip already.” I snapped, slamming my palm against the leather seat.
As the car pulled away, I glanced back at the hospital again, relief flooding through my chest only to be followed by dread.
I had no plan beyond Lauren. She was my last hope and my only chance to reclaim my freedom.
She would help me get my passport and help me disappear before Luciano realized I was gone.
The ride to Lauren's apartment felt endless.
Every passing car looked like a pursuit and every red light felt like betrayal.
When we finally arrived, I paid the driver with the cash I had pulled from the corner of the seat with shaking hands then rushed toward Lauren’s building.
The familiar hallway felt like a sanctuary. I knocked once, then opened the door without waiting for a response only to freeze.
Luciano was sitting in the living room like he owned it.
Lauren sat beside him, pale and trembling, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.
I could see fear radiating from her like heat.
My stomach dropped at the sight as beads of perspiration gathered on my forehead.
“Well,” Luciano said softly, rising to his feet. “Why are you out of the hospital?”
I barely heard him speak as my eyes were fixed on Lauren, searching for signs of harm.
“Please,” I whispered, stepping forward.
“Don’t hurt her. This has nothing to do with her, please.” I sniffed.
My voice cracked, humiliation burning my throat, but I didn’t care.
Lauren mattered more than my pride.
Luciano tilted his head, studying me as if I was a puzzle he had already solved.
“Why did you leave the hospital?” he asked instead, ignoring my plea completely.
Anger surged through me as my hands curled into fists at my sides.
Dragging in a deep breath, I closed my eyes tightly, trying to hold back the storm rising inside of me.
“Why?” he repeated with a calm voice.
Snapping my eyes open, I yelled, “Because you’re insane,” I snapped, my voice shaking.
Lauren shifted beside him, silent tears sliding down her cheeks. The sight made my chest ache.
“Answer me,” he said quietly. “Why did you run?”
Instead of giving him the answer he was demanding, I lifted my chin, allowing my anger to speak for me.
“You’re a freak.” I screeched.