Chapter 16 Chapter Sixteen
Carmen and I are already getting along pretty well. I think she likes me — a lot. Maybe I can use that knowledge to exploit our friendship and get her to help me escape — without her realizing, of course. I think to myself as I pace the length of my bedroom.
Then I halt in my steps and shake my head, uncertain if that’ll work.
I'm thinking too desperately at this point. I need to get my head straight and think of something solid.
Cause the more I delay, the worse it gets and the harder it becomes to escape. To escape him.
I can't. I seriously can't endure this anymore.
It’s been three days since that incident at breakfast. Also three days since I last saw Lorenzo—can’t say I’m not grateful for that. Carmen told me he went out of town for business again, but I suspect there’s more to the story than she let on.
She triggered something in him, and maybe he just left home to clear his head, and also urges to deal with his sister for mentioning a name she probably shouldn't have.
Cause after his outburst that morning, he still hasn’t returned home or called. He only calls the guards to check in on us. But Carmen told me he's not deliberately ignoring her calls; he's just busy with work. Yeah right.
Anyway, I honestly don't care about their shit.
I just believe this might be the only chance I have to escape before he comes back—whenever that may be.
Carmen’s been my only company lately, and over the past few days we’ve gotten to know more about each other. From what I’ve gathered about her so far, she’s a fashionista — crazily obsessed with shopping for new collections.
Well, how can I use this golden knowledge to my advantage? I wonder.
How can it help me with my plan to escape?
I ponder, pacing back and forth with tension in my chest, determination burning in my spirit, and a single mantra echoing in my mind:
'I need to run.'
I don't want to ever be a victim of that man’s rage. I still don’t know whose name triggered him the other day. Carmen didn’t bother to explain, even when I asked. She just told me to forget about it.
But how can I, after witnessing what happened at just the mention of said name?
Who is she?
I considered whether it might be the woman in the framed photo. But I remembered her name being Liana. Could Lia be her nickname?
Probably. Still, I have no confirmation — Carmen refuses to say anything about it since she doesn't want to upset her brother even worse.
Pausing in my pacing, I let my gaze drift to the window, watching the shining bulb lights spilling down the street, reigning over the darkness.
My thoughts roam my mind. But I'm still at a loss for a solution to my predicament, after a minute long of contemplating.
Just then, a knock sounds at my door. It snaps me out of my thoughts, and I turn just as Carmen steps in, holding a bowl of freshly made popcorn.
“Hey,” she greets warmly, and my eyes can’t help but sweep over her cartoon-character onesie. “Are you ready?”
“For?” I ask, completely clueless about what she means as my gaze returns to her.
She arches a brow, “Movie night, remember?”
Oh, right. She did mention at breakfast that we’d watch a movie together tonight.
Realizing, I sigh. “Sorry, I forgot.”
“It’s okay. Come on,” she urges with a playful wave, and I nod before following her out after grabbing a blanket.
We head to the movie room at the far end of the mansion. I can’t believe they actually have an in-house cinema. Crazy.
Anyway, we settle in quickly once we reach— just the two of us in the vast room with the large screen in front.
Carmen places the popcorn bowl between us and asks what genre I’d prefer. I tell her anything’s fine except horror and sci-fi, and she laughs.
She ends up picking a tragic romance I’ve seen about a billion times already: Titanic.
Halfway through the movie, Carmen’s completely absorbed — eyes glossy with emotions — and I can’t help but wonder if it’s her first time watching. I doubt it. Practically the whole world’s seen this movie by now since it was released ages ago.
So why is she reacting like this?
I end up asking, my tone laced with amusement, “Is this your first time watching it?”
Without looking away, she replies, “Nah, but it still gets me every time.”
I huff incredulously. Figured. She’s a drama queen.
We watch the rest in silence until the credits roll and the names of the cast flicker across the screen.
“Phew, that was a good one,” Carmen exhales, sinking back into her chair.
She has no idea about the turmoil brewing inside me all this while — or that I’ve been quietly plotting my next escape, intending to use her to make it happen.
She finally turns to me, and I force a smile to hide my true feelings.
“Did you enjoy it?”
I nod friendly, “Yeah… even though I’ve seen it countless times.”
She chuckles softly. “Still doesn’t take away the emotions it brings each time, huh?”
Doesn’t it now?
“I’d do anything to have a man like Jack,” she says dreamily, then sighs. “What about you, Liora?”
I shrug, and she laughs knowingly. “Nah, your fate’s already sealed. You’re tied to my brother — the emotionless prick. Sorry, Liora.”
Am I now?
This girl has no idea what’s really going through my mind. I can never be tied to her brother. That heartless monster.
I’ll run. I even intend to.
And I’ll be long gone before either of them realizes what’s happened. Tied to her brother, my ass.
I just need to think of something really fast.
As luck would have it — for once actually in my favor — Carmen says out of the blue, “I’m going shopping tomorrow. Want to come along?”
I suppress the rush of relief that surges through me at her offer, swallowing down my excitement as I prepare to answer — but then she beats me to it with a solemn tone.
“Oh, I just remembered—you can’t, Liora. Lorenzo would be upset if I took you out.”
I try to hide my eagerness but I don't know if I did a great job, “Please. I’d love to. I’m sick of being stuck inside all day.”
Carmen shakes her head, “I’d say yes, but I can’t."
"Why not?" I frown
"You know why." She points out, "How do I know you won’t do something that’ll make me regret my decision later?”
I frown. “Something like what?”
She shrugs. “I don’t know. But there’s a reason my brother said you’re not allowed to leave the house.”
I inhale sharply, meeting her gaze imploringly. “I promise, Carmen. I won’t do anything stupid. I’m actually starting to like it here so why would I do that?” I lie smoothly.
My naive friend’s eyes widen. “You are?”
I nod. “Yeah. Because of you. You make it easier to get through each day. I love how you’re so warm and welcoming.”
“Really?”
“Uh-huh." But I exhale with frustration, "But I seriously need some fresh air. He won’t let me step outside. I haven’t felt sunlight on my skin in days.”
She bites her lip, sympathy clouding her face.
I watch her closely —calculating— as she thinks. As she slowly falls into my trap.
“I get you, Liora. I completely understand. But if you can promise me you won’t—”
“I won’t,” I cut in quickly and she looks at me in the eye, "I won't make you regret it. I... Promise,"
"You promise." She pauses before a smile brightens her face. “Alright then. Let’s do it.”
My heart leaps with instant joy, and I can’t hide the grin spreading across my lips as she adds,
“Tomorrow, you and I are going shopping.”