Chapter 47

Chapter 47 (Eleanor’s POV)

Sunlight poured through a large, open window. It warmed my face gently, bringing me slowly back to consciousness.

My head felt heavy. My eyes struggled to open. When they finally did, I stared up at a ceiling I didn't recognize—high and elegant, decorated with delicate patterns of white and gold. My heart skipped uneasily.

Where was I?

I shifted slightly, wincing at the ache spreading through my body. It took another moment for memories to seep back—fuzzy, distorted images of the crash, the chase through the woods, and Alex…

I jolted upright, heart hammering painfully against my ribs. "Alex," I whispered desperately.

"Easy." Rick's gentle voice came from nearby, soft and reassuring. "You're safe now, Nell."

I turned quickly, my breath catching sharply in my throat. Rick was sitting calmly in a plush armchair beside the bed. He was watching me closely, his eyes filled with worry.

"Where am I?" I asked, my voice sounding weak, raspy. "What happened?"

Rick leaned forward slowly, careful not to startle me. "You're at my place. My mansion. You passed out after the crash, Nell. You've been asleep for hours."

"Hours?" I echoed softly, struggling to process his words. "The woods… the men chasing me… Alex—"

Rick shook his head slowly, his expression softening further. "You never left the car, Nell. The crash knocked you unconscious immediately. Everything after that was just a dream."

I stared at him, my confusion growing. "A dream?"

He nodded gently. "You’ve been mumbling in your sleep, something about Alex and someone chasing you. You’re safe now. No one chased you into the woods."

My shoulders relaxed a little as the reality sank in. Just a dream. But it had felt so real.

"Rick," I whispered slowly, looking around the luxurious room again. "Why did you bring me here? Why not just take me home?"

Rick hesitated, glancing away briefly. "Because I wasn’t sure if home was safe. After everything you've told me, I didn't want to take any chances."

I frowned softly. "What about my family? Lena? They'll be worried."

Rick offered a small, reassuring smile. "I already spoke to your mom. Told her you’d stay over because we had an accident. She knows you’re okay, just resting. Lena knows too."

I exhaled slowly, relief easing some of my tension. But suspicion still lingered deep inside. "You told them I was here?"

"Not exactly," he admitted carefully. "I told them you're safe and resting. No details. It’s better that way for now."

I nodded slowly, not fully convinced, but my mind was too foggy to press further. My gaze drifted around the room again, taking in the elegance, the lavish furnishings, and the sheer size of everything. "I didn’t realize you lived in such a place."

Rick chuckled softly, relaxing slightly. "Yeah. Comes with the family name. It’s more than I ever really needed, but it's safe here."

My gaze fixed back on him, curious. "Who exactly are you, Rick? How can you afford all this?"

He smiled faintly, almost sadly. "Family money. My dad left me everything. Businesses, investments, connections. I didn't earn any of it myself."

"Your dad?" I echoed quietly. "You never talked about him."

Rick’s expression darkened briefly, but he masked it quickly. "Not much to say. He was powerful, influential. Not exactly kind. But he's gone now."

I felt a strange pang of sympathy. Rick had always seemed so normal, so relatable. But now, seeing him in this enormous mansion, I realized I barely knew anything about him at all.

Rick stood slowly, adjusting the blankets around me carefully. "You should rest. You're still weak."

"I can't just stay here forever," I protested weakly, even as my eyelids grew heavy again.

"Not forever," Rick assured me softly. "Just until we figure things out."

Before I could argue, exhaustion pulled me under once more, dragging me into deep, restless sleep.

\---

When I woke again, the sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the room. I sat up slowly, feeling clearer this time, more grounded in reality.

I needed answers. Real answers.

I swung my legs carefully over the side of the bed, my feet sinking into thick, plush carpet. The room spun slightly, but I steadied myself quickly.

A phone sat on the bedside table. Rick’s phone. I reached for it hesitantly, glancing nervously toward the closed door. He trusted me, or he wouldn't have left it here.

I dialed Lena's number, holding my breath until she answered on the second ring.

"Nell?" Lena’s voice was frantic, relieved, desperate all at once. "Are you okay? Where are you?"

"I'm fine," I whispered quickly, my voice tight. "I'm with Rick. We had an accident, but I'm okay now."

"An accident? Nell, what's going on? You're not telling me everything," Lena said softly, her voice strained with worry.

"I can't explain right now," I admitted quietly, guilt heavy in my chest. "But please trust me. I'm safe, okay?"

Lena sighed deeply, frustration clear. "Fine. But I'm worried. You know you can tell me anything, right?"

"I know," I whispered softly, feeling a sharp ache in my chest. "I promise I'll explain everything soon."

After a few more reassurances, I hung up quickly, placing the phone carefully back where I'd found it.

I stood slowly, forcing myself to move. I needed to get a better sense of where I was, of what Rick was doing. Something about this place felt off.

The mansion was massive. Endless hallways, grand rooms filled with expensive art and furniture. But despite its luxury, it felt cold. Empty. Lonely.

I wandered slowly, following the faint sound of Rick’s voice as it echoed through the mansion. He was on a call, his voice lowered but tense.

I approached silently, my heart pounding as I stopped just outside the half-open door to a study.

Rick’s voice drifted clearly through the small gap.

"No, she doesn’t suspect anything yet," he was saying, frustration evident. "Yes, I have her here, safe and away from them."

My blood ran cold, dread pooling sharply in my stomach. My hands shook as I listened closer, holding my breath.

"I know," Rick continued, his voice quieter now. "But it’s risky. She's smart. She'll figure things out soon. We need to move carefully."

He paused for a moment, listening intently.

Then, after another heartbeat, he spoke again, his voice firm, controlled, chilling.

"I understand, Dr. Cross. I'll keep her here until you arrive."

My entire body froze at the name.

Dr. Evelyn Cross.

The scientist behind the experiment. The one person who might hold every secret about me, about Alex, about everything.

Rick was talking to her. He knew her.

And he was planning something.

My breathing quickened, panic surging through me like fire. I took an unsteady step backward, my mind racing desperately.

Rick wasn’t who he seemed. None of this was safe. It was a trap.

Just as I turned to flee, the floor creaked loudly beneath my foot.

Rick turned sharply, eyes narrowing instantly. "Nell?"

My heart stopped.

His eyes locked onto mine, realization dawning quickly across his face. His expression shifted, turning tense and guarded.

I took another shaky step backward. "Rick…"

He took a slow step toward me, hands raised carefully. "Listen, Nell, it's not what you—"

But I didn't wait for him to finish.

I turned and ran.