Chapter 17 Chapter Seventeen
Today is D-Day.
It’s the day I run — and make no mistake to look back to see who’s after me.
It’s the day I reclaim my freedom from the monster who seized it — with the help of his dearest sister.
Today is the day I leave this trap called marriage.
It’s happening. And I’m here for it.
I spray my body with water lilies from the can, unable to stop myself from grinning at my reflection in the mirror.
I can barely contain my excitement, Carmen fell for it.
My lies. My deceit. My manipulation. All of it.
Even though I feel guilty about taking advantage of her kindness, knowing I’m doing this for my own good — my own freedom and safety — I don’t let it dull the joy flooding through me now.
I’m finally getting out of this place and I'm never coming back.
Carmen doesn’t know it yet. But sooner or later, she will — he will too — after I’m long gone.
I already have it all planned out. It’s only a matter of one hour and a half now.
The door to my room creaks open after a gentle knock, and I let the smugness fade from my expression into genuine excitement.
I wouldn’t want Carmen catching even a hint of what I’ve planned. Being overly thrilled could raise her suspicion that I might have ulterior motives.
“Ready?” she asks.
I set the bottle down and rise from the chair, turning to face her. “Yeah, ready,” I reply, trying to sound as casual as possible.
Carmen nods approvingly.
“You look good,” she compliments, her blue eyes sweeping over my flowing cottage dress. I return the gesture.
“Not as good as you look.”
She huffs a chuckle and beckons for me to follow. I grab my purse and trail behind her as she leads us out of the room.
The ride to the Central Clothing Mall was an adventurous one, I’d admit. Carmen made it lively despite the presence of the two stoic, indifferent guards riding with us — Cole and Tory.
I have a feeling they’ll be a problem for my plan. But since I obviously can’t get rid of them, I think of ways I might throw them off my tail when we get there.
My chat with Carmen was warm and lovely — she’s so genuine. And I know I’ll definitely miss her after I’m gone.
But then again, it doesn’t matter.
This is about me reclaiming my freedom. My life basically.
After a solid hour on the road, we finally arrive at the Central Mall, situated at the heart of the city.
Our car halts before a tall glass building, the boutique’s name emblazoned across the rooftop in bold lettering.
“Come on, Liora,” Carmen nudges, pulling me from my thoughts.
I force a smile and nod, stepping out of the vehicle as she does.
Cole and Tory escort us closely as we enter the boutique, their presence making my heart skip from time to time.
I really don’t like the proximity. As it seems will I even be able to slip away from their sight?
I shake off the doubt, forcing my focus back on the bigger picture.
After we pass the security check, one of the boutique attendants promptly approaches and leads us to a private section where we can start browsing — as per Carmen’s usual preference.
As we walk, Carmen asks if there’s anything specific I have in mind, and I almost say ''escaping.'
But luckily, I don’t.
“I’d love to see a few summer dresses if you don’t mind,” I say politely.
She scoffs. “You’re a real fan of those, aren’t you?” Carmen teases.
“Yeah. I love that type of dress.” And truly, I do.
Carmen nods in approval, and we settle onto the couch reserved for clients while the salesperson goes to fetch our requests.
Cole and Tory stand at their designated spots — away from where we are settled, but nowhere out of sight.
Fuck. How am I going to do this?
Keeping my calm despite my racing pulse, I discreetly scan my surroundings, taking note of every possible escape route there is.
I refocus on Carmen when the salesperson returns with a pile of stunning dresses.
“Here you go, ma’am.”
I nod as she lays them on the table and begins explaining each item — brand, fabric, date of production — none of which I really give a fuck about.
Still, I pretend to listen.
When I eventually grow bored and tired of the tension clawing at me, I suddenly wince and stand from the couch, letting discomfort twist my expression.
“Please, can you show me to the restroom?” I ask the salesperson, deliberately not speaking with Carmen first.
Carmen looks up at me, concern etching her features. “Are you pressed?”
I nod. “Stomachache.”
“Is it…?” She raises her brows knowingly, and I nod again, catching what she means — even though it’s a lie.
Realizing, Carmen mutters, “Oh.” Then she urges the lady. “Please, kindly take her there.”
“Right away, miss.” The lady nods, setting the fabric down.
I give a grateful smile. “I’ll be right back,” I say to Carmen, and she nods affirmatively.
As I'm about to turn and follow the salesperson, I notice one of the guards moving toward me.
I stop and scowl, already knowing why. “Are you seriously going to follow me there too?” I ask, irritation lacing my tone.
He answers gruffly, “The boss said we shouldn’t let you out of our sight, ma’am…”
“Leave her alone, Cole. What’s wrong with you? She’s right here. It’s not like she’s trying to run away or something.”
I swallow subtly, quickly regaining my composure. “Yeah.”
Carmen waves a hand dismissively. “Go ahead, Liora. We’ll be waiting right here. Ask for me if you need me.”
I thank her with a small nod before following the salesperson, making sure Cole or Tory doesn’t trail behind.
Once I’ve taken a few steps and realize I’m out of their sight, I suddenly halt, drawing in a sharp breath before glancing around. The lady I'm following doesn’t seem to notice she’s left me behind, and I can’t say I’m not grateful for that.
Quickly scanning the store, I spot an exit leading to the main road.
My heart hammers as I swallow hard.
I don’t think much about it as I bend down, retrieve my heels from my feet and clutch them tight against my raised dress. Then I break into a run — sprinting toward the door like my life depends on it, because it actually does.
I’m barely out of the store when I hear one of the guards shouting after me, his voice echoing through the boutique. He’s ordering me to stop.
But I’d be crazy if I do that. It's now or never.
This is the moment I’ve been waiting for — for days, if not weeks. I’d be a fool to waste it.
Upon successfully sprinting to the exit, I shove the glass door, then dash into the street — forward and straight ahead onto the open road.
Footsteps thunder behind me, so close I can almost feel them. But I don’t look back.
I remember the one rule I made before coming here.
I don’t look back.
So I keep running until I hear Carmen’s voice.
“Liora!” she screams, panic cracking through her tone. “Liora, please! Please stop!”
In the heat of the moment, I mistakenly — mistakenly — turn my head around just so I'd glimpse her one last time. Or maybe it's her voice that compelled me to do it.
It’s a fleeting glance that lasts only a second — just a second — but it ends up costing me everything.
Upon realizing my mistake, I try to quickly correct it. But when I snap my gaze forward again, it’s already too late.
Too late to dodge the motorcycle speeding straight at me.
A strangled scream tears from my throat as it collides with me, sending me flying across the street. I crash onto the pavement, the back of my head hitting something cold on the hard floor.
No. The word escapes weakly as I lie paralyzed on the ground, feeling warmth trickling down my temple.
No.
No.
I wail these words in my head. But it’s already too late.
I screwed up. Big time.
The last thing I see before slipping into oblivion is the furious face of Cole, hovering over me.