Chapter 10 THE ESCAPE
The door opened,Carson walked in and everything went silent.
Victoria positioned well on her chair, crossing her legs slowly, unsurprised. Fred’s face on the other end was full of confusion. He opened his mouth to speak but was so short of words.
Carson didn’t say anything at first. He just stood there, with hands in his pockets, looking around the room. His face didn't show anger but I'm sure he wouldn't leave without a fight.
His eyes finally turned to me. “You okay?”
I nodded in affirmation.
Victoria smirked. “Oh, how sweet. He came to check on you.”
Carson ignored her. He turned to Fred. “You. Stand up.”
Fred hesitated. “Listen, Carson, I—”
“I said, stand up.”
Fred slowly pushed back his chair and got to his feet. His hands were shaking slightly. “Look, I didn’t mean for things to—”
Carson cut him off. “You had one job, Fred.”
Fred’s face turned pale. “I—”
“You were supposed to make sure she was safe,” Carson continued, his voice calm but sharp. “And yet, here she is, sitting in front of Victoria like some kind of prisoner. Explain.”
Fred looked at me helplessly. “It’s not what it looks like—”
Victoria sighed loudly. “Oh, please. Can we skip the boring part?”
She stood up slowly, and faced Carson “Carson, I don’t know what you think you’re doing here, but I can assure you, it’s a waste of time.”
Carson finally turned to her. His face remained calm. “Let her go.”
Victoria chuckled. “Let her go? And why would I do that?”
Carson took a step forward. “Because this doesn’t concern you.”
Victoria shook her head. “Oh, but it does. You see, Carson, you made a mistake bringing her as your wife, I don't care if it's some sort of contract or not. And mistakes have consequences.”
Carson didn’t react. “You’re not touching her.”
Victoria sighed. “And if I refuse?”
The room went silent.
Victoria folded her arms. “Carson, you’re smart in fact smarter than most. So why are you pretending like you don’t see the bigger picture?”
Carson didn’t answer.
Victoria’s eyes looks toward me. “Do you really think she’s safe with you?”
“Safer than with you.”
Victoria laughed softly. “Oh, Carson. Sweet, naïve Carson.” She stepped closer, lowering her voice. “You think you can protect her forever?”
“I don’t think,” Carson said. “I know.”
“I mean I'm at least protecting her for my use, if she's to be harmed it should be from me, and not some wicked witch of a kind, step mother like you”.
Victoria couldn't utter a word for a long moment, then sighed. “Fine. Take her.”
I blinked. Just like that?
Fred looked just as confused. “Victoria—”
She held up her hand. “I said, let them go.”
Carson didn’t move immediately. He studied her carefully, as if waiting for a trick.
Victoria smirked. “Oh, relax. No hidden knives. No sudden attacks. I’m letting you go because I’m feeling generous.”
Carson didn’t look convinced, but he nodded. He turned to me and held out his hand. “Come on.”
I didn’t hesitate. I grabbed his hand, and we started toward the door.
But just as we reached it, Victoria spoke again—and her voice was softer, but colder.
“Run all you want, Carson,” she murmured. “But you can’t hide her forever.”
Carson didn’t stop walking. He didn’t turn back. He just pulled me along, stepping out into the cold night.
I didn’t dare look back.
Because deep down, I knew—this wasn’t over.
We stepped out into the cold night, my hand still in Carson’s grip. He was walking fast, his steps were so fast like he was trying to meet up with something urgently, but u couldn't meet up with it as I was so tired.
“Slow down,” I whispered, trying not to trip.
He didn’t stop. “We need to leave before she changes her mind.”
“She’s planning something,” I said, looking up at him.
Carson didn’t respond. He just kept walking.
I pulled my hand away from his grip. “Carson, I know you heard me.”
He finally stopped and turned around. “Of course, she’s planning something. Victoria never does anything without a reason.”
“Then why did she let us go?”
Carson ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “Because she knows something we don’t.”
I frowned. “Like what?”
He breathed out like he was already frustrated, shaking his head. “I don’t know yet.”
That didn’t make me feel any better.
I crossed my arms. “And what did you mean there? That you’re protecting me for your own use?”
He looked me straight in the eyes and said, “Exactly what it sounds like.”
I felt bad. “So, you’re not doing this because you care?”
He let out a mocking laugh. “Care? Don’t be ridiculous.”
A part of me wants to give him a deep bite on his neck, but I forced myself to stay calm. “Then why?”
“Because you’re useful to me.”
“Useful how?”I was very curious.
He winked. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
“You’re just like her,” I whispered.
“Don’t ever compare me to Victoria.”
“But you’re both using me.”
He took a step closer, lowering his voice. “Victoria wants to destroy you. I want to keep you alive. That’s the difference.”
I shook my head. “Only because you need me for something.”
Carson didn’t deny it. He just looked at me for a long moment, then said, “Come on. We need to keep moving.”
I didn’t move. “Where are we even going?”
He turned and started walking again. “Somewhere safe.”
Safe. That word didn’t mean much anymore.
But I had no choice. So, I followed him.
SOMEWHERE FAR AWAY…
Victoria sat back down in her chair, a small smile playing on her lips. Fred was still standing there, looking lost.
He cleared his throat. “You really let them go?”
Victoria picked up a glass of wine and played with it slowly. “Of course.”
Fred frowned. “But why?”
She took a small sip and placed the glass back down. “Because Carson thinks he’s in control.”
Fred’s eyebrows pulled together. “And he’s not?”
Victoria laughed softly. “Oh, Fred. You really think Carson is the smartest person in the room?”
Fred didn’t respond.
Victoria leaned forward slightly, her smile growing. “Let him have his little victory. Let him run.
But in the end…” She picked up a small knife from the table and twirled it between her fingers.
“…they always come back.”
We walked for a long time, the city lights faded behind us as we moved deeper into a more quiet area. I had no idea where we were going, and Carson wasn’t saying much.
After an hour or more , we finally stopped in front of a small house. It looked old but strong, hidden between tall trees.
Carson pulled out a key and unlocked the door. “Get in.”
I hesitated. “Whose house is this?”
“Mine,”He said.
“You have a house here”