erle

usual activity to me," I heard Mr. Fiore

wed with worry. Whatever was bein

sweet, comforting. For a moment, I wanted to stay in her arms, to forget everything. When she finally let go,

's bagged for himsel

smile. "Goo

mily." She practically radiated happiness

replied, my sm

excitement palpable. I couldn't help but wonder

she urged, taking m

thick, cold voic

to see

ily asked, he

nown to me," he

rking aroun

ound?" she shot back, clearly anno

r a cold glare t

edding will be sent here," Leon

d from mine. She picked up her bag and

l meet

didn't want the wedding, but escaping this mansion had

ented vanishing with her. The wedding wasn't what I

how started

nd"? I turned my attention back to him and found hi

air of shorts, something easy to run in. I paused for a moment, heart poun

ot missing chances. Then, I spotted a door to the garage. My heart raced as I noticed th

and he collected a package. I paid more at

rwhelmed with work and had little time to eat. But my

aimed as I ap

rriedly tucked the food away, caugh

I teased, a playfu

n't usually do this," h

eption, isn't it?" I replied,

nfronted him. This wasn't just a game; it was

eyes. The guard's face paled instantly, and I watched guilt and f

said quickly, the

oser, my pulse quickening. "I

yes. His posture stiffened as if preparin

t?" he asked, hi

minute. Not through the main gate. I

ng into his expression. His hand hove

less. "It's a surprise for Le

t sure I can help you with that ma'am

ugh every word felt like a gamble. "So am I. I'

about it. You help me, and you're the one

y. He was torn, I could see it. But fin

rt outside is rough

edged his warnin

ly, with a heavy sigh, he nod

ay, while I

a twisted trail of thorns a

traight," he said. "I

. My heart pounded in rhythm with my feet hitting the ground. I kept running, faster, harder, until I

le more" I t

hind me. I stopped, my blood freez

nar

ld and furious locked onto mine. The guard

guard whimpered. "She said... she

. And then, without a word, he raised his gun. I barely had tim

he guard's body crumpling to the ground. T

move. Could

guard. No questi

. Because of

cream but no

blurred my vision, my body trembling as I looked at the life

His grip on the gun was steady, unfli

rt with me," he said coldly, his voice a deadl