The guard outside my door—a young man named Lionel with nervous eyes and a tendency to check his phone too often—actually smiles when he brings my lunch.
“Heard you’re ready to make things official,” he says, setting the tray on my table. “About time, if you ask me. Running around like a wild animal wasn’t doing you any favors.”
I bite my tongue and nod. “I suppose you’re right.”
“Mr. Moretti’s a good man to work for. He treats his people well, as long as they’re loyal.” He adjusts his gun holster with obvious pride. “You’ll be happy here once you settle in.”
When the door opens an hour later, I’m ready. I’ve brushed my hair, changed into a modest dress, and practiced my defeated expression in the mirror.
But it’s not just David Roth who enters.
Alaric walks in behind him, and my breath catches. My heart hammers against my ribs as he fills the space with his presence. This is the first time I’ve seen him since we left his jet two nights ago.
“Miss Vale,” David says, taking the chair across from my bed. Alaric remains standing by the door, arms crossed, those greeneyes fixed on me with an intensity that makes my skin burn. “I understand you’d like to discuss the will.”
“And,” Alaric begins, his tone like ice cracking under pressure, “I sincerely hope you’re not playing games. Because if this is another one of your little stunts…it won’t end well for you.”
“I want to understand my options,” I say to David, ignoring Alaric. “Or if I even have any.”
“The terms are straightforward. Marriage to Mr. Moretti within thirty days, after which you’ll inherit everything Dante left behind. His properties, his accounts, his business interests.”
David’s weathered face is neutral. “In return, you’ll have the protection of the Moretti name and the security of the family, but if you refuse, then you forfeit everything and remain a target for Dante’s enemies. Without protection.”
He leans forward slightly. “I won’t lie to you, miss. There are people who would hurt you for what they think you know.”
I let the silence stretch, then nod slowly. “I’d like to walk in the gardens. To think. Would that be possible?”
Alaric and David exchange a look.
“I think that can be arranged,” David says. “You seem to have found some peace with your situation.”
“Don’t do anything stupid out there,” Alaric warns. “I’ll give my men orders to shoot if you so much as look at the gate wrong.”
I fight the urge to tell him exactly what he can do with his threats.
Instead, I let my eyes fill with tears, my voice breaking slightly. “I’m doing everything you want, aren’t I?” The tears spill over,streaming down my cheeks. “I just want some fresh air. I’m trying to…accept this.”
The performance works. David’s expression softens, and even Alaric’s jaw unclenches slightly.
The moment I’m given permission for supervised walks, I start planning my real escape.
The gardens are even more impressive up close in daylight—terraced flower beds, marble fountains, hedges sculpted into perfect geometric shapes.
But I’m not here for the scenery.
The service entrance is exactly where I thought it would be, tucked behind a grove of oak trees that block it from most of the main house. A simple gate with a card reader, just wide enough for delivery trucks.
I keep my eyes open while we walk. There’s a camera on that lamppost, another one by the fountain. The guard who usually stands by the main gate is chatting with one of the gardeners instead of watching. Everyone seems relaxed.
“This is beautiful,” I tell Lionel, gesturing to a particularly elaborate fountain. “How long have you worked here?”
“Three years,” he says, puffing up with pride. “Started in the mailroom, worked my way up to personal security.”
“It must be exciting work.”
“It has its moments.” He grins. “Better than my old job at the factory, that’s for sure.”
Back in my room, dinner arrives on a silver tray, and this time I force myself to clean my plate. Maria refills my water glass, a smile creasing her weathered face.
