The afternoon sun was warm on my skin as I bent over the flowerbed, planting lilies one by one. My hands were dirty, but my mind wandered. Trish. I hadn't heard from her in days, and worry had been gnawing at me. I was about to reach for my phone when it buzzed on the garden table. Trish's name flashed across the screen.
I quickly dusted my hands on my dress and picked up.
"Mara! How could you travel out of the country without telling me? I was at your house this morning, and Devon told me."
My mouth fell open. So that was the lie my family fed her. Too ashamed to admit they had traded me off as debt settlement.
"I'm so sorry, Trish. I promise I'll explain when we see each other, okay?"
"You better do! And did you know Darcy's back? I saw her!"
My heart lurched. Darcy. The only one in my family who ever treated me like I mattered. If she'd been around, she never would've let any of this happen. Maybe I wouldn't be counting down to a wedding I didn't want.
Two days. That was all I had left.
"I had no idea," I whispered. "Can I ask you for something, Trish?"
"Sure. You know I'm here."
"I'm supposed to return today… Do you think I can stay at yours for a bit?"
My plan was simple. Leave at midnight and head straight for Trish's place.
"Of course, Mara. As long as you promise to tell me what the hell is going on."
Relief flickered in me. Before I could answer, I spotted Selene walking toward me. "I will. I have to go now. Bye!"
Selene's eyes fell on the flowerbed, and she smiled. "Mrs. Voss, you really are good at this. The flowers look beautiful."
"Thank you, Selene." My own smile came easier when I noticed she was wearing the shoes I'd picked out for her.
"Of course. The fashion designer is here. Your dress has arrived."
"Oh, let's go then." I picked up my phone and followed her inside.
Blair Lawson was waiting on the couch, a garment bag by her side. Two women in neat black uniforms sat nearby, Aurum stitched in gold across their chests. Blair rose as soon as she saw me, her smile bright.
"Mrs. Voss. Your dress is ready. It just needs a little fitting."
"Okay, let's go to my room. Selene, come."
Upstairs, I showered quickly and changed, then let them slip me into the dress. It hugged me perfectly, but Blair insisted it still needed small adjustments and a touch of embellishment. I bit my tongue instead of arguing—what did it matter? I wasn't planning to wear it anyway.
"I'll have it back first thing tomorrow morning," Blair promised.
"Please make sure everything is done. There isn't much time left," I said firmly, like I actually cared.
I deserved an Oscar for how well I pretended.
"Definitely. I would never let you or Mr. Voss down. Girls, pack the dress."
Once they left, Selene scooped up my discarded cotton dress for the laundry, then quietly excused herself.
I decided to go back outside to continue planting—anything to pass the time. I changed into black pants and a loose round-neck shirt. Casual, but perfect for gardening. On my way down the stairs, I almost collided with Daniel. His brows lifted slightly as his gaze lingered on my outfit. I realized he'd never seen me in anything casual before.
"I'm planting flowers in the garden," I said quickly, before he could question me. "Do you want to see?"
"No. Carry on." His voice was clipped, his face unreadable, as he walked away.
I returned to the garden, my hands working the soil until the sky darkened. I admired my work one last time before turning to leave.
The perfect goodbye present for Daniel.
By the time I went inside, my clothes were filthy with mud. After showering, I wore a lilac chemise, slipped a lilac robe over it and went down for dinner.
Daniel's eyes met mine the moment I entered. This time, surprise flickered openly across his face before he masked it. He cleared his throat and drained a glass of water in one long swallow.
"Good evening," I said softly, smiling.
He only nodded, already turning to his plate.
Dinner passed quietly, but my mind raced heavily with thoughts. I was going to leave soon.
Hours later, in my room, the clock struck midnight. My decision was made. I peeled off the robe and slipped into a long-sleeved black dress. I tied a sweater around my waist, then packed essentials into a small travel bag.
Once I was done I looked out from the balcony—the estate lay still, no one in sight. The silence pressed in, and with my heart racing, even the faint rustle of leaves sounded too loud.
I thought of calling Trish to come get me, but pushed it aside quickly. Dragging her out at midnight was unfair. Better to make it there on my own. Once I was outside, I could grab a taxi straight to her place.
I tiptoed out of my room quietly, shoes in one hand and bag in the other.
It seemed easier than I had imagined. Many times I played the scene in my head—I imagined myself running into someone, or opening the door too loudly, or realizing the door had been locked. But none of that happened. I successfully made it outside without any obstacles.
At the far back of the estate, I stopped. The fence here wasn't as high, a tree stretching close enough to give me a chance.
My heart raced. I realized the bag would be a problem, so I looped the sweater around the bag and knotted it tight against me. The weight dragged at my side as I reached for the trunk, the bark biting into my palms. Stay calm, I told myself. Step by step, it'll be fine. I was nearly at the branch when my foot slid off the trunk.
I lost my grip. The branch slipped out of reach and I slammed to the ground with a sickening thud. Pain shot through my ankle. I gasped and bit down hard on my lip to keep from screaming. My knee throbbed, grazed and burning.
Gritting my teeth, I clutched at the tree root, trying to push myself up. A harsh beam of light cut across the darkness, blinding me. I froze, heart pounding in my throat. Then came the voice, low and unmistakable.
"Mara?"