The morning sunlight filtered through the windows, warm and insistent. I turned over, pulling the sheets over my head, but the soft knock at my door snapped me awake. Sleep evaporated instantly.
I got up and opened the door. Selene stood there, polite as always. I remembered we were supposed to be heading out together today and took the opportunity to inform her.
"We're going shopping together after breakfast," I told her, turning back to straighten the sheets.
"Okay, Mrs. Voss. I came to ask what you would like for breakfast."
"What is Daniel having?" I asked without thinking.
Selene always asked me what I wanted for breakfast. For a moment, I thought of making her a list of my favorites and dislikes but then remembered I wouldn't be here much longer. It felt pointless. Giving her specifics each morning would have to be enough.
After a little while, Selene brought my breakfast up to my room. Ever since I'd arrived, I'd been eating alone here.
When I was done, I showered and dressed. I chose a vibrant red satin midi dress with a sweetheart neckline and delicate lace cap sleeves, pairing it with nude heels and a matching bag.
Once ready, I went to Daniel's room and knocked. No answer.
One of the new staff passed by and paused. "Good morning, Mrs. Voss. He's in his study."
"Thanks… uh, Miranda." I hesitated, trying to remember her name. Selene had told me the two new staff were named Miranda and Grace, but I still wasn't sure which was which.
"Grace," she corrected with a smile before walking off.
I hesitated at the study door, his warning from last night echoing in my head. Then I knocked anyway.
"It's Mara. I need to talk to you." I pressed myself slightly closer, listening for movement inside.
His voice came through, deep and steady. "Come in."
The study smelled faintly of leather and polished wood, lined with shelves of books that looked more decorative than read. Daniel sat behind the desk, bent over a folder. His pen moved with sharp, decisive strokes, his jaw tight in concentration. The late morning light cut across his profile, highlighting the harsh line of his cheekbone. He looked almost sculpted there.
I shook my head lightly.
I shouldn't be looking at him like that.
"Sit," he said without glancing up.
I lowered myself stiffly into the chair opposite his desk, forcing my eyes away. He finished his notes, tapped the pen once against the page, and closed the folder. Then he lifted his eyes to me.
"What brings you here?" he asked, brows raised.
Straight to business. No greeting.
"Good morning. I came to ask if it's okay to leave with Selene now. We're supposed to head out today."
He leaned back slightly, fingers brushing the edge of the folder. "I forgot about that. Larry's out on an errand. You'll have to wait till he gets back."
"I don't think I can wait. Will you drive me?" I asked, testing him.
My heart skipped a beat at my own boldness. I was definitely pushing it.
His gaze sharpened, lingering on me a moment too long. Then he said, "I'll drive you. I have a couple of things to pick up too. Just give me a few minutes."
I blinked, startled. I hadn't expected him to agree.
"Thank you!" I chirped, feigning excitement before standing quickly and leaving the room.
A few minutes later, he entered the living room. He wore brown pants and a crisp white short-sleeve button-down that hugged his frame without effort. The fabric stretched faintly across his shoulders, and the cut exposed his toned arms. My throat went dry before I forced myself to look away.
At twenty-five, I'd never had a real relationship. I was still a virgin who hadn't even had her first kiss. My stepbrother had made sure of that. Wicked games, cruel interference, driving away anyone who dared show interest in me.
"Selene! Let's go now," I called, facing the door.
He looked good, yes—but not enough to distract me.
Outside, I sat in the front seat while Selene stayed in the back. Daniel Voss driving me to shop felt surreal. I'd expected him to refuse angrily, yet here we were.
Maybe my pretense was actually working.
He pulled up to Bijou Élité, and a valet rushed forward. Selene trailed behind us, trying to carry my bag. I refused, but she insisted until finally giving up. She was slowly growing on me. I knew I would miss her dearly once I left.
Inside, the boutique radiated luxury. Sleek glass cases, polished marble floors, and the soft glow of crystal chandeliers created a space that felt like another world. The faint scent of leather mixed with soft background music, making it perfect.
The shoe section was dazzling. Styles ranging from bold and modern to classic and understated. Nearby, jewelry glinted under the glass, arranged in meticulous rows.
Daniel sat down on one of the leather chairs near the entrance, stretching one arm along the backrest, his posture controlled, expression unreadable. I tugged Selene along and began scanning the displays. Occasionally, my eyes drifted back to Daniel. His poker face was intact, but he didn't look irritated, just watchful.
"How about this one?" Selene pointed to a pair of silver heels covered in glitter, a neat bow adorning each. They sparkled like they belonged in a fairy tale.
My eyes flicked to the price tag, and I hesitated. "No, it doesn't look that nice."
"It is, Mrs. Voss. Take it," she urged.
I agreed silently. If Daniel complained, I'd pay for it myself. After my father had handed me over to Daniel, he'd cut off my access to family funds. All I had left was what I'd saved to start my own business.
"We're getting you these ones." I picked up a pair of black flats like the ones she always wore.
She opened her mouth, but I didn't wait to hear it. I walked back to Daniel.
"Are you done?" he asked, his fingers drumming once against the armrest.
"Yes, and I got these for Selene. I hope you don't mind," I said brightly.
He didn't respond, just stood, paid, and walked out.
We visited a few other places where he picked up his things before finally heading home.
Back at the house, Daniel disappeared into his room while I wandered through the hallways, my heels echoing softly on the marble floors. I'd never explored the grounds fully. Today felt like the right time.
At the far back of the estate, behind a row of manicured hedges, I found it: a section of fence not as high as the rest, shielded by tall trees whose branches arched low enough to reach. It was tucked away, almost hidden.
Perfect.
I brushed my fingers over the rough bark of a nearby tree, mentally calculating. I could climb it and jump over if I had to.
Walking back towards the house, a small, satisfied smirk tugged at my lips.
I'd finally found my escape.