Chapter 4

I don't know how much time passed, but eventually, someone dragged me out of the pool. I coughed up water and dirt onto the grass.

They threw me into a corner like a wet, stray dog.

Adrian grabbed my jaw, forcing me to look up at him.

"Elena Miller, when are you going to learn?"

"Life is much easier when you just behave."

I forced my eyes open, seeing nothing but deep disappointment and disgust in his gaze.

Without another word, he picked Lydia up in his arms and walked away.

The cold wind cut through my soaked dress. I knelt on the grass, shaking uncontrollably.

But the cold was nothing compared to the naked humiliation of being put on display like a circus animal.

I didn't understand. I had already agreed to let them go.

Why couldn't they just leave me alone?

Why did they have to use my mother's and my lives as props for their twisted love story?

My phone buzzed on the grass nearby.

I crawled toward it. It was the care home.

Ignoring the throbbing pain in my body, I answered quickly.

"I'm so sorry, I might be a little late with the payment this month—"

"Mrs. Miller, because the bills have been overdue for too long, the facility has stopped all medical services. Your mother..."

"She passed away. I am so sorry for your loss."

"What...?"

The phone slipped from my hand, clattering onto the ground.

The nurse on the other end was still talking about funeral arrangements, but I couldn't hear her.

Tears blinded my vision. I collapsed into a tight ball.

I reached out with trembling hands, searching the grass for a long time before my fingers finally found the phone.

With the last of my strength, I choked out one word: "Okay."

I got up, ignored the shouts of the pack guards, and ran out of the estate barefoot. I ran toward the hospital.

The wind roared in my ears, and my tears mixed with sweat, soaking my clothes.

The care home room was deathly quiet. There was only one bed left, covered in a large white sheet.

My mother lay there, all alone.

I stopped at the doorway, all the strength draining from my limbs.

I dragged my knees to her bedside and reached out to touch her pale, gentle face.

The moment my fingers met her cold skin, the reality finally hit me.

She was gone.

I collapsed onto the floor, the grief tearing through me like a physical blade.

*I’m so sorry, Mom. I’m too late.*

*I let you die all alone in this horrible place.*

*I’m a terrible daughter, aren't I?*

The wind blew through the open window, making the curtains rustle softly.

I leaned against the wall, slowly pushing my broken body up.

My hands hurt, my face burned, and my heart was numb.

But my head felt incredibly light. The breeze felt like a heavy weight being lifted from my shoulders.

Like a puppet on strings, I climbed up onto the window sill.

Down below, I saw Adrian carefully applying ointment to Lydia's cheek.

But my heart didn't hurt anymore. There was nothing left.

The golden sunlight filled the room. I remembered how much my mother loved freedom.

Suddenly, everything made sense.

I grabbed the lighter from the nightstand and threw the flame onto the heavy curtains.

*Mom, I’m coming with you.*