Seven: The Escape Plan

It was 9 in the morning and Greyson hasn't come back to this room since he left. Then I heard a soft knock on the door. Someone opened it and walked in. I turned My around and saw Karen.

"Good morning, miss." She said, smiling. I could tell that she was a bit shocked, seeing my puffy face. "Uhm, Mr. Grant is busy with work today. But he ordered me to take you to go shopping today since you don't have any clothes here."

I was about to refuse, but I realised that this would be a great chance for me to get away from that psycho. Probably my one and only chance of escaping.

I can finally be free. I turned to face Karen and gave her a small smile.

"This is the outfit that I got for you to wear today. But i'm afraid it won't suit your style." She said, handing me a pink shopping bag. 

"It's okay. I bet it's better than the robe that I'm wearing right now." I joked. "Thank you."

"Yes, miss. I will be waiting outside this room for you. Just tell me if you need any help." 

I nodded and she closed the door. I quickly changed to the dress Karen gave me. It was a white dress that fell just below my knees. 

There were also undergarments and sneakers which I really appreciated. I honestly feel really thankful she didn't get high heels for me. I need something comfortable to run in, right?

I walked out of the room and Karen was just standing there waiting for me. We walked into the elevator and Karen pressed "10". 

"Wait, are we going to Greyson's office?" I asked quickly. Hell no!

"Yes miss. Mr. Grant would like to talk to you before we go." She answered politely.

The elevator door opened. I followed behind Karen nervously. I don't want to see him. He scared the hell out of me earlier. And technically, I am still mad at him and I always will be.

Karen opened the door to Greyson's office for me. I walked into his office and the door closed from the outside, leaving me and him alone.

He was talking on the phone and he saw me.

"I'll call you later." He said to the phone and closed it. "Come here!" He commanded softly.

I walked closer to his table slowly and stopped about 4 steps away from it. I refused to make any eye contact with this monster.

"I hope by letting you go and get some new clothes will calm your mind a little." He said.

I just stayed quiet and looking down at my feet. "Look at me when i'm talking to you." His voice is low but commanding. I obeyed him only because i won’t have to see him anymore after this. "We're going to talk about it again when you came back and I look for your good behaviour."

I looked down again knowing that I won't be returning. I will do anything in order to get away from this monster. I didn’t have things planned out but so much i could do to prepare for my escape inside this building anyway. I figures i just have to run for it.

"Am I understood?"

I simply nodded. 

He sighed. "You may leave."

I walked to the door and looked back once again before walking out. Greyson was still watching me from his seat.

I and Karen got into the elevator again and went down. This time, it was not Alfred who was waiting by the car.

"Good morning, miss. I'm Henry and i'll be your driver today." He introduced.

"I'm Bambi. It's nice to meet you, Henry." Then he opened the car door for me. I got into the back seat and Karen sat on the front seat next to Henry.

He started the car. It took about one and a half hours to finally get to the destination. I got out of the car and saw this huge mall in front of me. But I see noone there. Just some workers in uniforms.

"Why is it so deserted her? Is it always like this in the signature?" I asked as we walked into the building.

"No, this is usually one of the most crowded spots in the signature. This place actually belongs to our company. Mr. Grant specially closed down this mall for the public today, so you can get the best shopping experience here." She informed me.

I chuckled. "Shut up! Tell me you're joking!"

"I'm afraid I'm not joking miss."

Wow that was pretty cool but it’s gonna be harder to escape from Karen with little to no distraction.

We walked around the mall and bought bunch of stuff. This is like the 15th shop we visited. Karen was paying my stuff with the card from Greyson. For once, She was pretty distracted. I decided to start my attempt of running away.

"Karen, I'm gonna look at that dress for a while okay?"

"Just a moment missed. I'm coming with you."

"No, it's okay. It's just like 10 steps away from you." I tried to brush her off as i waved my hand, pi

"Okay, miss. I'll be here paying for your clothes."

I nodded and walked away slowly and called out to one of the workers.

"Excuse me.. do you have this in black?" I asked one of the shop assistants. I raised my voice volume, making sure that Karen hears me.

"Yes we do miss. Let me take it for you." I hold that girl's hand and put my index finger over my lips telling him to keep quiet.

"Please help me." I whispered. "I've been kidnapped. Please help me run away." I was literally begging her.

Her eyes are wide open. She turned pale, but nodded. "We have a back door for workers only." She whispered back to me. I suddenly felt bad for her realising she will get in trouble for helping me. But this is my one and only chance of escaping.

"Thank you.. thank you so much!" I whispered, still holding her hand tightly. She walked me to a door just a few steps away from where we were standing. I quickly got in after making sure that Karen doesn’t have her eyes on me at the moment.

"Just go straight and you will see an elevator. Go to the basement floor and there's an exit." She instructed quickly before closing the door.

Im literally running, knowing that i don't have much time. I got into the elevator and go to the basement floor just like i was instructed. 

The elevator opened and now i'm in the basement floor. I'm running towards the exit and keep running until i reach the road full of cars passing by. I’m pretty sure, Karen should've realised my absence by now.

I tried to stop any car but each time I failed. Until finally a red old car stopped. An old woman was driving.

"Can I help you young lady?" She asked from the window.

"Please help me. I've been kidnapped!" I explained quickly.

"oh my goodness.. get in quickly." She said unlocking the door. She doesn’t hesitate at all.

"Thank you." I quickly said and got into the car. She stepped on the gas and continued driving.

"Where do you want me to take you, my dear?" She asked, still looking towards the road. Her eyes are still full of rush.

"I-i don't know..." i still have a house in Tonko but what should i do there? It's too painful to stay there since my mom isn't there anymore.

"Do you have any place to go?"

"Not really."

"Oh my dear.. do you want to stay by my house for the night?" She asked nicely.

"Would that be okay?" I hesitated. I don't want to be a burden for anyone. But for now that would me the best option.

"Of course! I mean, I have lived alone ever since my husband died." She said,

"Oh I'm sorry."

"No it's okay, dear. By the way, im Helena." She replied.

"I'm Bambi." She smiled back at me.

She drove to a neighborhood and stopped in front of a beautiful small house.

I got out of the car and I feel like a heavy weight has been lifted from my shoulder.

"Come in." Helena unlocked the door and let me in. I saw her checking the surroundings before closing the door behind us.

"You have a pretty house." I said looking around.

"Thank you." She smiled. I followed behind her to the kitchen. "Would you like tea?"

"Yes, please." She poured me a glass of tea. My body is still filled with adrenaline.

"What happened to you exactly? Who kidnapped you dear?" She asked, genuinely looks worried for me.

"I-i was actually from Tonko. But they took me away from my house and murdered my mother. Then I was sold." I explained. Helena looked at me with her sad eyes.

"Oh, God. You’re one of them! Where did you stay while you're in the signature?" She questioned, sipping her tea. 

"I was living in a building that was owned by a guy called Greyson Grant." Just by saying his name gave me shivers.

"Greyson Grant? Do you mean the Greyson Grant? The son of James Grants?" Is he really an important person here?

"Uhm, I think so." I said then, taking a sip from my glass.

Helena looked very surprised by this information. But then she took another sip from her glass. "Oh dear, you look tired. Just go to the living room and rest. I'm gonna take a bath for a while, okay?" Then she went upstairs leaving me alone. I went to the living room and just lay myself on the sofa. Then I heard the doorbell ring.

"Helena, I think someone is here. Should I open the door?" I shouted. 

"Yes, please dear. I'll be down there in a minute."

I walked towards the front door and opened it. My heart dropped instantly.