Chapter 004

Ava

A week passed since I was brought to his place. I counted all the days. Every single day I tried to find a way, but all the paths had been blocked. I wasn't allowed anywhere outside the mansion and all the guards left had their eyes on me.

It was suffocating. Same routine of eating, taking vitamins and sleeping all in isolation.

I couldn’t help but wonder if this was how the next nine months of my life would be.

No, I refused to stay here for that long. I wanted to live with my child, in a place full of life. My child deserved more than this.

I refused to give up hope. I was going to find my way out of here, but first, I had to confront Ethan.

The reminder of the man I once called my husband made anger surge inside me. He had ruined my life, was cheating on me and used me and my child for his gain. He was going to answer to everything m

And thereafter, I was going to take as many belongings as I could and run from this place. Even if it meant leaving the city, I would do it if it meant being away from this life.

I tensed as one of the maids stepped in but soon relaxed as I saw who it was. Emily, she was the one who constantly attended to me. For the past few weeks, I noticed her eyes sometimes on me full of compassion and sympathy. 

I couldn't get out of here on my own, but maybe just maybe…

“Please, help me get out of here,” I spoke low enough to make sure the guards outside wouldn't hear.

She turned to me in surprise but I persisted.

“I was forced to be here. I didn't want any of this. Please help me go back to my home. I can't stand this anymore.”

She frowned, and I saw the uncertainty on her face.

“I'm sorry, I can’t help you. Mr. Beckham instructed us to ensure you stay here,” she said.

“Please….. At  least, let me get some of my belongings from my home. I don't have anything I own here. After that, I'll return.” I lied. A part of me felt guilty for lying, but there was no other way.

I could see the moment the maid was contemplating everything.  “I’m sorry Mia, I really want to help you but I fear what Mr. Zayn will do to me” She said and turned to the door, when I spoke up.

“It’s fine, I understand but if you had a daughter and she was in my shoes wouldn’t you do something to help her?”.

She paused and I was sure I hit a nerve,  turning to face me with her eyes glinting with fear and sympathy, she spoke up, “The guards are changing shifts, so you'll have to be back before the next shift in an hour from now” 

“You can try but to escape through the servants quarters although I doubt it will be possible” She said her voice barely a whisper and my face lit up with a smile.

“Thank you so much” I said squealing in delight. 

“If you manage to escape, please promise you’ll be back before Mr. Zayn returns” She pleaded. Guilt bubbled up even more even though it was a lie. I sent a silent apology as she closed the door, leaving me alone.

~~~~~~~~

At exactly the said time, I moved, following the directions and instructions she had given me, all the maids and guards were on break and I finally reached the door.

Opening the door my heart raced as I saw the open street, with the mansion’s barrier surrounding it.

Finally, I was free.

Walking out, I took in the open air. I wanted to savor it, but there was no time to waste. Calling a taxi I drove all the way back to my apartment. The drive seemed to last for hours as you stared outside.

I was so close to freedom. First I had to meet Ethan and leave.

Once I reached the apartment building the anger and resentment that had bubbled over for the past week hit me in full force. I had let him off easy the day I left. He was going to pay for everything he'd done.

“Ethan !” I shouted stomping towards our apartment. Was he around or was he pretending not to hear me? Either way, I was going to make him feel my wrath.

Pulling the door open, I stormed in, ready to scream. The sight stopped me in my tracks.

What?

The entire apartment was completely trashed, desks and cabinets upturned, all the cutlery and dishes broken and splayed on the floor. It was as if it had gone through a hurricane.

All the fighting left me as I looked around. This had been my home for the past seven years. Seeing it like this sent a chill through me.

What happened?

My heart pounded as I looked into our bedroom. The place was the same, all my clothes strewn around some ripped, it made my insides cave in.

There was only one place that wasn't a mess; the bedside table and on top of it was a paper.

My legs felt like jelly as I walked towards it. Up close, I could see what it was.

A note..

‘By the time you see this I would have gone. Don't look for me and don't whine. You made your decision, and we were over a long time ago. I hope you like the additions I made to the place. Consider it my last gift to you.

—Ethan’

I dropped the note like it was hot coals.

He did this. He trashed this place out of spite. Looking around at the open broken wardrobe, there was no trace of his belongings. He left.

I couldn't hold back my tears this time. He had used me, in every way, before doing this and now you wouldn't even have the satisfaction to face him.

Was I blind? For seven years I didn't see his true nature.

I regret it. I regret everything.

I didn't know how long I remained crying before the tears waned. Wiping my eyes, I tried to put myself together when my door banged open.

Turning around in alarm, terror filled me as I saw the bodyguards standing at my doorway. They had found me.

How long has it been since I left? Spotting the sky I realized it was nearing evening, meaning that I'd been there for hours.

I had stayed away too long, and now they found me.

There was no way to run as they caught me and took me out of the building.

….

The sun was going down by the time we returned to the mansion. A cold chill filled me as I was forced out, pushed into the mansion.

Zayn stood at the entrance door, looking on coldly. True fear filled me, however, when I saw the maid who helped me, kneeling beside him. She was in tears, and it sent a pool of regret throwing me.

‘I’m sorry,’ I wanted to say. It was my fault that she was in this mess.

“Welcome back,” his voice was just as frosty as his attitude. I held back my trembling body as I was held back by the guards.

“Now that you're here, it's time to move on to punishment,” he said and my blood froze.

“No!” I screamed, struggling as her sobs grew louder.

“I'm the one at fault. I planned to escape. She doesn't know anything. Please let her go. She's not at fault.” I begged.

Surely, he couldn't do this. Punishing someone wasn't right.

“Nice try.” He smirked, before signalling his guards to carry her away.“Take her to be flogged. 10 lashes should be enough,” 

Tears spilled out as I looked at him. There was no sign of remorse in his features.

This was inhumane. He was a monster.

There was nothing I could do as the maid was dragged more tears slipped from my eyes.

This was my fault.

His footsteps forced me to look up to find him staring at me. Fear and anger trickled down my spine. What was he going to do to me now?

“This is what happens when you disobey my orders. I punished her because of you.  Now I hope you understand the cost of your selfishness.”

Anger surged in me. The man right in front of me, no matter how handsome or rich, was a monster. He had ‘bought’ my child, and taken away my freedom, and he dared to call me selfish.

“More security will be put on you. You won't be punished for this. You're lucky. The only reason you won't be punished is because you're carrying my ‘legacy’.”

That was my last straw. Without hesitation, I longed and spit on him, watching it land on his face.

The grip from the guards felt tighter as he froze in shock, but I wasn't done yet.

“You're nothing but an inhumane monster, talking about selfishness and legacy.” I spat out, “someone like you doesn’t deserve to be a father. My child isn't just a legacy and seeing you, I know he or she will be better off without knowing you.”

My words were harsh, but I couldn't care less.

“It makes me wonder if this was how your mother was treated during pregnancy, because tell me who locks a pregnant woman in a room all day. It’s messing with my head!”

I didn’t mean to bring up his mother but I was trying to understand why he was treating me like a vessel for his legacy?

His face darkened, his eyes blazing with anger and for a split moment I thought he was going to retaliate. I flinched back as he moved, but he only moved backwards, wiping the spit from his face before walking out of the mansion. 

I was pulled up and taken back into my room. As I was pushed inside I heard the door lock behind me. It was the last straw before I finally broke down, filled with more despair.