Chapter 6

ZARA'S POV

The next day came with a sense of urgency. Every minute felt like a countdown to freedom. I had packed a small bag with just my essentials and hid it at the back of my closet.

It was getting closer to the time for the party. Mrs Adler had informed me that Kai was already on his flight back to Berlin. It was just a two-hour flight, and he would be here soon.

Mrs Adler had outdone herself with the party and gone all out for the celebration, and I was just another accessory to display.

Madam Tess brought in the dress Mrs Adler had selected for me. It was a stunning emerald green gown that clung to my body in all the right places. The dress symbolized everything I despised about my life here, beautiful on the outside but a cave of thorns inside.

“Let me help you with this dear,” Madam Tess said, her voice gentle.

“Thank you,” I replied, forcing a smile.

As she helped me with the dress, my mind was elsewhere, focused on my escape plan and the perfect timing to sneak out of there before Kai arrived.

By the time I was ready, the house had transformed into a grand venue for the celebration. The tables were decorated with elegant floral arrangements, and the aroma of gourmet food coming from the kitchen filled the whole house.

Guests began to arrive and their laughter and chattering filled the air. At 18:00, the party was in full swing. Mrs Adler, dressed in an opulent gown, greeted the guest with a warm smile. My father and Lena arrived too, mingling with the other guests.

I spotted my father deep in conversation with some business associates and Lena charmed everyone with beauty and elegance.

I received a text from Liam. ‘I'm here. Waiting outside by the back gate. Come outside when you're ready.’ My heart skipped a beat and I took a deep breath. It was time.

I made my way through the house, greeting all the guests and smiling politely.

“Zara,” Mrs Adler called from behind. “You look stunning, Kai won't be able to take his eyes off you when he sees you.”

I forced a smile. “Thank you.”

“You guys' marriage had been done without a proper celebration because of the circumstances but this party would make up for it,” She started. “Your marriage would officially be announced to the world.”

Her words sounded like I was being sentenced to life imprisonment. ‘My life will be over if I'm announced as Kai Adler's wife, I would never be able to escape from him,’ I thought silently.

“I need to use the restroom,” I said. “Excuse me.” maintaining a forced smile the whole time.

It was time to make my move, Kai would arrive any moment from now. I excused myself quietly from the party, went to my room, changed into something comfortable and grabbed my bag.

My heart pounded as I slipped away from the house through the back door and made my way to the back gate. I moved quickly but quietly, making sure no one saw me.

Finally reaching the back gate, my hands trembled as I opened it quietly and stepped outside. Liam was waiting by the car, his tall, athletic frame leaning against it casually. His fine, dirty blond hair caught the fading sunlight, and his cool blue eyes lit up as he saw me.

He looked just as I remembered, handsome, with a charming smile that could melt anyone's heart.

‘Zara,” he said, pulling me into a tight embrace. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“I've missed you too,” I whispered, tears pricking at my eyes. We kissed, and for a moment everything else faded away.

“We need to go,” Liam said, his voice gently but urgent.

I nodded. Getting into the car, Liam took the wheel and drove. Leaving the mansion and my miserable life behind.

As the car sped down the quiet street, I felt a mix of fear and ecstasy. I glanced back at the mansion one last time, knowing I was leaving behind the nightmare that had consumed my life. I switched off my phone to avoid phone calls when they finally realized I was gone.

“Are you okay,” Liam asked, his hand finding mine.

“Better now,” I replied, squeezing his hand. “Thanks for helping me.”

“Always,” he said, his eyes serious. “We're in this together.”

After driving for almost two hours. “Where are we going,” I asked.

“Your absence would have been noticed by now. Judging by the reputation of the Adlers they won't sit still.” He replied. “We are going to a very safe and secluded place to settle for the night, and you can leave for Hamburg before dawn.”

I nodded in agreement.

“I've informed my aunt that you would be staying with her for now and she had promised not to mention it to anyone. So, you shouldn't worry about anything.” He concluded.

At the safe house, Liam told me how he had been, his plan and how he had never stopped thinking about me. I told him about the baby, and he promised to protect us both.

We spent the rest of the night chatting and catching up.