Chapter 7

Lenka's POV

Ah, the sky looks so clear today…

I smile slightly, feeling as if the scenery before me shares my happiness.

There are only a few clouds, and even they only partially veil the sunlight. I close my eyes for a moment, feeling a slight sting from the sun’s glare, but soon open them again.

A fitting atmosphere.

I have left—the place where I was never appreciated nor needed.

No more mocking servants, no gloomy chambers, nor the dreary sight of that man's residence.

I feel no longing, only relief.

In this world, I am alone.

A few minutes ago, I was still there, and now I’m on a bus.

A servant had led me through the back road earlier. With only a short distance to cover, I managed to get on the bus heading out of town.

The rush of adrenaline surged through me. It felt almost unreal, as if this might not be happening—but it was.

I had finally stepped out of the cage that had trapped me for two years.

Liberating.

A mix of emotions swirled inside me, too tangled to put into words. I figured it would be best to just keep moving forward. Whatever heavy feeling I carried would surely fade with time.

I turned my attention to the atmosphere inside the bus. Several people were already seated, either alone or in pairs.

My eyes wandered, unable to stop observing them.

I swallowed hard. Nervous, overwhelmed. It had been so long since I had seen other people—strangers, unfamiliar faces.

For a moment, I felt a pang of loneliness. But I quickly pushed it aside, reminding myself that I had been alone for a long time anyway.

I no longer have a father… He might have given me a warm hug if he knew what I was feeling right now.

The man I married was nothing but trash, always telling me to speak—yet never truly listening.

Now, I can finally breathe freely, without anyone, whoever they may be, constantly pressing down on me.

Ava. I remember that woman.

I must admit, her actions this time were quite clever. Instead of letting me use the airport in my hometown, she arranged for me to leave from another city.

She did it to ensure that my escape wouldn’t be easily traced—or at the very least, so that Michael wouldn’t find me immediately.

After so many failed attempts, ones that never even got me past the gates of that man’s residence, this was my first real success. And it was because of Ava.

That woman still irritates me. But I know she desires the position of ‘Madam’ so badly that she’s willing to do anything to claim it.

I recognize it now—she’s the perfect match for Michael. They truly are a fitting pair.

I admit it.

I should probably thank her for helping me escape. Maybe someday.

She’s likely with him now, at that place she mentioned in passing. She must be busy.

Going with Michael was part of her strategy to ensure my departure went unnoticed. I was truly aided by the very woman who despised me.

My gaze shifted to the view outside the window.

There were many shop buildings, but also open spaces with grass fields and the distant coastline, far from the road this bus traveled on.

I fell silent, lost in a thought that suddenly crossed my mind.

I had already imagined the life I would live after moving away—the life I wanted.

Maybe I should enroll in some training programs, join clubs, or become part of a community that interests me. Though the last two would take some time.

I am mute, but I know there are programs that can help me navigate life on my own.

I have done it before—back when I had yet to meet that man, and when my father had just passed away. It was difficult, but surely not as hard as it felt back then.

Not for me. Not anymore.

A smile spread across my lips. I pictured myself planting flowers in the small home I once lived in. I used to do things like that—simple, peaceful activities that brought me joy.

There were so many things I wanted to do now that I was free, but then, without realizing it, I clenched my hands.

A sense of unease settled in.

I was still fortunate—at the very least, I had some money and jewelry. My only possessions. They were gifts from Michael, given to me before we were married.

It felt like a lifetime ago, yet I had kept everything safe.

It wasn’t much—far too little by the standards of a man like him, a mafia—but for me, it was enough to survive.

That thought calmed me.

That man…

I leaned against my hand, still gazing out at the scenery, yet my mind drifted to him.

We had been together for two years. And in those years, I had suffered—both at his hands and from those around us.

I never wanted to go through that again.

Now, I was free.

Yes, I would never see him again.

My eyes grew heavy, exhaustion creeping in. I blinked slowly.

Goodbye…

My eyes closed.

I wasn’t fully asleep yet, but something felt… off.

My eyes fluttered open with great difficulty.

I had no idea how much time had passed.

My gaze swept across the bus—empty.

Strange.

I swallowed hard as I glanced outside. The sun had begun its descent, casting long shadows over the land. I closed my eyes again for a moment, trying to gather my thoughts.

The bus was still moving.

But now, the surroundings had changed.

I was in a desolate area, surrounded by trees—far different from before. There was barely any light, only dim, eerie shadows stretching across the road.

This… isn’t right.

I didn’t recognize this place.

And worse—I was alone.

Then, I heard voices.

Footsteps. Calm. Unhurried.

A chill ran down my spine. Something about them reminded me of Michael’s security staff—their heavy builds, the quiet but imposing presence, the way danger seemed to cling to them.

I inched closer, careful not to make a sound.

One of them spoke.

“We need to get rid of her now.”

His companion let out a low murmur.

“Yeah. Erase the target. That’s what the woman wants.”

Tracks? Target? That… woman?

My mind raced, still struggling to piece it together—until realization crashed into me like a tidal wave.

My body trembled, a cold shiver running down my spine as the truth threatened to drown me. My hands were freezing, no matter how tightly I clenched them.

Move. Move, Lenka.

I repeated the words in my head like a desperate prayer, urging myself to break free from the horror unfolding before me.

I have to run!

I swallowed hard, fists tightening as my awareness slowly returned.

I spun around—only to collide with something.

No.

Someone.

A single moment of carelessness had sealed my fate, and now, I was standing face-to-face with them.

My eyes widened in terror.