Cassia turns her attention to me, and instantly her features soften again. “Have a good night, Jenna.”
I give her a wavering smile, and when she walks toward the SUV, I hurry back into the mansion. I shut the door behind me and engage the single lock.
I miss the deadbolts on my doors at home.
As I turn around, still clutching the handbag and my backpack, I take in all the luxury again.
This place must cost millions. Whoever owns it is filthy rich.
I look in the direction of the kitchen, and a second later, I hurry toward it. I set the bags down on the granite top of the island and yank the fridge open.
So much food, and it’s all mine?
I take a bottle of water from the door, and twisting the cap off, I drink some while I grab a shiny red apple. Taking a big bite, I chew, my eyes feast on all the vegetables and fruits.
Fresh fruit, and not the stale packs I used to steal at the gas station.
I open the freezer, and when I see all the meat, my eyes grow twice their size.
Oh. My. God.
Steak.
I grab a packet and shut the doors of the fridge before I dart to the sink so I can thaw the meat.
I’m so making stir fry tonight. If this is all a trick to kill me, at least I’ll die with a full and happy stomach.
I let out a snort at my thoughts, and as the meat defrosts, I open the fridge again and take out carrots, cauliflower, and mushrooms.
As I start to prepare the meal, a smile settles on my face, and once I’m sitting at the island with a heap of stir-fry in front of me, I begin to feel emotional.
Is this really happening to me?
Every battle I’ve had to fight just to survive flits through my thoughts. I spear a strip of steak, and as I take the bite, unshed tears sting my eyes.
When the flavors burst over my tongue, and the meat practically melts in my mouth, I can’t stop a tear from rolling down my cheek.
God. Please let this be real. I promise I’ll work my fingers to the bone.
I savor every bite, all my attention on the nourishing meal instead of watching a K-drama.
When I’ve eaten everything, and my stomach feels like it’s going to burst, I clean the kitchen and make sure nothing is out of place.
I pick up my bags, and as I walk out into the hallway, I turn left and go to the living room. I stare at the big TV for a few seconds before I take the stairs up to the second floor.
Walking into my bedroom, I’m once again struck by how pretty the bedding and flowers are, and I notice my luggage has been placed in front of the closets.
Remembering Cassia mentioned a note, I move closer to the dressing table, and seeing a piece of paper that’s folded in half with my name written on the top, I pick it up.
Jenna,
Thank you for accepting my offer. Please make yourself at home. Once you’re more comfortable with your new surroundings, we’ll meet, but until then, relax.
I promise you’re safe and no one will hurt you ever again.
E.
I read the short letter again and see login details for the WIFI and various apps, which are probably accessible on the TV.
