Chapter 7%
My eyelids felt heavy, my body weighed down as if I had been floating in a void for ages. The faint scent of lavender and old wood filled my senses, triggering a memory so deeply buried that, for a second, I wasn’t sure if I was awake or still trapped in a dream.
Slowly, I forced my eyes open, blinking against the warm glow of sunlight filtering through sheer curtains. The familiar sight of pale cream–colored walls and mahogany furniture sent a jolt through my chest X
I knew this place.
I wasn’t in Cameron’s mansion anymore. I wasn’t in a cold, unfamiliar hospital. I was home.
The realization made my throat tighten. I turned my head slightly, wincing at the soreness in my muscles. The room hadn’t changed at all–my childhood bed, the antique vanity near the window, even the bookshelves stacked with novels I used to get lost in as a child. Everything was the same, untouched by time.
A lump formed in my throat. How long had it been since I last set foot in this house?
I tried to sit up, my hands pressing against the mattress for support, but a sharp pain shot through my lower abdomen, forcing me to stop. My breath hitched, and for a second, the fear returned.
The baby.
I squeezed my eyes shut as the memory of Cameron’s cruelty came rushing back–the way he had treated me like property, the way he had controlled my every move. The way he had hurt me. And then the moment I had lost everything… the moment Ithought my body had been forever broken.
But then… why was I here? Why wasn’t I still in the hospital, recovering from the operation?
A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. Before I could answer, the door creaked open.
“Zoe.”
The voice was familiar, deep yet gentle. I turned my head and saw my older brother, Ethan, standing in the doorway. His usually composed face was filled with worry, his sharp features slightly tense.
I swallowed, my chest tightening, “Ethan…”
He stepped inside, his gaze scanning me carefully, as if afraid I would disappear. “You’re finally awake.”
I nodded weakly. “How long have been here?”
“Three days,” he said as he sat down on the chair beside my bed. “You were unconscious when I brought you back.”
I stared at him, trying to piece everything together. “But… the operation. Cameron…“E
Ethan’s jaw clenched at the mention of his name. He hesitated for a moment before sighing. “Zoe… The doctors lied to Cameron.“E
My breath caught in my throat. “What?“E
“I paid them off,” he admitted. “They told him the operation was done, that you could never have children again.” His voice darkened. “But they never touched your uterus. You’re fine, Zoe.”
I couldn’t breathe for a moment.
The weight I had been carrying, the deep–seated fear that I had lost the ability to ever have a future beyond Cameron, lifted just slightly.
Tears welled in my eyes. “. I don’t know what to say…”
“You don’t have to say anything,” Ethan said softly. “I promised myself I’d protect you this time. No matter what.“!
A sob built in my chest, but I pushed it down. Instead, I looked at him, my fingers trembling as I reached for his hand. ” should’ve never left.”
Ethan frowned, squeezing my hand. “Zoe-“E
“I abandoned you,” I whispered. “After Mom and Dad died, I wanted nothing to do with the business. I was selfish, and I ran away. I left you to handle everything alone.” I shook my head, shame washing over me. “And now look at me. I destroyed my own life, Ethan.”
His grip tightened. “Don’t you ever say that ”
I looked up, startled by the force of his words.!!
“You didn’t destroy anything, Zoe,” he continued, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “You were grieving. You were young. And that bastard took advantage of you.” His expression hardened. “But I won’t let him do it again.“%
Silence settled between us, thick with unspoken words.!!
After a moment, I asked, “He’s looking for me, isn’t he?“%
Ethan nodded grimly. “He’s turned the city upside down. He thinks you’re still in the hospital.” He paused, studying me carefully. “What do you want to do, Zoe?”
I already knew the answer.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself before I met his gaze. “I want you to fake my death.”
Ethan’s expression darkened. “Zoe–“@
“It’s the only way.” I said firmly. “If Cameron thinks I’m alive, he’ll never stop looking for me. He’ll find me, Ethan.” My voice wavered, but I forced myself to continue. “I don’t want to live in fear anymore. I want to be free.“%
His fingers curled into a fist, his jaw tightening.
“I want to be reborn,” I whispered. “I want to be Zoe Wright again.“E
He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “You’re sure about this?”
I nodded without hesitation. “More than anything.”
For a moment, he didn’t say anything. Then, finally, he leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. “I know a few people who can make it happen,” he admitted. “But once it’s done, there’s no turning back, Zoe.“E
“I don’t want to turn back.”E
He studied me for a long moment before sighing. “Alright.”E
A wave of relief crashed over me. “Thank you, Ethan.“E
He shook his head. “You don’t have to thank me.” He stood up, his voice turning firm. “But promise me something, Zoe.“B I met his eyes. “What is it?”
“Promise me that you’ll live,” he said quietly. “That after all this, you won’t just disappear. That you’ll find a way to be happy.”
A lump formed in my throat.E
I had spent so many years surviving. But living?
Could I really do that?
I swallowed hard before nodding. “I promise.”
Ethan’s expression softened just slightly. “Then I’ll take care of the rest.“E
As he turned to leave, I let out a slow breath, closing my eyes for a brief moment.
This was it.E
