With that, he exits with his entourage, leaving me in the company of my demons from past and present.
I try to push myself up, but the dizziness overwhelms me and everything once again fades to black.
Chapter 20
Alina
Yara's small frame seems to shrink even further as she stands defiant in the grand foyer. The soaring ceiling and cold marble loom oppressively, dwarfing her twelve-year-old form.
Across from her, Gerald's imposing height and broad shoulders block out the light. His initially charming smile is a distant memory, replaced by a perpetual expression of terrifying iciness.
"I won't do it," Yara states, her voice quivering slightly.
Gerald's jaw clenches, his patience clearly waning. "You'll do as I say, girl."
Yara shakes her head, resolute. "No. I don't want to."
In an instant, Gerald's large hand is raised threateningly.
Yara flinches but stands her ground.
Watching unseen from the doorway, my heart leaps into my throat.
Every instinct screams at me to run, to beg Gerald's forgiveness before his temper snaps.
But I force myself to remain still and quiet, my pulse racing.
The hovering hand.
The small defiant frame.
In a chilling moment of clarity, I know with certainty that no amount of compliance will keep Yara safe here.
I've let Gerald have his way, done everything he's asked of me. I've suffered, endured more than many could. But clearly, it's not enough.
The tiniest thing could set him off, send him unraveling. And he's clearly willing to take out his anger on me. It's only a matter of time before Yara becomes his target.
Gerald's voice slices the tense air. "You will do as I say, Yara. No questions asked."
I have to get her out of here. The thought pulses urgently through my mind.
I watch Yara's brave stance, see the shadow of fear in her eyes.
My resolve solidifies.
I gently close the door to Yara's bedroom, sealing us into the lavish space. To me, the plush bed and ornate furnishings feel less like luxury and more like traps cruelly disguised as comfort.
Kneeling before Yara, I take her hands in my own.
My voice is hushed but steady with determination. "Yara, listen to me. We can't stay here any longer. We have to leave."
Yara's eyes widen, uncertainty and hope swirling within them. "But how, Mama? His men are everywhere."
"We'll find a way," I assure her, my mind racing through the possibilities. "It won't be easy. We'll need to be smart, and brave."
Yara nods, my outward display of courage seeming to kindle her own. "I can be brave, Mama. For us."
In low voices, we begin outlining an escape plan.