Surrogate Mom, Rescuer Dad

Lea Gatlin's POV: For the first time, I realized that heaven was just an hour's drive from hell. I sat anxiously in the plush expanse of a soft chair, surveying my new room. It was bright, warm, luxurious, and opulent, a world apart from the hellish prison where I'd spent the last three years. "Ms. Gatlin, please make yourself at home. If you need anything, just say the word. We'll prepare three nutritious meals a day for you. You're in poor health and need to recuperate before undergoing a bone marrow match." The butler's voice drew me back. His voice was so gentle it made me uneasy. Who would have thought that possessing a rare blood type would be my ticket out of jail? For three years, I had dreamed of escaping that cage, gathering evidence to prove my innocence, telling everyone I hadn't pushed my father down those stairs... But no one believed me. My family outside refused to see me, and the devils inside mocked me as a lunatic while they beat me. Oh, how ironic! When my blood spilled on the cold prison floor, no one cared about its rarity. Yet now, it was rare enough to catch the interest of a mysterious gentleman, who whisked me from the heavily guarded Atlis Women's Prison. Even the warden had given me a kind smile after learning about this matter. Blindfolded on my way from prison to this magnificent house, I hadn't seen a thing. When I first saw this mansion, I could only scoff at the irony. 'Money sure is something! It can bribe witnesses to slander me in court three years ago, and now, two years later, it can bypass justice and rules, letting me walk free from prison,' I thought. If only I had that kind of money, those who framed me and the real mastermind behind my imprisonment would all pay dearly! Before the butler turned to leave, I finally spoke up, "Who am I saving?" "Our boss' daughter, Ms. Molan," the butler replied respectfully. "Then, may I meet your boss?" If I didn't want to end up discarded after the bone marrow match, this might be my only chance. I didn't know who his boss was or whether they would agree to my terms. However, if it meant escaping that cage, getting a shot at revenge, and finding my daughter, I was willing to do anything. I had no doubt this "boss" had the power to release me during my sentence. After all, he owned such a vast estate in the affluent district of Zethus that represented his authority. The butler stared at me for a moment, then nodded. "I'll pass along the message, Ms. Gatlin." I waited a long time as day turned to night. I hadn't sat on such a soft sofa in ages; its touch reminded me of my childhood, making me unwittingly let down my guard, almost drifting off to sleep. When I heard footsteps outside, I snapped awake instantly. The next second, the door opened. Someone briskly walked up to me and stopped right in front of me. I didn't have time to look up, only noticing a pair of expensive men's leather shoes standing in front of me. I had forgotten to turn on the light during the wait, leaving the room dim, but this man didn't seem inclined to brighten it. "The butler said you wanted to see me?" A deep, magnetic voice came from above. A heavy presence kept me from looking up directly. I could feel him sizing me up, his piercing gaze bearing down like a predator eyeing its prey. The room fell into a deathly silence; I could even hear my own heart pounding violently. Staying silent wasn't a sign of politeness, and I feared angering him would send me back to prison, so I gathered my courage and replied loudly, "Yes! I want to meet you!" "Why?" the man spoke again. I sensed him lean down, a mix of cologne and his unique scent overwhelming me. Three years in prison had kept me from close contact with men, and the nearly foreign sensation enveloped me, making my breathing quicken. His cold fingers tightened around my chin, forcing me to look up at him. Moonlight streamed in through the window, casting light on the man. He was taller than I had imagined. Light chestnut stubble framed his lips and chin, partially obscuring his sharp features. His high nose bridge and brow bones gleamed under the moonlight. The darkness concealed his attractive eyes, which contained unreadable emotions. Sweat trickled down my back, soaking through my shirt as I struggled to speak, "I know you need my bone marrow to save your daughter, and if the match is successful, I'll cooperate with the treatment." "What do you want in repayment?" He sharply sensed my intention, tightening his grip on my chin. "To be freed from prison! Just get me out, and I'll agree to any terms!" "I thought you'd ask for money," his voice carried a hint of mockery. "Money without power is useless." I smiled bitterly, not shy about showing my plight. Showing weakness was the first rule of survival I learned in prison. He let go of my chin and stood up straight. "As long as the charges against you aren't cleared, any wrongdoing on your part could send you right back to prison." I froze and then quickly realized what he meant. He was assessing whether I was a cooperative partner, one who wouldn't bring him additional trouble. So, I immediately assured him, "Until the charges are cleared, I won't do anything extreme!" "Good. I like working with smart ones." He walked to the door but then turned back to me. "Don't wander off. Stay where you're told. There are vicious dogs on the property, and we're not liable if they bite." After he left, I let out a long sigh and collapsed back onto the sofa. Choosing a stranger as a collaborator was certainly risky, but at least we were bound by mutual interests. Betrayal by my family was the deadliest blow. My stepmother, my sister... and my ex-boyfriend, Edward Duran. I would make all those who framed me pay!