Episodsix:TheFirsEscape
900 Words
I sat on the edge of the massive bed, my fists clenched in my lap. The penthouse was silent, except for the faint hum of the city beyond the floor to floor ceiling windows. The world outside continued as if my life hadn't just been stolen from me.
It had been three days since I was forced to marry Dominic Vale. Three day since I had been trapped in his cold, luxurious prison.
And three days was long enough.
My father's company was safe, but at what cost? I had given up my freedom to a man who saw me as nothing more than a trophy, a possession.
But I wouldn't accept it.
I had spent the last twenty four mapping the penthouse. There was cameras in the hallways, security at the entrance, and fingerprint locks on certain doors.
There was no easy way out.
But I had never been one to sit and accept defeat.
I had to try.
Even though it was a desperate attempt.
My heart pounded as I tiptoed to the door, pressing my ear against the heavy wood. The penthouse was eerily quiet.
Dominic has left that morning for a business meeting. He hadn't said when he'd be back.
This was a chance.
Taking a deep breath, I cracked the door open and peeked outside. The hallway was empty.
Now or never.
I slipped out, keeping my steps silent as I moved toward the service hallway.
The elevator was not an option, there were security guards downstairs.
But I had found another way.
The service exit.
I had observed the maids moving in and out of a discreet door in the kitchen. If I could slip through when no one was looking, I could reach the stairwell and disappear until the street before anyone noticed.
I reached the kitchen door, my breath coming in sharp gasps.
My hands closed around the handle.
Pulled.
Unlocked.
A surge of hope rushed through my veins.
I stepped inside, moving past the gleaming countertops and expensive appliances.
The service door was at the back. Just a few more steps.
“Going somewhere?”
My heart stopped.
A voice smooth, amused and laced with danger.
I whipped around and froze.
Dominic leaned casually against the counter, a glass of whiskey in his hand, his eyes dark with amusement.
My stomach rumbled.
“You….” my voice cracked m “you weren't supposed to be back.”
He took a slow sip of his drink, setting the glass down with a soft clink.
“Ah, Celeste,” he mused. “You're still under the illusion that you control anything here.”
My pulse thundered.
“How?” I whispered.
His lip curved into a cruel smirk. “Did you really think I wouldn't predict this? That I wouldn't have my own wife watched?”
The realization dawn on me like a shockwave.
I had never been alone..
He had let me believe I had a chance, just so he could watch me fail.
Humilate me.
Anger burned through me, chasing away the fear. “You're a monster.”
Dominic's smirk deepened. “And yet, you married me.”
My blood boiled.
He was playing with me.
Toying with me like a car with a wounded mouse.
I took a step back, eyes darting toward the door.
His gaze flicked to the movement, his expression sharpening. “Try it, Celeste.”
My breath hitched.
I ran.
A desperate sprint toward the door.
I barely made it a step before his hand clamped around my wrist.
A sharp yank.
I coiled against his solid chest, my body trapped against his.
My heart pounded violently.
“You never learn,” he murmured against my ear.
I struggled, pushing against his grip, but he was unmovable.
Dominic tilted his head, studying me like I was a puzzle he was enjoying solving.
“You're going to fight me every step of the way, aren't you.”
My jaw clenched. “I will never stop trying to get away from you. .”
He chuckled, the sound low and dark. “Good. I'd hate for you be boring.”
Before I could lash out, he spun me around and presume back against the cold countertop.
His hands caged her in, his body too close.
Her breath came in uneven gasps.
He leaned in, voice soft but dangerous.
“Listen carefully, Celeste,” he murmured, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. “You are mine. Your life , your freedom, it belongs to me.”
My stomach twisted painfully.
I was trapped.
Every door, every path. He had already closed them before I could take a step.
I had walked right into his carefully laid trap..
His lips barely ghosted over my ear as he whispered, “if you try to leave me again, Celeste, I won't be so gentle next time.”
A shudder racked through me.
Not out of fear, out of sheer helpless frustration.
He stepped back, giving me a lazy smirk before turning towards the door.
My fingernails dug into my palms.
I had lost this round..
But it wasn't over.
Not even close.
Dominic may have won today, but he understimated one thing.
I was a Monroe.
And i didn't lose.
I would find another way.
I would make him regret ever thinking he could own me.
I swore it.
- Writer
