His collateral

Chapter Two- Leaving The Country

Mr. Hayes had to stop by the hospital to get himself treated before going home. He was still torn on what to do and how to deliver the message to his family.

He prayed for a miracle, even though he was sure none was coming—because he had obviously made a deal with the devil.

“Look who has decided to come back?” Mrs. Sarah said immediately she saw her husband walk in.

She froze when she noticed his hand wrapped in bandages.

“What happened to your hand? What happened? What’s wrong?” Mrs. Sarah asked, concerned.

“It’s nothing. I just fell and broke my hand. It’s fine,” he replied.

“I went to the hospital and got it treated.”

He had to lie. He had no other option.

Lena came out of her room when she heard the commotion.

Her eyes landed on her injured father’s hand, and worry filled her face.

She rushed to him.

“Old man, what happened to your hand?”

“Like I said, I fell. It’s nothing to worry about. I’ve been treated,” he said.

“How are you preparing for school, young lady?” he added, trying to change the topic.

“Everything is going well. Just nervous but excited,” she replied.

Mr. Hayes saw the spark in his daughter’s eyes and couldn’t help feeling worse. He wanted nothing but the best in the world for her.

“Hey, old man! You don’t really have to look so down. What’s there to worry about? I’ll call you every day. I won’t forget you guys that easily,” Lena said as she hugged him.

Her mum joined the hug.

“Hey!!! I think you’re all missing a very important member of the family,” David said as he walked in and immediately joined the hug.

Everyone smiled and got ready for dinner.

Seeing all this made Mr. Hayes feel horrible.

His company was facing serious financial problems, and the kind of money needed to bring it back on its feet was enormous. Desperate, he had decided to make a deal with the devil—the king of the underworld—but everything went wrong.

He wasn’t ready to sacrifice his daughter. God knows what that man planned to do with her.

After dinner, Lena went back to her room to chat with her friend and check if everything was in order.

She was excited and preparing herself for what the future held.

Lena was easily one of the most beautiful girls anyone could ever lay eyes on.

With her long chestnut hair, dreamy brown eyes, well-sculpted face, kissable lips, and beautifully accentuated curves, she stood out effortlessly.

It had always been her dream to become an actress and a singer at the same time, and this opportunity meant everything to her. She was determined to study hard and make her big dreams a reality.

After a while, she heard a knock on her door.

She opened it—it was her dad.

She invited him in. He sat on her bed and asked her to join him.

Lena sat beside him.

“Dad, I hope you’re good?” she asked.

“I’m fine,” he said quietly. “But I have something to discuss with you. I know this will break your heart, and I know it’s been your dream to attend this college. But I need you to trust me and do as I say.”

Hearing this, Lena became scared.

“Dad… is everything okay?”

“I want you to leave the country tonight,” he said urgently. “It’s important. I’ll hide your identity, make arrangements for you, and you’ll still study whatever you want—but you must leave immediately.”

Lena stared at him in shock, needing a moment to breathe.

“Hold on—what? Why are you saying this? I never said I wanted to leave the country. No! I can’t. My life is here. Why now? Why the last minute?”

Mr. Hayes sighed helplessly.

“Lena, you know I’m your biggest supporter. But I’ve messed up badly. If you don’t leave now, you’ll pay the price. Please—just do as I say.”

“What did you do?” she asked, tears forming in her eyes. “What is so big that I have to leave the country?”

“You won’t understand,” he said softly. “But I promise I’ll fix everything.”

That night, Mr. Hayes made secret arrangements for her departure.

Lena picked up one of the bags she had already packed and stepped outside. She was leaving without saying goodbye to her mum or her brother.

Tears rolled down her face as she entered the car. She stared at her house until it disappeared as they drove toward the airport.

On the way, she kept wondering what her father could have done to force this decision. They weren’t rich, but they were comfortable—so what went so wrong?

Lost in thought, she was suddenly jolted forward as the car braked abruptly. Her head hit the back seat panel, and she screamed in pain.

Before she could understand what was happening, everything went pitch black.

She lost consciousness.