Lucifer's Heart

CHAPTER 3- FAREWELL TO FREEDOM

The house was eerily quiet as Eden packed her belongings, her hands trembling with the weight of her decision. Her father had finally relented after days of heated arguments and silent despair. The pain in his eyes was something she would never forget, nor the sound of her mother’s quiet sobs from the next room. Her heart aches but she didn't have a choice.

Eden glanced at herself in the mirror, her reflection a reminder of the life she was leaving behind. Her blue eyes, the same shade as her father’s, shone with determination, even as tears threatened to fall. Her long, waist-length blonde hair, inherited from her mother, was styled neatly in her signature French plait. She wore a modest but elegant blue dress that hugged her slender curves, a last-minute choice to look her best for the final goodbyes. At 5’6, she wasn’t towering, but her presence carried a grace that turned heads wherever she went. It had gotten her attention which was mostly bad for her.

The weight of her decision pressed on her as she stepped into the kitchen, her suitcase in hand. “I’ll be back,” she said softly, though she wasn’t sure if it was a promise she could keep.

Her father’s face was lined with guilt and anguish. “I’m sorry, Eden,” he whispered, unable to meet her gaze.

Eden’s lips tightened. “Don’t be, Dad. This is for Mom.”

Her mother, Faith, clutched a handkerchief to her chest, her cheeks streaked with tears. “Eden, please don’t go,” she begged, her voice breaking.

Eden leaned down to kiss her mother’s forehead. “It’s already done, Mom. I’ll be fine. You just focus on getting better.”

Her younger brother, Isaiah, stood by the door, his hands shoved into his pockets, his face a mask of resentment and helplessness. “If anything happens to you, I’ll never forgive him,” he muttered, glaring at their father.

Eden forced a small smile. “Nothing will happen to me. I’m stronger than you think. Please take care of yourself, don't flunk school and keep working hard.”

---

Eden decided to stop by the diner one last time before leaving for the Barrett mansion. She needed the familiar hum of the place to steady her nerves. The bell above the door jingled as she stepped inside, and the warm scent of coffee and baked goods greeted her.

The diner wasn’t crowded, just a few regulars scattered at the booths. Eden offered a tight smile to the lady behind the counter, Tanya,who nodded knowingly. In her late thirties,Tanya had become more of an aunt than a boss to Eden. She had cried her eyes out on Tanya's shoulders when the doctor's said her mum needed a heart transplant,Tanya had even increased her pay just to assist. She couldn't believe she was leaving this all behind.

She slid into her favourite seat near the window, the sunlight streaming in and casting a golden glow on her hair. "Are you sure about this,Angel?" Tanya asked as she slid a cup of coffee and sat across from Eden. She always called Eden "Angel" , Tanya said she was very certain that angels in Heaven looked like Eden and it always made her laugh. "I am,Tanya. I really wished it could be different but I don't have a choice."she replied her head bowed as she tried to fight back the tears threatening to fall. She was terrified of the possibilities — what if he was secretly a human trafficker? what if he was an organ harvester?,so many thoughts ran through her mind but she tried her best to keep it under control. "I was afraid you'd say that." Tanya replied as she pushed a box to Eden. "Wee need to know you're alright, angel and I know you sold the last one so I'd want you to have this. If you say no,this will most definitely be the end of our relationship." Tanya carefully emphasized as she knew Eden's strong resolve. Eden saw it was no use arguing and before she could protest,Tanya was already walking away had the bell over the door had jingled a couple of times since they sat together and now,Tanya was one worker short.

She smoothed her blue dress, a simple yet flattering piece, drew the occasional glance from other patrons. It was an old dress, one of the few nice things she owned, and it highlighted her slender figure without being ostentatious. She adjusted the hem nervously, her mind racing with thoughts of what awaited her at the Barrett estate.

“Eden Elim,” a smooth voice interrupted her thoughts.

She looked up to see Marcus O’Neil standing beside her table, a smirk playing on his lips. Marcus was everything she despised in a man—arrogant, entitled, and relentlessly persistent. He was the son of a wealthy lawyer who lived in the affluent part of town, and he wore his privilege like a badge of honor. His dark hair was slicked back, and he was dressed in a tailored suit that screamed wealth and vanity.

“What do you want, Marcus?” Eden asked, her tone weary.

Marcus slid into the seat across from her without an invitation, leaning forward with his usual cocky grin. “What do I always want, Eden? You.”

Eden rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. “We’ve been over this. The answer is still no.”

Marcus chuckled, undeterred. “Come on, Eden. Think about it. Marrying me would solve all your problems. You wouldn’t have to go crawling to men like Oliver Barrett for help.”

Eden stiffened. “How do you know about that?”

“I have my sources,” Marcus said smugly. “Word travels fast when you have the right sources. Everyone’s talking about how the Elim family is so desperate they’re willing to sell their daughter to the highest bidder.”

Eden’s cheeks flushed with anger. “It’s none of your business. And for the record, I’m doing what I have to do for my family. Something you wouldn’t understand.”

Marcus leaned back, his eyes raking over her. “You’re too good for this, Eden. Too good for that old man Barrett and whatever he has planned for you. Be smart. Marry me instead. I’ll take care of everything.”

Eden’s stomach churned. She knew Marcus wasn’t offering out of love or compassion. He was a man who chased anything in a skirt, and she had no doubt he saw her as just another conquest. His promises were as hollow as his morals.

“I’d rather work for Barrett than be your wife,” Eden said firmly.

Marcus’s smirk faltered, his dark eyes narrowing. “You’re making a mistake, Eden. You think you’re doing the right thing, but you’ll regret this. I promise you.”

Eden stared him down, unflinching. “I’ve already made my choice. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have things to do.”

Marcus stood, his expression hardening. He leaned in close, his voice a low murmur. “I’ll get you one way or another, Eden. Remember that.”

As he walked away, Eden felt a shiver run down her spine. She pushed the unease aside, focusing on the task ahead. She had no time for Marcus O’Neil or his threats.

She finished her coffee quickly, leaving a few crumpled bills on the table, and stepped out into the cool afternoon air. Her heart was heavy, but her resolve was unshaken. This was her last moment of freedom, and she intended to face whatever came next with her head held high.