Chapter two: The Encounter
1050 Words
Marina stood in front of the bathroom mirror, the steam fogging up the glass as she splashed water on her face. Her heart raced, not just from the pressure of her mother’s expectations, but from a growing sense of urgency. She couldn’t let her life be dictated by others any longer.
In her entire life, she wished to live an average life and escape her parent's trap.
"I must live my life the way I want it!" She mouthed, her voice laced with determination as she watched her reflection figure in the mirror.
As she dried her face, Marina caught a glimpse of herself, a beautiful young woman trapped in a gilded cage. The thought of marrying a stranger made her stomach churn. She wanted freedom, adventure, and the chance to make her own choices.
“Marina, are you ready?” Ava called from the other side of the door, pulling her from her thoughts.
“Just a minute!” she replied, her voice shaky.
She stepped back, contemplating her situation. The more she thought about it, the clearer it became: she had to escape. But how?
Ava is always on standby to watch her and doesn't spare any moment to have freedom.
She has no difference from living in a cage, only that her bedroom is more customized than a cage.
"Are you still in there?" Ava's voice interrupts her voice again.
"I'm coming!"
At this moment, her decision needs to be urgent. It is either she runs away now or faces her arranged fiancee later.
Just then, a plan began to form in her mind. She remembered the old family car parked at the east end of the garage. It was rarely used, but it could be her ticket out.
After a quick shower and a half-hearted attempt to style her hair, Marina dressed in a simple outfit, nothing too extravagant, just jeans and a cozy sweater. She wanted to blend in, to go unnoticed.
“Let’s go, Marina!” Ava's cheerful voice echoed in the hallway.
Marina took a deep breath. “I’ll be right there,” she said, forcing a smile.
Once she was dressed, she made her way downstairs, where the smell of breakfast wafted through the air. Her parents were already seated, discussing business over freshly brewed coffee. She could feel the weight of their expectations pressing down on her.
“Good morning, dear,” Rachael said, her eyes lighting up as Marina approached the table. “You look lovely.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Marina replied, avoiding eye contact.
“Are you excited for your big day?” her father asked, glancing up from his newspaper.
“Sure,” she said, forcing enthusiasm into her voice.
Everything was just fake! This is the choice she has made to run away and get the freedom she craves. Wanting to leave her parents is like a dream come true.
Then, just as Rachael stood to gather her things, Marina felt a surge of determination. “Mom, can I go for a quick walk before we leave?”
Rachael raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. “Now? We don’t have much time.”
“Just a few minutes,” Marina insisted, trying to sound casual. “I’ll be quick. You know that I will be getting married soon and I will have to leave the mansion. It would be a better idea to take a walk around the house now before I leave.” Marina chose her words carefully to avoid any suspicion.
“Fine, but don’t take too long,” Rachael finally relented, waving her off.
Marina seized the opportunity, her heart pounding with excitement and fear. She slipped out the back door and made her way to the garage, the adrenaline coursing through her veins.
Once inside, she fumbled with the keys, her hands trembling. The old car sputtered to life, and a wave of exhilaration washed over her. This was it. She was finally taking control of her life.
As she drove away from the mansion, she glanced back at the imposing structure that had held her captive for so long. Freedom was just a few miles ahead, but uncertainty loomed in the distance.
This is the chance forever! Successfully, she got all that she needed, which was her credit card. That alone is like life insurance.
Meanwhile, Noah sat in the passenger seat of Jericho’s car, staring out the window at the passing scenery. “I don’t know what I want to do yet,” he confessed. “Everything feels different now.”
“You could always go back to the mansion,” Jericho suggested. “You have every right to claim your position.”
Noah shook his head. “I’m not sure I want that life anymore. It feels suffocating.”
"Just take me to the apartment" Noah ordered. To avoid feeling suffocated, he needs to live far away from the fear of an ex-convict.
Back on the road, Marina felt a mix of fear and exhilaration. She was free, but unfortunately, her car broke down, and she became devastated.
Meanwhile, Jericho was approaching and saw the lady that was stranded at the door. She felt the urge to help, but he had to get permission from Noah first.
"Can I help the lady out? She seems to be stranded" Jericho asked.
Noah, who wasn't interested in the stuff, nodded and permitted him. Jericho stopped the car and bolted out.
"Hello, do you need help?" Jericho asked with a smile.
When Marina saw him, a sense of relief washed over her. "Yes, I do, and thanks for stopping." She chose her words carefully to avoid being rude.
Jericho examines the car and realizes that it doesn't have enough lubricant. To make matters worse, he has none in the car, too.
"I think I need to get a lubricant. Probably in the nearby store," Jericho suggested, and Marina agreed instantly.
As soon as he left, Marina suddenly felt the urge to take a look at herself. Moving closer to the car's mirror, she started to examine herself without realizing Noah was in the car.
Noah scoffed and intentionally opened the door, causing Marina to lose her balance.
Marina roared in anger. "Who is that stupid soul that wanted to hurt me?”
- Writer
