I Need To Make It Out Of Hell Alive

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

A Game of Masks

Elsa descended the grand staircase with the grace of royalty, her every step commanding attention. She wore a deep emerald-green evening gown, its fabric shimmering like liquid silk under the glow of the chandelier. The dress hugged her figure perfectly, with intricate lace detailing tracing delicate patterns down her sleeves and the high slit on one side revealing just enough to exude elegance and allure. Her makeup was flawless—a bold red lip accentuating her confidence, and her eyes were lined with precision, giving her a sharp, piercing gaze. Her hair cascaded in loose waves, adorned with a subtle emerald pin that matched her dress. She looked nothing like the frail, defeated woman she had been mere days ago.

Liam had just entered the house, his assistant, Mr. Carter, trailing behind him with a folder in hand. The moment his eyes landed on Elsa, his usual stoic demeanor faltered for a split second. She exuded a quiet power, an unspoken defiance, and it caught him off guard.

“Hi, Liam,” Elsa greeted, her voice calm but icy, a stark contrast to the warmth she once carried.

Liam’s gaze lingered, his brow slightly furrowed. “Why do you look at me like that?” Elsa asked, her lips curving into a faint smirk. “I’m the wife of the prestigious Liam Forbes, am I not? I’ll be going out shopping. I need some fresh air.”

Liam stepped closer, his towering presence casting a shadow over her. His voice dropped to a low, dangerous whisper, laced with mockery. “And who told you that you could leave?” He leaned in further, his breath warm against her ear. “You have no money left, Elsa. So tell me, whose money do you intend to shop with?”

Elsa’s confidence wavered momentarily, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. She took a small step back, her instinct screaming caution. But she quickly steeled herself. If he could murder her parents, what else was he capable of?

Liam’s lips curved into a cruel smile. “You will only wear what I buy for you, eat what I allow, and go where I tell you to. You are not even permitted to breathe without my permission,” he said, his voice cold and commanding as he took another step closer.

Elsa’s body tensed, and her back pressed against the banister. Her eyes betrayed a flicker of fear, but she quickly masked it with defiance. Her mind raced. This outing was her only chance to meet her ally—the one person who could help uncover the truth behind her parents’ deaths. She couldn’t afford to let Liam win this battle.

Liam noticed her nervousness and smirked. “What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?” He tilted his head slightly, watching her closely as though trying to decipher her every thought.

But Elsa refused to break under his scrutiny. She lifted her chin and took a bold step forward, narrowing the distance between them. “I may be your wife by name, Liam, but you do not own me,” she said, her voice steady but laced with venom.

Liam’s expression darkened, his smirk vanishing. He admired her defiance, but it also ignited a spark of frustration within him. Without another word, he turned sharply on his heel and strode away, leaving Elsa standing at the base of the stairs.

The moment he disappeared into his study with Mr. Carter, Elsa let out a shaky breath, her hands trembling slightly. She knew she had pushed her luck, but she had no other choice. This was her moment to act.

She hurriedly grabbed her bag and slipped out of the house, her heart pounding. As the driver started the car, she quickly sent a message to the unknown number that had contacted her: “I’m on my way. We need to talk.”

The car sped through the city, and Elsa’s mind raced with questions. Who was this ally? How much did they know? Could they really help her, or was this another trap?

When the car finally stopped at a quiet café on the outskirts of town, Elsa stepped out cautiously. She scanned the area, her pulse quickening as she spotted a figure seated in a corner booth, their face partially obscured by a hood.

“Elsa Forbes?” the person asked as she approached.

She nodded, taking a seat across from them. “Who are you, and what do you know about my parents’ deaths?”

The figure lowered their hood slightly, revealing sharp features and intense eyes. “I’m someone who knew your parents well,” they said. “And I can tell you this—what happened to them was no accident. It was deliberate, and Liam Forbes is at the center of it.”

Elsa’s breath hitched, her hands clenching into fists under the table. “What proof do you have?”

The person slid a file across the table, their voice low and urgent. “Everything you need is in here. But you need to be careful. Liam isn’t just dangerous—he’s calculating. He’s always ten steps ahead.”

Elsa stared at the file, her resolve hardening. She didn’t know who this person was or why they were helping her, but one thing was clear—this was her chance to uncover the truth and finally get justice for her parents.

As she left the café, clutching the file tightly, Elsa felt a spark of determination reignite within her. She wasn’t just Liam Forbes’ wife—she was a woman on a mission, and nothing would stop her now.