Used By My Billionaire Boss

chapter 7

On the Run

Stephanie is seated at the edge of her chair, gripping the half-empty coffee cup in front of her with trembling palms. She hasn't even had a taste, so she's not sure why she ordered it. Her body is vibrating with an uncontrollable nervous energy, and her thoughts are running too quickly. From the other side of the table, Jake observes her with a composed yet serious gaze, attempting to reassure her in some way. But, she just experiences the oppressive weight of fear.

Despite the shaking in her hands, Stephanie finally says, "I need to disappear, Jake," in a firm voice. Leon is unable to locate me. Not right now. Never.

With his elbows resting on the table and his forehead wrinkled in concentration, Jake leans forward. "We can make that happen," he says in a cautious, hushed voice. "I know people, but it won't be simple. I'll make you vanish. We will help you create a new identity and life.

As her brain attempts to take in everything, Stephanie bites her lip and nods. Time seems to be moving slowly, even though everything seems to be occurring so quickly. Even though she is more than thankful for Jake's assistance, she still feels terrified and unsure. Is she able to vanish? Can she get away from Leon?

Jake extends his hand and covers hers. Tonight, we will go from the city. I have a strategy. I will prevent him from locating you.

She swallows forcefully, tears welling up in her eyes that she won't let go. She whispers, "Thank you," her voice cracking a little. "Without you, I don't know what I would have done."

Jake gives her hand a light squeeze. "Steph, you don't have to do this by yourself longer. We will overcome this. Pulling her hand back, Stephanie tries to gather her thoughts. "Don't we need to get going? I'm at risk every minute I'm here.

Jake looks out the window and nods. Indeed. We ought to go shortly.

Making sure no one in the café is listening, they conclude their whispered discussion on the specifics of their plan. There is a mixture of terror and hope as she considers disappearing, of removing herself entirely from Leon's grasp. But, the more they converse, the more she understands that it's her only choice. She is unable to return. She refuses to be pulled back into that deceptive and domineering society.

With a tone of determination, Jake declares, "We'll depart tonight." Stephanie nods, experiencing an odd wave of serenity. It's taking place. She's leaving.

Stephanie shivers as the crisp evening air strikes her as soon as they leave the café. As she tightens her jacket about herself, she looks around quickly for any indication of the black automobile that was parked across the street earlier. But, it is no longer there. Her instincts tell her that something is amiss, and her heart quickens as paranoia sets in.

She looks over her shoulder and whispers, "Jake, we need to hurry," in a frantic voice.

Jake nods reassuringly, but his expression is taut with worry. "Remain near me. We'll leave this place.

They blend in with the small group of people milling about as they move swiftly along the sidewalk. Stephanie's tummy knots whenever a car drives down the street or someone walks by. She has the impression that someone is following her around at all times. She keeps glancing over their shoulder, almost expecting to see Leon waiting for her with that unreadable, icy look he usually had on his face.

But, nothing is present. Just the typical city noises, including the far-off hum of traffic and the conversation of passersby. She can't seem to get the stress out of her chest.

Stephanie releases a breath she was unaware she had been holding when they finally arrive at Jake's car. She climbs in after Jake opens the passenger door for her, her hands trembling as she holds onto the seatbelt. As he starts the car, Jake moves quickly and effectively behind the wheel.

Jake says, "We're almost there," as he glances in her direction. "Just persevere for a little while longer."

Stephanie nods, but her heart isn't going to stop. As they travel across the city, she looks out the window, her mind whirling with possibilities for what might happen next. Can she begin again? When will she feel secure again?

Stephanie is standing in the darkened room at the motel, gazing at the little stack of things she has hurriedly packed. Only a few outfit changes, her paperwork, and a few personal belongings that she couldn't stand to part with are all that's left. A single, compact suitcase can hold everything. Now, this is all she has. She is carrying everything with her into whatever future she can build.

With a sorrowful heart, she traces her fingertips over the suitcase's faded fabric. How did this happen in her life? A year ago, she had it all a beautiful home, a husband who seemed to care for her, and the promise of a bright future. Now, all of that feels like a distant memory, something she can barely recognize as her own life.

“This is all I have now,” she mutters to herself, the words feeling hollow and painful.

Her phone buzzes on the nightstand, jolting her out of her thoughts. It’s Jake.

His text says, "I'm outside." "Now is the moment."

Stephanie took a deep breath, grabbed her suitcase, and slung her small bag over her shoulder. It's this. She’s leaving everything behind. No more looking back. No more uncertainty.

She lets herself out into the refreshing night air after opening the door to her room. She dashes over and slides back into the passenger seat of Jake's car, which is idling just down the street. Jake puts the car in drive and gives her a little comforting smile.

“Ready?” he asks.

She nods, though the knot of anxiety in her stomach tells her she’s anything but ready. “Let’s go.”

As they pull away from the motel, Stephanie feels a strange mix of emotions swirling inside her. Relief, worry, and uncertainty are all fighting for control. But she knows one thing for sure: she can’t go back. She can’t let Leon take her freedom from her again.

They drive in quiet for a while, the dark streets rushing by in a blur outside the windows. As they make their way to the town's outskirts, Stephanie rests her head against the window and watches the city lights go out.

But, as they exit the city, she notices something in the rearview mirror: a car that is far away but rapidly approaching them.

Her heart skips a beat. Is that…? No. It can’t be. It’s probably just another random automobile on the highway.

But, the car doesn't shut off as the minutes go by. It maintains a constant pace behind them, close enough to make her skin crawl yet far enough away to be unnoticeable.

She speaks slowly and hardly audibly, "Jake."

Jake looks at her, then tightens his expression as he looks in the rearview mirror. "Do you believe..."

With her eyes fixed on the mirror, she whispers, "I don't know." It could be insignificant. But,

Jake tightens his hold on the steering wheel. "We should avoid taking any chances."

As they proceed down the dark road, he puts more pressure on the gas, causing the car to accelerate a little. The other vehicle keeps up with them, matching their speed.

As worry begins to set in, Stephanie's palms begin to perspire and her heart thuds in her chest. Is that Leon? Has he located her yet? She gets a shiver at the thought.

With its headlights blazing in the rearview mirror, the automobile behind them approaches. As Stephanie watches, terror tightens her chest and her pulse quickens. Her voice quivers as she turns to face Jake. "Now what do we do?"