chapter eleven

The next morning, Kimmy woke up earlier than usual.By the time she came downstairs, Mara was already prepared for her flight.Her suitcase stood beside the entrance, and Roy was speaking with one of the guards about the arrangements. Everything had been handled perfectly. The flight, the hospital, the security.

Yet Kimmy couldn't feel relieved.She knew what was coming.Her mother was leaving.And she would be staying behind.

Mara looked at her and smiled faintly.

“Kimmy, come here for a moment.”

Kimmy followed her into a quiet corner of the sitting room.The moment they were alone, Mara took both her hands.

“I want you to be careful.”

“I will.” Kimmy forced a smile.

“No.” Mara shook her head. “I mean it. Don't trust anyone here.”

Kimmy's smile disappeared.

Mara glanced toward the hallway before lowering her voice.“Do you trust Gabriel?”

“No.” Kimmy answered after hesitating.

“Good. Don't let your guard down around him. Stay alert, no matter how kind he may seem.” Mara said with a stern look on her face.

“Mum...”

“I don't understand why that man is helping us.” Mara's voice trembled slightly. “People don't do things like this for nothing. Your hospital bills, my treatment, security… everything is too much.”

Kimmy knew her mother was right.She had wondered about it herself But she didn't want Mara carrying that worry with her.

“You don't need to think about any of that.”

“How can I not?”

“Because you're going to Spain to get better.” Kimmy squeezed her hands. “That's what matters now.”

Mara stared at her.

“You need to focus on your health. Listen to the doctors and do whatever they tell you. Eat properly. Take your medication.”

Kimmy's voice began to crack as she spoke. “And call me whenever you want. If you have a problem, call me. If you're scared, call me. If you just want to hear my voice…” She paused and swallowed hard..“…call me.”

Mara's eyes were now filled with tears.Kimmy quickly looked away, trying to hold hers back.She didn't want her mother to see her cry But one tear escaped then another. Mara pulled her into her arms.Kimmy immediately wrapped her arms around her mother and buried her face against her shoulder.

“I'll be okay,” Kimmy whispered.

“You're my baby.” Mara held her tighter as she spoke.

“I know.”

“I don't want anything to happen to you.”

“Nothing will.”

But neither of them sounded convinced.They stayed like that for several moments, crying quietly in each other's arms.Neither noticed Roy standing near the entrance.

He had come to tell them that the car was ready, but stopped when he saw them.He watched silently as something tugged strangely at his chest.He couldn't explain it.Perhaps it was seeing Kimmy cry.Perhaps it was the way she held onto her mother like she was afraid letting go would make her disappear.

Whatever it was, Roy didn't like the feeling.After giving them a few more moments, he finally approached.

“Kimmy.”

They slowly separated.

“The car is waiting outside.” Roy said with a gentle smile.

“Thank you.” Mara nodded.She picked up her handbag and looked at Kimmy one last time.

“Go get better, Mum.” Kimmy said while forcing a smile.

Mara nodded, tears still in her eyes.“I'll call you when I arrive.”

“I'll be waiting.”

Mara hugged her again then she reluctantly pulled away.Kimmy watched as Roy escorted her toward the entrance. Mara turned back one last time and heir eyes met.Kimmy waved and Mara waved back then the door closed behind her.

Kimmy immediately hurried outside.She stood on the front steps as the black car slowly moved away from the mansion.She didn't move but watched until the vehicle became smaller Until it finally disappeared beyond the gates Only then did Kimmy lower her hand.

She was alone.The realization settled heavily in her chest.Her mother was gone,There was no one else.

No familiar face,No home to return to. Just this enormous, cold mansion surrounded by armed men and darkness.

Kimmy slowly turned around and nearly collided with someone.She stopped abruptly.Gabriel stood directly behind her.She hadn't even heard him approach.His expression was unreadable and For a moment, neither spoke.

Then Gabriel said calmly,“Your mother's hospital bills have been paid in full.”

“What?” Kimmy blinked.

“Everything.”He continued, his voice indifferent.“The treatment, medication, accommodation and every other expense. It's been taken care of.”Gabriel looked toward the gates ignoring the stares from Kimmy.“My men will protect her throughout her treatment. No one will get near her without my permission.”

Kimmy's lips parted slightly.“Thank you.”

Gabriel gave a small nod then he turned and walked toward the mansion leaving Kimmy standing alone outside.

She looked at the huge mansion again and The armed guards. Everything suddenly looked different.Yesterday, it had been a strange place,today, it felt like a prison.

Kimmy wrapped her arms around herself.Her mother was gone,Her father was still missing.And Gabriel had already made it clear that she meant nothing to him. For the first time since arriving…Kimmy truly understood she was completely alone.

Gabriel went to his study and made a phone call while standing outside the balcony. The call connected after several rings .

" What is taking you so long." Gabriel spoke with a serious expression.

" Heyyy...that is not the proper way to start a conversation with your best friend." Troy sounded hurt from the other end.

" This is not the time for jokes Troy...I need information immediately."

" I almost got their location but got cut off but I'm currently on it right now and should have everything very soon." Troy immediately became serious when he heard Gabriel grave voice.

" Good, keep me informed at all times."

" Sure...what about the girl ,what did you do to them...are they dead?"

" For now, she's alive ." Gabriel answered as he stared down at Kimmy who was still standing outside,he then continued.

" But whether or not she will keep living depends on how fast you give me what I want...".