Chapter 7

When I came to, night had already fallen. I was still weak, but I pushed myself out of bed. I wanted to leave the hospital.

As I passed one of the rooms, I heard Lena's syrupy voice. "Dad, Mom, this is Dominic. He's my boyfriend."

I stopped cold in my tracks.

Through the crack in the door, I saw Dominic's arm around Lena's waist. His voice was soft as he declared, "Don't worry, Mr. and Mrs. Parker. I won't let Lena suffer."

Lena's mother beamed. "That's wonderful! Lena's lucky to have found someone like you."

I stood outside the door, memories flooding back. Years ago, Dominic had held me just like that and told my parents, "I'll never let Alyssa suffer."

Now, he was saying the exact same words to another woman. His promises didn't last long at all.

I bit down on my lip so hard that I tasted blood. Then, I turned and walked away.

Once outside, I checked the time. There were only three days left until the final paperwork was completed. After that, my family and I would disappear for good.

…

Back home, I packed some clothes, my passport, and ID. As for everything else, I didn't want it.

Suddenly, my room door flew open.

Dominic stood there, with Lena trailing behind him in tears. She choked out, "My dad has pulled through, but his leg is severely injured."

"Don't cry. I'm here to make things right for you, aren't I?" he said gently while wiping her tears.

After a pause, he asked, "How do you want her to apologize? As long as it's not too much, I'll agree."

Lena glanced at me timidly before muttering, "I-I want Mrs. Caballero to spend a few days in jail."

Dominic frowned. "Lena, that's too much."

"I know you can't bring yourself to do it, but my dad's badly hurt." She grabbed his sleeve as she spoke, her eyes red-rimmed. "If she doesn't get punished, she'll just keep walking all over us."

Lena bit her lip, and her voice dropped even lower. "Just a few days is enough to make sure she won't dare to do it again.

"Dominic, I know she's the one you truly love, while I'm just a distraction. If you can't bring yourself to do this, then maybe we should end things."

Dominic fell silent. A beat later, he pulled her into his arms with a sigh.

"Don't say that. I'll do what you want."

…

And just like that, I was locked up. Dominic didn't even glance at me before leaving.

After he had gone some distance, Lena turned back with a cold smirk. She then whispered something to the guard nearby before slipping a wad of cash into his hand.

The next three days were a nightmare. I was shoved, insulted, and deliberately tripped until my knees were scraped and bleeding.

No one bothered to tend to my wounds or give me clean water.

I curled up in a corner and gritted my teeth, counting down the hours. Just three more days, and I'd be free.

…

On the third evening, the gate finally opened.

Dominic stood in the doorway, silhouetted against the light. He stepped closer, frowning as he asked, "What happened?"

My clothes were filthy, and bruises and scrapes covered my arms and knees. Dried blood had crusted at the corner of my mouth as well.

Lena quickly linked her arm with Dominic's, speaking softly with a pout. "Mrs. Caballero probably hurt herself on purpose. She's trying to play the victim. It was only a few days. What could possibly have happened?"

Dominic stared at me for a moment. In the end, his expression turned cold. "Alyssa, when will you stop?"

A wry smile tugged at my lips. I didn't even have the strength to explain.

…

Back at the residence, Dominic didn't leave right away, which was unusual. Instead, he sat on the couch and calmly announced, "From now on, I'll spend Mondays and Tuesdays with you. I'll be with Lena for the rest of the week."

I stood silently at the foot of the stairs.

He rose to his feet, grabbed his jacket, and said, "Today is Wednesday, so I'm going to her place. Don't bother me for the next few days."

At the door, he added, "I'll be back next Monday."

I looked at him and replied flatly, "Alright. Goodbye."

What a joke. Did he really think I'd wait for him?

Dominic furrowed his brow, seemingly surprised by my reaction. Still, he said nothing and walked out.

As soon as the door shut, my phone buzzed with a message. It read, "Ms. Alyssa Todd, the process to legally erase your records is complete."

I stared at the text, my heart racing. Before I knew it, tears welled up in my eyes.

At last, I was free.

Without hesitation, I grabbed the suitcase I had packed days ago and bolted out of the residence.

…

At the airport, my parents and younger brother were already waiting at the gate.

My mom's eyes brimmed with tears as she pulled me into a tight embrace. "It's over, Alyssa."

I nodded firmly. Yes, it was all over.

When it was time to board, I pulled out my phone, removed the SIM card, and snapped it in half with a sharp crack.

"Your boarding pass, ma'am," a staff member said politely as they handed it to me.

I tossed the broken SIM card into the trash, took the boarding pass, and strode toward the gate, holding my parents' hands.

My back was straight, and my steps were steady. From that moment on, Dominic no longer existed in my world.