Chapter Eleven

I didn’t let go. My grip stayed tighter on her neck, like the truth was hidden in her throat and I had to squeeze it out of her.  

“Tell me where she is,” I snapped. “Tell me where my daughter is!” Penelope’s ears were turning red. Her lips moved, but no sound came out. Her eyes were closing—slowly. She was losing consciousness. Something cold rushed through me. I released her—fast. She dropped to the floor, coughing hard, holding her neck. 

I stepped back.

“What was that?” Helen rushed over, placing herself between us. Her eyes searched mine. “What’s going on, Liana?”

Penelope coughed again, struggling to breathe, but still managed to spit out, “What the fuck is wrong with you?!”

I didn’t answer. Couldn’t. My hands were still shaking. I looked down at them, my fingers wouldn’t stop trembling. 

Helen turned to me again. “What daughter?” she asked. 

But before I could say anything, Raymond stepped forward. “She’s had a long night,” he said, turning to Logan’s family. “We’ll talk in the morning.” Raymond pulled me up by the arm. Helen helped Penelope to her feet, still coughing, we all made our way toward the car. Helen said goodbye as the door closed behind us. The engine started, and the car started moving. I stared at my hands the whole ride home. They were still shaking. I almost killed someone.

As soon as we stepped into the house, Penelope turned to face me, still holding her neck. “Why the fuck were you trying to kill me?!” I wanted to ask again. Scream, beg, fall to my knees if I had to. I would’ve licked her damn feet if she just opened her mouth and told me where my daughter was. That’s all I wanted. But before I could utter a word, Raymond grabbed my arm and dragged me down the hall.

The second we reached my room, he opened the door and threw me inside. I fell on the bed, barely catching myself before my face hit the sheets. I groaned. 

“What the hell is wrong with you?” he shouted. “Why would you act like that in front of the Greys? Do you want to ruin everything?!”

I didn’t answer. My jaw clenched.

“And now they know you have a stupid child,” he said the word like it disgusted him.

His hand came up fast, grabbing my chin, squeezing so tight. His face was inches from mine.

“Let me remind you,” he said, “her life is on the line. One more slip-up, Liana, and I will start having second thoughts.”

Then he let go and left, jamming the door shut behind him. 

My head dropped, hitting the bed softly.

Aren’t dads supposed to protect and love their daughters? Even when they make a mistake? Even when they get impregnated by a playboy? Aren’t they supposed to love and accept them?

What happened to mine? Mom, how did you fall in love with a monster? 

I pulled my knees up to my chest and wrapped my arms around them, holding myself together the only way I could.

I stayed like that for hours. Same spot. Same position. My arms were getting numb from holding my knees for too long. 

I couldn’t stop thinking. Couldn’t stop wondering. 

Was it really Penelope? Everything pointed to her. Everything fit. She’s the only one who knew about my child. Aside from Raymond. If anyone knew where he kept her—it would be her.

But then… why? What would she even gain from me marrying Logan?

What was in it for her?

I let out a shaky breath and grabbed the roots of my hair with both hands, trying not to scream.

This wasn’t helping. I couldn’t let anger run the show again. 

If Penelope was the one, then I needed to know where she went. What she did when she wasn’t around Raymond. Who she talked to.

If I wanted my daughter back, I would need to be focused. 

My phone buzzed. It was a message from the same number. I reached for it. It was a picture. My heart dropped.

It was her—my daughter. Sitting at a table, a plate of food in front of her. She was eating… but crying. I didn’t even get the chance to breathe before a call came in. Same number.

I answered immediately. “Hello?”

“What the hell were you thinking?” the voice was modulated again. “Do you want to ruin everything?! If you ever pull something like that again, forget that you ever had a child. She’ll be gone. For good.”

“No—please, I’m sorry,” I said, breath catching. “I didn’t mean to. I wasn’t thinking. I just..."

“You better remember what’s at stake.”

My mind went straight to Penelope.

It had to be her. 

I didn’t end the call. The person kept talking, warning, and threatening. I kept replying, whispering apologies, promises.

All while moving.

I got off the bed and left my room, phone still pressed to my ear. The living room lights weren't turned on, Raymond and Penelope must be in their room, and if Penelope isn't there...

Their bedroom door was shut, I twisted the knob and slowly pushed it open. 

There they were.

Both of them were sound asleep. 

“Are you even listening?” the voice snapped. 

I froze for a second before replying, "Yes, I am." I slowly close their door. 

 “You know the deal. Don’t forget it again.” And just like that, the call ended.  

I stood there, just outside their door, phone pressed against my ear. I backed away slowly, my legs weak, and found myself by the stairs. I didn’t even feel myself sink down until I was sitting on the steps, cold wood against my back.  

The phone slipped from my hand and hit the floor with a soft thud.  

And just like that, I was back to square one.