New chance

Bella’s Point of View

I feel the cold taking hold of every inch of my body. I am growing weaker by the moment, and my vision is gradually blurring. I know the end is near. My only consolation is that I am dying far away from him; for once, I am the one deciding what to do with my life—even if that decision means dying in a remote, desolate place, completely cut off from civilization. At the very least, it is my own decision—my own choice.

As my strength began to fade away, I heard sounds from outside—footsteps. Someone is coming. My first thought was of Eric. How did he manage to find me? It seems almost impossible that he would have come all this way in search of me. What will I do if he takes me back home? He will inevitably punish me, just as he has every other time. I tried to stand up to flee, but I couldn't; my body was pinned to the ground. In any case, no matter where I might go, he would eventually find me. I could only hope that he wouldn't discover me hiding behind these crates.

Then someone walked in, bringing with him the most intoxicating scent I had ever encountered—a blend of white chocolate and peanut butter. He was incredibly tall and irresistibly handsome, with curly, platinum-white hair tied back. He was so muscular that his T-shirt struggled to cover him; it was clear he was very athletic. He had very large hands—I couldn't even imagine what they might be capable of—and magnificent lips. As for his eyes, they were like emeralds—a brilliant, stunning shade of green. I was so focused on scrutinizing every inch of his body that I didn't realize he was watching me until our gazes met. A long shiver raced through my body, and an intense urge to throw myself at him washed over me—though I had no idea where this feeling came from, given that I didn't even know him.

He stood there, watching me, and the only thing I managed to ask—opening my mouth—was whether he wasn't cold, considering how he was dressed. It was obvious he wasn't in a talkative mood, yet, strangely, I felt he wouldn't hurt me. One thing was certain: Eric hadn't sent him to fetch me. He asked me to come along with them; for a moment, I considered refusing, but it was clear that if I stayed, I would freeze to death. Besides, I didn't think he would harm me—and in any case, nothing could be worse than what I had endured with Eric. So, I agreed to follow him.

He called for his guards, and I followed them without a word, having no idea where I was headed. Yet, I knew that a new life awaited me—a new beginning, perhaps uncertain, but a fresh opportunity—a brand-new start.

A new path, a new route—unknown, to be sure, but surely better than the one I have known until now.