Chapter 3

Lena’s Pov

I didn’t sleep that night.

Damien tried to talk to me after the call, but I locked myself in the guest room. His words from the phone kept playing on repeat: “The heir becomes priority. Custody stays with you. The mother’s role is secondary.”

I touched my stomach, still flat, still unbelievable. A baby. Our baby. And he already had plans to take it from me.

The next two days blurred. I smiled when I had to, avoided being alone with him, and quietly packed one small bag while he was in meetings. I bought a bus ticket with the emergency cash I’d hidden. I left the positive pregnancy test on the kitchen counter like a goodbye note.

At 4 a.m., I slipped out of the penthouse, heart pounding so hard I thought I’d throw up. The elevator ride down felt endless. Every second I expected his voice behind me, demanding I come back.

The night air hit me cold as I stepped onto the street. I pulled my hood up and started walking toward the bus station.

My phone buzzed. A text from Damien.

“Where are you? We need to talk about this.”

I turned the phone off and kept walking. Tears burned my eyes but I didn’t let them fall. Not yet.

I whispered to my stomach, “I won’t let him take you. I promise.”

By sunrise, I was on a bus heading far away from the city, from Damien Laurent, and from the mistake I’d made signing that contract.

I thought I was finally free.

Hours into the ride, the woman next to me smiled. “Running from something, honey?”

“Someone,” I replied softly. “He thought he could control everything, including my baby.”

She nodded like she understood. “Men with money always think they own the world. You did right by leaving.”

“I hope so. I have to protect this child.”

“What’s his name?” she asked, lowering her voice.

“Damien,” I said, swallowing hard. “Damien Laurent. He’s powerful. That’s why I can’t stay.”

“Laurent? Sounds familiar. Rich type, huh? You got any family to help you?”

“Just my brother, but he’s in prison. I was trying to get him out… that’s how I ended up with Damien in the first place.” I stared out the window. “Now I’m doing this alone.”

“You’re brave, honey. What are you going to name the baby if it’s a boy?”

“Eli,” I said without hesitation. “After my grandpa. Simple and strong.”

The woman patted my hand. “Eli’s a good name. You got a plan when you get off this bus?”

“New name, new town. Start over as a waitress again. I’ve done it before.” I forced a small smile. “I just need somewhere quiet by the coast. Far from the city.”

“Smart girl. Keep your head down. Men like that don’t like losing control.”

We talked on and off for hours. She shared her own story about leaving an abusive husband years ago. It made me feel less alone.

When the bus stopped for a break, I found a payphone and called the prison. “Hi, this is Lena Vale. Can you please pass a message to my brother Noah? Tell him… tell him Lena says help is still coming, just differently now. I’m safe, but I had to go. I love him.”

The guard grunted. “Got it. Anything else?”

“No. Just make sure he gets the message. Please.”

I hung up quickly, heart aching. Noah would worry, but I couldn’t risk more.

Far from the city, I found a cheap motel and paid cash. The clerk eyed me suspiciously.

“Staying long?” he asked.

“Just one night. How much for the room?”

“Sixty bucks. Cash only. No questions.”

I handed over the money. “Thank you. Is there a bus station nearby for tomorrow?”

“Two blocks east. Where are you headed?”

“South. Coastal area. Any recommendations for a quiet town?”

He shrugged. “Try Willow Bay. Small, nobody asks too many questions. Good for starting fresh.”

“Willow Bay,” I repeated. “Thanks.”

The next morning I kept moving. When I finally reached the coast, I found a tiny apartment above a laundromat and met the landlord.

“You got ID?” the old man asked.

I handed him a fake one with my mother’s maiden name. “I’m Lena Morgan now. Just need somewhere quiet. I can pay for the first month in cash.”

He counted the bills. “No parties, no drama. Rent’s due on the first.”

“No drama,” I promised. “I’m pregnant and just want peace.”

His expression softened. “Pregnant, huh? There’s a free clinic two streets over. Good for check-ups.”

I started waitressing again at a small diner. My new boss, Carla, noticed my tiredness on the third day.

“You okay, girl? You look like you’re carrying the weight of the world.”

“I’m pregnant,” I admitted quietly during a break. “First trimester. Just moved here.”

Carla poured me some juice. “Sit down. You can’t be on your feet all day without eating. How far along?”

“About seven weeks. The father… It's complicated. I left.”

“Smart if he wasn’t good. You got any support?”

“Just me. But I’ll manage. I always do.”

Months passed. I went to doctor appointments alone.

“You’re healthy, Miss Morgan,” the doctor said at one visit. “Baby looks strong. Any questions?”

“Will I be able to work until the end?” I asked.

“As long as you don’t overdo it. Rest when you can.”

When labor came, I was terrified but determined. After hours of pain, they placed Eli in my arms.

“He’s perfect,” the nurse said. “Healthy boy.”

I held him close and cried. “It’s just you and me, little one. I’ll never let anyone take you.”

I told myself Damien had probably moved on. The contract was broken anyway.

But some nights I still wondered what he thought when he found the test. Did he search? Or was I just another problem solved by my disappearance?

I pushed those thoughts away every time. Eli needed me strong. “Mommy loves you more than anything,” I’d whisper as I rocked him.