Chapter 5

Bloom and Samuel returned to the mansion in silence after the attack by the wolves. Bloom’s hands trembled the entire way, her mind replaying the moment Damon appeared out of nowhere and saved her life. She tried to push the memory away, tried to focus on Samuel, but the image of those glowing eyes and the effortless strength he displayed clung to her thoughts.

Inside the mansion, Bloom led Samuel to her father’s study. She hoped, foolishly, that Henry might show a shred of humanity after everything that had happened.

Samuel stood tall, confident, and respectful as he addressed Henry.

“I would like to ask for Bloom’s hand in marriage.”

The words hung in the air like a fragile hope. Henry did not hesitate.

“No.”

Bloom’s breath caught. Samuel stiffened.

Henry’s voice grew colder. “You are not suitable. This conversation is over.”

Bloom tried to speak, but Henry raised a hand. “Take her away.”

Two guards grabbed her by the arms and dragged her back to the basement. They locked her inside her small room, the same room meant for servants. The door slammed shut behind her. Bloom sank onto the bed, her heart aching. She had never felt so trapped.

Upstairs, Samuel caught Jenna’s eye. She stared at him with open admiration. He was tall, handsome, and carried himself with a confidence that made him stand out. Jenna was used to being the center of attention, but Samuel barely glanced at her. His indifference stung her pride.

She tossed her hair and walked away, furious that Bloom, the unwanted girl from the basement, had a man like that while she was ignored.

Later that evening, Bloom was summoned upstairs. Henry stood waiting for her with a stiff expression.

“You have been engaged,” he said. “To one of our close business partners.”

Bloom felt the world tilt. She could not breathe. She could not speak. She turned and ran toward the door, but guards caught her before she reached it. They dragged her back down the stairs and threw her into the basement again. The lock clicked shut. Bloom’s hands shook as she called Samuel. Her voice broke as she told him everything. Samuel cursed under his breath and promised he would get her out. The next morning, Bloom approached her father with lowered eyes.

“I am sorry,” she said softly. “I was overwhelmed. May I meet the man I am supposed to marry?”

Henry exchanged a look with Samantha. They both smirked.

“Desperate already,” Samantha muttered.

Henry nodded. “Fine. You may meet him.”

Bloom swallowed her disgust and continued. “I need to buy clothes. I left everything at my grandmother’s house.”

Henry agreed, but only under one condition.

“You will go with Victor and Jenna.”

Bloom nodded, hiding the spark of hope in her chest. At the mall, she walked quietly beside her siblings, pretending to browse. Jenna complained about everything. Victor scrolled through his phone, uninterested. Bloom waited for the right moment.

When Jenna stopped to take a picture and Victor wandered toward a store window, Bloom slipped away. She moved quickly, weaving through the crowd until she reached the back exit where Samuel waited. They ran. They fled the city, hearts pounding, until they reached Bloom’s apartment. Bloom felt a wave of relief wash over her. This was her space. Her sanctuary. Her family did not know this address. She was safe here. She unlocked the door and stepped inside, breathing in the familiar scent of home.

“I cannot believe we made it,” she whispered.

Samuel smiled at her. “You are safe now.”

Bloom felt warmth bloom in her chest. She had never been so grateful for someone. When Samuel asked if he could stay the night, Bloom hesitated. She cared for him deeply, but she was not ready for anything physical before marriage. She explained this gently.

Samuel nodded, though something flickered in his eyes. “Of course. I will sleep on the sofa.”

Bloom thanked him and went to her bedroom.

Hours later, she woke with a strange feeling. The air felt heavy, charged with something she could not name. She slipped out of bed and walked to the balcony. The sky was dark and restless. Clouds gathered, thick and swirling, and rain began to fall in heavy sheets.

She went back inside and peeked into the living room. Samuel lay on the sofa, sleeping soundly.

Bloom hurried back to her room. She climbed into bed and closed her eyes, completely unaware that Damon was watching her in her very room.