Chapter 6-Running Away

       The night was long. Savannah sat on the bed, staring at the divorce papers.  

Her tears had dried, but her chest still hurt like fire. She had not signed. She had promised herself she would not.  

Nathaniel’s words echoed in her head.  

“You don’t leave this house until you sign.”  

She looked at the papers again. Then at the door. Then back at her stomach.  

Her baby kicked softly, as if telling her what she already knew.  

If she stayed, she would lose everything.  

If she left, at least she could protect the child.  

The next morning, Nathaniel left early for work. He didn’t even look at her before walking out of the mansion. His cold suit, his cold eyes, his cold heart. The door shut behind him, and silence filled the halls.  

Savannah sat still for a long moment. Her breath came fast, her hands shaking. She knew this was the chance. Maybe the only one she would ever get.  

She grabbed the bag she had hidden under the bed. She stuffed in the few clothes, the little money she found, and the documents she had kept safe. Her hands shook so bad she dropped the envelope twice.  

Her chest was pounding as she zipped the bag. She whispered to herself, “You can do this. You must do this.”  

The maids were busy in the kitchen, their voices carrying down the hall. Gossip, laughter, cruel words.  

“She’s still here?”  

“Poor thing. He’ll drag her out soon enough.”  

“Cassandra is waiting for her place.”  

Savannah’s chest burned. She held the bag tighter and walked quietly to the back door. Her steps were soft, her breath shallow.  

She pushed the door open and stepped into the morning air. The sky was gray, clouds heavy with rain.  

Her feet moved fast, almost running. She didn’t dare look back at the mansion. Every step felt like breaking chains, but also like stepping into fire.  

She reached the main road and waved for a cab. The driver stopped, looking at her pale face and shaking hands.  

“Where to?” he asked.  

Savannah bit her lip. She didn’t even know where she was going. She just blurted out, “Anywhere far. Just drive.”  

The cab moved. Savannah pressed her face to the window, tears sliding down. The mansion grew smaller and smaller behind her.  

Her chest hurt, but her heart whispered, *You’re free. At least for now.*  

Hours later, she found herself in a small part of the city, far from the tall glass towers that carried Nathaniel’s name. The streets here were crowded, noisy, full of people who didn’t know her and didn’t care.  

She walked into a cheap motel, her bag heavy on her shoulder. The woman at the desk gave her a quick look, then handed her a key after she paid.  

The room was small, the paint peeling, the bed old. But it was hers. For now, it was safe.  

Savannah dropped onto the bed, clutching her stomach. Her tears came again, heavy and endless.  

She whispered to her baby, “I did it. I left. We’re free.”  

But her voice shook. Fear filled her heart. How long before Nathaniel noticed she was gone? How long before he sent his men to drag her back?  

Her phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number.  

*Savannah, you can’t hide forever.*  

Her blood froze. Her hands trembled. Was it him?  

She turned off the phone quickly and threw it aside. Her chest rose and fell fast.  

The hours passed slowly. She sat by the window, hugging herself. Every sound outside made her jump. Every shadow felt like it carried Nathaniel’s face.  

The rain started again, heavy against the glass. She held her stomach and whispered, “I will protect you. I promise.”  

But deep inside, she knew the storm was only starting.  

Far across the city, Nathaniel sat in his office. His phone rang. His assistant’s voice was sharp.  

“Sir, the maids said Madam is gone. Her bag is missing.”  

Nathaniel’s golden eyes narrowed. His jaw tightened. He leaned back in his chair, his voice like steel.  

“She thinks she can run?”  

He stood, his tall frame towering over the desk. His voice dropped lower, darker.  

“Find her.”  

Savannah didn’t know it yet. But the hunt had already begun.