ELISE
I'm sitting on the bed, looking around the room.
It's big and bright, filled with soft, beautiful colors. A large bed stands in the center—the one I'm lying on. Small nightstands are placed on both sides. On one side, there's a vanity. On the other, a large wardrobe. Near the window, there's a big cream-colored couch with a coffee table in front of it. Across from the bed is the bathroom.
I lean back against the headboard and tilt my head up, staring at the ceiling.
It's such a peaceful day… as if nothing happened yesterday.
But I remember.
My body remembers too.
I don't even know what I'm supposed to do. I don't have a plan.
Where am I supposed to go?
I don't want to go back to Samantha's house.
How am I supposed to earn that much money?
My thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Yes?"
The door opens, and a pleasant-looking woman walks in, holding a tray with food.
"Hello, dear," she says, walking closer and placing the tray on the table.
I feel a little uncomfortable.
"Hello…" I try to get up from the bed.
"Don't get up, stay," she says in a caring voice. "I'm Eva."
"Elise…"
"How are you feeling? How's your leg?" she asks, looking at me with concern.
"I'm okay… thank you."
"Do you need anything? Will you eat?"
"No… thank you," I say with a small smile.
She watches me for a few seconds.
"Alright. If you need anything, you can tell me."
I nod.
She smiles and leaves the room.
She must be Noah's mother, I think, suddenly feeling embarrassed.
Then I remember—I haven't eaten anything in over a day.
But I'm not even hungry.
I slowly get out of bed and carefully put weight on my leg.
"Ah…" I whisper. It still hurts.
I wrap the robe around myself and slowly walk across the room, heading into the bathroom.
I wash my face.
I left my clothes here yesterday… but they're gone.
I step out of the bathroom—
—and Noah walks in.
"Why did you get up?" he scolds.
"I'm fine," I reply.
"Why aren't you eating?"
"I'm not hungry."
"You look bad," he says, sitting down on the couch.
"Why did you bring me here?"
"Would you rather be with that man?"
I look at him, surprised. I don't answer. I know he'll just say something worse.
"Eat… or I can make you."
"Even if I die, it's none of your business," I snap, irritated.
"Don't push me," he says, frowning.
I sit on the couch.
The first bite is hard to swallow.
But then… my body takes over.
I was starving.
I finish everything.
He watches me the whole time. Saying nothing. Just… making sure I eat.
"Where are my clothes?" I ask.
"I threw them away."
I start looking for my shoes on the floor.
"Those too."
"What do you want from me?" I ask, almost desperately.
"You," he says, smiling, studying my reaction.
"Why me? Find someone else to play with. I don't have time for this," I say, slowly standing up.
"I decided," he replies, standing up as well.
His confidence… his smile… it irritates me.
I think it's time to leave.
"Thank you for helping me," I say sincerely. "But I need to go now."
I walk toward the door—
—but he steps in front of me.
"Let me go, or I'll call the police," my voice trembles. I feel helpless.
"I'll fund the orphanage… if you stay here," he says suddenly.
"What? How do you know about that?" I can't hide my shock.
"Your friend told me."
Samantha… a traitor.
"That's disgusting! You think it's normal to manipulate someone's problems like this?"
"I want to help you."
"You might have money, but you don't have a reason to help me. Things like this only happen in movies."
"Then imagine you're the female lead," he says.
"And what role do you have in this movie?"
"I'm the male lead," he replies, smirking.
I can't understand why he would be interested in me.
Only one thought crosses my mind.
"Are you trafficking human organs?" I ask without thinking.
He bursts out laughing.
I'm not laughing.
"How did you even come up with that?" he says, still amused.
"I don't see any other reason. I can't believe a stranger would offer that much money for nothing."
"Of course I'm not offering it for nothing," he says, stepping closer. "I think you understand what I mean."
Suddenly, his arms wrap around my waist, pulling me closer.
I freeze.
My heart starts racing.
The last few days… everything feels unreal. Like a nightmare I can't wake up from.
"As long as you're here… you'll be safe."
His voice is so close.
I look into his eyes.
And for the first time…
I feel like that might actually be true.
A strange place. A stranger.
But somehow…
I wasn't afraid.