ELISE
I was sitting on the bed, my knees pulled tightly to my chest, staring blankly at the light coming through the window.
It was already evening.
Everything here is too calm.
Too clean.
Too beautiful.
Too… unfamiliar.
I wrapped my arms tighter around my knees, as if I could hold myself together—so I wouldn't fall apart.
I closed my eyes.
And immediately—I saw them.
The children.
The small room. Old toys.
Noise. Laughter. Crying.
Home… the only one I ever had.
The orphanage.
That's where I learned how to survive.
That's where I learned to get used to pain.
But it was also where I first felt warmth.
From the other kids. From the caretakers.
Even from the walls… as if they understood we were alone.
My breathing grew heavier.
250,000 dollars.
That number kept repeating in my mind.
It was so big it didn't even feel real anymore.
But if I couldn't get that money—
that home would disappear.
Those children… would end up on the streets.
And I…
I would become that little girl again—the one who had no one.
My eyes burned.
"I won't let that happen," I whispered, barely hearing my own voice.
I slowly got up from the bed. My leg still hurt a little, but I ignored it. I walked to the window and looked outside.
A huge house.
A beautiful garden.
A safe place.
Everything I never had as a child.
What am I doing here…?
Noah's words echoed in my mind.
"I'll help you… if you stay."
That wasn't help.
That was a deal.
And I knew exactly what that meant.
I closed my eyes.
One part of me whispered—stay. This is your chance. You can save them.
But the other voice… quieter, but much more painful—
And you? Who's going to save you?
My breath caught.
Suddenly, that day came back to me.
The belt. The screams. The pain that doesn't stay in your body… but in your soul.
What if it happens again?
What if I trust again… and break all over again?
I opened my eyes.
A tear rolled down my cheek.
I saw the children's faces again.
The way they looked at me when I told them "everything will be okay."
The way they trusted me. Believed in me.
I clenched my fist.
"I can do this…" I said this time, more firmly.
Yes, I was scared.
But this wasn't a choice anymore.
This was responsibility.
Still… one question wouldn't leave my mind:
At what cost…?
I stepped out of the room.
I saw Noah entering the room next to mine.
I stood by the door for a few seconds.
I wanted to knock… but I hesitated.
If I don't say it now… I never will.
I took a deep breath and knocked.
"Come in."
I opened the door.
It was a bedroom.
A large one.
I looked around.
The walls were in dark tones, with wooden details. The floor was dark wood as well. A large window. The bed stood close to it, with nightstands on both sides. Besides the entrance, there were two more doors—one probably the bathroom, the other slightly open, revealing a walk-in closet.
This must be his room.
Minimalistic, yet luxurious.
Even the colors reflected his personality.
Suddenly, I remembered why I was here.
Noah was standing by the window, his back to me, holding his phone.
"We need to talk," I said.
I tried to sound as confident as possible.
He slowly turned.
His gaze locked onto me.
"I'm listening."
I took a few steps forward, trying to keep my distance.
Don't be afraid, I told myself.
"About your offer…"
I paused for a moment.
"I'm ready to accept it, but…"
His eyebrow lifted slightly.
"I have conditions."
Silence filled the room.
He didn't say anything—just slowly walked closer.
"I'm listening, Elise."
I clenched my hand into a fist.
"First…" my voice was steady now, "you will save the orphanage. Completely. Not temporarily. Not partially."
"That's already decided," he said calmly.
I looked at him, surprised.
"What?"
"The paperwork is already being prepared."
My heart skipped a beat.
For a few seconds, I couldn't speak.
Then I forced myself to continue.
"Second…" it was hard to say, but I did, "this deal… is only one time."
His expression shifted slightly.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean…" I took a deep breath, "I won't be your property. I won't be someone you can use whenever you want."
"And yet, you're still staying," he said quietly.
"Because I have no other choice," I replied sharply. "But that doesn't mean I'll lose myself."
"Anything else?" he asked, stepping closer.
"Yes."
I looked straight into his eyes.
"While I'm here… I expect respect."
For a few seconds, he said nothing.
Just watched me.
Then he smiled faintly.
"Interesting," he said quietly. "You think you're the one setting the rules in this game?"
My heart stopped for a second.
But I didn't step back.
"If my conditions don't work for you…" I said calmly, "I know where the door is."
I couldn't believe I had just said that.
But I did.
As if I could actually leave.
But… I didn't back down.
Silence filled the room again.
Long. Heavy.
Then—
suddenly, he stepped very close.
So close I could barely breathe.
His hand moved to my chin, lifting my face slightly.
"Do you know what the problem is?" he whispered.
My heart was racing.
"You think you're weak… but you're not."
Those words—
I didn't expect them.
"And that…" he looked into my eyes, "is far more dangerous."
He let go and stepped back.
"I agree."
My eyes widened.
"What?"
"To your conditions," he said calmly.
For a few seconds, I just stared at him.
I didn't expect that.
"But…" he added slowly.
My heart started racing again.
"I have one condition too."
"While you're here…" his voice was low and firm, "you won't try to run."
My breath caught.
"And if I do?"
"I'll bring you back."
He paused.
"Every time."
The sound of a knock pulled me out of my thoughts.
I had just been… staring at the TV without really watching it.
It was already eight in the evening.
"Come in."
Eva and a housemaid—walked into the room. They were carrying several bags.
I got up from the bed.
"We brought you clothes and some essentials," Eva said, giving me a warm smile.
Only then did I realize I was still walking around in a robe, and I felt slightly embarrassed.
"I hope they fit you—and that you like them."
"Thank you," I smiled politely.
They placed hygiene products in the bathroom.
"You can take a look. We won't disturb you. Jane will bring your dinner."
"Thank you."
She's so kind, I thought.
I started unpacking the clothes. When I saw the prices, my eyes widened.
I liked everything, but… the underwear and sleepwear were a bit too revealing.
Not something I had ever worn before.
After dinner, I went into the bathroom and stood under the shower for a long time, as if the water could wash away all the exhaustion and tension.
There were so many skincare products… so many that I didn't even know what to use.
I'd never had this much before.
From the sleepwear , I chose the longest one.
I got into bed.
This time, I didn't let myself think too much.
I just wanted…to rest.