As Loretta stepped out of the hospital room, the door closing softly behind her, she saw the bodyguard.
He was walking towards her hospital room, a slip in his hand. When he noticed her, he stopped.
"Miss Loretta," he called.
His eyes moved briefly to the closed door behind her. He had seen the Gladstone family go in earlier.
"Are you heading back with your family," he asked, "or to your apartment?"
Loretta adjusted her grip on her bag.
"Apartment," she said without hesitation.
There was no pause.
The bodyguard nodded and before she could react, he reached out and took the bag from her hand.
Loretta blinked. "I can carry it," she said. Even though she grew up in a house filled with helpers, no one ever helped her carry her bag.
"It's fine," he replied calmly, his tone left no room for argument.
Loretta looked at him for a second… then let it go.
They walked in silence. Down the hallway.
Into the elevator.
Out of the hospital.
The car ride was quiet, No questions
No small talk.Just the low hum of the engine It was just like ordering a ride.
Loretta leaned back slightly, her body still weak, her mind strangely calm.
She didn't mind the silence. It felt like peace.
When the car stopped in front of her apartment building, the bodyguard stepped out first and opened the door for her.
Loretta stepped out slowly, this was the first time she was experiencing such treatment. She thought that was it.
That he would leave after dropping her off.
But he took the bag from the back seat and followed her toward the entrance.
She glanced back at him, he said nothing. She wanted to say it was fine and she could get to her apartment herself but something in his quite calm shut her mouth.
They entered the building together.
The elevator ride up was just as quiet.
Loretta stood with her arms loosely at her side, while the bodyguard stood behind her, holding her bag.
When the elevator doors opened, she stepped out.
He followed again. Loretta conculded that he was bringing her to her door .They stopped in front of her apartment door.
Loretta took out her key.
Unlocked it and pushed the door open.
She stepped inside.
Then turned, reached out to collect her bag from him.
"Thank you," she said, seeing he was not giving her the bag.
He handed it to her, but not leave.
A small pause. Loretta raised her brows, she wonder if he was expecting her to invite him in.
Then he spoke."The boss assigned me to take care of your safety," he said.
Loretta blinked, she never expected him to do this.
"I'll be staying next door." The man continue not caring about her expression.
Her brows furrowed slightly.
"Next door?"
"Yes."
Loretta stared at him, because that made no sense. The apartment next to hers—
Had always been occupied.
She had seen someone move in months ago. Although always busy she was still sure the person was still there a few days ago.
"…Next door?" she repeated slowly.
The bodyguard gave a small nod.
"If you need anything, let me know."
His tone was simple.
Loretta looked at him for a long moment.
Then— A soft, almost disbelieving laugh escaped her. She did not know what to make of Kevin's actions. Was he scared she was going to dead or he was just worried that she would run away. Thinking about it, the doctor that offered to help her did not show up again till she was discharged.
"…I see," she said quietly.
The bodyguard gave a short nod.
Then turned and walked a few steps to the door beside hers.Took out a key and unlocked it.Opened the door and went in.
The door closed behind him, he did not turn to look at her.
Loretta stood there.
Still.
"He was really next door," She thought her eyes fixed on the door next to hers.
For a moment, she said nothing.
Then slowly, she stepped into her apartment.closed the door behind her.
...
The next morning, sunlight filtered softly through Loretta's window.
She stood by the mirror, tying her hair into a loose knot. Her face was still a little pale, but her eyes were full of life.
On the small table beside her lay a piece of paper—her to-do list.
Some items were already crossed out.
Nightclub, strip clubs and Drink.
Her gaze lingered on the next one.
Travel.
Loretta picked up her phone and continued to search for destination she would like to visit. She had picked out a few places before, but now thinking of her hearth condition she thought of a place close by.
A small town, three hours away.
Known for its quiet streets, open markets, lakeside views, and old attractions people loved to visit. She had seen pictures before. And has always wanted to visit herself But she never went.
There was always something else, first school and then work .
A faint smile touched her lips, she turned, walking slowly around her apartment.
Her eyes fell on the suitcase tucked in the corner.
She hesitated for only a second. She wonder if Kevin would think she was running away if she travels now but
Then walked over and pulled it out.
If she was going to die…
She refused to spend her last days inside these walls.
—
An hour later.
The suitcase lay open on her bed.
Clothes were scattered everywhere.
Simple dresses.
Comfortable shoes.
A few things she had never even worn before.
Loretta paused, holding up a light summer dress. She had bought it a years ago.
Never used it.
Because there was never a "right occasion." She let out a small breath.
She folded it carefully and placed it inside.
One by one, she packed.
Not too much.This was not a long trip.
Just a few days. Just thinking about the freedom made her smile.
When she was done, she closed the suitcase and sat on the edge of the bed.
For a moment, she just sat there.
Thinking.
Then she got up and decided to prepare herself breakfast. She had to eat right to stay healthy and alive.
By noon, everything was ready.
Her suitcase stood by the door.
She changed into something simple and comfortable.
Took one last look around the apartment.
Certain that she had not left any appliances on, She picked up her bag.
Opened the door.
And stepped out.
Just as she was locking it, the door next to hers open.
The bodyguard looked at her all dressed up and the suitcase next to her. His heart missed a beat.
The Assistant had say to keep a close watch on her so she does not run away.
"Miss Loretta, where are you off to?" He pretended that he was just asking casually.