Chapter 8
Elena's POV
The fear that had been brewing in my heart since my confrontation with Richard was now boiling over. I knew exactly what he was capable of—the resources at his disposal, his power, his influence. If he learned about the existence of my other two children, he would take them away. And I couldn't let that happen.
I retrieved our passports and emergency cash from a hidden compartment in the closet. Six years of paranoia had prepared me for this moment. I had always worried this day might come.
Twenty minutes later, we were in the car, driving away from the small town. Max sat quietly in the back seat, staring out the window, while Lily excitedly talked about the animals she hoped to see at the farm.
"Will there be horses? And cows? And chickens?" she asked, bouncing in her seat.
"I'm sure there will be, dear," I answered, my eyes constantly checking the rearview mirror for any signs of being followed.
"Mom, is everything okay?" Max finally spoke up.
I hesitated. "Everything's fine, baby. We just need a break. Don't you think it would be fun to spend some time in the countryside?"
"Well, I'm happy wherever we go as long as I'm with you, Mom," Max smiled.
"You're my little sunshine, Max," I was touched.
The drive was tense but uneventful. I took several detours, used back roads and changed direction multiple times to ensure we weren't being followed. By the time we reached the interstate, I relaxed a little.
"We'll be at Daisy's in about three hours," I announced, forcing cheerfulness into my voice. "You two can try to get some sleep."
Lily was already dozing off, her head against the window. Max remained wide awake, his vigilant eyes watching the road ahead.
We arrived at Daisy's farm at sunset, the sky decorated with brilliant oranges and pinks. The sprawling farmhouse stood at the end of a long dirt road, surrounded by fields.
Daisy walked out as soon as she saw our car approach, her familiar smile greeting us.
Daisy was a patient Morgan had initially treated, whose severe symptoms couldn't be cured until I used my abilities to heal her. Since then, she had visited me periodically. Gradually, our relationship had grown close.
"Elena! It's so good to see you!" she exclaimed, pulling me into a tight hug before crouching down to greet the children. "And you brought Max and Lily! Oh my goodness, you two have grown so much!"
Suddenly shy, Lily half-hid behind me, while Max politely said, "Hello, Daisy."
"Come in, come in! Dinner's almost ready, and the guest rooms are all set up," Daisy chatted, leading us into the house, which smelled of fresh bread and home cooking.
As we sat down for dinner, my body finally relaxed somewhat. At least for now, we were safe here. Her farm was remote enough that we wouldn't be easily found.
After dinner, Lily's eyes began to droop, the day's fatigue finally catching up with her.
"I'll show you to your rooms," Daisy offered, leading us upstairs. "Max, you're in here, and Elena and Lily, you're just across the hall."
Once the children were settled—Lily already fast asleep and Max reading a book he'd found on the bedside table—Daisy and I retreated to the kitchen for tea.
"Want to tell me what's going on?" she asked gently, pushing a steaming cup of coffee toward me.
I sighed, wrapping my hands around the warm ceramic mug. "He found me, Daisy. He even imprisoned me, and it was Max and Lily who rescued me. We just got out."
Her eyes widened. "How did he find you?"
"Let's just say it was by chance, he came here for treatment. Though he discovered me, he doesn't know about the children's existence. If he did, he would definitely fight me for custody." I took a shaky breath. "I can't let that happen."
Daisy reached across the table to grip my hand. "You're safe here, Elena. Stay as long as you need."
I nodded gratefully, hoping she was right.
The day passed in relative calm. The children loved the farm.
I was beginning to relax, thinking perhaps we had escaped Richard's notice after all. Until the next morning.
Daisy found me in the garden, her face pale. "Elena, Morgan's calling for you."
My stomach sank as I followed her inside. She handed me the phone, her eyes full of concern.
"Hello?" I said cautiously.
"Elena." Morgan's voice was hoarse with tears. "I'm sorry. They came to my house... threatened my children. I had no choice."
I gripped the phone tightly. "Morgan, are you and the kids okay?"
She was crying. "I'm so sorry, I—"
There was a rustling sound, and then a familiar voice came on the line.
"Be in front of me by noon," Richard said coldly. "Ethan will text you the address, or you'll see their bodies."
"You bastard," I hissed, my hand clenching into a fist.
He hung up.
I slammed the phone down, anger and fear warring within me.
"Elena, what is it?" Daisy asked.
I didn't answer, my mind already considering options, calculating risks. I couldn't leave the children alone, but I couldn't take them with me either.
But I also had to save Morgan and her family.
"Daisy, I need a favor," I pleaded.
Soon I had explained my plan to Daisy. I asked her to send the children back to Moonhaven. My uncle Mason was there, and I trusted he would help care for the children.
The two children rushed back into the house excitedly.
"Mom, look what brother caught a dragonfly," Lily excitedly showed me the insect in her hand.
I didn't answer, just looked at their faces a moment longer.
"Mommy, what's wrong?" Max quickly sensed something was off.
"Nothing, nothing, Max. Um... Mommy wants to discuss something with you. Would you and your sister like to go to Mason's place?" I crouched in front of my son, trying not to let him see my emotions as I carefully broached the subject.
Things had developed to this point, and I could no longer hide. Next, I would have to meet that bastard and rescue Morgan.
Max looked at me. "Sure, is Mommy coming too?"
"Yes, Mommy will come too, but Mommy might be a little late. Is it okay if I arrange for someone to take you and your sister back first?"
"Okay, but Mommy has to come soon too."
Max had always been obedient and quickly agreed.
After settling the children, I drove to the address Richard had provided.