Arthur stepped through the door.
The sight of him instantly dragged every horrible memory back to the surface.
I moved before I could stop myself.
“Get out!” I snapped. “Get out of my house right now. You should be in prison, not standing here pretending you're welcome.”
Arthur didn't look offended.
If anything, he looked entertained. “That's not a very nice way to greet family,” Arthur said. “Especially considering we'll be seeing a lot more of each other from now on.”
My chest tightened. “What are you talking about?”
Arthur laughed. “It's simple. I'll be living here soon, and you'll be living with me. Everybody has already agreed on it.”
I stared at him. “What?”
He looked around the room and smiled. “Nice place. I can see myself getting comfortable here.”
Then he looked directly at me. “And you'll make a decent wife.”
For a second, I genuinely thought I had misheard him.
“Have you lost your mind?!” I demanded.
Arthur shrugged. “Your brother's gone. I like men but I like women, too. My sister said somebody still needs to take responsibility for everything that happened. Since he can't do it anymore, you'll do.”
My father looked horrified.
I felt sick!
Arthur continued, clearly enjoying every second of it. “Astrid and Mr. Thornton already explained the arrangement. Honestly, I think it's generous. Most people wouldn't be willing to overlook everything your family has done.”
The room spun around me.
Then another voice spoke from the doorway.
A voice I knew better than my own. “Arthur.”
The room went silent.
I turned. Rocco stood in the entrance with Astrid beside him. Calm. Composed.
Looking like they had arrived for an ordinary visit.
Not for the destruction of someone else's life.
And judging by the complete lack of surprise on either of their faces, neither of them thought anything about this situation was strange.
Astrid crossed her arms and looked at me with that same fake, superior smile she always wore. It was the smile that made her look innocent to everyone else and made me want to scream.
“Celeste, try to understand our position. The documentary release is coming up soon, and your brother has disappeared. Nobody can contact him, and nobody knows where he is.” She sighed and shook her head. “My brother can't keep waiting forever. We need answers. Either you bring your brother here so we can clear everything up publicly, or you go with Arthur yourself. Those are the options.”
I stared at her. My entire body was shaking.
Arthur stood nearby with that disgusting grin on his face.
“My brother is dead.” My voice cracked. “He's dead, Astrid. He's gone. He's never coming back.”
For a second, surprise flashed across her face. Then she laughed.
“Oh, come on. Celeste, have you really reached the point where you'll lie about your own brother?” She rolled her eyes. “You know your documentary is falling apart. You know the evidence is weak now. But using your brother's death as an excuse? That's low, even for you.”
My chest hurt so badly I thought I might collapse.
“Rocco, what do you think?” Astrid moved closer to him and immediately softened her voice. “I've tried being patient. I've tried being understanding. But she just keeps making everything difficult.”
I wanted to throw up. The performance was flawless.
Rocco remained silent for several seconds before walking toward me. Every step felt heavy. Dangerous.
His hand wrapped around my wrist.
“Celeste, I've already told you how important this is. Astrid's documentary is about to launch. Arthur's reputation is being questioned everywhere, and the entire project is under pressure.” His grip tightened. “Are you really going to keep causing problems?”
Something inside me broke.
“My brother is dead.” My voice shook, but I didn't look away. “He died after everything Arthur did to him. I've said it over and over. How many times do I have to say it before you believe me?”
Rocco's expression darkened.
Not grief. Not sympathy. But disappointment.
Like I had failed him. Like I was being inconvenient.
“What? You want me to dig him up? You want his ashes brought here too?” I laughed bitterly. “Would that finally be enough for you?”
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Then Rocco released my wrist and shoved me hard toward Arthur.
“Take her.”
The words hit harder than the shove.
Arthur immediately smirked. “Well, looks like we're finally getting somewhere.” His eyes traveled over me, making my skin crawl. “I knew you'd end up with me eventually.”
My father finally broke.
“No! Leave my daughter alone!” Tears streamed down his face as he rushed forward. “You monsters already took my son. Haven't you done enough?”
Several people grabbed him and held him back.
I looked at him and gave him a small look.
Leave.
Please leave. Don't stay here. Don't fight them.
My father froze.
Then I lowered my head, pretending I had given up. Pretending I was defeated.
What choice did I have?
Arthur grabbed my arm and started leading me away. As we passed Rocco, I slowed slightly.
“Rocco.”
He looked at me.
A broken smile appeared on my face.
“You're the one doing this. You pushed me toward him yourself.” I held his gaze for one final second. “When the truth comes out one day, don't regret it.”
Something flickered in his eyes. But I didn't stay long enough to find out what it meant.
The bodyguards shoved me into Arthur's vehicle, and the doors locked immediately. Arthur sat nearby looking entirely too pleased with himself.
I stared out the window.
Thinking.
Waiting.
Watching.
Then I saw it! My chance.
Before I could talk myself out of it, I threw myself from the moving vehicle. Pain exploded through my body. My hands scraped against the ground, and my knees slammed into the pavement.
But I didn't stop. I got up and ran.
The woods ahead were familiar. The airport wasn't far. I just had to keep moving.
My phone suddenly vibrated.
A message from Dad.
My vision blurred immediately.
Dad: “Celeste, I'm already at the airport.”
Another message followed.
Dad: “If you can't escape, I'm not leaving either.”
Tears filled my eyes.
He was still waiting for me.
Ten minutes later, I finally stumbled into the airport.
After passing through security, I almost collapsed from relief. Dad grabbed my hand tightly, and I held on just as hard. Neither of us wanted to let go.
Outside the window, the plane waited on the runway, ready for departure.
I looked at it then at my father.
“Dad.” My voice shook, but this time it wasn't from fear. “We're leaving. We're finally leaving this place behind.”
