I stayed where I was.
He snatched his keys. “Don’t you dare disappear, Eleanor. We’re not done talking. You’re not marrying anyone else.” His words were sharp with command as he rushed out with Delilah.
The door slammed.
I picked up my phone immediately.
Take the baby. That’s the final step. Once they believe I’m dead, everything will end.
Adrian replied almost instantly: Got it. I’ll take care of it. Be ready.
I dragged my suitcase into the hall, every step feeling like breaking free of chains. Outside, a taxi idled at the curb.
I didn’t look back.
---
Nathaniel
The smell of disinfectant burned my nose as I paced the hospital corridor. Delilah’s sobs drifted from the room, while Leo’s cries had weakened to a raspy whimper. Doctors were still running tests, and my heart felt like it was splitting apart.
My phone buzzed. Irritated, I answered without checking the screen. “What is it? I’m busy.”
“Sir…” the butler’s voice came through, shaking.
“I said I—”
“Sir, please listen. There’s been an accident.” He swallowed. “Miss Eleanor was in a car crash.”
I stopped cold. “What are you saying?”
A long pause. Then, barely audible:
“She didn’t make it.”