The engine roared. The car pulled away, leaving Marissa screaming into the rain.
The Penthouse
Lily had never been inside an elevator before.
She clutched the handrail as it rose smoothly toward the top of Daniel’s high-rise building in downtown Chicago. When the doors opened, she stepped into a world that didn’t feel real.
Glass walls overlooking the city. Soft golden lights. Floors so clean they reflected her tiny feet.
She stopped at the entrance.
“I’m going to get it dirty,” she whispered. “I’m sorry.”
From inside the penthouse, an older woman approached with gentle eyes and a warm smile.
“Child, floors can be cleaned,” she said softly. “Hearts are harder.”
Her name was Mrs. Evelyn Carter, Daniel’s longtime housekeeper. She wrapped a towel around Lily’s shoulders and guided her to the couch.
“You are safe here tonight,” Evelyn said firmly.
Safe.
Lily had heard that word before.
But never believed it.
As Evelyn cleaned the bruise on her cheek, Lily winced but didn’t pull away.
“No one ever takes care of me,” she whispered.
Evelyn’s voice softened. “They should have.”
Across the room, Daniel stood silently watching.
For years, his penthouse had been quiet. Controlled. Empty.
Now, it felt different.