Morning sunlight filtered weakly through the thin curtains, but Ana felt none of its warmth. She stood frozen in the kitchen doorway, staring at the letter on the table as if it were a venomous serpent ready to strike again. Kaspy hovered beside her, jaw clenched, running a soothing hand along her arm even though he himself was trembling.
Ana, he whispered, you don't have to read it again.
But she did. Her fingers brushed the paper the ink still hauntingly fresh. Soon, my golden doll. Soon, you will remember where you belong.
Her stomach tightened. Her pulse thundered in her ears. She could feel Adam's presence in every shadow, hear his voice in every corner of the room. Three months she had tasted freedom. Three months she had begun to believe she could belong somewhere outside her gilded chains. And Adam had shattered that illusion with a single sentence. Kaspy gently turned her toward him.
We'll leave. Tonight. Another city. Another life. Somewhere he can't follow.
But Ana shook her head, her golden hair falling like silk around her face.
He will follow, she murmured. He always follows.
A New Kind of Terror
Throughout the day Ana remained unusually silent. Even the baby sensed the tension, clinging to her as she rocked him by the window. Every now and then she caught her reflection in the glass wide eyes, pale cheeks, trembling lips. A girl haunted.
Kaspy paced behind her, unable to calm his own growing fear.
He found us once, he muttered. Someone must have told him. Someone must be watching.
The thought chilled Ana to the bone. She wrapped her arms tighter around the baby.
What if it's not someone? she whispered. What if it's something? Adam has connections everywhere…in both worlds. He always knew how to find me.
Kaspy knelt in front of her, placing a steady hand over hers.
You're not alone now. I won't let him take you.
But Ana flinched, because even though she trusted Kaspy with her heart, she feared Adam with her entire soul.
The Archer Family Moves
Elsewhere in the city, Sara Archer stood at the window of her penthouse, watching the rain streak down the glass like thin rivers of sorrow. Nick sat at the desk behind her, scrolling through reports.
She's alive, Sara whispered. There was no relief in her voice—only dread.
How do you know? Nick asked.
Sara lifted a folded note identical to the one Ana had received.
Because he sent me this.
Nick surged to his feet, fury igniting in his eyes. Adam dared—?
Yes, she said softly. He wants to provoke us. He wants us afraid.
Anthony burst into the office, breathless. Mother—Father—Javier just called. He found traces of Ana's movement in the outskirts. She's been working. Living humbly. His voice cracked. She's happy. And she doesn't want to be found.
Nick closed his eyes in pain. She's a child. She doesn't know what she's doing.
Anthony shook his head bitterly. No…she knows exactly what she's doing. She wants freedom. And she believes that freedom isn't with us.
Sara turned slowly, her expression unreadable. Prepare the security team. We are going to her. Not to drag her home…but to protect her.
Nick looked at her sharply. Protect her? She ran away.
She ran from her trauma, Sara corrected him. And now that trauma has found her. We don't have the luxury to be offended. Our daughter is in danger.
Anthony's golden eyes burned with conflicted emotion. I'll bring her home. I swear it.
No, Sara whispered. You will bring her back only if she wants to come. But first…we save her life.
The Night Cracks Open
The following evening, Ana stepped outside with Kaspy, the baby bundled in her arms. The streets were quiet too quiet. A wrong quiet. Even the air felt heavier, thicker, as if holding its breath.
We should hurry, Kaspy said, locking the door behind them. I filled the tank. The bags are packed. We won't stop until we're far enough.....
He froze. Across the street, headlights flickered on. A black car. Then another. And another. Ana's breath vanished. Kaspy, she whispered, gripping his sleeve, he's here.
Before Kaspy could respond, a familiar voice echoed from the shadows.
No, my golden dove. Not yet.
Adam stepped into the dim glow of the streetlamp, immaculate as always dark coat, perfect hair, eyes gleaming with serpentine delight. Behind him, half a dozen men emerged with silent precision. Ana stumbled backward, clutching the baby as if her arms alone could shield him. Kaspy moved in front of her instantly, trembling with rage.
You're not taking her, Kaspy growled.
Adam's smile was cold. You continue to amuse me, Kaspy. Courage looks almost noble on you. Almost.
He moved forward, slowly, savoring every step.
Ana, he murmured, come home.
No, she breathed. Never.
Don't be foolish. You are trembling. You're overwhelmed. You're afraid. Let me care for you the way I always have.
Kaspy lunged. Two of Adam's men intercepted him mid-strike, slamming him against the hood of a car. He fought, teeth bared, but they were strongertrained.bAna cried out, but Adam grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.
You don't belong here, he whispered. You never did. This world is beneath you. And he is beneath you.
Let go of me she gasped.
Shh, Adam murmured. You were made for me.
Then. Boom..A shattering blast of sound tore through the night. A second later, blinding floodlights illuminated the entire street. Black SUVs screeched to a halt. Doors flew open. Armed guards flooded the area. And at the center, stepping out with icy determination. Sara Archer. Her eyes locked onto Adam with lethal calm.
Touch my daughter again, she said, and I will make sure there is nothing left of you to bury."
Nick emerged behind her, radiating fury.
Anthony moved like a storm, his gaze burning straight toward his trembling sister.
Ana, he whispered, breathless with relief and pain.
Adam laughed, though tension rippled beneath his voice. Ah. The proud Archer family finally arrives.
Yes, Sara said, raising her chin. And this time—we finish what we should have ended years ago.
The Hook
But Ana did not run to her family. She did not hide behind Kaspy. Instead, she stepped forward, voice shaking yet resolute.
No one decides my fate, she said. Not Adam. Not my family. And not the shadows of my past.
Adam's smirk sharpened.
Then decide, my golden doll. Right now. Right here.
He extended a hand toward her. Kaspy, bleeding but standing, held out his hand too. And behind her, Anthony whispered desperately:
Please, Ana…come home.
Three hands. Three futures. One choice.
Ana inhaled—opened her trembling mouth—
and the night held its breath.