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My mind races as I stare into the darkness, searching for an escape from the tangled web I've found myself in.
If I run now, Felix will hunt me down. He'll see it as me running in fear, and he'll try to find me and make it right.
Staying means putting our baby in danger, caught in the crossfire of a mob war.
There are no good options left. I'm trapped.
When the first rays of sunlight filter through the blinds, I carefully extract myself from Felix's embrace and creep downstairs.
I'm about to make a pot of strong coffee and remember that I probably shouldn't drink coffee.
Instead, I make myself tea and take it to the back porch.
The morning air is crisp and fresh but does little to clear my head.
I need a plan to end this that doesn't leave a trail of bodies behind.
If I can get a message to Sal without Felix finding out, perhaps I can convince him to back off.
Make him see that all-out war will only lead to mutually assured destruction.
It's a long shot, but if I can buy us some time and figure out a way to disappear with the baby after it's born...it might just work.
I'll have to be careful, covering my tracks at every turn.
One misstep, and Felix will know I've betrayed him.
But I have to try. For the sake of our child, I have to try.
The back door creaks open behind me, and I hastily wipe the tears from my eyes before turning around.
It's time to wear a mask and hide the truth like I've done every day since this nightmare began.
The life I've always wanted is slipping through my fingers, but I can't give up now.
Not when there's still a chance to build something better from the ashes.
I paste a smile on my face as Felix steps out onto the porch.
"There you are," he says, wrapping an arm around my waist.
"I was worried when I woke up, and you were gone."
"Just needed some fresh air," I lie, leaning into his embrace.
He's warm and solid, a comforting presence. If only he knew the truth.
"Everything okay?"
Felix nods, gazing out at the sprawling lawn.
"For now. My men are on high alert, and Sal knows we won't hesitate to strike back if he comes after you again." His jaw clenches, eyes hardening.
"No one threatens what's mine and lives to tell about it."
A chill runs down my spine at his possessive tone. I know what he's capable of, the violence he wields without a second thought.
He may care for me in his own way, but in the end, I'm just another possession to control and protect.
