The house was quiet. Too quiet. Maris had packed their small bags and hidden them near the back door. In just a few hours, they would slip into the night, away from Claudia's sharp tongue, away from Darren's cruelty, away from the life Evelyn never asked for.
Evelyn went downstairs to get breakfast, she had to act like everything was okay.
After having breakfast, she went back to her room' Evelyn sat on her bed, clutching the worn scarf Lily had given her, her heart pounding at the thought of freedom.
Claudia's voice rang through the house, sweet and sharp.
"Evelyn, dear, come to the living room."
Evelyn descended the stairs slowly, her face unreadable. Claudia sat on the couch like a queen on her throne, a glass of wine in hand, lips curved into a smile that didn't touch her eyes.
"You know," Claudia began, swirling the wine lazily, "I'll be so happy when you finally leave this house. It will be… peaceful."
Evelyn met her gaze and forced a small smile. "Will it?" she replied, pretending ignorance, refusing to give Claudia the satisfaction of knowing she'd struck a nerve.
Claudia's smirk deepened. "Oh, yes. Very."
Few hours later;.
A sudden roar of an engine shattered the stillness. Headlights flooded the driveway, the beam cutting through her window.
Maris froze. "No… no, it's too early—"
"Open the door." Claudia ordered a maid and a man on a black suit, tall handsome with the cutest eyes stepped in his heavy boots hit the porch
Claudia's heels clicked across the marble floor, her smile almost audible in her tone as she called, "Come in, Mr Draven." Her father ran downstairs with a faint smile.
Evelyn's stomach dropped. His eyes found her instantly, and she felt it the invisible pull, sharp and suffocating.
As he looked at her, his wolf calmed down for the first time in a while.
I didn't expect you this early' Mr Hart said.
Well' shall I take my bride to be home now' I will call my lawyer tomorrow.
Of course' you can" Claudia said. Her son stood by her side and they were both smiling.
Evelyn's throat closed as the reality sank in. "Maris…"
He turned his gaze towards her..
Evelyn shook her head, stepping back. "No—I'm not—"
Maris rushed forward, tears streaming down her face. "Please, sir, don't take her! She's just a girl—" She grabbed his arm, but he didn't so much as flinch.
If you don't want me taking her, why did you accept my proposal Mr Hart' he said facing her father.
Please ignore the old lady, she's just going to miss Evelyn' Claudia blurted.
I'm sorry ma'am but I have to take her"
Two men stepped forward, each gripping an arm before she could pull back.
"Let me go!" she shouted, her voice breaking, but they didn't respond.
"Evie!" Maris's voice cracked as Kael's men entered, pulling Evelyn toward the door. "Where are you taking her?!" she cried, but Claudia only leaned back on the couch, sipping her wine with a satisfied smile.
She struggled, tears blurring her vision, while behind them Claudia and Darren stood in the hallway—smiling. Claudia's hand rested proudly on her son's shoulder as if watching a long-awaited punishment finally unfold.
They dragged Evelyn toward a waiting black SUV, her shoes scraping against the floor. She twisted and fought, but their grips were iron
The last thing she saw was Maris on her knees in the doorway, sobbing, her hands reaching out into the darkness.
Kael gets into a different car from her.