A Change of Mind

Evelyn's Point of View

I stared at the ceiling, lying on the bed, thoughts swirling in my brain. I just needed to find a way to get out of here as soon as possible, but I couldn't find an easy way out. With my foot hurt, I couldn't seem to jump out the window; it was way too high for me unless I wanted to risk it, but it would be very painful.

I can bear any kind of pain rather than a lifetime of misery. Arthur was bad news. Firstly, I heard he hates women to the core, secondly, he doesn't like to be touched by women, and thirdly, he has been arrested for being a serial killer. I don't know if any of it was true, but what I know is that there's no smoke without fire, and people can't spread fake rumors; one of them must be true.

I sat up straight on the bed, stepped down, my bare feet touching the cold wood floor, grasping for my boots. I put them on before I stood on my feet.

Jumping out the window was better than staying with that jerk. I'd rather die than live with that jerk. Once I get out of here, I can protect my family.

I peeked outside, and my heart skipped a beat as I stared at the height from the top down the window. This was risky, and I might even hurt myself, but at this point, what choice do I have?

I walked across the room, opening the small drawer from the closet. I began rummaging through the drawer, searching for anything I could use, be it a rope or anything.

It seemed like my luck was smiling at me as I grasped the rope. I shut the drawer closed, marched over to the window, tied the rope over the window, and held the other side. Without thinking twice, I jumped out, my feet quickly touching the ground, thanks to the rope.

My eyes darted from each and every corner, searching for a way out until they landed on the small entrance. I was more than certain that no one uses it more often.

I dashed to the small gate, flung it wide, and bolted away. I was so lucky that the gate took me straight to the highway. My feet raced against the empty road, my heart thrashed against my ribcage, my breath coming in soft gasps. With each second I ran, the pain in my leg kept on increasing, but I didn't stop. It was a do-or-die situation, and I had to make my escape.

I stopped in my tracks upon seeing a car approaching my way. I raised both hands, waving, and exhaled deeply as the car halted a few steps away from me.

“Please give me a lift,” I panted, holding my knees with my hands, my breath coming in short gasps, beads of sweat dripping from my face.

“Get in,” the lady driving the car said sweetly.

“Thank you, Ma'am. You don't know how much you've helped me.” A smile built up on my lips as I grasped the door handle of her car, swung the door open, got in, and shut the door closed as she started the car and drove off.

I rested my head against the car seat, trying to calm my ragged breath. I'd been running for too long, and I couldn't even describe how painful my leg was at this point. I just hoped I could get away from this town as soon as possible. Once I'm away, Arthur won't ever see me again.

I frowned as the woman halted the car. I couldn't see anything outside because she had tinted her windows, but I assumed that we'd already arrived, but it was too soon.

I swung the door open and stepped out. My eyes widened as I took in my surroundings. It was the same farmhouse that I had just run away from. My breath caught in my throat as my gaze locked with Arthur's. He stood there with a mocking smirk on his lips as his men stood by his side.

“Welcome back, little thief.” His words were clipped, dripping with sarcasm. My muscles weakened as I took a step back. He walked over to me and grasped my hair, his grip tight. I clenched my teeth, trying hard not to let out a scream.

“What did you think, that you could run away from here just like that?” He asked, his voice stern and cold. I swallowed painfully hard.

“Too bad, little thief. This is my city, and you can't just escape from me after stealing.” He said, his voice low and menacing.

Damn this woman, she was just an old bitch! How could she do that to another woman? She was supposed to help me, for heaven's sake.

I raised my knee and launched a kick on his balls, causing him to let go of my hair, groaning slightly.

I wouldn't let him raise his hand on me no matter what. I might be wrong and guilty, but that doesn't mean I'd let a man bully me.

Two lady guards rushed over to me, grabbing me from both shoulders. Arthur let out a chuckle as he stood straight, taking a step towards me. He grasped my chin, making me face him, his dark gaze piercing through mine.

“Little thief, you like getting yourself in trouble so much, don't you?” His tone was deep and husky. I swallowed hard, trying to avert my gaze from his, but he obviously didn't allow me.

“Just let me go.” I spat, and he laughed sarcastically.

“Sure, I'd definitely let you go, but not before you pay me the money for my stolen car.” Arthur smirked, his eyes not leaving mine. “I've changed my mind, no more getting married, but you are going to pay for my cars with each part of your body. How does that sound?” A heavy feeling settled in my stomach as his words sank in, dread washing over me.