Doris Elizabeth Corday

I had been in my room for days, and it felt like the walls were starting to close in on me. No matter how luxurious it all was — the king-sized bed, the amazing bath, and the sprawling city view framed by floor-to-ceiling windows.

At the end of the day, it was just a gilded cage.

Everything here, every piece of 'comfort', was likely paid for in blood. It was nothing but a reminder to me of how far Mr. Illion was willing to go to get whatever he wanted.

I glanced around, eyes landing on the untouched tray of food, the glass of water still full on the nightstand. Nothing mattered. Mr. Illion had me locked up here, just like he had that man tied to the chair. And instead of pointing a gun at my head, he had this thing around my neck.

I tugged at the choker, damn near tempted to rip it off.

Was getting information on a rival worth all of this? Worth toying with someone's life? After everything I'd seen, after what happened at the hotel... I didn't know if I should be angry at him or myself.

I should've never stolen from him.

Usually, my instincts would have warned me of a guy like him, but for some reason they didn't...

I curled into a ball under the bed covers.

Even now, everything he did was so confusing. I couldn't figure him out.

He knocked on my door a few times these last couple of days. Each instance was for something irrelevant, but his tone gave me the strangest sense that he was trying to smooth things over.

I shut him down of course.

And I think it was starting to get to him. I could feel it in the air. Mr. Illion's patience was wearing thin, and even though I should've been worried, I couldn't bring myself to care anymore.

A knock on the door broke through my thoughts. I didn't move, curling tighter under the blankets, staring blankly at the ceiling. Another knock, followed by the familiar click of the door opening.

"Miss Corday?" Secretary Coy's calm voice slipped into the room. "May I come in?"

I didn't answer. But that didn't stop him from stepping inside. As polite as I found Coy, he had a steely resolve to follow orders. He was just another piece on Mr. Illion's chessboard. Though at the very least, he was a willing one.

Coy's eyes scanned the room, landing on the untouched tray of food. He frowned slightly, the barest hint of concern crossing his otherwise stoic face.

"You haven't eaten," he remarked, stepping closer to the bed.

I pulled the blanket higher over my shoulder, turning away from him.

"Not hungry."

"You said the same thing yesterday," he replied, adjusting his glasses. "It's been days, Miss Corday."

"I don't care," I said through a cough.

Coy was silent for a moment, but I could feel his eyes on me, always calculating. He stepped to the side of the bed, and I heard the subtle creak as he sat on the edge. He leaned over, pressing the back of his hand against my forehead before I could even react.

I flinched, swatting his hand away.

"What are you doing?"

"You're burning up," he said. "You have a fever."

I stiffened, pulling the blanket tighter around me.

"I'm fine."

Coy's expression didn't change.

"You're not fine. You need to see a doctor."

"I don't—" I started to argue, but he was already standing up, brushing off my words like they were nothing.

"I'll arrange a trip to the hospital," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Stay here."

The door closed behind him, and I shot up from the bed. I scrambled to grab the heating pad from under my pillow and rushed to hide it in the closet. All the while, I tried suppressing my grin.

Finally, after all this time, someone finally fell for it.

I quickly dressed, making sure to keep my clothes rumpled and my hair tousled just enough to keep up the sickly appearance. Ready, I slumped back against the bed like I was about to die.

Minutes later, Coy came back, his expression unreadable.

"We're going to the hospital," he said flatly. "You ready?"

I nodded weakly as I tugged on my shoes, making each movement seem like the hardest task in the world. Coy watched me with furrowed brows as I threw on a black coat and followed him with sluggish steps. His hand rested lightly on my arm as he led me to the elevator, his grip more out of caution than care.

Once we reached the lobby, my eyes widened at the person waiting for us.

Aurelia Lowell.

Coy's personal assistant stood there, looking as polished as ever. Her straight black hair framed her tanned face perfectly, and her blazer dress was immaculate.

"Miss Corday," she greeted me with a small nod, her tone formal but with a trace of warmth. "I heard you're feeling unwell."

Even though she still looked like she had a stick up her ass, there was something endearing about her awkward formality. At least I liked her more than the men here.

"Let's be off," Coy said, his voice slightly annoyed. "We shouldn't waste any more time."

The three of us headed toward the black SUV waiting at the curb. I slid into the back seat, grateful for the temporary escape from the suffocating penthouse. Aurelia took the seat beside me, smoothing out her dress with her usual precision.

The ride was quiet, save for the hum of the engine and the city passing by. Coy busied himself with his tablet in the passenger seat while I stared out the window, my mind already racing with the next part of my plan.

"Are you adjusting well, Miss Corday?" Aurelia's voice pulled me from my thoughts.

I turned to find her watching me with dark brown eyes.

"It sucks but what can I do," I shrugged with a small smile.

Aurelia nodded at me like I was a business presentation.

"It's understandable," she said. "It must be difficult for you, Miss Corday. Being confined to one place for so long."

Her words hung in the air, and I could feel Coy glance up from his tablet, though he remained silent. I wasn't sure what to say, but Aurelia's awkward attempts at kindness made me feel... seen... in a way.

"Hopefully it gets easier," I sighed. "And please, call me Beth."

Aurelia's face softened even more, and for a moment, I caught a glimpse of something beneath her professional demeanor — something human.

"Alright, Miss Beth," she said.

I was about to tell her to drop the 'Miss' but smiled and brushed it off.

"You're not so bad, Lia," I teased.

Her brows furrowed at the nickname, but she didn't correct me. I leaned in a little closer, lowering my voice.

"Why do you work for him?" I asked.

Aurelia's face tightened, and she glanced quickly at Coy, who was still engrossed in his tablet.

"I have my reasons," she replied. "And I'm sure you do too."

Her response was measured, careful, but I could feel there was more to her story.

The hospital loomed into view, the car slowing as Coy glanced back at us.

"We're here," he said.

Once we were inside, Coy busied himself at the reception desk, arranging my checkup, while Aurelia stayed close by.

"I'll just go to the bathroom," I said.

She nodded and I rushed off before she could offer to follow along.

In the restroom, I splashed water on my face, my reflection staring back at me. My heart raced, pounding in my ears.

Now's my chance.

I pulled myself through the window, barely fitting through. Landing outside, I sprinted toward the crowded street.

The phone shop wasn't far, but every step felt like a risk. When I reached the small shop, I glanced around, scanning the displays. My hands trembled as I moved through the aisles, trying to act casual. The clerk was distracted, talking to another customer and I used the chance to slip a phone into my coat pocket. My stomach knotted while I calmly walked out of the store.

Stealing from such a low-end store felt wrong, but desperation had a way of blurring lines — and I wasn't above taking what I needed to survive.

Once I was outside, I broke into a sprint again. Every second felt like an eternity. What if Coy noticed? What if they realized I'd been gone too long?

By the time I slipped back into the hospital, I was gasping for breath, my heart still hammering. Aurelia spotted me first, giving me a polite smile, her dark eyes scanning me.

"Where were you?" Coy asked. His eyes flicked to the restroom door.

"I got a bit lost," I lied smoothly. "Wasn't sure which bathroom was for visitors."

He studied me for a moment longer, then nodded.

"You look worse than before. Let's see the doctor now."

I let out a quiet breath as I was led in for my checkup. The doctor prescribed some flu meds, confirming that the fever wasn't anything serious.

Back in the car, Aurelia watched me with that same quiet concern.

"Take care of yourself, Miss Beth," she said as we neared the penthouse. "It's easy to lose yourself in all of this."

Her words lingered in the air, and I nodded, unsure how to respond. There was something in her tone, something I hadn't noticed before.

"Did you get forced into working for Mister Illion?" I asked.

Aurelia hesitated, her eyes flicking to the window.

"Not exactly..." she said, her voice softer than usual. "I'm just... in love with the wrong man."

My eyes widened at her words. She was in love with Mr. Illion? So, were they actually dating like I suspected?

For some reason I couldn't bring myself to ask about it.

Back at the penthouse, Coy walked me to my room.

"Is there anything you need, Miss Corday?"

I coughed meekly.

"I'd like to send a message to my mom... Mister Illion took my phone, and I just... I want her to know I'm okay..."

Coy studied me for a moment, then gave a curt nod.

"I'll see what I can do."

With that, I was left alone again, finally allowing myself to fully relax.

I spent the next hour finding a discreet hiding spot for the new phone, well aware that it would be my lifeline. It still had about 80% charge, and I couldn't risk draining it too soon. For now, I kept it off and tucked away carefully, far from prying eyes.

By nightfall, the devil returned.

I just slipped into my sleepwear when Mr. Illion called for me to see him in his office. My stomach twisted with each step I took down the hallway.

When I entered, he was seated behind his massive desk, a familiar object in his hand — my phone.

"So," he said, "you wanted to send a message to your mother?"

I nodded and he gestured to the chair in front of him.

"Here's your phone. One message. I'll be watching."

I took the phone with shaking hands, knowing I had to play this carefully. I typed out a simple message to my mom, telling her I missed her and hoped she was doing well. Though I knew she never replied.

Once that was done, I subtly scrolled through my contacts and hovered over Rico's number, trying my hardest to memorize it as quickly as possible.

Mr. Illion's eyes never left me.

"Finished?" he asked.

I nodded, reciting Rico's number in my head one more time before handing the phone back to him. He inspected it briefly, making sure I hadn't done anything outside of what I was permitted.

"Good." He set the phone down, the gleam in his eyes darkening as his tone softened. "I've been thinking, Miss Corday. Maybe I've been a bit hard on you."

My eyebrow arched. I didn't trust where this was going.

"I'm not unreasonable," he continued, his voice uncomfortably casual. "I know this situation hasn't been easy. For either of us."

I scoffed.

"Yeah, your life must be really difficult."

His jaw twitched, but he didn't react how I expected. Instead, he smiled. It had the warmth of a scowl.

"We're gathering information on Alister's subordinates," he said, changing the subject. "Once we have what we need, you'll get the chance to steal their cards."

The mention of Alister sent a chill down my spine. I hadn't even met the man, but the mere thought of him made my instincts scream. That night at the club, every fiber of my being told me to get as far away as possible.

Mr. Illion laced his gloved fingers together as he leaned forward.

"I've got a business trip coming up. At a resort. I thought maybe you'd want to come. Fresh air might do you some good."

I blinked.

A resort?

My brain went a mile a minute to try and figure out his angle.

"You're taking me on vacation to make up for trying to make me kill someone?" I scoffed, narrowing my eyes at him.

His expression darkened, but he didn't lose his composure.

"If you prefer staying here, that's fine too."

Though I glared, a part of me wanted to dance at the golden opportunity. This trip could be my chance! The perfect opportunity to escape! I couldn't let it slip away.

"Sure," I finally said, forcing a small smile. "Why not?"

Mr. Illion's own cold smile widened.

"Good. We leave in a few days."

"Can't wait."

I stood up to leave, but just before I reached the door, Mr. Illion's voice stopped me.

"Miss Corday..."

I turned back to face him, trying to figure out what was going through his head.

"You know I had the gun empty, right? You wouldn't have killed him."

His words hit me like a punch to the gut, but I didn't flinch. A cold shiver clawed up my back at the memory.

"It doesn't matter," I said. "Even if the gun didn't fire, pulling that trigger would've killed a part of me. I'm no saint, but I still want to keep what's left of my soul."

Without waiting for a reply, I walked out of his office.

Each step toward my room made my blood boil further.

Guns are the worst...

Memories I tried to bury resurfaced, and I instinctively closed my eyes.

My father had been a ghost in my life, and though I didn't know the full story, I knew enough to understand why my mom had run. Why she had gone into so much debt to keep us safe...

Back in my room, I pulled out the new phone and quickly saved Rico's number. Without wasting a second, I texted him.

Beth: Dude, I need your help T-T

The reply came fast, and I nearly cried from relief.

Rico: Bethhhhhhhhh where have you been?

Beth: Hell.

Rico: Send me a location. I'll get you right now.

Beth: No, it's not that easy, dude T-T. Would you believe me if I told you I have a bomb strapped to my neck?

Rico: What????

Beth: I'm serious. I need you to figure out how to get this thing off me so I can escape. And I'm gonna need a new identity, passports, the whole deal.

Rico: Do you have a picture of this thing on you?

Beth: Sending it now.

I snapped a picture of the choker around my neck and sent it to him, praying he could find something in the black market or elsewhere that would help.

Rico: Don't worry, Beth. We're getting you out of this.

I let out a breath and deflated like a balloon onto my bed.

If Rico could figure this out, I could get away... I could be free...

But as I stared up at the ceiling, a lingering thought gnawed at me.

Why did Mr. Illion randomly invite me on a trip? What was his real intention? Was it truly guilt or something more sinister?

Shaking my head, I pushed the thought aside. Whatever his plans were, I was going to use the opportunity to disappear.

I was done playing the devil's games.