RUN AWAY || H.S

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟏𝟏

Alana's POV.

*2 ½ Years Ago*

I was in the library—my safe haven. The hushed rustle of pages, the soft glow of the reading lamps, and the comforting scent of old books always made me feel protected. This was the one place where he couldn't reach me—at least, that's what I convinced myself. But deep down, I knew if he needed me, he'd stop at nothing to find me.

I sat in a quiet corner, lost in thought. When did my life take such a sharp turn? Oh, yes—I remember. It was the day I said yes. Now, as I recalled that fateful moment, a bitter thought crept in: he has left me to starve today. Again. When will this cycle end? Will I ever break free? Will I ever live my life on my own—love the person I truly desire rather than someone who holds me captive?

A sudden thudding sound echoed from the back of the library. My heart skipped a beat. I rose slowly and crept toward the source, my pulse pounding in my ears. Then, as if out of nowhere, I saw him—standing by a far window, bathed in the muted light that filtered through dusty panes. He wore a smile so broad and confident it both terrified and fascinated me. I couldn't force a smile of my own; all I could do was gasp.

"How in the world did you get here?" I managed to whisper, fear mingling with disbelief. I wasn't scared for myself—I was scared for him.

"Hii Babbyyyy," he greeted, dragging out the final "y" in his words as if savoring every syllable. His tone was light, almost playful, yet laced with an intensity I couldn't ignore.

I stammered, "H-How did you get here?" My voice trembled—not out of self-interest, but because I was frightened for his safety.

"I'm getting you out of here," he said simply, amusement dancing in his eyes.

"Asher," I breathed, a single word loaded with a thousand conflicting emotions.

"You're going to be free today. You don't have to endure this torture any longer. I'll make sure of it. Come on, baby," he said, extending his hand with gentle insistence.

"Ash, what the hell? How did you get in here? Don't you know how risky it is? And what do you mean by 'getting me out of here'? You know that's not possible," I protested, my voice rising in panic.

With a calm smile, he explained, "I came in through the backdoor, then climbed the old oak near the window—remember that trick you told me about once? No cameras there. And I'm taking you away from that asshole. We can leave this mansion, leave your parents behind, and even leave this entire country. Just you and me—far away."

His words sent a shiver down my spine. His smile—the very first I had ever fallen for—was now a promise of escape. Despite the fear and uncertainty, a spark of hope kindled within me.

Asher was undeniably beautiful, but how he could love someone as broken as me was a mystery I still struggled to understand. I carried too much baggage, scars that I wished I could hide forever.

He continued, his voice trembling with both determination and vulnerability, "I know the risk I'm taking to get you out of here. This place has been torture for you these past two years. But it ends now. I'm risking everything because I love you—because every day, you risk it all just to see me, to steal a few moments together. And don't deny it—I see those bruises every time someone from his crew catches a glimpse of us. You always have some excuse about a mistake you made, but I can't keep you trapped. You belong with me, not with that asshole."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I whispered, "But how? He has people everywhere."

"Listen, baby, I've been planning this ever since you told me the truth about your relationship with him. I have everything under control. Trust me," he urged, pulling me into a tight embrace that felt both protective and desperate.