Chapter 14

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Eleonora Gates POV

I stood on the side of the road, my phone clutched in my hand, trying to decide what to do next. I had managed to escape Lorenzo's immediate grasp, but I knew he would stop at nothing to find me.

I opened my maps app and searched for nearby towns or cities, hoping to find a place to hide. As I scrolled through the options, one name caught my eye - a small town called Willow Creek, about an hour's drive away.

I hailed another taxi and headed towards Willow Creek, my heart racing with anticipation. Maybe this place could be my safe haven, my refuge from Lorenzo's wrath.

As we drove, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. I kept looking over my shoulder, expecting to see Lorenzo's car following us. But the road behind us was empty, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

Finally, we arrived in Willow Creek, a quaint little town nestled in the heart of a valley. I paid the driver and got out, looking around at the charming shops and cafes.

But as I walked down the main street, I realized that I couldn't stay here for long. Lorenzo would surely track me down, and I needed a plan to stay one step ahead of him.

As I walked down the main street, feeling lost and alone, I noticed a small café tucked away between a bookstore and a vintage shop. I decided to go in, hoping to find a friendly face and a warm cup of coffee.

Inside, the café was cozy and welcoming, with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. I took a seat at the counter and ordered a latte, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as the barista, a friendly-looking woman with a kind smile, chatted with me as she worked.

As I sipped my coffee, I noticed a man sitting in the corner, watching me with a curious expression. He was ruggedly handsome, with a strong jawline and piercing blue eyes. He caught my eye and smiled, and I felt a flutter in my chest.

The barista noticed my gaze and followed it to the man. "Ah, that's Max," she said with a wink. "He's a local hero, always helping out those in need."

Max got up and walked over to me, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "Hi there, I'm Max. Welcome to Willow Creek. What brings you to our neck of the woods?"

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal, but there was something about Max's kind eyes that put me at ease. "I'm just passing through," I said, trying to sound casual. "I needed a place to stay for a while."

Max nodded, his expression understanding. "Well, you're in luck. I have a cabin on the outskirts of town, fully furnished and ready to go. You're welcome to stay there as long as you need."

I was taken aback by his generosity, but something about Max felt trustworthy. "Thank you," I said, feeling a sense of gratitude. "I'd love to take you up on that offer."

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After exchanging number with the barista we exited the shop I followed Max to the cabin, feeling a sense of hope and renewal wash over me. As we drove down the winding dirt road, the trees grew taller and the air grew quieter, and I felt like I was leaving my past behind.

The cabin was cozy and rustic, with a fireplace crackling in the corner and a porch overlooking a tranquil lake. Max showed me around, explaining how to work the generator and the water pump, and I felt a sense of gratitude towards him for his kindness.

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