Forget me not [Yandere Family x Reader]

Chapter 41 - School?

The weight of the situation was becoming increasingly suffocating, each day a battle to maintain my composure and hold onto hope.

I retreated to my room, the only sanctuary I had in this gilded cage. Collapsing onto the bed, I let out a shuddering breath, feeling the exhaustion seep into my very bones. The constant need to be on guard, to watch every word and action, was draining me.

A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts.

"Come in," I called out, my voice weary.

Rosey slipped inside, a tray of food in her hands. Her eyes were rimmed with fatigue, but she managed a small smile as she set the tray down.

"You need to keep your strength up," she murmured, her tone gentle.

I nodded, forcing a bite of the meal, though it tasted like ash in my mouth. Rosey lingered, her gaze darting around the room before she leaned in close.

"I managed to get this for you," she whispered, pressing something into my hand.

My heart leapt as I felt the familiar shape of the secret phone. A lifeline to the outside world, a glimmer of hope in the darkness that surrounded me.

"Thank you," I breathed, clutching the phone tightly.

Rosey's eyes were solemn. 

"Be careful," she warned. "The brothers are growing more suspicious by the day. One wrong move, and..." She trailed off, the unspoken threat hanging in the air.

I nodded, swallowing hard. "I know. But we can't give up, not now."

Rosey's shoulders sagged, and for a moment, I saw the weight of the world resting upon them. 

"I'm trying, but it's getting harder and harder to hold onto hope."

Reaching out, I squeezed her hand, a silent promise passing between us.

We'll get through this, together.

After Rosey left, I turned my attention to the phone, my fingers trembling as I typed out a message to Jasmine.

"Please, you have to hurry. The situation is becoming more dire by the day. The brothers are closing in, and I fear our window of opportunity is shrinking. We need that evidence, and we need it soon."

Hitting send, I held the phone close, as if willing Jasmine's response to come faster. The seconds ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity.

Finally, the phone buzzed, and I let out a shaky breath as I read Jasmine's reply.

"I'm working as fast as I can, but these people are good at covering their tracks. Give me a little more time, and I promise I'll have something concrete."

It wasn't the answer I wanted, but it was better than nothing. Clutching the phone to my chest, I closed my eyes, sending up a silent prayer.

Please, let Jasmine find what we need. Our's life depends on it.

The weight of the situation pressed down upon me, suffocating and unyielding. But deep within, a flicker of hope still burned, fueled by the knowledge that I wasn't alone in this fight.

We'll get through this, together. We have to.

The days blurred together, a constant dance of deception and desperation. But amidst the chaos, a new opportunity presented itself – a chance to maintain a semblance of normalcy, however fleeting.

It started with a casual remark from Leonard during one of our evening conversations. "You know, my dear, it's such a shame that your education has been disrupted by these... circumstances."

I tensed, unsure of where he was going with this.

Was it a trap, a test of my loyalty?

Leonard must have sensed my apprehension, for he quickly continued, "We can't have you falling behind, now can we? Education is the key to a bright future."

*A bright future.* The words rang hollow, a cruel mockery of the situation I found myself in. But I knew better than to voice my doubts.

"Of course," I replied, keeping my tone neutral. "Education is important."

Leonard's eyes crinkled at the corners, a hint of satisfaction in his expression. "Excellent. Then it's settled. We'll arrange for a tutor to come and ensure your studies remain on track."

I nodded, my mind already whirring with the possibilities. A tutor meant an outsider, someone not bound by the Windsors' web of secrets and lies. Could this be the opportunity I'd been waiting for?

True to his word, Leonard arranged for a tutor to come to the estate twice a week. Her name was Mrs. Everly, a stern-looking woman with a no-nonsense demeanor.

"I understand you have a particular interest in finance," she said during our first session, her gaze piercing.

I nodded, seizing the opportunity. "Yes, I find the world of finance and economics fascinating. Understanding the flow of money and resources is crucial in today's global landscape."

Mrs. Everly's lips curved into a slight smile, and I knew I had piqued her interest. "Well then, we'll start with the basics and work our way up. Finance is a complex beast, but with dedication and hard work, you'll tame it."

And so, our lessons began. Twice a week, Mrs. Everly would arrive, her briefcase filled with textbooks and worksheets. We delved into the intricacies of financial markets, investment strategies, and economic theories.

But our sessions were more than just academic pursuits. They were a lifeline, a connection to the outside world that I so desperately craved.

During our breaks, I would subtly probe for information, asking innocent questions about current events or local happenings. Mrs. Everly, ever the professional, would indulge my curiosity, sharing snippets of news and gossip from the world beyond the estate's walls.

It was during one such break that I learned of a new development in the city – a high-profile embezzlement case involving a prominent businessman. My heart raced as Mrs. Everly recounted the details, her words painting a picture of greed and deception.

"They say he had ties to some powerful families," she mused, sipping her tea. "Rumor has it, he was just the tip of the iceberg."

I fought to keep my expression neutral, but my mind was racing.

Could this be the break we've been waiting for? A chink in the Windsors' armor?

As our lessons continued, I found myself clinging to these small glimpses of the outside world, hoarding them like precious gems. Each tidbit of information was a reminder that there was life beyond these walls, a world where I could be free.

And with each passing day, my determination grew stronger. I would not let the Windsors win. I would find a way to unravel their secrets, to expose the truth and secure Victoria's safety.

No matter what it takes.