"I don't know, Ed. I really don't know", Helena said as another tear rolled down her eye.
"Shh my love, come here", he said as he scooped her in his arms.
She snuggled into his chest like she always did whenever she felt vulnerable. Edwin ruffled her hair and smiled at her softly.
"I promise you with my life, my dear Helena. I will not let anyone touch even your or our baby's hair. Just forget about this one mistake. That is all I ask. I cannot handle seeing you so sad and crying all the time", he said, his voice exposing his sadness.
He longed to see her smile. He craved her touch, her affection, and her voice. Seeing the love of his life crying all the time because of him was not something easy. He felt so guilty that he was ready to do anything to get her back, just like before.
"Ed", she said as she pulled a little back and looked at him with teary eyes.
"Yes, Helena?"
"Just tell me why-"
"No, my love. Anything but that. I will tell you the reason surely, but not now. Not now, my sweet", he said as he took her hands in his and kissed them.
Things started to turn normal gradually. Helena started talking to Edwin again, although the responses were short. Her friendship with Damian grew deeper, and they made a special place in their lives for each other. Helena shared everything with Damian, and Damian shared everything with her. They helped each other out.
"Damian, I got this amazing Latte recipe today", Helena said excitedly as she sat carefully on the chair with her bump.
"Oh really? That is nice."
"Yeah, I really wanted to try it, but I am afraid I am not allowed to take a lot of caffeine", Helena said while looking down.
"Make it for Edwin then. Simple", suggested Damian.
"Edwin does not like coffee", she sighed.
"Oh, I totally forgot about that."
"Would you like to try it", Helena asked sweetly.
"Me? Why not? I love to try new things", Damian said with his cute smile.
"Then it is fixed. I will make that Latte for you soon", she said softly.
"Cool. But when?"
"When Edwin is not at home", she said casually.
Damian frowned.
"But why then", he asked, feeling suspicious.
"Because he does not let me cook, Silly", Helena said with a light giggle.
"Oh yeah. Totally forgot that", Damian said.
"So, I need your help. You have to try to find when Edwin will not be at home until late at night", Helena said.
"I guess, this Friday. He has to go to a conference in some town about four hours away from here", Damian said.
"Nice. Then let's have a coffee party then. I will bake cookies too", Helena said sweetly.
"That would be perfect", Damian smiled.
Friday arrived, and Edwin left. Before leaving, he went to Helena and Damian.
"Take care, my babies", he said while kissing Helena's forehead and gently caressing her clothed bump.
"Take care, Ed", she said gently.
"Take care of them, Damian", he said and walked out to his car.
As soon as the car drove away, Helena looked at Damian.
"I'll be there in the kitchen then", she said and walked slowly to the kitchen to prepare the Latte and the cookies.
Damian kept a casual check on her, making sure that she was okay. An hour later, she came to him with the Latte and sugar cookies.
"Enjoy these", she said with a sweet smile.
"Wow. These look so professional."
"Haha, thanks."
"Why don't you take a cookie first? After all, this is the fruit of your hard work", said Damian softly.
Helena's smile faltered. Seeing her smile drop, Damian got alarmed immediately.
"Did I say something wrong", he asked.
"Huh? No, not at all. I should not be eating sugary things either", Helena said while looking down.
"Helena, come on. Once in a while is okay. A little sugar will not harm the baby", Damian said.
"Are you sure", she asked.
"Yes, I am. Go ahead, have a couple of them."
She smiled picked two immediately and started munching like a kid. Damian chuckled.
"These are so good", she exclaimed.
Damian picked one and took a bite of it.
"Hmm. These are better than the bakery ones."
"Try these with the Latte. With the top foamy cream", she said sweetly.
"Gosh! You are a genius. I did not find even one thing you are not good at", Damian said as he drank up the Latte quickly.
"It is not like that, Damian. I am not perfect."
"And what makes you think that", Damian asked playfully.
"I am selfish", Helena said with an innocent smile.
"Selfish?"
"Yeah, selfish."
Damian chuckled.
"You are not selfish, Helena."
"I can do anything for myself", she said in a low tone.
"No, you are saying it wrong. You can do anything for your loved ones. And that is a good thing, Helena. That is not a flaw", Damian said softly.
"Hmm. Maybe you are right."
Damian suddenly felt a sudden dizziness. He ignored it, but then another wave hit him, stronger than before.
"Damian, are you okay", Helena asked worriedly.
"Yeah, I don't know. My head is spinning", he said weakly.
"What? Why?"
"I don't know," Damian said as he started losing consciousness.
"Damian, let me help you", Helena said as she laid him down on the couch. She covered him with a duvet.
"Sleep well, Damian. And I am sorry", she muttered under her breath.
She looked at the clock with cold eyes and rushed to pack her bags. She turned off the power in the mansion. There were already fewer guards around as half of them went with Edwin. Damian was sedated. The grounds were clear for her to escape. She made her way to the backyard of the mansion and slowly climbed over the fence. One of her main clients, a powerful goon, had already arranged a taxi for her.
"Come, Ma'am. Everything is set for you. This taxi will drop you straight to the airport. Your name has been changed to Ruth Brown. All the documents are in this folder, along with your flight ticket", he said.
"Thank you so much, George. I will never be able to repay you", she said with a smile.
"There is no need to thank me, Ma'am. You should leave soon. Edwin will find you soon enough if you stay here any longer."
Helena nodded and sat in the taxi. She only carried a bag with two sets of clothes, cash, and some packed food. Nothing else could be carried, as she knew that most of her things had trackers.
'I hope you never find me again, Edwin', she thought while staring at the disappearing mansion as the taxi drove to the airport.
YOU ARE READING
CAN I ESCAPE?
Mystery / Thriller"I want a divorce. I don't want to live here. I know everything now", she said with pain and anger. His eyes turned red and he clenched his fists. He approached her and hugged her softly. Placing a kiss on her forehead, he said, "My sweet princess...
