Con artist

The Will to Survive

The room felt suffocating. Pierre's laughter echoed in my ears, cruel and heartless. Victor stood there, his eyes cold, watching me like I was nothing more than a tool. Everything around me screamed of control and power, and I was trapped in the middle of it all.Pierre's words were still ringing in my head. He didn't just want me—he wanted a son. He wanted me to give him an heir, through Victor. The thought made my skin crawl, but I couldn't let them see how scared I was. I couldn't show weakness."You'll marry Victor and bear him a son," Pierre had said, his voice dripping with arrogance. "Or you'll face the consequences."I wanted to scream, to run, but I stood frozen. Victor didn't say a word. He didn't have to—his silence was enough to show me that he wouldn't stand up to his father. I was on my own. But I knew one thing: I wasn't going to let them break me.Pierre turned and left the room, leaving me alone with Victor. I could feel the tension between us, but he didn't move. His eyes stayed on me, watching, waiting. He was intimidating, no doubt about that, but there was something more. I could sense it—Victor wasn't completely like his father, but that didn't mean I trusted him."You don't have to make this difficult," Victor finally said, his voice low and calm, like he wasn't forcing me into a nightmare. "If you just go along with it, things will be easier for you."Easier? Was he serious? How could any of this be easy?I couldn't hold back anymore. "Do you actually believe that?" I snapped, meeting his gaze. "That this is the life I want? That I should just give in and become your father's puppet?"For a split second, something flickered in Victor's eyes. Doubt? Regret? I wasn't sure, but whatever it was, it disappeared as quickly as it came. He took a step closer, and I tensed, my heart racing. "You don't know what my father's capable of," he said quietly. "He'll stop at nothing to get what he wants. You... you need to be careful.""And what about you?" I shot back, my voice shaking with anger. "You just stand by and watch him destroy people's lives?"Victor didn't respond. He just looked at me with those cold, green eyes, and for a moment, I thought he might say something—something real. But instead, he turned and walked out, leaving me alone.I collapsed onto the cot, my body trembling from the fear and exhaustion. I couldn't stay here. I wouldn't stay here. But how could I escape when every door seemed locked, every window sealed?No. I couldn't think like that. I wasn't going to let Pierre control me. I wasn't going to give him what he wanted. I had to find a way out, for me and for my baby. This wasn't just about me anymore. I placed a hand on my stomach, tears filling my eyes. Pierre had already taken so much from me. He had taken my baby girl, and now he wanted me to give him a son. But I wouldn't let him win. I'd fight with everything I had left.---Meanwhile, Elijah was out there, searching for me. I knew he wouldn't give up on me, but I wasn't sure if he could find me in time. Elijah, please don't stop looking for me. I need you now more than ever.Back in the room, I scanned my surroundings, desperate for any chance of escape. My eyes landed on a small window near the ceiling. It wasn't much, but it was the only hope I had. I quickly grabbed whatever I could find—a chair, a few boxes—and stacked them up to reach the window.My heart pounded in my chest as I pushed against the rusty frame. It barely moved, but I didn't stop. With every ounce of strength I had, I forced it open. The cool night air hit my face, and for the first time in days, I felt a flicker of hope.I squeezed through the small opening, my body aching with effort. As I tumbled out onto the ground, I took a moment to breathe in the fresh air. I was free—at least for now. But I couldn't stay still. I had to keep moving.I ran. I didn't know where I was going, but anywhere was better than here. The sound of footsteps behind me sent a jolt of panic through my body. I glanced back and saw Victor chasing after me, his face full of determination."Natasha!" he shouted, but I didn't stop. I couldn't. I pushed myself harder, my legs burning, my lungs aching. I didn't care. I just had to get away