Stolen by Fate

Chapter 7: A Taste of Freedom

Chapter 7: A Taste of Freedom

I stood in front of the mirror, brushing my hair, still trying to process the fact that Adrian had given me a phone. It had been a few days since that moment, and although I hadn't called anyone yet, just having it near me felt like a small piece of my old life. A lifeline, even if it was still tethered to him.

The door creaked open, and I glanced in the mirror to see Adrian standing there, leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed. His gaze swept over me in that familiar, intense way, like he was studying every inch of me.

"You ready, Ma?" he asked.

I turned to face him, still unsure if I was dreaming. "Ready for what, exactly?"

Adrian grinned, that playful gleam back in his eyes. "I'm taking you out. You've been cooped up here too long. Figured it's time you got some fresh air."

My heart skipped a beat. Going out? As in, leaving the house? After all these months?

I swallowed hard, unsure how to react. "You're serious?"

"Dead serious," he said, walking further into the room. "But I'll warn you, Ma. I'll be with you the whole time. You try anything stupid—like running—and I won't be so nice next time."

I knew better than to test his patience. But still, the idea of getting out, even just for a little while, was too tempting to ignore. I nodded slowly. "Okay. Where are we going?"

Adrian gave me a half-smile. "Shopping. Thought you might want some new clothes. You've been stuck wearing the same stuff for months."

I blinked, surprised again by his gesture. This wasn't like him. Adrian had always kept control, always kept me at a distance—even when we started talking, even when things between us shifted. Now he was... taking me shopping?

I grabbed my coat from the chair, still feeling like this might be a trick. "Let's go before I change my mind."

The drive into town was quiet, but not uncomfortable. I sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window at the passing trees, my stomach fluttering with nervous excitement. The world outside felt surreal, like I was seeing it for the first time after being hidden away for so long.

Adrian glanced over at me occasionally, his jaw clenched like he was watching for any signs of hesitation or rebellion. But I didn't plan on running. I wasn't stupid. Even if I wanted to, I knew he'd catch me. And besides... part of me wasn't sure I wanted to run anymore.

When we finally pulled into the parking lot of a sleek, upscale shopping center, my heart sped up. The stores were bright, bustling with people moving in and out of boutiques, carrying bags full of clothes and accessories. The energy was palpable, and for a moment, I felt like a normal person. Like this was just an ordinary day.

Adrian parked the car and turned to me, his expression serious. "Remember what I said, Ma. I'll be watching you the whole time. You stick close to me, or we're leaving."

I nodded, already feeling the weight of his presence next to me. "I get it."

He gave me one last lingering look before getting out of the car. I followed, stepping out into the cool autumn air, the sun warming my skin. It felt strange, being outside again, with the noise of the city humming all around me.

Adrian walked beside me as we made our way into the shopping center, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back. The touch was possessive but not harsh. People passed by us, giving us barely a second glance, as if we were just any other couple out for the day.