Chapter 5

Only I remained in the house, along with a table full of now-cold seafood.

Just then, I received a text message:

"Happy New Year. Do you like this gift? Your kidney, your husband, your mother, they're all mine now."

I put down my phone. I walked to the mirror.

The person in the mirror had a ghastly pale face, red rashes all over, thick bandages wrapped around her abdomen, like a ridiculous monster.

I looked for a long time. Then, I picked up my phone and dialed Alexander's number.

The call connected.

"Three years ago, you asked me if I would leave Daniel and go with you. Now, I agree."

On the other end of the line, Alexander's deep voice came through:

"Location."

"Come to my place."

The call ended.

I walked into the bedroom, retrieved my passport and a bank card from the safe.

The bank card was secretly given to me by my dad before he passed away. He said, "Audrey, don't let Daniel know about this money. Men can't be trusted; you need to have a backup plan for yourself."

Back then, I laughed at him for being overly cautious. Now I know he was right.

After packing a small bag, I returned to the living room and left a note on the dining table:

"Daniel, I'll send you the divorce papers. From today on, we're both free."

"Mom, the debt of raising me, I've repaid with a kidney. From now on, we're even."

As soon as I finished writing, the doorbell rang.

I pulled open the door. Outside stood Alexander, tall and imposing, with a stern gaze. Behind him was a black Porsche.

He took off his coat, wrapped it around me, and lifted me into his arms.

"Alexander," I asked, "where will you take me?"

He opened the car door, gently placed me in the passenger seat, and leaned over to fasten my seatbelt. Then, he looked into my eyes and said,

"Somewhere he'll never find you."