Chapter 100 Liza #2
Well, I striked that off my list of potential escape routes.
“Focus,” I whispered. “There must be a way out of here. You just need to find it.”
I continued my exploration, taking note of every detail that could potentially aid in my escape. Even though the pool area didn’t provide me with a quick way out, any information I could gather was worthwhile.
“Nothing’s impossible,” I said firmly, trying to banish the doubts clouding my mind. “You’ve faced worse than this, Liza. You’ll find a way out.”
With a renewed sense of purpose, I turned my attention back to the pool. I’d enjoy the freedom it offered while I could. For now, I needed to stay strong, stay focused, and most importantly, stay alive.
I opened the door to the pool house bathroom and found a brand-new swimsuit waiting for me on the smooth marble countertop.
With its elegant gold accents, the sleek, black one-piece exuded a sense of style and sophistication.
I raised an eyebrow at the unexpected gift but figured there was no harm in going for a swim.
“Better than sitting around here feeling sorry for myself,” I said under my breath as I changed into the swimsuit. Once on, I admired how well it fit me, and it struck me, once again, that whoever chose it appeared to know my size perfectly. I tried not to let it creep me out.
The instant I stepped out of the bathroom, the invigorating touch of the pool area’s cool air against my skin made me shiver with goosebumps.
I took a deep breath, allowing the scent of chlorine and the earthy aroma of the potted plants around the pool to fill my lungs.
It was a welcome change after being cooped up inside the lavish prison of the bedroom.
The water lapped invitingly at the edge of the pool, and I waded in until I reached the perfect depth for swimming.
With each stroke, I tried to let go of the tension that had been building since my abduction.
The water was nice against my skin, and my taut muscles started to relax.
For a moment, I allowed myself to forget about my predicament.
It didn’t last long.
While I swam, I studied the cameras. They followed my every move, providing a constant reminder that I was being watched.
I realized that the bathroom I’d been sleeping in was the only area I was confident did not have cameras.
The fact that my captor might have been watching as I’d changed into the swimsuit made me feel queasy.
“Yes, Liza,” I ridiculed myself, the sound echoing through the room. “Because watching me change is the most unforgivable act he’s done.”
No matter where I went or what I did, there was always someone watching and monitoring my every move. The thought both infuriated and terrified me, but I refused to let it break me. Instead, I used it as fuel for my resolve to escape.
Floating on my back, I stared up at the ceiling. “You need a plan. A real plan.”
I took another moment to assess my surroundings, committing every detail to memory. The tall windows, the potted plants, the cameras—they all held potential clues for my escape. I just needed to find the right combination of elements, and the perfect opportunity to make my move.
As I sliced through the water, I was sure of one thing: I wouldn’t rest until I had reclaimed my life and escaped from this nightmare. No matter how impossible it seemed, I would find a way out, and when I did, there would be hell to pay.
After completing my laps, I treated myself to the whirlpool, where the gentle pulsing of the jet against my back was soothing, yet it also sent a whisper of desire through me.
I pressed my hand to my stomach. This was not the time or place for such thoughts.
I was still a captive. For now, I had to keep my focus on escaping.
“Get a grip,” I said under my breath as I moved away from the jet and swam toward the edge.
“Miss Liza?” Anna’s voice echoed through the pool house when she entered with a tray filled with delicious-looking food. “I brought you some lunch.”
“Thanks, Anna,” I said, quickly hoisting myself out of the pool and wrapping a towel around my body.
I’d use this as another opportunity, but I’d learned to stay away from anything personal with Anna.
This time, I’d try to learn more about the house itself and its occupants.
Maybe even figure out where the staff slept.
“Can I ask you something, Anna?” I tried to sound casual as I took a seat at the table.
She poured me a cup of coffee, the aroma strong enough to mask the scent of the chlorine in the air. “Yes, Miss Liza. I’ll… I’ll tell you what I can.” She was so hesitant. Was this master genuinely that daunting?
“Where do the staff sleep? Is there a certain area of the house for that?” I asked, watching her closely for any hint of unease or suspicion.
“Um, well, we have our own quarters in the east wing,” she said hesitantly, giving me a curious look. “Why do you ask?”
“Curiosity, I guess.” I kept my tone light. “I’m just trying to get a better idea of this place, since it looks like I’ll be here for a while.”
Just as she was about to leave, I said, “Anna, one more thing. Do all the staff live in the east wing?”
She paused and turned back toward me, her brow furrowed. “Not exactly,” she said hesitantly. “Some of us do, but there’s also a separate house on the property where some of the others live.”
I cheered internally at gaining this new information. “A separate house? Where is it?” I tried my best to sound casual, as if it were just another question to satisfy my curiosity.
Anna glanced around nervously, as though she wasn’t sure if she should be sharing this information with me. “It’s... a little farther away, toward the northwest part of the estate. Just beyond the gardens and past the stables.” She pointed in the general direction with a trembling hand.
“Thank you.” I spoke softly, trying to convey my gratitude without raising any suspicion.
Once she nodded and left the pool house, I allowed myself to smile.
At least now I had a general idea of direction, and I knew where to avoid if I managed to escape this opulent prison.
It was a small victory, but it rejuvenated my hope.
I concentrated on my lunch, despite my nerves and excitement. I needed to keep up appearances and not arouse any suspicion from those watching me. While I ate, my mind raced with escape plans and strategies.
Were the people living in the other house staff members, or were they, like me, being held captive for reasons unknown? What secrets might be hiding within its walls? Perhaps some clue about the identity of my captor, or even a means of contacting the outside world?
I had a feeling this new piece of information was crucial. It was a small but significant step forward in my quest for freedom. Yet, I couldn’t act rashly or let my excitement get the better of me.
For now, I’d watch, wait, and gather as much information as I could. When it was time to make my move, I would be armed with the knowledge and conviction I needed to break free from this gilded cage and return to the life I’d so cruelly been torn away from.
As I contemplated my situation and tried to quell the mixture of fear and anticipation coursing through my veins, a glimmer of hope shone through the darkness.
The road ahead might be long and fraught with danger, but at least now, I had a direction to move in.
A starting point on the path toward reclaiming my freedom.
“Stay strong,” I whispered, my fingers intertwined tightly, and the pressure in my hands echoing my determination. “You can do this. You will survive. You will escape.”
The pages of the glossy magazine that had been left out on the table slid under my fingers as I flipped through them absentmindedly.
All I could think about was my potential escape and my mysterious captor.
The scent of chlorine lingered on my skin as a reminder of the deceptive freedom offered by the vast indoor pool.
“Miss Liza, it’s time to go back to your room now.”
The guard’s voice startled me, and I jerked my head up to look at him.
God, he was huge. He seemed to fill the entire expanse of the double doorway.
He was stern but not unkind—a contradiction that only heightened my anxiety.
The contrast between his uniform and my damp bathing suit made me flush with embarrassment before fear flashed through me.
“I’ll just go and put on something else.” I dashed into the changing room and grabbed the robe hanging behind the door, securing it around myself. I’d shower and change in my bedroom, where there were no prying eyes of any hidden cameras.
I bundled my clothes in my arms and followed the guard back to the room.
The guard’s quick strides made it difficult to make a mental map of the route.
He opened the door and stood to the side as I stepped into the room with my head held high, the door closing with a definitive click behind me.
But this time, I didn’t hear the click of the lock.
For a fleeting moment, I thought to make a break for it, but the more rational side of my mind warned me there might be a trap waiting for me on the other side of the door.
After showering, I wrapped myself in a fluffy towel, luxuriating in its comforting warmth, only for that small comfort to be obliterated when I came out of the bathroom and found a fresh set of clothes neatly arranged on the bed.
I couldn’t stand this complete lack of privacy.
Glaring up at the camera in the corner of the room, I grabbed up the items left for me and scurried back into the bathroom to dress for dinner.