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Chapter one
Paige
As I creep down the grand staircase of my family's mansion, each step feels heavier than the last. My heart thuds against my ribs, threatening to give me away with its erratic rhythm. But I can't afford to falter now. Not when I'm so close to freedom. Every step sounds like a gong ringing out in the quiet house. I’m afraid to even breathe. But it’s a long journey from my bedroom to the side door I’ve plotted my escape through. My shoes are in my hand as I tiptoe down the stairs.
If I'm caught, I've already rehearsed the story in my mind a thousand times over. Piper would be my scapegoat. She's out partying at some club, too drunk to drive herself home. That's why I'm sneaking out to rescue her. It's a lie, of course, but one that might buy me enough time to disappear. It’s something I’ve done in the past. My parents will buy it.
My suitcase waits patiently in the trunk of my car, packed with the essentials I'll need for my journey to liberation. It's been sitting there for days. As I reach the bottom of the stairs, I steal a glance back at the opulent foyer, filled with memories of a life I'm about to leave behind. I’ve long fought the panic. I can get by with the minimal clothes I managed to sneak out of the house. I’m giving up my beautiful closet stuffed with designer clothes and more shoes than a girl could want.
But I have to. It’s the only way I can truly live.
With a final, determined breath, I step outside and into the cool night air. The mansion looms above me like a gilded cage. A squeeze of fear almost sends me right back inside. I know the life I'm leaving behind. I'll miss it, but I know I can’t stay. I’ve tried. I wanted to be the daughter my parents could be proud of, but at twenty-five years old, I know it’s never going to happen. I’ve gone with the flow for too long. It didn’t make me happy, and I couldn’t imagine living the rest of my life under their rule.
I swallow the lump of fear in my throat and make my way to my car. The sleek black Beamer was a gift for my birthday last year. As I slide into the driver's seat, a sense of anticipation courses through me. This is it—the moment I've been waiting for. This will be the moment I’m caught. I pray none of the staff is awake.
“Please, please let me escape.”
But just as I start the engine and begin to ease down the driveway, a sudden blaze of light erupts around the estate. Every light that covered the expansive grounds came on. Panic claws at my throat as I realize I've been discovered. They've caught me, and I'm not ready to face the consequences.
Without hesitation, I slam my foot down on the accelerator, the engine roaring to life beneath me. I glance frantically at the gates ahead, willing them to open before it's too late. I jab at the button, over and over again, desperate for a miracle.
Seconds stretch into eternity as I hurtle toward the gates, my heart pounding in my chest. And then, with a mechanical groan, they begin to swing open. I punch the gas, flying through the gates just as someone in the security booth started to close them.
I don’t stop. My foot is on the gas pedal as I tear down the long driveway of the Malibu estate I’ve lived at for all my years. I take a hard right, nearly losing control before letting off the gas a little. I glance in the rearview mirror to see if anyone is following. So far, nothing. I breathe a sigh of relief, a wild grin spreading across my face.
I'm free.
Almost.
As I speed away from the mansion, leaving behind everything I've ever known, a surge of exhilaration washes over me. This is my chance at a new beginning, a life of my own choosing. And I'll be damned if I let anyone stand in my way. This plan of mine has been in the works for weeks. I waited for the right time and probably would have hesitated another week or two, but the meeting with my father this morning changed everything. If I didn’t get out now, I never would.
I embrace the uncertainty of what lies ahead. But one thing is certain—I'll never look back. Life as I know it is over. I’m terrified of what tomorrow looks like, but it’s better than the alternative. I took the long way to my destination, constantly looking in the rearview mirror to make sure no one is following me.
I pull into the parking lot that is dimly lit in a part of town that isn’t known for being safe. The occasional flicker of a streetlamp casts eerie shadows across the pavement. I pull into a space near the entrance, my hands trembling as I cut the engine. The taxi I arranged earlier sits patiently, its headlights illuminating the parking lot with more potholes than pavement. I leave the key in the cupholder, not that a savvy car thief needs the key. I just want to make sure the car is stolen. If and when they track the GPS, the car will likely be headed out of LA, and I will be even farther away. I grab my suitcase from the trunk and rush towards the cab.
I toss my bag in the backseat with me. “Go. Please.”
The man nods and pulls out of the parking lot. Again, my head is on a swivel, constantly searching for any chance I may be followed. The driver tries to make small talk, but my mind is preoccupied with what might happen. I know he has some questions. Why is a woman like me ditching her expensive car in a crappy part of town and taking a cab to a private airstrip. He knows I’m running. But thankfully, he doesn’t ask questions.
He pulls to a stop in front of the building with a single light on. There were a few cars in the parking lot, but other than that, the place looks deserted.
“Thank you,” I say and pull a twenty from my purse. I’ve already paid the fare, but I’m hoping the tip will buy his silence.
I grab my bag and pull open the door. The place is deserted, which is exactly why I chose the middle of the night to make my escape. As I step into the small building, a wave of nausea washes over me. The lone figure behind the counter barely acknowledges my presence, engrossed in some menial task. The security guard stationed nearby looks half-asleep, his gaze drifting lazily around the room. I force myself to appear calm, to blend into the surroundings like just another face in the crowd. If I look like a woman on the run, that’s going to raise alarm bells. They are going to remember me.
I walk to the counter and clear my throat. “Hello.”
He looks up at me like he’s surprised to see me. “Yes?”
“I have a flight booked,” I tell him, keeping my voice low. It’s not like anyone is going to hear me, but it just seems appropriate. “Lily Everhart.”
It’s my new name. I have to get used to using it. He turns to the computer and quickly taps the keyboard. “Your pilot will be here shortly,” he says. “We have your itinerary with a departure of two, is that correct?”
“Yes,” I nod. “But if we can leave earlier, that would be great.”
“That’s up to the pilot.”
“Thank you.”
