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I watch, confused, as a shadow passes over his eyes, an unfamiliar sadness overtaking his expression. My smile falters, worry rising in its place. I’m about to ask what’s wrong when he says, “This is for you.” Straightening, he reaches for the folder he’d placed on the table. He picks it up, briefly staring down at the charcoal coloring as he shifts it in his hands, then extends it toward me.

My gaze drops to it, apprehension stirring inside me because, based on the look in his eyes, I’m not entirely sure I want to know what he has for me.

Hesitantly, I accept it and place it on my lap. The tips of my fingers brush against the cover before I finally find the courage to open it.

My heart thunders as I stare at what lies before me.

A passport, Social Security card, birth certificate, driver’s license, debit card… All for Alice Smith.

Everything I need to start over.

To taste the freedom I’ve desired my whole life.

“The plane will be ready for you on Tuesday. Wherever you decide to go, our pilot is available to take you,” he says matter-of-factly, adjusting his glasses. Tuesday? But that’s only three days away… “I took the liberty of setting up a checking account for you, so you’ll have plenty to get started. The money was wired this morning.”

Silence stretches between us.

Tears form in my eyes, but I blink them away, praying he doesn’t notice. “I don’t…” I swallow hard, my throat burning as I glance up at him. “I don’t know what to say.”

He shakes his head. “You don’t have to say anything.” His lips curve up just the slightest bit, but his smile doesn’t come close to reaching his eyes. “I know this is a lot.” His gaze drifts to the papers on my lap. “It’s what you… It’s what you’ve always wanted.” He draws in a slow breath. “I made you a promise.” His eyes return to mine. “I told you I’d grant you your freedom from this life, and here it is.” He slips his hand into his pocket and retrieves a key. Its long silver surface catches the soft lighting filtering through the greenhouse. My eyes trace its length, catching on the intricate pattern carved into the handle. I never knew a key could be so beautiful. “I want you to have this.”

With an unsteady hand, I reach for it, wrapping my fingers protectively around the cold metal.

“It’s the master key to the estate. Every guard here knows what it means should you choose to show it to one of them. It also holds a beacon inside. If you turn the top fully around, I’ll be notified of your exact location at once. And wherever you are…” He hesitates before saying, “Wherever you are, I’ll come for you.” He stares at it, appearing lost in thought. “If you ever need somewhere to go, I want you to know you’re always welcome here.” His voice softens when he says, “You always have a home within these gates. A home with…me and Clara.”

The lump in my throat grows tenfold.

Because this isn’t just a key.

It’s Alex offering me the world on a silver platter.

My grip tightens, my throat burning as I continue to hold back my tears, unable to look at him.

He takes a deep breath, grabs the baby monitor, and steps back, slipping his hand into his pocket. He’s putting even more distance between us. “Well…” His gaze drops to the stone path beneath his feet. “I’ve interrupted you long enough and should let you get back to your painting.” Slowly, his eyes lift to mine, and it’s impossible to miss the sadness in them.

No words are spoken.

Yet, so much feels said.

He turns and heads for the door, but pauses with his hand wrapped around the handle. “I know tomorrow is your day off and you probably have a lot to do before you leave.” His eyes remain fixed on the door. “But we’re having a formal dinner for my mother, and she would like for you to be there.”

I worry my bottom lip between my teeth. “Is it her birthday?”

He shakes his head and glances over his shoulder. “It’s Mother’s Day.”

His words are like a punch to my stomach.

My chest tightens, my fingers trembling. I wring them together on my lap and nod, a forced smile making its way onto my face. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

For a second, he just looks at me. Perhaps engraving this moment in his memory. The corner of his lips lifts for only a second before he turns and pushes the door open. I’m frozen as I watch him disappear down the winding path until he’s completely out of sight.

The sound of crickets chirping and water flowing is the only noise I register as my eyes lower to the folder on my lap.

Freedom, the one thing I’ve desired, is right at my fingertips.

I should be ecstatic, jumping up with joy.

Finalizing my plans.