Chapter 3 The old man smiled gently

The evening passed peacefully after their intense meeting in the dining room. Mila lay in bed, trying to calm her mind which was confused by the situation that had just happened. He remembered Alex's words about obedience and absolute power. In the darkness of her bedroom, she ponders what it means for her to be a part of Alex's life.

The next morning, Mila woke up carefully. He still felt shocked by everything that happened last night, but now he had to move on with a new day. She chose appropriate clothes, trying to keep herself looking neat and tidy as Alex requested.

When he came downstairs, Alex was waiting for him in the dining room. His face was serious as usual as he sat at the table with a cup of coffee in front of him.

"Good morning, Mila," said Alex in a calm but firm voice.

Mila answered politely, "Good morning, Alex."

"Come on, sit down," said Alex, pointing to the chair opposite him.

They sat opposite each other, and the waiter soon came to serve breakfast. They ate in silence most of the time, but Mila felt the constant tension in the air. He didn't know what Alex would talk about this time, but he was ready to listen.

After breakfast was finished, Alex placed his coffee cup aside and looked at Mila seriously. "You should know that the rules I give you are not just temporary. They apply all the time as long as you live with me."

Mila nodded, understanding that she had to obey Alex if she wanted to protect herself. "I understand, Alex."

Alex continued, "You will not leave the house without permission. You will not talk to anyone unless I give permission. And most importantly, you will not try to run away. I will never let that happen."

Mila swallowed hard, feeling how much pressure she was under. However, he had no choice but to accept these rules if he wanted to survive.

Alex saw the expression on Mila's face, and his face softened a little. "This isn't to hurt you, Mila," he said in a softer voice this time. "I just want you to understand that I am serious. I will protect you as long as you obey these rules."

Mila looked at Alex, trying to judge whether he could believe those words or not. He had no choice but to try to believe it. "I will comply, Alex."

A faint smile appeared on Alex's lips. "Okay. Now, I have some business to take care of today. You can rest or do whatever you like in this house, as long as you don't leave this property without permission."

Mila nodded and stood up from her chair. "Thanks, Alex."

Alex nodded briefly and left the dining room. Mila felt a little relieved to be able to rest for a while after everything that had happened. He chose to go to the back garden, where he could sit alone and reflect on everything that had happened in the past few days.

The following days passed in a similar pattern. Mila is trapped in a strict routine at Alex's house, where she has to obey his every command and has no control over her own life. Alex rarely pays more attention, except when he orders Mila to do something or gives a warning if he is dissatisfied with her behavior.

Mila feels more imprisoned every day. She longs for freedom and control over her own life, but she's also afraid of breaking Alex's rules. He began to ponder about the possibility of escaping, but he knew it would be very difficult and risky.

One day, when Alex was busy with a business meeting, Mila decided to explore further around the house. He wanted to find out if there was a possibility of escape or at least find out what was out there in the wider world.

He snuck into the storage room located beside the kitchen, looking for items that might help him. Among several stored boxes and equipment, he found a map that seemed long forgotten. Her heart pounded as she opened it, seeing a map showing the way out of Alex's property.

However, before he could ponder his plans further, the storage room door opened abruptly. He turned his head and saw Alex standing in the doorway, a sharp gaze piercing directly at him.

"Mila," said Alex in a low voice but full of disappointment.

Mila swallowed hard, panicked at being caught red-handed. "A-Alex, I..."

Alex stepped into the room, making Mila feel squeezed in a corner. "What are you thinking, Mila?" he asked in a voice that trembled with anger.

Mila didn't know what to say. He knew he made a big mistake by trying to escape, but he couldn't resist his desire to regain his freedom.

Alex approached him with slow, but impressive steps. "You think I won't find out what you're planning?" he said in a sharp voice. "You think I won't watch your every move?"

Mila lowered her gaze, feeling embarrassed and afraid of Alex's anger. "I'm sorry, Alex. I..."

"There's no apology for you this time, Mila," Alex interrupted firmly. "You have violated my trust, and now you must bear the consequences."

Mila swallowed hard, waiting in fear for what would happen to her next.

Carefully, Alex approached Mila who was still stuck in the corner of the storage room. His gaze pierced sharply towards her, making Mila feel like she was trapped in a strong and inescapable grip. Alex's every step felt like an attack that pressed his spirit even deeper.

"Do you know what the consequences are, Mila?" Alex hissed, his voice low but full of power that filled the room. "You think you can escape and avoid punishment?"

Mila lowered her head, trying to find the right words to beg for forgiveness or at least ask for understanding. However, he knew that Alex wouldn't just allow it. He must be ready to accept whatever will happen.

Alex stopped in front of Mila, looking at her with a gaze that radiated both authority and deep disappointment. "What should I do with you, Mila?" he asked in a cold voice. "You know our rules. You know that no one can escape from here without permission."

Mila swallowed hard, trying not to cry in front of him. "I... I don't know what else to say, Alex," he said in a shaky voice.

Alex took a deep breath, trying to control the emotions that were surging inside him. "You think life here is a joke, Mila?" he continued in an increasingly sharp voice. "I gave you everything you needed, and this is what you do in return?"

Mila nodded, regretting her rash actions. He now felt like he was completely trapped, with no clear way out of this situation. He knew he had made a big mistake, and now he had to suffer the consequences.

Alex brought his face closer to Mila's, making her feel trapped between the wall and his large figure. "You can't escape from me, Mila," Alex said in a threatening voice. "Don't ever try to do that again."

Mila nodded, tears starting to fall from her eyes. He felt like there was nowhere for him to hide or escape from the fear that was attacking him.

Alex took a step back, but his gaze remained sharp on Mila. "I will reconsider my trust in you after this," he said coldly. "But now, you must understand that I will not tolerate any more breaking of the rules."

Mila nodded again, feelings of fear and regret continuing to surround her. He didn't know how he could right the wrong he had done, but he promised himself that he would no longer try to escape or challenge Alex's authority.

Alex stepped to the storage room door, pausing for a moment before exiting. "You stay here now, Mila," he said in a cold voice. "In accordance with our regulations."

Mila stared at Alex as he left the room, leaving her alone with the guilt and fear surrounding her. He stood in the middle of the storage room, feeling a heavy weight on his shoulders. He didn't know how he would be able to face Alex every day after this, but he had to find a way to survive.

The following days passed in constant tension and silence. Mila lives her life under Alex's strict supervision, doing household chores and waiting for her next orders with a heart full of worry. He longs for the freedom and life he once knew before, but now it all seems far out of reach.

At night, as she sits alone in her room, Mila begins to ponder the possibility of escaping once again. However, every time he thought about it, he remembered how dangerous it was and what he would face if he was caught again.

One night, while Alex was away on a long business trip, Mila had the opportunity to explore the rooms of the house without direct supervision. He decided to check the area outside, seeing if there were any possible weaknesses in the security system Alex had put in place.

He slipped out of his bedroom and walked carefully through the halls and stairs, trying not to make any noise. When he reached the bottom floor, he felt even more tense and squeezed again. He knew that this was a rare opportunity, but also very risky.

Mila decided to take a risk. He looked around for any doors or windows that might not be locked securely, trying to find a way to get out without attracting attention. After a while, he found a small window in the kitchen that was slightly ajar.

His heart pounded as he opened the window carefully, trying not to make any noise. He crept out the window, slowly and intently. The outside air felt fresh on his face, making him feel alive again even though worries were not far from his mind.

When he was outside, he felt a little relieved. However, he knew that he had to move quickly. He ran away from Alex's house, hiding behind bushes and trees when he heard any suspicious sound.

Mila didn't know exactly where she was going or what she was going to do next. All he knew was that he couldn't go back inside Alex's house. He must find shelter or help, even though he knows that this journey will be full of obstacles and dangers.

He walked on, eyes darting around him warily. Time passed slowly, and every sound he heard made his heart race. However, he pressed on, refusing to give up.

Finally, after walking several miles, Mila saw a distant light. He approached it carefully, trying not to attract the attention of anyone who might be nearby. When he reached the light, he saw a small house that appeared to be abandoned.

He was pounding as he approached the door of the small house. No one answered his gentle knock on the door, but he tried to open it carefully. Luckily, the door was unlocked.

Mila went inside, looking for a place to hide and pondering her next move. He didn't know who lived in this house or if he would be safe here, but right now it was the best place he had found.

He sat in the corner of the small room, pulling his knees to his chest in the stillness of the night. He couldn't sleep, his heart was still racing because of everything he had been through and what might happen next.

Mila sat stunned in the corner of the small, unknown room, breathing in the air filled with tension. He reflected on everything that had happened in the past few days: his encounter with Alex, the strict rules, and his nearly successful escape attempt. Now he was in an unknown place, with no idea what would happen next.

The night sky looked dark outside the small window of the house, only a little moonlight illuminated the small room where Mila was hiding. He felt a mixture of relief at having escaped and fear at what might await him.

Mila tried to stay calm and think clearly. He needed to make a plan, even though so far he had no real clue about what he should do next. He could feel his pulse beating rapidly in his neck, indicating that he should not stay in this place for too long.

After a moment of reflection, Mila decided that she had to seek help. He didn't know exactly where he was, but he had to try to find someone who could help him, maybe the police or someone he could trust.

Carefully, he peered out of the small window. There were no signs of activity around the small house. The neighborhood looked quiet and quiet at night. Mila felt somewhat relieved to see that she wasn't in immediate danger, but she also knew that she wasn't safe here long term.

Gathering her courage, Mila got up from her seat and decided to explore further. He walked carefully towards the door, making sure not to make any noise. His every step was chosen carefully, trying not to attract the attention of anyone who might be around him.

After leaving the small house, Mila walked slowly onto the quiet street. He didn't see any cars or other people around him, making him feel even more isolated. However, he had no choice but to continue forward.

He walked several blocks, trying to remember and recognize the streets or landmarks around him. Finally, he found a small shop that seemed to still be open. Dim neon lights illuminated the street, attracting his attention.

Mila entered the shop carefully, closing the door softly behind her. He was slightly relieved to find that the shop was not completely empty; there was an old man sitting behind the counter, reading a newspaper by the dim light of a table lamp.

The man turned his head when the bell rang as Mila entered. His gaze met Mila's, and she nodded briefly. "Hello, how may I help you?" asked the old man in a friendly but wary voice.

Mila breathed a sigh of relief seeing the man's calm reaction. He approached the counter carefully. "Sorry to disturb you, sir," said Mila in a soft voice. "I...I need help."

The old man looked at Mila more seriously now, placing his newspaper aside. "There is a problem?" he asked, looking at Mila's face carefully.

Mila bit her lower lip for a moment before answering, "I... I'm running away from an unsafe situation, and I don't know where to go. I need help."

The old man nodded slowly, his eyes flashing with sympathy. "I see you are in a critical situation. Listen, I will help you. Let's talk there," said the man, pointing towards the back room of the shop.

Mila followed the man carefully into the back room of the shop. The room was quiet, only a little light came in through the small window on the side. The old man invited Mila to sit on a chair in front of a small table.

"Now, tell me what happened," said the old man in a gentle voice.

Mila tells everything that happened to her: how she met Alex, the strict rules she faced, and her almost successful escape attempt. He didn't state Alex's location or identity clearly, worried about the consequences if the information got out.

The old man listened attentively, occasionally nodding to show he understood. After Mila finished telling her story, the old man thought for a moment before saying, "I can help you find a safe shelter. I have several friends in this area who can provide assistance."

Mila felt relieved hearing those words. He felt that he was not alone anymore, that there was someone who was willing to help him out of this tense situation. "Thank you," said Mila hoarsely, tears almost welling up in her eyes.

The old man smiled gently. "My name is David. I will do my best to help you, Mila," he said with confidence.

Mila nodded, feeling lucky because she met David at the right time. Maybe this is the beginning of the change in his life that he hopes for, away from the shadow of Alex and his gripping power.