Chapter 4 Shadows of the Past

Chapter Four: Shadows of the Past

The morning light crept through the thin, yellowed curtains of the motel room, waking Reina from her restless sleep. Her body felt heavy, her muscles aching from the stress and exhaustion of the night before. She blinked against the brightness, sitting up slowly, her hand instinctively resting on her stomach. I MUST keep moving, she reminded herself.

She couldn't stay in one place for too long, not when Ethan might already be looking for her. But where would she go next? Reina rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the grogginess. Her mind was a jumble of fear, exhaustion, and uncertainty. She felt trapped, but she couldn't afford to let fear paralyze her now. She needed to act.

The motel room was stuffy, with an old, musty smell lingering in the air. Reina glanced around, seeing the faded wallpaper peeling in the corners and the cracked mirror on the wall. It was far from comfortable, but it was better than the cold mansion where she'd felt like a prisoner for years. At least here, she was free.

She stood up, walking over to the small sink in the corner of the room, and splashed cold water on her face. The chill helped wake her up a little, but the weight of her situation pressed down on her shoulders again.

She checked her phone. No messages, no calls. A small relief, but it wouldn't last. Soon, Ethan would realize she was gone, if he hadn't already. And when he did, he would stop at nothing to find her.

I MUST leave now, she thought, knowing that staying any longer was a risk. She quickly packed her things into the small suitcase she had brought and checked her wallet. There wasn't much left-just a few crumpled bills. Not nearly enough to get her far. Her options were running out.

As she was about to leave the room, there was a knock on the door. Reina froze, her heart pounding in her chest. Could it be him? Had Ethan already tracked her down?

Her mind raced, trying to think of what to do. She couldn't just stand there. Slowly, she approached the door, pressing her ear against it, trying to hear if anyone was outside. She held her breath, waiting for any sign of danger.

"Room service," a voice called from the other side.

Reina let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. It was just the motel staff. Her hands shook as she unlocked the door and opened it slightly, peeking through the crack.

A woman stood there, holding a mop and bucket, her face tired but kind. "Just here to clean up," the woman said, giving Reina a small smile.

Reina nodded, her throat tight. "I'm leaving soon," she whispered, not trusting her voice.

The woman nodded and turned to leave, but then stopped. She looked over her shoulder, her expression softening. "You look like you've been through a lot," she said gently. "Take care of yourself, okay?"

Reina blinked back the tears that threatened to spill over. She didn't know why, but that simple kindness hit her harder than she expected. She nodded quickly, forcing a smile. "I will," she managed to say.

As the woman walked away, Reina closed the door and leaned against it, taking a deep breath. I MUST keep going, she repeated to herself, over and over, like a mantra.

Gathering her things, Reina stepped outside into the crisp morning air. The gravel crunched beneath her shoes as she walked toward her car, the same one she had driven through the night, trying to escape the life she had been trapped in for so long.

She threw her suitcase into the backseat and got into the driver's seat. Her hands trembled as she turned the key in the ignition, the engine rumbling to life. She glanced at her reflection in the rearview mirror, seeing the tired, scared woman staring back at her.

I MUST find a way to survive, she thought, determination hardening her resolve.

As she pulled out of the motel parking lot and back onto the road, Reina's mind wandered back to her last moments with Ethan. The way he had looked at her with such contempt, like she was nothing. He had made it clear that she was disposable in his eyes, only useful for one thing-giving him an heir.

The memories flooded back, unbidden, of the times he had humiliated her in front of his family, of the cruel words he had thrown at her like daggers. But worst of all was the way he had flaunted Anna in front of her, making it clear that Reina was just a placeholder for the woman he truly loved.

No more, she thought bitterly. She MUST protect herself and her baby from his twisted world.

As the miles passed by, Reina's thoughts shifted. She needed a plan. She couldn't keep running aimlessly. But where could she go? She didn't have much money, and there were only so many places she could hide before Ethan's reach would find her.

Then, an idea struck her.

There was one person she hadn't thought of yet. Someone who might be able to help, even though she hadn't seen them in years. Reina hesitated, unsure if it was the right move. But what choice did she have?

She pulled over to the side of the road, her hands shaking as she pulled out her phone and scrolled through her contacts. The name popped up, and her finger hovered over the call button. I MUST try.

Her old college friend, Maria, lived in a small town far from the city, far from Ethan's world. They hadn't spoken in years, but maybe Maria would remember her. Maybe she could offer her a place to stay, just for a little while, until Reina figured out her next move.

Reina took a deep breath and pressed the call button. The phone rang, once, twice, and then-

"Hello?" a familiar voice answered.

"Maria?" Reina said, her voice trembling. "It's Reina. I...I need your help."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, Reina feared Maria wouldn't remember her. But then, Maria's voice came through, warm and concerned.

"Reina? Oh my God, is that really you? What's going on? You sound awful."

Reina swallowed the lump in her throat, trying to keep her voice steady. "I...I've left Ethan. I'm on the run. I don't know what to do."

There was silence on the other end, and Reina could almost hear Maria processing the situation. After a moment, Maria spoke, her tone serious.

"Where are you now? Can you get to my place? You can stay here as long as you need."

Reina's heart leapt with relief. I MUST get to Maria's, she thought, her mind already racing with possibilities. It wasn't a permanent solution, but it was a start.

"I'll be there as soon as I can," Reina said, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Maria. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You're not alone, Reina. Just get here safely, okay?"

Reina hung up the phone and started the car again, the engine rumbling to life. For the first time in what felt like forever, she had a destination. She had a glimmer of hope.

But as she pulled back onto the highway, a cold fear settled in her chest. Ethan wasn't going to stop looking for her. And if he found out she was pregnant, things would only get worse.

I MUST stay ahead of him, she thought, her eyes narrowing in determination.

But for how long could she keep running before Ethan finally caught up to her?