Chapter 5 On the Run

Chapter Five: On the Run

Reina's car sped down the highway, her mind racing just as fast. The further she got from the city, the more her fear blended with hope. She hadn't heard from Ethan since leaving, but that didn't mean he wasn't looking for her. In fact, she was sure he was. I MUST stay ahead of him, she reminded herself, gripping the steering wheel tightly.

The sky was growing darker, and rain began to fall, light at first, but steadily getting heavier. The windshield wipers swished back and forth, matching the rapid beat of her heart. Her phone buzzed on the seat beside her, and her pulse quickened. Was it Ethan? She hesitated for a moment, staring at the screen, but when she saw it was Maria, she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.

"Hello?" she answered, keeping her voice steady.

"Reina, are you okay?" Maria's voice came through, full of concern. "I've been thinking about you all day. Where are you now?"

Reina glanced at the signs on the highway. "I'm about an hour away," she said, her voice quieter than she meant. "I'll be there soon."

"Good. Just be careful. It's raining pretty hard out here, and the roads can get slick."

"I will. Thanks, Maria." Reina's chest tightened with gratitude. She was lucky to have Maria. Her old friend was giving her the only safe place she could think of. I MUST make it there safely.

She hung up and focused back on the road. The rain pounded harder now, making it difficult to see. Her thoughts drifted to Ethan. She imagined him pacing around his empty mansion, furious that she had left. He would never expect her to leave without warning like that, especially without money or support. He probably thought she was too weak, too dependent on him.

He doesn't know me at all, she thought bitterly. I MUST protect myself and this baby.

Reina's hand drifted to her stomach, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She was already protective of her unborn child, and the thought of raising him or her away from Ethan's cruelty gave her strength. She imagined a future where they could live peacefully, far from his reach.

Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted by the flashing lights of a police car in her rearview mirror. Her stomach dropped. What now? She wasn't speeding, and her car was fine. Why were they pulling her over?

She swallowed hard and pulled to the side of the road, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios. MUST stay calm, she told herself as the officer approached her window. She rolled it down, her hands shaking slightly.

"Good evening, ma'am," the officer said, tipping his hat slightly. "Mind telling me where you're headed in this weather?"

Reina's heart pounded in her chest. Should she tell him the truth? No. She couldn't risk anyone knowing where she was going. Ethan might be using all his resources to track her down, and she couldn't trust anyone. "I'm just visiting an old friend," she said, forcing a smile. "I'm almost there."

The officer studied her for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Is everything alright? You seem a little nervous."

Reina's heart skipped a beat. I MUST stay calm. She couldn't afford to act suspicious. "Oh, it's just the weather," she said quickly. "I'm not used to driving in the rain."

The officer nodded, but his gaze lingered on her longer than she liked. "Alright. Drive safely. The roads are slippery tonight."

"Thank you, officer," she replied, trying to sound as normal as possible.

He nodded again and stepped back, letting her drive away. As soon as she was back on the highway, she let out a long, shaky breath. That had been too close. If the officer had asked too many questions, if he had looked into her situation, he might have realized something was off. She couldn't afford to slip up like that again. I MUST be more careful.

As she continued driving, her mind went back to Ethan. How long would it take before he realized she was gone for good? Would he start searching right away? The thought of him hunting her down sent chills through her spine. He would stop at nothing to find her, not because he loved her, but because he couldn't stand the idea of losing control.

I MUST stay hidden, she thought again, her grip tightening on the steering wheel.

The rain continued to pour down as she drove, but finally, after what felt like hours, she saw the sign for Maria's small town. Relief washed over her as she turned off the highway onto the narrow country road. She could almost see Maria's house in her mind, the safe haven she so desperately needed.

When she finally pulled into Maria's driveway, the sight of the cozy, cottage-style house filled her with a strange sense of peace. It was far from the glitzy, cold mansion she had been trapped in for years. This place felt warm, real.

Maria was already waiting for her on the porch, bundled up in a raincoat. As soon as Reina stepped out of the car, Maria rushed over and wrapped her arms around her in a tight hug.

"I'm so glad you made it," Maria said, her voice full of relief. "Come inside. You must be exhausted."

Reina nodded, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall. She hadn't cried in so long. She had built up so many walls to protect herself from the pain, but now, in the arms of a true friend, it all felt like too much. I MUST stay strong, she reminded herself, following Maria inside.

The warmth of the house was comforting, and Reina immediately felt a little safer. Maria led her into the living room, where a fire crackled softly in the fireplace.

"You can stay here as long as you need," Maria said, sitting down beside her on the couch. "No one knows you're here. You're safe."

Reina nodded, but her mind was still racing. Safe. It was a word she hadn't felt in so long, and yet she couldn't fully believe it. She knew Ethan's reach extended far beyond the city. He had power, resources, and the determination to use them. I MUST stay hidden.

"I don't know how to thank you," Reina said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Maria waved her off. "You don't need to. You've been through enough. Just focus on getting some rest. We'll figure everything out."

Reina leaned back against the couch, letting the warmth of the fire wash over her. For the first time in days, she allowed herself to breathe. Maria's house was quiet, peaceful. But even here, in this safe space, she knew she couldn't let her guard down. Ethan wouldn't stop until he found her.

And when he did, she had to be ready. I MUST protect myself and my baby.