Chapter 3 Whispers Of Fate

The morning sunlight streamed through the large bedroom windows, casting a golden glow on the plush cream-colored carpet. Caroline Alexander sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers trembling slightly as she held a compact mirror to her face.

A red handprint still marked her cheek from last night's encounter with Hitler. A reminder.

She had gotten used to covering up bruises over the years, but today, something about it made her stomach churn with disgust. Carefully, she applied a layer of foundation over the imprint, blending it until the evidence of his violence was nothing more than a shadow beneath her skin.

She took a slow breath, setting the compact down.

She needed to get out.

The walls of this house were suffocating her, caging her in like a prisoner. If she stayed here any longer, she feared she might go insane.

Her heart pounded as she reached for her handbag and draped it over her shoulder. Without thinking twice, she stood up and walked out of the bedroom.

The grand staircase spiraled downward, leading to the opulent living area where maids scurried about, preparing for the day. The scent of fresh-baked bread filled the air, but Caroline barely noticed. She had lost her appetite a long time ago.

She made her way to the entrance, her heels clicking against the marble floors. Just as she stepped outside, one of Hitler's drivers, a middle-aged man named Thomas, looked up from his position near the car. His brows furrowed slightly.

"Ma'am," he greeted. "Are you going somewhere? Should I take you?"

Caroline hesitated, then forced a small smile. "No, I just want to be alone for now."

Thomas shifted uncomfortably. "Ma'am, it is breaking protocol."

She sighed. "I know. But I won't be out for long. Before he gets back, I'll be home. I promise."

The driver hesitated, his face unreadable. Then, after a moment, he nodded. "Alright, Ma'am. Be careful."

She nodded in return and slipped into the driver's seat of her sleek black Bentley. With a deep breath, she turned on the ignition and drove off, feeling something she hadn't felt in a long time-freedom.

The drive to River Reek Park was peaceful. The trees lined the streets, their golden leaves swaying gently in the breeze. Caroline kept the windows slightly down, letting the crisp air touch her skin.

She hadn't realized how much she missed being outside, away from the towering walls of Hitler's mansion.

Arriving at the park, she found a secluded parking spot and turned off the engine. She stepped out, stretching slightly before taking in the scenery before her.

Children ran across the lush green grass, their laughter filling the air. Parents sat on benches, watching them with fond smiles. Couples walked hand in hand, whispering sweet nothings to each other.

Caroline inhaled deeply, closing her eyes for a brief moment.

This was what life was supposed to feel like-light, free, peaceful.

Her eyes fluttered open as she continued walking, letting her gaze roam over the different faces, the different emotions.

A pang of sadness settled in her chest.

Why couldn't my marriage be like this?

She and Hitler had started with something like love-or at least, she thought so. But somewhere along the way, he had destroyed it. He had destroyed her.

Lost in thought, she didn't notice the figure in front of her until-

She bumped into someone.

She stumbled slightly, her hands flying up instinctively.

"Oh! I'm so sorry, I-"

She looked up, and her words trailed off.

It was an old woman.

Her silver hair was neatly tucked beneath a faded headscarf. Her wrinkled face was expressionless, but her eyes-there was something unsettling about them. They held a knowing gaze, as if she had seen things beyond this world.

Then, without warning, the woman smiled.

And in a low, raspy voice, she spoke:

"A bird that flies too close to the sun will fall, but the wind will carry it to where it truly belongs."

Caroline blinked.

"A river may dry up, but the ocean never forgets its course."

Her brows furrowed. "Excuse me?"

The old woman's smile deepened.

"You may hit rock bottom. You will know pain. But what is rightfully yours will be given to you."

Caroline's mouth opened, but no words came out.

Before she could say anything, the woman turned and walked away.

Caroline stood there, frozen.

Her mind tried to piece together the words, but they made no sense. They sounded like riddles-proverbs she couldn't fully grasp.

She let out a slow breath, shaking her head.

"America is full of crazy people."

Caroline spent the next few minutes wandering through the park, her thoughts drifting. She wasn't sure why, but something about the old woman's words unsettled her.

They lingered in her mind, refusing to leave.

She sighed, dismissing the thoughts as she turned back toward the parking lot.

Sliding into the driver's seat, she checked the time on the dashboard.

An hour until Hitler gets home.

Her heart dropped slightly at the thought.

For a brief moment, she had forgotten about the reality waiting for her. But it was still there-lurking in the shadows, ready to suffocate her again.

She let out a shaky breath, gripping the steering wheel.

At least, for a little while, she had breathed freely.

With one last glance at the park, she turned the ignition and drove home-back to her prison.

But what Caroline didn't know was that the wheels of fate had already begun to turn.

And soon, everything would change.