23. Lena

23

LENA

One month later…

I drag my suitcase into the pristine Boston apartment, my stomach churning at the thought of living here with David. The place reeks of money—all gleaming hardwood floors and modern furniture that probably costs more than my scholarship.

“Let me help you with that, babe.” David reaches for my bag, but I clutch it tighter.

“I’ve got it.” My voice comes out sharper than intended. “Which room is mine?”

His jaw tightens at my rejection. “Down the hall, first door on the right. Though soon enough, you’ll be in my room anyway.”

I suppress a shudder and hurry past him, desperate to reach the sanctuary of my own space. The bedroom is beautiful, with large windows overlooking the city, but it feels like a prison cell. How did I end up here? The Wilsons orchestrated this entire thing—the engagement, the shared apartment, and my upcoming marriage to their wealthy friend’s son.

David appears in the doorway as I’m unpacking. “My parents are old-fashioned, insisting we have separate rooms until the wedding.” He smirks. “But what they don’t know won’t hurt them.”

“I prefer having my own space.” I busy myself with arranging my clothes, avoiding his gaze. “And I respect their wishes.”

“Come on, Lena.” His voice takes on that wheedling tone I hate. “We’re engaged. It’s not like?—”

“I said no.” The words come out firm and clear. “Your parents’ rules.”

He stands there, radiating frustration, before stalking away. I shut the door behind him and press my back against it, releasing a shaky breath.

I sink onto the bed, touching the small bird ornament in my pocket. That and the pendant around my neck are the only pieces of Talon I have left. The only reminder that once, someone loved me for who I am.

I trace my finger along the wooden bird’s delicate wings, remembering how Talon’s hands carved each detail with such care. The pendant weighs heavily against my chest, a constant reminder of what we shared. I’ve checked my phone every day since he left, hoping to see his name flash across the screen.

Unpacking the last of my clothes, I discover a small red crayon at the bottom of my bag—the same one I pocketed years ago when I first arrived at the Wilsons’ home. Back then, it represented a tiny act of defiance. Now, it reminds me of how Talon protected me, taking beatings meant for me.

My hands shake as I sit at the window, watching people hurry past on the street below. Boston is full of possibilities. The Wilsons can’t control me here, not really. Even with David watching my every move, I have more freedom than before.

Talon left no trace, and there was no way to contact him. Sometimes, I wonder if he’s watching me the way he used to at the Wilsons’.

I pull out my phone again, scrolling through old numbers. His isn’t there—it never was—but I can’t stop looking. My finger hovers over the keypad. If I could just hear his voice...

The bird ornament catches the late afternoon light, casting strange shadows on my wall. Talon always said we were meant for each other, that nothing could keep us apart. I have to believe he meant it. He’s also thinking of me somewhere out there, planning how to find me again.

A car door slams outside, and my heart jumps. I hope to see Talon standing on the sidewalk for a split second, looking up at my window. But it’s just another stranger rushing past without a glance.

A knock at my door makes me quickly tuck away Talon’s gifts.

“Hey, I ordered pizza.” David leans against the doorframe. “Thought we could watch a movie and get comfortable in our new place.”

I smile, knowing I must try to make this situation work. “Sure, what movie did you have in mind?”

“Something romantic?” He waggles his eyebrows, and my stomach turns. “Come on, the couch is way more comfortable than unpacking.”

I follow him to the living room, keeping a careful distance. He sprawls across the leather sofa, patting the spot next to him. I choose the armchair instead.

“Lena.” His voice carries that warning tone I’ve come to recognize. “Don’t be like that. We’re engaged.”

Swallowing my discomfort, I move to the couch. He immediately wraps an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. His cologne is too strong, nothing like Talon’s natural scent.

“That’s better.” His fingers trail down my arm. “See? This isn’t so bad.”

The doorbell rings, and I practically leap up. “I’ll get the pizza!”

David chuckles. “Always so jumpy. Relax, babe. We’ve got all the time in the world.”

I busy myself with plates and napkins, trying to delay returning to the couch. But eventually, I have to sit back down. David starts some romantic comedy I immediately tune out, more focused on maintaining space between us without being obvious about it.

His hand finds my thigh. “We could be doing something more fun than watching this movie.”

“I’m actually really hungry.” I grab a slice of pizza, using it as an excuse to shift away. “And tired from the move. Maybe we could just focus on the film?”

He sighs but backs off slightly. I keep eating slowly, methodically, using the food as a shield. It’s going to be a long night.