Page 120 of Porcelain Lies

Pressing myself into the darkest corner of the dressing room, I pull the duvet around my shoulders for additional cover. The phone’s screen casts a faint blue glow that seems bright as a spotlight in the darkness. I cup my hand around it, creating a tiny cave of privacy.

Breathlessly, I dial Hannah’s number from memory. Each ring feels eternal, and I almost hang up before her familiar voice answers.

“Hello?”

“Han!” I whisper, tears springing to my eyes at the sound of her voice. “Oh God, it’s so good to hear you.”

“Stella? Where the hell have you been? I’ve been worried sick! Your phone’s been going straight to voicemail, and when I got back from training camp this morning I—”

“Shh, listen.” I cup my hand tighter around the phone, checking the darkness around me. “I don’t have much time. I’m okay, but… things are complicated. I told Aleksei about the baby and now he’s making me stay at his place.”

“What?” Hannah’s voice rises sharply. “What do you mean stay at his place? Has he kidnapped you or something? Stella, you—”

“No, I…” I trail off, because I’m still not quite sure what my circumstances actually are. I’m not strictly a prisoner, but I have no doubt that I can’t just leave.

“Stell, is everything okay? This guy has a rap sheet a mile long. You know this, right?” Hannah’s voice is heavy with concern.

“I’m fine, Han,” I say eventually. “It’s just a bit odd, that’s all.”

“A bit odd?” There’s a pause. “Are you sure you’re okay? Blink twice if you can’t talk freely.”

Despite everything, I almost laugh. There’s no way she could see me blink on this ridiculous phone. “I’m fine, Han.He’s… protective. Very protective. But I need you to know where I am in case—”

A creak in the hallway makes me freeze.

“I have to go,” I whisper. “Don’t try to contact this number. I’ll call when I can.”

I end the call before Hannah can protest, quickly powering down the phone and shoving it back under the mattress. My heart races as footsteps pass my door, then fade away.

But the relief of hearing Hannah’s voice lingers, a tiny spark of connection to my old life.

I’m not completely alone anymore.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Stella

I wake as the sun trickles past the heavy drapes, my hand instinctively reaching for the secret phone tucked between the mattress and headboard. The screen glows with a message from Hannah:

“Call when safe.”

A rhythmic thumping from overhead makes me pause. The house staff are generally really discreet; I’ve hardly heard them. The sound continues for a few minutes before fading away.

I barely have time to return the phone to its hiding spot when Imelda’s sharp knock announces breakfast. She enters with her usual efficiency, setting down a tray with measured portions — egg white omelet, half a grapefruit, and decaf green tea.

“Good morning, Miss Stella.” Her tone carries the same detached politeness as always.

“Thank you, Imelda.” I force a smile, but she’s already turning to leave.

My attention shifts to the pile of delivery boxes stacked neatly by the door. They weren’t there last night — more of Aleksei’s attempts to dress me according to his standards, no doubt. The breakfast portions mock me with their inadequacy as I eye the packages. At least they’ll provide a distraction from this morning’s hunger.

I push aside the breakfast tray, leaving the guava juice untouched; I hate the stuff. Imelda will report my eating habits to Aleksei, but right now, I don’t care. The mystery of what’s in those boxes calls to me more strongly than an unsatisfying meal.

I pull the first box onto the bed, surprised by its weight. Inside, neatly folded workout clothes in soft, stretchy fabrics — Lululemon tags still attached. The maternity leggings and sports bras come in various jewel tones, each piece designed to accommodate a growing belly while maintaining support.

My fingers trace over a sapphire blue tank top. The fabric feels buttery against my skin, nothing like the cheap cotton blend clothes I brought with me. Each item fits perfectly, which surprises me.

“Maybe he scoped out your sizes while he was feeling you up, huh?”

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