Page 127 of Between Secrets and Obsession
“For how long?” I ask, digging through my closet.
“As long as it takes.” She finally looks at me. “That’s all you need to know.”
As long as what takes?This is sounding worse by the second.
I glare, though she’s not fazed. “How am I supposed to know what to bring?”
“There’ll be a washer and dryer. Whatever fits in your bag should be enough. The bathroom will be stocked with whatever you need. You’ll have a warm bed and food, so don’t worry. In fact, it’s gonna be like a luxury vacation compared to being in this dump.” She sticks her nose up as if this place is beneath her, which pisses me off. I’d rather sleep in a cardboard box than go where she’s sending me.
After grabbing a few things from my closet, I dig around in my dresser for leggings and underwear.
“Don’t forget to take your school shit or whatever it is you do. It has to look like you brought your essentials.”
“I’m a dancer,” I tell her, reaching for my backpack that already has some of my notebooks, books, and practice clothing.
“Well, whatever. Make it look like you left to go live with a friend, so they don’t question it.”
I snarl but keep my lips sealed as I move around the room, making it seem like I packed in a hurry. “They’ll never buy it.”
“Liam’s life depends on it,” she reminds me. “By the look on your face tonight, he didn’t tell you we were expecting. But you care about him, so you’ll do whatever it takes to keep him safe.” The amusement in her tone has me digging my nails into my palms. I want to rip out her throat.
“If they’re even his babies…”
“They are, trust me. It was planned, so we hada lotof sex. Unprotected.”
My blood boils, nearly causing my entire body to overheat. According to Liam, they were together once since they got hitched and used a condom. I so badly want to trust his word, but after this shitstorm, I don’t know if I can.
“Either way, DNA doesn’t matter because we’re married. It’ll be enough for Daddy. His first grandchildren and adding heirs into the family legacy are all he cares about.”
“You’d deceive your family and your own children? That’s the kind of mother you’re gonna be?” I arch a brow, zipping my bag closed.
Victoria stalks toward me, scowling. “Mind your own damn business. Liam’s life isn’t the only one on the line.”
“No? Gonna kill me too?” I deadpan, not letting her words get to me. I hope she burns in hell for all the pain she’s caused.
“If necessary,” she confirms. “Liam’s father, Sophie, Mason. Don’t forget who my family is, Maddie. My father’s a powerful man and no one in their right mind messes with him or me,including the authorities. So listen to what I say, and no one will get hurt.” Then she plasters on a saccharine smile. “Time to write your goodbye note.”
I grab a piece of paper from my notebook and choke back the emotions swirling inside me. Victoria tells me to keep it short and simple.
Sophie,
I had to leave and get away from the memories of Liam here. I’m sorry, but please don’t come looking for me. I’ll come back when I’m ready.
Love you,
Mads
“Good enough?”
“It’ll do.” She shrugs, then holds out her hand. “I’ll place it in the kitchen so she finds it right away.”
Part of me wants to argue that there’s no way Sophie will believe I left in the middle of the night with nowhere to go but it’s no use. Victoria’s orchestrated this and won’t reason with logic. My sisters know I don’t have money to go anywhere and will assume I went home to Utah.
“They’re gonna call and text me,” I tell her.
“I’m taking care of that.” She winks, then looks at her phone. “Your ride is here. Give me your keys. Time to go.”
“My keys?”
