into the unknown

The car sped through the city, the lights blurring together as they raced past. Abigail sat stiffly in the back seat, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. She couldn't bring herself to look at the man beside her, the stranger who had so effortlessly pulled her from the only life she had ever known.He hadn't spoken since they left the house, and the silence was suffocating. Every so often, she'd steal a glance at him, trying to gauge his intentions, but his expression remained unreadable. Who was he? And what did he want with her?The car eventually slowed and turned onto a long, winding driveway. Tall, imposing gates opened silently to admit them, and as they passed through, Abigail's anxiety only grew. They were driving into a sprawling estate, far removed from the noise and chaos of the city. The house—or rather, mansion—loomed ahead, its grand facade intimidating in the dim light of the early morning.As the car came to a stop, the man finally spoke. "Wait here."Without another word, he stepped out of the car, leaving Abigail alone with her racing thoughts. She stared out the window, taking in the grandeur of the estate. Everything about it screamed wealth and power, a stark contrast to the shabby home she had left behind.Moments later, the man returned, opening the door for her. She hesitated, but he gave her a look that brooked no argument."Come," he said, his tone softening just slightly. "You have nothing to fear here."Nothing to fear? The words rang hollow, but what choice did she have? She stepped out of the car, her legs unsteady beneath her. The air was cool, carrying the scent of freshly cut grass and something else she couldn't quite place—something almost familiar, yet foreign.As they approached the front doors, they swung open to reveal an older woman, her gray hair pulled back into a tight bun. She wore a simple, yet elegant dress, her eyes sharp as they appraised Abigail."This is Miss Abigail," the man said, introducing her with a slight nod. "Please ensure she is settled in."The woman inclined her head. "Of course, Mr. Alex."Abigail's breath caught in her throat. Alex? Was this the billionaire her father had mentioned? The realization sent a wave of fear and confusion crashing over her. Why had he bought her? What did he want from her?But before she could voice any of her questions, the woman gestured for her to follow. "This way, Miss Abigail."She followed numbly, her mind racing as they ascended a grand staircase and walked down a long corridor. The mansion was even more imposing from the inside, with high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and expensive artwork lining the walls. Everything was pristine, perfect—so unlike the world she had come from.The woman led her to a room at the far end of the corridor and opened the door. "This will be your room."Abigail stepped inside, her breath catching at the sight. The room was spacious and beautifully furnished, with a large bed, a sitting area, and a balcony that overlooked the sprawling grounds. It was more luxurious than anything she had ever imagined, but it felt cold, empty—like a gilded cage."You'll find clothes in the wardrobe," the woman said, her tone professional but not unkind. "If you need anything, just ring the bell. Dinner will be served in an hour."With that, the woman turned and left, closing the door softly behind her. Abigail stood in the center of the room, feeling more alone than ever. The reality of her situation began to sink in, and she sank down onto the edge of the bed, her hands trembling.What was going to happen to her? Was she really just a possession now, a thing to be bought and sold? Her father's words echoed in her mind, filling her with a sense of hopelessness. She's yours now. Do whatever you want with her.The tears she had been holding back finally spilled over, and she buried her face in her hands, her body shaking with silent sobs. All her life, she had been used, discarded, and now, it seemed, nothing had changed.But even through the haze of despair, a small, stubborn part of her refused to give in completely. This isn't the end, she told herself, clinging to that tiny spark of defiance. I won't let it be the end.

When Abigail finally composed herself, she decided to explore the room. The wardrobe was filled with clothes—beautiful, expensive garments that felt foreign to her. She hesitated before selecting a simple dress, something that wouldn't draw too much attention.As she dressed, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. The girl who stared back looked lost, scared—but there was also a flicker of something else in her eyes, something she hadn't seen in a long time. Determination.Just as she finished dressing, there was a soft knock on the door. Abigail's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly steeled herself. "Come in."The door opened, and Alex stepped inside, his presence filling the room. He studied her for a moment before speaking. "How are you feeling?"The question caught her off guard. She had expected orders, demands—but not this. She looked away, unsure of how to respond. "I... I'm fine," she managed, though her voice betrayed her unease.He nodded, his gaze softening slightly. "I know this is overwhelming, but I want you to understand something, Abigail. You're not here as a slave. I may have... bought you, but you are not a possession."She looked up at him, confusion knitting her brow. "Then why am I here?"Alex hesitated, as if choosing his words carefully. "You're here because I want to help you. Your father—he's a cruel man, and I couldn't leave you in that situation. You deserve better."His words were sincere, but Abigail couldn't shake the fear that this was all some elaborate trick. Why would a man like him care about someone like her?Before she could respond, he continued, "I'll give you time to adjust. There's no rush, and you won't be forced into anything. But I want you to know that you have a place here, if you choose to stay."Abigail's mind whirled with questions, doubts, but all she could manage was a small nod. "Thank you," she whispered, though she wasn't sure she believed him.Alex gave her a small, almost sad smile. "Get some rest. We'll talk more tomorrow."With that, he turned and left the room, leaving Abigail alone with her thoughts. She sat back down on the bed, her emotions a tangled mess of fear, confusion, and a glimmer of hope she didn't dare acknowledge.What does he really want from me? she wondered, her mind racing as she tried to make sense of everything. But no matter how hard she tried, the answers eluded her.All she knew was that her life had changed, and there was no going back.