9.

"I understand why she needs to leave but what about her engagement with Lucian. You didn't announce it, would it be okay for her to leave? What if she gets into a relationship?" Clara asked Eric.

When Eric had informed her and Emily of Ella's plan to travel, she had been excited until she saw the worry on Emily's face. It was only then she remembered her discussion with her daughter. Without this engagement, there is no way Lucian can take over his family's business.

"I already informed the Daniel's family that there will be no engagement between our families any longer." Eric told Clara.

"Why?" Clara asked, although she tried to hide the panic in her voice, Eric still caught it.

"Do you really not know?" Eric asked with a slight frown. "Tell Emily to end whatever it is that is going on with that kid. He cannot be with any of my daughters." With that Eric walked out and rejoined Ella who was already waiting by the car, her bags already in the car booth.

An ashen-face Clara also walked out and stood next to Emily as they watched the car drive out of the house.

"Mother..." Emily would have never believed that there would be a day where she is sad over Ella's departure from their home.

"Your father knows about you and Lucian. He said you should end it, and I think you should. From the looks of things, he cannot offer you a good life." Clara told Emily with a tone o finality. Emily feeling aggrieved, bit her lips, but because of her mother's tone, she couldn't say anything.

The airport was bustling with activity, the chatter of announcements and hurried footsteps blending into a white noise that soothed Ella's nerves.

She had wanted to leave, ever since she had woken up, this had been her wish but now, she cannot help but be nervous. She is about to leave behind everything she has ever known.

Clutching her passport, she made her way to join the queue, while Eric watched her bags.

Finally her turn, she handed her details to the attendant, got her bags weighed, collected her ticket.

Turning to Eric, "I guess this is where we say goodbye Dad." Ella told him with a smile.

"I should have really come along with you." Eric told her regrettably. He had intended on traveling with her but he has a meeting he cannot afford to miss the next day. So he could only arrange for someone to pick Ella up when she arrives country G.

"I will be fine, besides you will be visiting soon." Ella reassured him with a smile.

Listening to the announcement being made, Eric turned to Ella, "Take care of yourself and call me as soon as your plane lands." Ella nodded.

"I will." She promised. Waving at her father, Ella passed through security check, clutching her shoulder bag tightly. Each step felt surreal.

As the plane ascended, Ella stared out the window, watching the landscape morph into a patchwork of greens and browns before disappearing beneath the clouds. Her heart swelled with a mix of fear and anticipation. She was finally free.

Meanwhile, Alexander Sterling stood in the penthouse of his towering office building, staring out at the city skyline. His phone buzzed, and he answered without looking.

"Sir, we've gathered more information of their activities," Marcus's voice came through the line. "It seems the exchange will be in two days."

Alexander's brow arched slightly. "And where is this taking place?"

"At Brian's club," Marcus replied.

A smile played on Alexander's lips. "Interesting. Make sure Brian's movement is monitored."

"Yes sir."

As the call ended, Alexander's gaze remained fixed on the horizon. The name Brian intrigued him more than he cared to admit. He didn't believe in coincidences, and Brian's sudden involvement meant that this isn't just a normal trasaction. 'Whatever shall be exchanged, he must know of it.'

***

Ella arrived at her new destination late in the evening. The air was crisp and unfamiliar, carrying with it the promise of a fresh start. The man her father had arranged to pick her was waiting when she came out of the airport.

As they drove to her new apartment, Ella stared out the window, her forehead resting against the glass, cool against her skin.

The car drove through the city, the tires humming softly against the asphalt. The street was still very much alive, even in the late hours. Cars moved around, and a few shops they had drove past were still open for business.

Skyscrapers loomed overhead, their windows glowing like stars trapped in steel frames, while billboards lit up the sky with flashing ads, Ella had tried to read some of those ads but she couldn't catch all the words as they sped by.

When their car left the main highway into an access road, Ella couldn't help but notice how people were still moving about. Some walked briskly with their heads down, others sat in small groups outside the late-night diners.

"Your building is just up ahead. There is an estate after this street and your apartment is there." The man who had introduced himself as Mubi told her.

"I see." Ella knew there is no way her father would get her a place in such a busy area. As exciting as it looks, she knew there would definitely be dangers lurking out here.

"Actually there are other routes that leads to your place. A much safer route, some of which also leads to your school, I will be taking you through those routes when you are rested, or when you are ready to visit the school campus." Ella hummed at his words.

"Does this mean this is the only route leading to my place from the airport?" Ella asked him.

"No, just the shorter route." Once again Ella nodded once again.

Soon he pulled up at an apartment building. The apartment building stood tall and imposing, a patchwork of concrete, glass, and steel that seemed to rise endlessly into the sky.

Rows of windows stretched upward, illuminated by the warm glow of light bulb, while some windows were dark, hinting at quiet, empty rooms.

"Here we are." Mubi informed her. Your apartment is on the last floor, your father said you like to stand by your window and watch the scenery.

Ella was surprised to hear that her father had said that. She didn't know he knew that about her. Mubi helped her move her bags from the car to her apartment door where he handed her the keys to her home.

"So this is where I say goodnight. I left a list of restaurant phone numbers on your table, you can order for your dinner."

"Thank you." With that Ella pushed the door open to her home for the next few years.