146 THE ESCAPE


    HARRIET’S POV


    EARLIER IN THE DAY


    I sat handcuffed in the prison infirmary, my heart pounding with nervous anticipation. The clinking of


    metal against metal echoed in the small room as I fidgeted, my mind racing with thoughts of escape. I


    knew this was my chance, my only shot at freedom.


    The guard stationed at the door stood tall and vignt, his eyes fixed on my every move. I feigned a


    sudden bout of dizziness, clutching my stomach and groaning in pain. The guard’s brow furrowed in


    concern as he approached me cautiously, his hand hovering over his radio to call for assistance.


    As he leaned in closer to inspect me, I sprang into action. With a swift movement, I kicked the chair out


    from under me, knocking the guard off bnce. Seizing the opportunity, I lunged forward, knocking the


    radio out of his grasp and sending it ttering to the floor.


    In the chaos that ensued, I grabbed the guard’s keys and unlocked my handcuffs with practiced ease.


    The power coursing through my veins, I sprinted towards the door, my heart pounding in my chest. The


    guard recovered quickly, reaching out to grab my arm, but I twisted out of his grasp and made a break


    for it.


    I raced down the narrow corridor, my footsteps echoing off the cold, stone walls. I could hear the shouts


    of the guards behind me, their heavy boots pounding against the floor as they gave chase. Ignoring the


    burning pain in my chest, I pushed myself to run faster, my determination unwavering.


    The moment I reached a fork in the corridor, I skidded to a halt, my heart beating fast as I tried to


    remember theyout of the prison. With a split–second decision, I veered to the left, trusting my


    instincts to lead me to safety. The sound of rms red in the distance, signaling my escape to the


    entire facility.


    I emerged into the blinding sunlight, my eyes squinting against the harsh re. I scanned my


    surroundings frantically, searching for a way out. Spotting a chain- link fence at the edge of the prison


    yard, I knew it was now or never.


    Summoning thest of my strength, I sprinted towards the fence, my muscles burning with exertion.


    With a burst of adrenaline–fueled energy, I leaped towards the fence, my fingers grasping the cold


    metal links as I pulled myself up and over to the other side.


    Inded on the other side of the fence with a thud, my breathing in ragged


    gasps. I stumbled forward, my legs threatening to give out beneath me from the exertion. ncing


    back at the prison yard, I could see the guards converging on my location, their shouts growing louder


    as they closed in.


    Ignoring the pain shooting through my body, I forced myself to keep moving. I darted across an open


    field, my heart pounding in my ears as I searched for cover In the distance, I spotted a dense thicket of


    trees, their branches swaying invitingly in the breeze.


    With renewed granite, I made a beeline for the trees, the sound of pursuit growing louder behind me.


    The branches scratched at my skin as I pushed my way through the undergrowth, the sound of


    snapping twigs echoing through the forest.


    Finally, I reached a small clearing, my chest heaving with exertion as I copsed to the ground. I could


    hear the distant sound of barking dogs and shouted orders, knowing that the guards were hot on my


    trail. Time was of the essence.


    Pushing myself to my feet, I scanned the clearing for any sign of civilization. In the distance, I spotted a


    winding dirt road, its path disappearing into the dense forest. Without hesitation, I set off in that


    direction, my feet pounding against the hard–packed earth.


    As I ran, the courage and intense force that had fueled my escape began to wane, leaving my body


    heavy and weary. Every muscle screamed in protest, but I forced myself to keep moving, knowing that


    stopping now would mean certain capture. Moments passed as I stumbled along the road, the sun


    sinking low on the horizon. The sounds of pursuit faded into the distance, giving me a small


    glimmer of hope. With each passing mile, my confidence grew, the knowledge of my newfound freedom


    spurring me onward.


    END OF FLASHBACK


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    MASON’S POV


    After our conversation, confronting each other and all that, we both arrived at my apartment. Yes,


    Harriet, and I. She was really bold and brave to have escaped from prison. Not many men would even


    do that, and they even had balls. I could tell that this woman went through a lot to break out of jail, and I


    could have just reported her to the cops, I could just hand her over. But I didn’t.


    I loved her courage, I loved her boldness, I just admired the way she did it. I couldn’t wait to hear the


    full story, of how she broke out. It was going to be a tough one, no doubt about that. But do you have


    any idea of the nerve that you’ll have to possess before you could carry out such action.


    So, we both made our way inside the house, my apartment. Living with my family


    was something I was definitely not carrying out in New Haven. I only went to the party. And Andre had


    to ruin my mood. They


    mansionst night because of u


    were so toxic, I didn’t even know how I lived with them all these years.


    And they thought they were so nice, deceitful folks. They kept on lying to themselves. They could keep


    thepany to themselves, hand it over to Hannah if they wanted. I couldn’t care less. After all, I


    would be taking Luke’s wealth in just d few days. Ariel better now fail me.


    “So, this is your apartment?” Harriet asked, looking around. I knew she loved where she was. My ce


    of dwelling was a ravishing one,pared to other buildings. Not a mansion though, but it was really


    nice. Everything arranged perfectly, just the ce any one would want to lodge in.


    “It is,” I answered, feeling proud of myself. “You like this ce, don’t you?” “Yeah, it’s kind of beautiful,”


    she answered slowly, and then she settled on the couch.


    “Really nice, isn’t it? Make yourselffortable.” I smirked.


    “Thanks,” Harriet said, sinking into the plush cushions. “It’s a lot better than my that prison cell”


    I chuckled. “Well, you know what they say, good thingse to those who work, and I’m relishing all


    my hard work. I think it’s time for you to do the same, since you put in so much effort in breaking out of


    jail.”


    “Well, I couldn’t spend my entire life in there. That ce was just so messed up. You get beaten real


    hard when you’re just trying to stay on your ownne. And I couldn’t stand it any longer. So I had to


    make a move.”


    “And you got out all by yourself?”


    “Yes. I wasn’t going to tell those folks about my ns. They would just do shit and ruin everything.”


    “You are one courageous woman. That’s quite impressive. So, how do you n on living your life, now


    that you’re no longer behind bars?”


    “Vengeance is what I want,” she spoke bitterly. “I’m going to make Ariel pay for the pain she caused


    me.