Chapter 4: 4. Caged Heart The feeling of exhaustion and fear gripped Maria’s body the moment her eyes fluttered open. It was as if she were drowning in air, gasping for breath that never seemed to reach her lungs.
A fragmented memory of that fateful night flashed in her brain, but it was blurry... frustratingly unclear.
Something had happened, something important, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t recall.
However, one thing remained at the forefront of her mind—her parents. She needed to see their bodies, needed to know where they were kept.
Desperate for fresh air, she forced herself out of bed and stumbled toward the door. The moment she reached the entrance, she froze.
Two hefty men stood guard, their presence unexpected. They weren’t the policemen she had seen earlier that morning.
"Where are you going, ma’am?" one of them asked, his deep voice calm.
"To see my parents, of course!" she snapped, rolling her eyes. Did she really have to explain herself?
"We’re sorry, but you can’t leave this room yet," the other man added, his tone more gentle but no less resolute.
"And who the hell are you to stop me?" Maria’s voice rose in anger as her frustration flared.
"It’s an order from Boss Bernard," the first guard stated plainly.
"Bernard?" Her eyes widened in shock.
The name alone sent a wave of rage crashing through her. Why would Bernard keep her confined? Why would he deny her access to go see her own parents’ dead bodies?
Her fists clenched at her sides. This wasn’t just about the engagement anymore, Bernard was making decisions about her life, her freedom.
Regret weighed heavy on her chest. She never should have signed those engagement papers in the first place.
Realizing there was no use arguing, Maria turned sharply and stormed back into the room, slamming the door behind her.