Alessia's heart beat fast as she ran down the streets, her heels making noise on the damp ground. The only thing on her mind was one very important thing, so she didn't care that it was a cold and heavy night. Avery. She wanted to see her child to make sure she was okay. She felt like something bad happened and that she was late. She thought about Celine, the one person she could trust completely, the safe apartment, and the woman who had been her friend for many years. The only safe place for Avery was there, away from Dominic's control and the people she had stayed away from for years.
Alessia's hands shook as she unlocked Celine's door using the button on the key she held. The click was like a way to safety and that everything would be okay. She kept going without stopping to calm down. "Avery?" she asked quietly as she rushed inside. "Honey?" Her voice sounded weak because she was tired and scared, and it was also rough.
Avery was all wrapped up in a light blanket and was curled up on the couch in the living room. When she recognized her mom's voice, her sweet little face smiled wide. Alessia reached down and hugged her child, enjoying how her small body felt against her. Avery held on tight, not wanting to let go.
"Mommy!" Avery said quietly, but sounding very happy. "I thought... I thought you had left again."
Alessia felt awful, feeling guilty like she had been stabbed. "No, baby, never," she whispered, holding Avery close, breathing in her child's familiar scent.
Celine came from the kitchen, hands on her hips, looking stressed. "Alessia," she said, her voice serious but also full of concern. "Dominic coming back now… it can only mean something bad. You know that, right?"
Alessia nodded, hardly able to stop looking at Avery. "I know," she said softly. "I… I didn't want this to happen. But I had no choice. He trapped me, Celine. He gave me a deal. I had to agree."
Celine looked confused, with surprise and fear mixed on her face. "A deal? Marriage?" she asked, not believing it. "Alessia… this isn't just about you anymore. He's dangerous, and now he's back in your life. You can't."
"I have no choice!" Alessia interrupted, her voice louder, shaking with how desperate she felt. She put a finger on Avery's back, feeling her breath going in and out. "You don't understand! He can keep us safe, at least from the people trying to hurt me. But if I don't, if I walk away… they'll hurt her. Avery. I can't let that happen."
Celine's eyes lit up and her face became softer. She spoke more gently and carefully took a step closer. You don't need to handle this by yourself, Alessia. You can tell him all the things that are happening. Even though he's harsh, he would still protect her. Keeping Avery a secret could cause more problems if anyone finds out.
Alessia was about to cry as she shook her head hard. "No! He doesn't know anything. He doesn't need to know anything. Avery will be in big danger if Dominic's enemies find out about her. Celine, she's very delicate. And it's my job to keep her safe. I can't right now." She got emotional and stopped talking quickly.
Avery, seeing that her mother was sad, hid her face against Alessia's chest, quietly saying, "Mommy… please don't let them hurt me."
Alessia's heart felt like it was being squeezed. She kissed her daughter's hair and closed her eyes. The weight of being a mom and the responsibility was a lot for her to handle. "I won't, honey. I promise you. I will never let anyone hurt you."
Celine reached out and put a gentle hand on Alessia's shoulder. "Then we have to be smart about this. You have to go back to him, Alessia. Not because you love him. Not for him. But for her. For Avery. You keep her safe, and you decide what he knows. That's what gives you the advantage."
She thought that if Dominic found out, he would not forgive her for keeping Avery a secret. But he doesn't need to know yet. And for now, that gave her some power, a little bit of control when she didn't have much. After wiping away her tears, Alessia took a deep breath. She finally said, "Okay, Celine," even though her voice was still shaky. "I'll go back. Not for me. Not for him. For Avery."
Celine nodded, relieved yet anxious. "Just be cautious around him. Furthermore, avoid showing him any flaws other than those he already observes. He is continually arranging events. He gives great thought to all of his activities.
Alessia kissed the top of her daughter's head gently, then softly murmured, "I understand." "I'll keep her from harm. No matter what it takes." Her fingers caressed Avery's soft hair, sensing the warmth, the life, the innocence that entirely relied on what she did.
Alessia held her daughter tightly for a moment and allowed herself to appreciate this brief time together. But the reality was like a dark cloud above her: Dominic was waiting, a man who returned into her life with strength, authority, and control in every deliberate move. Alessia understood that she had no options other than what she had to do. It was about staying alive, being clever, and concealing secrets. From now on, every decision she chose would determine Avery's fate as well as hers.
Alessia made the choice to return to Dominic as she clung Avery close. She was doing it not out of love for him. It also wasn't due to her feeling safe around him. She was not doing it for her personal motives. It was all for her young child. She would also ensure that no one, including him, knew Avery was still alive until the perfect moment arrived. She would endure being close to him, his need to be in command, and any dangers in order to keep Avery safe from the difficulties that had damaged them before.
Resting her head against Alessia, she could hear her daughter's heart beating softly and gently. She murmured softly together, "We will get through all of this, Avery." We will, I guarantee you.
Her secret hung in the air, full of what she didn't say. It kept her
safe but also made her nervous. Returning to Dominic's world just started here.