Rosella’s POV
“Thank you,” I uttered as the plane was landing in Minnesota. I am finally free from that place, from Darlus and his wicked ways.
I could feel like heaven was in my chest, being lifted up as soon as the flight attendant announced that we could now leave the plane.
I looked at Erik, who was behind me. He stood up before I did.
“Do we have a hotel to stay in? I can ask a friend,” I told him, “She lives here in Minnesota. You can stay with her for the night.”
But Erik grimaced at me. “I have a house here. You can stay there for as long as you want.”
What? I thought he was originally from California? He just came over to visit Desmond? Now he has a house here?
“you really rich?” I asked out of curiosity.
“Why? Do you want to marry me?”
I looked at him confusedly. What does marriage have to do with my question? He smiled mischievously.
“Kidding. I have houses in different countries because my business requires me to travel unexpectedly. I don’t trust hotels,” he replied casually.
We had just disembarked, and I spotted two cars in the parking lot. They were for us, I knew, from the logo on Erik’s shirt matching the one on the cars.
“Why two cars?” I asked.
“For security. I can’t go anywhere without bodyguards, and I think you need them too.”
The men in black bowed to Erik, and I bit my lip, following him as he opened the door and gestured for me to get inside. He circled around and climbed beside me.
“To Duscan Village,” he told the driver.
“Can you help me find an apartment and a job tomorrow? I have enough money, but I want to work too,” I asked.
“What for?” he asked, not looking at me but typing something on his phone.
I watched as Erik informed Desmond that we were finally safe now that we were out of the country. The truth was, we had made our way through three countries to throw Darius off our trail. In the last country, we had flown on Erik’s private plane, making sure it couldn’t be traced back to us.
I was overwhelmed with gratitude for everything Erik had done for me, his effort, his sacrifices, all of it.
“I need to work for myself. I can’t rely on anyone anymore,” I said.
He turned off his phone and raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you have savings? Start a business
or-
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“That could lead him straight to me,” I Interrupted. “I need something low–key, a job that won’t require too much personal information. Do you have any ideas?”
We stopped for traffic, and I quickly called Liza, my friend in Minnesota. She was the one I should’ve reached out to when I left Darius.
“Oh my god, you’re finally in Minnesota?” she answered, excited.
I finally smiled because of her bubbly voice. “Yeah, Liza. Can we meet tomorrow?” “Where are you staying? And yes, of course. I can ditch my work,” she giggled excitedly. “Who’s that?” Erik whispered to me. “She could be used to track you.”
I shook my head. “No. She’s a real friend. I can count on her,” I told him before getting back to speaking with Liza.
a, I’m staying with a friend for a while. But soon, I’ll find an apartment and I need a job. Would you help me get one?”
That’s really what I need.
“You can stay at my house for good. No need to look for another place,” Erik said beside me, unconcerned if Liza could hear him.
“But I need a job,” I insisted. “Liza could help me get one.”
I couldn’t just rely on him, could I? Erik only helped me because of Desmond. I couldn’t abuse their kindness.
“You’re good at art and writing, right?” Liza spoke.
I pressed my lips together at her suggestion. That had been my job before Darius. I left it because it wasn’t suitable for a luna, and lunas weren’t meant to work, our husbands took care of everything.
“Besides, you don’t have to share your identity. I know a publisher who could help you,” she added.
“What publisher is that?” I asked cautiously. “They better not just publish news and fail to protect my image. Darius won’t stop until he finds me and will use everything to track met down.”
“Publishing?” Erik spoke.
I looked at him, and he gave me a questioning look.
“Are you a journalist? You want to work as one?”
“I was a writer and digital artist before my marriage. I want to work again. A writer or… or anything,” I said.
I am not expecting Erik to help with that. But then he showed me his tablet, catching my attention.
‘Heart Publishing. Looking for creative writers and illustrators.‘
My lips parted, and our call with Liza got cut off.
“You own this?” I asked.
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“My cousin does. Desmond’s sister. I think she’d be a big help if you want this job. She’ll be able to keep your information safe. She won’t betray her brother,” he said.
I swallowed, and it was so tempting. But isn’t this too much help?
“I don’t know how I could repay you and Desmond,” I muttered shyly.
“Just live freely and don’t go back to your husband, Luna. That’s freedom, that’s repayment.” He smiled reassuringly after.
