I let out a slow breath, staring at the "No Service" message on my phone for a moment longer before locking the screen and tossing it onto the bed. My head was still buzzing—too many questions, too many emotions I hadn't even begun to process.
I needed a damn shower.
Dragging myself to the en-suite bathroom, I flicked on the lights and nearly whistled at the sight. Marble floors, sleek glass shower, a massive bathtub that looked like it belonged in a spa—it was way too much. But right now, I didn't care.
Stripping off my clothes, I stepped under the warm spray, letting the water wash away the exhaustion clinging to my body. I stood there longer than necessary, my mind racing despite my best efforts to shut it off.
My mother. Gone.
Kidnapped as a baby.
A family I never knew existed.
I squeezed my eyes shut, inhaling deeply. None of this feels real.
By the time I got out, my skin was flushed from the heat, and the air was thick with steam. I grabbed one of the fluffy robes hanging on the wall—it was stupidly soft, of course—and made my way back into the bedroom.
Right on cue, there was a soft knock at the door.
Elena's voice came through. "Your dinner, Miss Mia."
I pulled the robe tighter around me before opening the door. A younger maid stood there this time, rolling in a cart with a covered tray. She gave me a quick nod before leaving without a word.
Once alone, I lifted the lid, fully expecting something overly fancy, but to my surprise, it was simple—grilled chicken, rice, and vegetables. Something I actually would have ordered for myself.
Huh. At least they got that right.
I ate in silence, staring out the window at the snow-covered grounds. The meal was good, but my appetite wasn't really there. Everything still felt... surreal.
Once I was done, I pushed the tray aside and collapsed onto the massive bed, staring at the ceiling. The softness practically swallowed me whole, but sleep wasn't coming anytime soon.
Because no matter how exhausted I was, one thing was clear.
I can't stay here.
This wasn't my life. I had built my own future, worked my ass off to become a veterinarian, to live a peaceful, independent life. And now, suddenly, I was supposed to just... accept this?
No. Absolutely not.
Tomorrow, I am gonna speak to Anderson. I will tell him straight up—I won't staying here. I could visit sometimes, sure. But this? Being uprooted, forced into a life I never asked for?
Not happening.
With that decision made, I let out a deep sigh, rolling onto my side and closing my eyes.
Tomorrow, I am going to fight for my life back.