the same uniform as the man who worked for Claire. As I continued staring at him in disbelief, he raised h

is time? Tied up like that, no one would ever s

ough I was still unsure about trusting him, I nodded in agreement. This man seemed to know the routine o

vered his face. He then picked up the cap fr

Max said. How could I not be tense? I didn't know what awaited me once I left

. And that would mean more trouble for me when the long-

ible. Right now, you're the only one who can save yourself," h

, keeping my expression calm as if nothing h

stairs leading down to the first floor. Hon

it's done, Mi

Damn it! I had no idea what she even meant. Though my legs trembled with fear

my foot was just about to step outside wh

ow?" It was Mia again-she had

obably tired. Said not to disturb him

nd you've already worn him out," Mia joked. I ju

ow," I said as I

a replied. At that moment, Max had already s

the House of the Sun did I finally feel I could breathe again. But where was this man taking me? Would we just

re was nothing-just a rocky road surrounded by bushes. I waited anxiously, afraid Max might leav

black jeep emerging from the bushes nearby. Why had Max

before stepping in, but I quickly shoved my doubts aside.

into Max's jeep. Noticing my struggle, Max exte

d the engine so abruptly that my head nearly hit the windshield. I wanted to yell

w he was trying to outrun Claire's men once they realized I

ing anything. No clothes, no money-just the clothes on my back. Then I thought of Sandra. She

n change if you're uncomfortable in wha

ed. Max didn't say anything in return. Af

tter than what you have on now," he said, grabbing s

uch time," he added. I nodded si

of pants that I had to roll up a few times because they were too long.

also changed out of the disguise. Hi

as the question I had been wanting to ask, but Ma

e replied. I frowned, s

you going to do with me?

you," he said. I held my breath. None of his

gain. The question burned inside me-who was this man beside

y stop to rest in the car. So let me

ax was my only hope at the moment, I

there were only bushes and shrubs, with occasional glimpses of settlements and wide grassl

different to the coming night. After escaping from Claire's brothel, I felt like there was n

stop in front of an old house by the roadside. But with all the

, my eyes fixed on the

ar," he c

y a bottle of mineral water Max had given me had entered my stomach. I nodded hesitantly,

unger, but it's better than nothing," he said

could be scattered all around," he added. I no

I said, realizing I wasn't the only one starving. Max

ed. I looked outside the car-it was pitch black with no lights in sight. Even if I dared to leave this vehicle, I wouldn'

dn't know what tomorrow would bring. What mattered was that I felt relieved-for I ha

*

ze brushing my face. When I opened them fully, I realized

probably before sunrise. A piece of cloth wrapped around

," Max said when he

hout doing anything," I asked. I thought I heard him chu

d've known better than to ask-hi

," he commented. My gaze, which had been on the

honestly. And now, I wasn't sure whether I was lucky or not. Max

ee a lot more from

Claire's brothel?" I asked. Max turned

anted?" he replied wit

ve me peace of mind?" I asked, fe

last. Strangely, the idea of hearing tha

't ask again,"

extremely hungry. How much lo

en are chasing us r

a hard time figuring out whe

d. Though he said it in a flat tone, I felt touched

a dense rural village. The morning act

looked like a traditional market. At the mention of food, I immediately nodded. Wi

ed me the bag. He only took one piece for h

aybe it was just that I was very hungry. I quickly devoured

icle turned onto a small road-just wide enough for one car. The path was well-kept, lined with lush trees and beautiful fl

r in front of a small blue house.

he same. My eyes blinked in curi

Miss Valentin