Chapter 11 - THE MAN IN THE LOCKED ROOM
Adrian was found alive.
He had been held in a vacant commercial property outside Newark.
Police located him after following evidence recovered from Daniel's phone.
He was dehydrated.
Exhausted.
And frightened.
But alive.
Evelyn visited him at the hospital after investigators cleared the meeting.
He looked thinner.
Older.
“Evelyn.”
She stood beside the bed.
“Adrian.”
He swallowed.
“I'm sorry.”
She nodded.
“I know.”
He looked down.
“I thought I was protecting you.”
Evelyn pulled out a chair.
“You were protecting yourself from having to tell me the truth.”
He closed his eyes.
“I was scared.”
“I know.”
He began crying.
“I loved you.”
Evelyn felt a familiar ache.
But it no longer controlled her.
“I believe you did,” she said.
He looked up.
“But love isn't enough when you take away someone's right to choose.”
Adrian nodded.
“I know that now.”
They sat quietly.
Then he whispered:
“Is there any chance—”
Evelyn shook her head gently.
“No.”
He looked devastated.
She continued.
“I hope you heal. I hope you rebuild your life.”
Her voice softened.
“But not with me.”
Adrian closed his eyes.
After a moment, he nodded.
“Goodbye, Evelyn.”
She stood.
“Goodbye, Adrian.”
When she left the hospital, Lucien was waiting outside.
He didn't ask what happened.
He simply opened the car door.
Evelyn stopped.
“Lucien.”
He looked at her.
“I don't want to run anymore.”
His expression softened.
“Then don't.”
She stepped closer.
“And I don't want to pretend I don't love you.”
Lucien went still.
For a moment, he looked almost frightened.
“Evelyn.”
She smiled.
“I love you.”
He closed his eyes.
Then whispered:
“I love you too.”
When he kissed her, there was no audience.
No performance.
May you like
No one to escape.
Only two people choosing each other.
