Page 99 of Ruined By Blood
"Family?" I laugh bitterly, clutching my ribs. "We were never a family. Just a businessman and his merchandise."
His hand pauses on the doorknob, and for a second, I think he might come back to finish what he started. Instead, he walks out, slamming the door behind him with such force that dust rains down from the ceiling.
The lock clicks into place, and I'm alone again with my pain and fury.
I collapse onto the bed, my body throbbing from Henry's attack. Every breath sends sharp pain through myribs, and my face pulses where his hand struck. But despite the physical agony, I feel hope rising inside me.
Hope.
Enzo found my mother. The thought replays in my mind like a beautiful melody I can't stop hearing. After all these years of believing she was lost to me forever, someone actually went looking for her. Someone actually found her.
I press my fingertips gently against my swollen cheek, wincing at the tenderness. The pain grounds me in reality, reminding me this isn't just another desperate dream.
He actually did it.
Tears well up, but they're different from the ones I've shed for years. These don't burn with helplessness. They overflow with something that feels dangerously like gratitude.
I realize I'm smiling despite the split in my lip, despite the fear and uncertainty.
No one has ever fought for me before. No one has ever valued me enough to wage war for my freedom.
A laugh bubbles up, sending fresh pain through my ribs. It's absurd, really. I've spent years dreaming of escape, of freedom from my father's control, and now that someone's actually fighting for that freedom, I might not live to enjoy it.
But it doesn't matter. Not really.
"Thank you," I whisper, not sure if I'm speaking to God or Enzo or just the universe in general.
For the first time in as long as I can remember, I feel something beyond fear and resignation. Even if Henry kills me tomorrow, even if I never see Enzo again, he's given me the most precious gift possible.
He's given me back my hope.
He's shown me that humanity still exists.
That I still exist. And matter.
I touch my bruised face again, and despite the pain, my smile remains.
Istride back to Charlotte's room, my mind already mapping out tomorrow's exchange.
I knock once before entering. Charlotte sits in an armchair by the window, her delicate frame swallowed by a cashmere blanket.
"I spoke with Henry," I announce, closing the door behind me. "He's agreed to the exchange."
Charlotte's fingers tighten around the teacup in her hands. "When?"
"Eight o'clock tomorrow night. I'll bring you to the estate." I move closer, taking the seat opposite her. "We need to prepare, go through every detail of what happens tomorrow. But first—are you feeling alright to do this? If you need more time..."
A bitter smile touches her lips. "Time is the one luxury Sienna doesn't have." She sets down her teacup. "This is our last hope, Mr. Feretti. I've spent six years in that place while Henry..." Her voice cracks, but she recovers quickly. "I won't fail my daughter again."
The maternal fierceness in her eyes reminds me of myown mother. That same protective fire that would burn the world down for her children.
"Call me Enzo," I tell her, leaning forward. "And we won't fail. I've asked from our family doctor to examine you first. He'll make sure you're stable enough and advise if you need any special medications."
Charlotte's eyes flood with tears. "I tried to protect her. I tried to get us both away."
"Sienna told me about your escape attempt," I say softly. "She never blamed you."
A knock at the door interrupts us. Dr. Romano enters, medical bag in hand.
