Chapter 294 Seeking Opportunities
Anna's heart pounded, but she forced herself to stay calm. "I don't need you here, and I don't want to see you! Get out!"
Caleb's brow furrowed slightly, clearly annoyed. "If you want to stay locked up here forever, keep fighting me. I can wait as long as it takes."
His words made her tremble with anger, but she knew she couldn't lose her cool now. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Fine, I'll play along. It's just a few days, right? I can handle it, as long as it means getting out of here and away from you, you monster!"
Caleb seemed somewhat satisfied with her response, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. He clapped his hands lightly, signaling Brielle to bring in some books, then turned and left.
Anna lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. She knew she was at a disadvantage and had to learn to be patient. Only by going along with Caleb's demands could she find a chance to escape.
She resolved to use this time to observe her surroundings and look for any possible exit. If an opportunity arose, she would seize it without hesitation.
This time, Caleb's visit was unusually brief. After just twenty minutes, he drove away from the villa, leaving behind the fading roar of the engine, which gradually dissipated into the air.
The sound felt like a signal of release, stirring the long-suppressed emotions within Anna. She could no longer bear this life of captivity, yearning for even the slightest bit of freedom and movement.
Since stepping into this place, her world had been confined to this seemingly spacious but actually cold room.
Despite the complete facilities, from the bathroom to the washroom, it was nothing more than a cage that stripped her of her freedom, making her feel unprecedented suffocation and oppression.
Summoning her courage, she stepped out of the room and into the living room, only to be met by Brielle's slightly anxious face.
Though Brielle's expression was kind, Anna could never feel close to her, seeing her as an accomplice of Caleb.
"Miss Powell, where are you going?" Brielle's tone was tinged with unease and tension, as if testing her.
Anna responded with a cold gaze, her voice carrying a hint of sarcasm. "I just want to walk around. Is that not allowed? Even prisoners get yard time. Am I a prisoner now?"
Brielle's face showed a troubled expression, her voice filled with helplessness. "Mr. Hayes specifically instructed that you are not to leave the room when he's not here. If you need anything, just let me know, and I'll take care of it."
Anna inwardly scoffed at Caleb's arrangements, which she had long since understood. She looked around, admitting that Caleb's security measures were indeed flawless.
The windows were tightly surrounded by reinforced bars, and the door was undoubtedly locked. Escaping would be extremely difficult.
Even so, Anna refused to keep cowering in this small space like a bird trapped in a cage.
She looked at Brielle, trying to make her voice sound more peaceful. "I just want to sit in the living room for a while, get some fresh air. Don't worry, I won't run off."
Brielle still had doubts, but under Anna's determined gaze, she finally relented. "Alright, Miss Powell, you can rest in the living room, but please stay where I can see you."
Anna ignored Brielle's condition and walked straight to the sofa, sitting down. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil inside her.
Anna knew she had to stay calm and rational. She also knew Caleb didn't want anyone to find her, so Bella and the others would likely have a hard time locating her.
Now, escaping would depend on her finding an opportunity. She needed to maneuver around Brielle and gain more freedom.
Anna's eyes fell on a pile of books casually stacked on the living room sofa. They seemed to be her only solace in this monotonous life.
She picked a few with somewhat appealing covers and took her "loot" back to her room.
As she crossed the threshold, she heard the door being gently but firmly locked from the outside. She was used to it by now and merely scoffed, not bothering to react further.
Sitting on the bed, she opened one of the books, hoping the words would distract her from her frustration. But just like in school, the moment she started reading, her eyelids grew heavy, and sleepiness washed over her.
The entire day slipped away in a haze of half-sleep and drowsy reading. To mark her time in captivity, she scratched two parallel lines on the wall with her fingernail, keeping track of the days.
Every night, Anna would stare at those faint marks, feeling a mix of helplessness and hope. Thinking that in a few days, maybe ten or so, she might regain her freedom filled her with indescribable excitement.
At least Caleb had given her a clear timeframe, something to look forward to. Without it, she wasn't sure she could endure the endless darkness.
However, on one such quiet night, as she drifted in and out of sleep, she suddenly felt a strange presence approaching.
A warm body lay down next to her, trying to wrap her in a gentle embrace.
The unexpected touch jolted her awake. Her body stiffened with fear and anger.
As Anna regained her senses, a surge of mixed emotions overwhelmed her. She pushed the intruder away with all her strength, jumped out of bed, and fumbled to turn on the bedside lamp. The light flooded the room, revealing the unwelcome guest.
"What do you think you're doing?" she shouted, her voice trembling but resolute and defiant.
Caleb, in his pajamas, with slightly tousled hair and a mischievous smile, looked at her as if enjoying an unexpected game. His eyes held a playful and provocative glint. "What do you think?"
Anna couldn't tolerate such shameless intrusion and provocation. She glared at him, her voice firm and powerful. "Don't even think about it!"
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