6 A Parting Gift

In the hushed tranquility of Seraphina's home, Elara spent the remainder of the day immersed in deep slumber. The persistent knock on her door disrupted the realm of dreams, prompting her to confront the reality of her escape from home and the current refuge in a stranger's abode. With a voice still muffled by drowsiness, Elara welcomed the unseen visitor with a nonchalant "come in."

Seraphina, the benevolent host, entered the room, a perpetual warmth radiating from her demeanor. "Get up, I need to check your knee, then we can go and have dinner," she declared, her smile unwavering. Elara, momentarily forgetting her precarious situation, obliged with a drowsy acknowledgment, "Oh, okay. Thank you."

As Elara stirred from the comfort of the bed and settled onto a chair, Seraphina approached, her attention directed toward the injured knee. Gently unwrapping the bandage, she meticulously inspected the wound. Elara, her teeth clenched in anticipation, winced at the stinging pain that accompanied the disinfecting process. The realization of the severity of her injury struck her — the aftermath of the car incident during her escape had left her more battered than she initially perceived.

Sensing Elara's discomfort, Seraphina paused in her ministrations. In a tender gesture, she moved closer, resuming the task with deliberate care. The cool breath of air, as Seraphina softly blew on the wound, brought an unexpected sense of relief to Elara. The juxtaposition of warmth and coolness enveloped her, momentarily transporting her away from the harsh reality of her predicament.

Seraphina, satisfied with the meticulous care of Elara's wound, expertly wrapping it with a fresh bandage, stood up, declaring, "Done." Elara expressed her gratitude, and Seraphina promptly shifted her focus to the next item on the agenda, leading Elara to the dining table.

As they approached, Elara couldn't help but notice the array of dishes meticulously laid out, each one coincidentally aligning with her favorite choices. A hint of suspicion lingered in her mind, but in this unfamiliar sanctuary, she chose to dismiss it as mere happenstance. Seraphina invited her to indulge in the feast, expressing hope that Elara would enjoy the meal. The young runaway, acknowledging the uncanny alignment of tastes, replied with a genuine, "Yes, I do. They are mostly my favorite dishes."

Seraphina, with a subtle smile, remarked, "Well, that means we have something in common." Elara reciprocated the smile and began relishing the delectable offerings before her. Throughout the meal, Seraphina couldn't resist stealing occasional glances at Elara. Caught off guard, Elara inquired, "What?" Seraphina, maintaining her warm demeanor, ventured, "Mind sharing with me who and what you are running away from? Maybe I can help."

Elara, pausing her culinary exploration, put down her utensils and cleared her throat. The room seemed to hold its breath, awaiting the revelation of the tale of what had driven Elara to run away from home.

Elara shifted uncomfortably in the chair, her eyes revealing a mix of weariness and anxiety. The dimly lit room seemed to offer solace, a momentary escape from the turmoil that awaited her beyond its walls. Seraphina, draped in a black ensemble, maintained a calm composure, her raven-black hair framing her face as she listened intently to Elara's unraveling tale.

"My name is Elara Morgan. I'm twenty. I live with my father, stepmother, stepsister, and half-brother."

Seraphina nodded, her eyes inviting Elara to continue.

"My mom died when I was three, and my dad quickly remarried."

Seraphina's brow furrowed slightly, registering the weight of a story familiar in its complexity.

 "Let's get to the reason why I ran. My father wants to marry me off to a complete stranger known for being heartless and cruel, just for a business deal."

Seraphina's eyes widened, a mixture of shock and concern evident in her expression.

"Wait, you said you are a Morgan."

"Yes, the well-known Morgans."

"Wow, now I know what they mean when they say kids born into influential families are never happy."

 "That's how it is."

The revelation of Elara's imminent forced marriage hung in the air, and Seraphina's eyes delved deeper into Elara's, conveying both empathy and understanding.

 "I ran away because I don't want to get married. I'm scared of him, and he's in a wheelchair."

"Why does that sound like Mr. Holloway?"

"You know him?"

"Oh no, never met him, but I've seen him in the news and magazines. The rumors about him are all over the city."

 "Now you see why I had to run away."

Seraphina's expression shifted, a shared understanding emerging between the two women facing the shadows cast by influential names.

Seraphina's offer hung in the air, a lifeline extended to Elara in the form of sanctuary. Elara, however, hesitated, her sense of independence battling against the tendrils of gratitude that Seraphina's kindness invoked.

 "You can stay for as long as you want."

 "No, I will leave when I feel better. I don't want to implicate you in this."

Seraphina regarded Elara with a subtle smile, her understanding gaze acknowledging the complex web of emotions entwined in the young woman's predicament.

"As if they can do anything to me. I would punch them to the other part of the world."

A soft chuckle escaped Elara, a brief moment of levity in the midst of turmoil.

"Well, they have bodyguards, well-trained ones. So, I don't think it would be that easy."

"Hmm, don't underestimate me."

She playfully gestured a few punches, and the room was filled with laughter—a shared moment of camaraderie between two women brought together by circumstance. 

The days passed in a blur, marked by Seraphina's attentive care for Elara. The routine of disinfecting, blowing on the wound, and carefully wrapping it became a shared ritual, a subtle expression of Seraphina's maternal instincts guiding her actions. As Elara convalesced under Seraphina's watchful eye, she marveled at the swiftness of her recovery.

On the third day, as Seraphina continued tending to Elara's wound, a suggestion hung in the air—an invitation to return home.

"I think you should go back home."

Elara's initial reaction was one of disbelief, a resolute refusal echoing in her response.

"What? No way."

Seraphina, however, presented a perspective born out of concern and practicality.

"Listen, after everything you've told me about your stepmother, I think she won't rest until she sees you being miserable. Go back home and marry Mr. Holloway. You'll be safer with him than running away your whole life."

Elara, contemplating the possibilities, voiced a valid concern.

"What if he is the one that hurts me?"

Seraphina, choosing her words carefully, attempted to allay Elara's fears.

"I don't think he would go that far. He chose you, not even your stepsister. There might be a reason for it."

Elara, caught between the desire for freedom and the potential safety of returning home, nodded thoughtfully.

"I will think about it."

Seraphina offered a supportive nod, understanding the complexity of Elara's predicament, and the two women continued their delicate dance between uncertainty and fleeting moments of shared understanding.

The morning was filled with warmth and laughter as the two women enjoyed their breakfast, savoring not just the food but the fleeting moments of camaraderie. Seraphina, breaking the light-hearted atmosphere, stood up and disappeared into her bedroom, returning with a small box cradled delicately in her hands.

"I bought you a parting gift. My mom used to say emeralds can bring good luck."

Elara, touched by the gesture, looked at the box with gratitude evident in her eyes. As Seraphina opened the box, revealing a set of earrings and a necklace adorned with a vibrant emerald, Elara's eyes glistened with emotion.

"You didn't have to."

Seraphina, with a warm smile, insisted.

"I wanted to. Here, please take it. At least, I will know the emerald is keeping you safe."

Elara accepted the jewelry, feeling the weight of Seraphina's kindness. The emerald, gleaming in the light, held a special significance as Elara observed a meticulously carved dragon in the sky on the pendant. The intricate details spoke of a deeper connection, a subtle thread woven into the fabric of this unexpected friendship.

"Thank you, Seraphina. I'll cherish it."

Elara, genuinely touched by Seraphina's heartfelt gift, couldn't help but express her gratitude.

"Now I feel bad because I don't have a gift for you. How about I write you a check?"

Seraphina, with a warm smile, declined the offer.

"No, thank you. Just wear these every day until you are certain of your safety. That will make me happy. You can come and see me now and then; I would love that."

Elara, contemplating her uncertain future, responded with sincerity.

"I will have to see about that. I am still not sure if I will go back home or take a flight and leave this place for good. But I promise I will keep in contact."

Seraphina, more concerned about Elara's safety than any material gift, reassured her.

"As long as you assure me of your safety."

Elara's heart warmed with gratitude. She had never experienced someone showing her so much care, and it created a connection with Seraphina that she could not deny. Seraphina assisted Elara in putting on the emerald necklace and earrings, turning to face her with a genuine smile.

"You look beautiful. Emerald was made for you."

With the necklace clasped around her neck and the earrings adorning her ears, Elara felt a newfound strength. The emerald dragon seemed to whisper courage and resilience, urging her to face the challenges ahead.

After a heartfelt goodbye and a shared hug, Elara stepped out into the bustling city, her mind buzzing with thoughts about her next move. She hailed a cab, uncertainty lingering in the air as the city sprawled out before her.

As Elara sat in the cab, the city unfolded before her eyes, a sprawling canvas of possibilities and uncertainties. She was unsure of her next move, but the newfound emerald necklace around her neck felt like a beacon of hope.

The cab driver glanced at her through the rearview mirror, awaiting instructions.

"Just drive around for a bit."

The cab merged into the flow of traffic, and Elara stared out of the window, lost in thought. The city's vibrant energy contrasted sharply with the turmoil in her heart. Uncertain about returning home and wary of the consequences, Elara needed time to figure out her path.

As the cab weaved through the streets, Elara couldn't help but replay the events that led her to this moment. Seraphina's kindness lingered in her mind, offering a glimmer of warmth amid the chaos. The emerald jewelry served as a silent reminder of the woman who had offered solace in a time of need.

The cityscape changed, and Elara felt a mix of anxiety and determination. She needed a plan, a strategy to navigate the complex web of her family's expectations and Vincent Holloway's impending presence.

As the cab continued its meandering journey through the city, Elara began to draft a mental map of her options. The bustling streets mirrored the whirlwind of emotions within her, and amidst the uncertainty, one thing was clear – she needed to make a decision that would shape her destiny.