Chapter 5

Savannah entered Wyatt's study and immediately noticed it was filled with sketches. The subject of each drawing was none other than Brielle at various stages of her life. Her hands trembled as she picked up one of the drawings. Without thinking, she flipped it over and saw a line of delicate handwriting on the back. It read, "I only wish to grow old with you." Savannah felt like a heavy hammer had struck her heart at that moment. But before she could process the sorrow, she heard a faint sound coming from the stairs. Her heart leaped in her chest, and she hurriedly left the room. She had to lay low for now. If Wyatt wanted to play his little game, then she would play along. Back in the guest bedroom, Savannah saw the familiar glass of milk placed on the bedside table, just like it had been every night for the past few years. Each time after drinking it, she would sleep soundly without the usual nightmares. This time, however, she dumped the milk under the bed and took just a tiny sip to make it look like she had drunk it all. Then, she started going through the jewelry and designer bags Wyatt had bought her over the years, silently calculating if the items' worth could give her the money she needed to leave the country. The door opened, and Wyatt walked in, completely unaware of her actions. "What are you doing with all this stuff?" Savannah steadied herself and came up with an excuse. "Oh, nothing. You've given me so many gifts over the years, I've just run out of space in the closet." Wyatt didn't seem suspicious. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a delicate pink diamond brooch. "This is nothing compared to what I plan to give you for the rest of our lives. I remember you love diamonds, so I had this pink diamond brooch specially brought back from overseas. I knew you'd love it." He smiled warmly as he wiped the speck of milk from her lip, then placed a gentle kiss on the corner of her mouth. As if coaxing a child, he continued, "Sav, you're amazing. Now, go to sleep." Savannah lay back on the bed. After Wyatt made sure that she was asleep, he carefully lit an aromatherapy diffuser before quietly leaving the room. The moment Wyatt left, Savannah suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of fatigue. Just as she was about to lose consciousness, she pinched her thigh hard and forced herself to stay awake. Something about the scent from the diffuser drained all the strength from her body. She stumbled into the bathroom and submerged herself in a cold bath to snap out of the fog. After regaining her senses, Savannah immediately turned off the diffuser. It took her a long while before she finally felt like herself again. Camden's voice came from outside the room. "Uncle Wyatt, are you sure everything's set? She won't wake up halfway through, right?"