Chapter Eighty-Three: Can You Help Me

Kiara POV: The room's oppressive air weighs heavily on me, a tangible reminder of my captivity. The walls are bare, with no adornments, just like my life now — devoid of joy and freedom. I've been trying to formulate a plan to escape, playing out different scenarios in my mind, but every thought only spirals into despair. A creak of the door interrupts my restless contemplation, and Aiden strides in, holding a tray of breakfast. I study his face, trying to discern any hint of emotion, but his eyes are inscrutable, a mask hiding his thoughts. "Good morning, Kiara, my sunshine," he says, his voice smooth, betraying nothing of his true intentions. "I hope you're hungry." I force a smile, determined to play my part. "Thank you, Aiden. But, you know," I begin, feigning a nonchalant tone, "I was thinking maybe we could eat downstairs. In the dining room?" He freezes, eyes narrowing. "Why?" A single word hangs heavily in the air, a challenge. I swallow hard, my heart pounding. "Well, it's jus