The island had never felt smaller.
Alexander’s response to my escape attempt was quiet, calculated, and devastatingly effective. No dramatic punishments. No locked doors. Just layers of control wrapped in the illusion of care.
The security guards now patrolled closer. The boat remained locked at the dock with armed men watching it day and night. Even the children’s playtime was scheduled with “approved” routes. I was never truly alone — not even when I went to the bathroom or took a shower.
I sat on the terrace that afternoon, watching Alex and Sofia play under the watchful eyes of two guards. My hand rested on my heavily pregnant belly as the baby kicked strongly. The rose-gold collar caught the sunlight, beautiful and suffocating.
Alexander joined me, pulling a chair close and taking
