Chapter 4: "Crossing Everything"

Since Alex returned, standing in the doorway with an intense gaze at Sara, Alex's eyes remained fixed on Sara, his expression unreadable. Maria, sensing tension, stood up quietly and whispered, "I'll leave you both alone, señora."

As Maria slipped away, Aley broke his silence, his voice low and gentle. "Mind if I join you, Sara?"

Sara shook her head slightly, her heart racing with anticipation. Alex walked towards her, his movements graceful...

Sara broke the silence, curiosity getting the better of her. "How was your meeting with Jackson? Everything okay?"

Alex sat down beside her, his eyes narrowing slightly as he chose his words. "Business discussions. Nothing unexpected. But Jackson did mention...he's planning a dinner party tonight. Wants you by his side."

Sara's heart sank at the mention of playing the perfect wife role again. She felt Alex's gaze on her profile and turned to meet his eyes.

"Why are you telling me this...now?" Sara asked softly, sensing the underlying meaning.

Alex's voice dropped to a whisper. "Because tonight's expectations might be suffocating. And I wanted a moment with you...before all that."

Sara's voice barely above whispers, yet filled with determination. "Alex, I'm tired...of everything. The marriage, the facade, the emptiness. I don't want to play the role of a fake wife again anymore. I want out."

Alex's eyes locked onto hers, surprise giving way to understanding. "What are you saying, Sara?"

Sara took a deep breath, her words tumbling out in a rush. "I want to start anew. With your help. Tonight, before that dreaded party...let's leave together. Fly to France. We can apply for divorce from there, send Jackson the papers...freedom."

Alex's face transformed – shock, then awe, and finally tender excitement. He reached out, gently brushing hair behind her ear.

"France...tonight...with you? Sara, I'd follow you anywhere. But are you certain about leaving Jackson, filing divorce...no turning back?"

Sara nodded resolutely. "Absolutely certain. I choose myself, my freedom...over this suffocating life."

Alex's lips curved into a soft smile. "Then France awaits. Tonight, we escape..."

Alex quickly pulled out his phone, fingers flying across the screen. "I'll book us tickets on the last flight to Paris tonight. Private airport entrance to avoid detection."

Sara watched anxiously as Alex worked his magic. "What time does the flight depart?"

"11 PM. We need to leave here by 9 PM latest," Alex replied, still typing. "My car's parked outside the east gate – less surveillance."

Sara nodded, mentally preparing her escape plan. "I'll pack a small bag – essentials only. Meet you at the east gate at 8:45 PM?"

Alex smiled, showing her the flight tickets on his phone. "Done. I'll bring passports, cash, and credit cards – my accounts are separate from Jackson's."

With plans solidified, Sara felt a thrill of excitement mixed with nervousness.

Downstairs, the mansion transformed into an elegant party venue. Soft jazz music floated through the air as staff arranged crystal glasses and polished silverware.

Jackson stood by the bar, inspecting the wine selection with the caterer. "Ensure Sara's favorite champagne is chilled. She'll be joining me for toast tonight."

The caterer nodded. "Already taken care of, Mr. Jackson. Shall we expect her downstairs around 7 PM?"

Jackson glanced at his watch – 6:45 PM. "Yes, exactly. Inform her staff to help her prepare. Tonight needs to be flawless."

Unaware of the escape unfolding above, Jackson returned to party details, oblivious to Sara's secret plans with Alex...

Alex slipped downstairs, moving swiftly through the bustling party prep area. Staff members nodded or smiled in passing, accustomed to his presence.

He reached the study, unlocked a bottom drawer, and retrieved a small safe deposit box key – for their emergency funds abroad.

Just then, Elony walked in, raising an eyebrow. "Alex, what brings you here amidst chaos?"

Alex thought fast. "Grabbing Jackson's spare phone charger for him. Party tonight, don't want his battery dying."

Elony nodded, buying the excuse. "Good thinking. I'll help with the setup outside."

Alex breathed internally – close call. He pocketed the key and headed back upstairs, staff and Elony none the wiser...

Finally 8:40 PM. Alex and Sara moved stealthily through the dimly lit east wing corridor, luggage-free to avoid suspicion – only clutch and wallet for Sara, keys and phone for Alex.

They reached the east gate door, locked from the inside. Alex produced a spare key and unlocked it silently. Fresh night air greeted them as they slipped outside.

Alex's car waited nearby, the engine already running – he'd remotely started it earlier. They hurried towards the vehicle, freedom within grasp.

Just as Alex opened the passenger door for Sara, a voice echoed from the darkness behind them...

"Do you really think you can escape that easily?"

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