The Stranger Who Held Me

Liam Montgomery, my cousin Jeremy’s friend, is a tall and handsome man. Although he dresses simply, he carries himself with elegance and poise. I wonder where Jeremy met him, but I’m grateful he took me into his home in Ibiza in my past life—and thankful he brought me to the hospital after my failed engagement. I know he covered the medical expenses. Now, Jeremy and I are standing a few meters from the hospital entrance, waiting for Liam to bring his car to take me home. It’s getting dark, and I can’t deny I’m scared of what I’ll find there. But at least the engagement with Gregory didn’t happen this time, and I’m thankful for that.

—“Liam took me in when my father kicked me out for refusing the arranged marriage with Margareth Grey. We started a tech business together that became a success—or rather, it will become one. Even though he owns most of the invested capital, he’s always treated me as an equal partner. Now that I know what’s coming, I think we can accelerate the success,” Jeremy tells me excitedly.

—“Where did you two meet?”, I ask to my cousin.

— “We both studied computer engineering,” Jeremy replies.

—“I remember Uncle Walter was totally against that. He said you weren’t fit for our financial corporation. But he’s wrong—now everyone knows it, and even more so in the future, when everything will revolve around tech,” I say confidently, hoping to lift Jeremy’s spirits.

—“At first, we’ll have trouble finding a capital management firm, which will slow down our expansion. Still, Liam always knows how to handle the ups and downs,” Jeremy adds with a note of admiration.

Jeremy spots Liam’s car and tells me to get in. It’s nothing like the elegant car he used to drive us to his house in Ibiza in my previous life. I guess Jeremy was right—Liam must be very skilled at what he does, because in five years, his reality will be completely different. I sit in the back seat and catch Liam looking at me through the rearview mirror.

—“Are you sure you’re alright, Miss Thompson? You still look pale,” Liam says, his voice so calm it brings me a sense of peace.

— “I’m fine, thank you. I’m sorry for the trouble, Mr. Montgomery,” I reply politely.

—“I wish you’d just call me Liam. When someone says ‘Mr. Montgomery,’ it feels like they’re talking to my father,” he replies with a curious smile.

—“Then call me Marilyn, and let’s drop the formality,” I say, with a natural ease that surprises even me.

—“Alright, Marilyn,” he says, smiling. I look at him through the mirror—his serene expression is comforting.

Liam studied with my cousin, so he can’t be older than twenty-five. On the way to my house, we talk about several memories and stories involving Jeremy—so pleasant that I forget to worry about what awaits me at home. When we arrive, Jeremy offers to walk me in, but I think it’s best to face the inquisition of my parents alone.

The expressions on the faces of the house staff make it clear nothing good awaits me. As soon as I enter, I’m slapped by my mother, who snatches away my purse with my ID, cards, and phone inside. Then my brother Scott grabs me forcefully by the arm and throws me to the floor with fury. I land on my knees before Markus Thompson—my father—who glares at me with rage. My sister Stefanie looks at me with pity, but I know there’s nothing she can do.

—“We belong to one of the most prestigious families in the country. You know very well I’m in charge of the automotive company within the family conglomerate. I need the Smiths’ money to increase my stock power in the financial branch. I’m tired of being beneath your Uncle Anthony, who took over as president of the group. And now you pull this stupid stunt, Marilyn? You’ve always been into Gregory—do you think this is a game?” my father yells at me.

—“I’m sorry, Father, but I... I didn’t know Gregory was a shameless womanizer. I can’t marry a man like that,” I cry out, still on my knees.

—“A womanizer? Foolish girl. That’s just his bachelor life. It’ll be your job to make sure he doesn’t need anyone else once you’re married,” says Markus Thompson without the slightest hesitation. At that moment, he feels like a complete stranger.

—“What are you talking about?” I ask, disillusioned.

—“We’ve told everyone you’re going through emotional distress because your nanny had to travel to her home country. Anyway…” my father says, expressionless.

—“What do you mean about my nanny? What have you done?” I interrupt, deeply concerned.

—“The engagement will be featured in two major magazines tomorrow,” he continues, ignoring my question.

—“I’m asking about my nanny!” I scream, standing up and grabbing his shirt—something I’ve never dared to do in either of my lives.

My father pries my hands off him, glares at me with fury, and shoves me onto the sofa. Even the pain in my back doesn’t distract me from my concern for my nanny.

—“Your engagement ring is in your room. Wear it at next weekend’s family gathering for Scott’s birthday—Gregory will attend as your fiancé. If you continue this tantrum, I’ll destroy everything you love, starting with Cookie. You’ll marry because I said so,” he says before storming out of the room.

I’m about to insist again on knowing where my nanny is, but Stefanie approaches and whispers in my ear: “I’ll tell you everything.” Then she helps me up and guides me to my room. My mother avoids looking at me, and my brother Scott stares at me with pure contempt.

Once in my room, I beg Stefanie to tell me the truth. She looks out the window and takes a deep breath.

—“Nanny July was sent back to her country. She agreed to it in exchange for money to live comfortably—she was going to be fired anyway. She left you a letter in your toy box,” Stefanie says with compassion.

I run to it, and there it is—her letter. I can’t bring myself to read it. I can only cry while Stefanie sits beside me.

—“Mary, don’t try to fight the current. Don’t defy Father—it’s pointless. I honestly believe he’s capable of killing Cookie and doing anything to ensure your marriage to Gregory goes through,” she says, holding my hand.

I’d forgotten—Stefanie had married a year ago, to a banker whose money gave our father more power in the family’s business empire. The man was thirty years older, though I remember he seemed kind and treated her respectfully. Three years after my engagement, he died, and my father took control of her inheritance, forbidding her to remarry to avoid any financial complications.

—“Maybe Gregory’s bad reputation is just a misunderstanding. He’s only ten years older, he’s handsome and polite. You’re beautiful and cheerful,” Stefanie says, trying to console me.

—“I know it’s not a misunderstanding,” I reply sadly.

—“Well, unless he decides to call off the engagement, you’re trapped, little sister. Father forbade us from giving you any money or help. That’s why Mom took your ID, cards, and phone. You’re stuck at home until Scott’s birthday,” she says in a soft voice.

—“I’m tired,” I murmur, lying down on my bed.

—“Sleep for now. Resign yourself, Marilyn. We’re just tools to preserve the family fortune,” she says, her expression filled with sorrow.

—“I’m sorry for not realizing all of this sooner and helping you…” I say, looking into her eyes.

—“He’s kind to me. It could’ve been worse. Stop fighting—it only makes things harder,” Stefanie says as she leaves my room.

After reading my nanny’s letter—which has drained every last tear from me—I look through my clothes for a pair of jeans and a warm jacket. I find some sneakers, all gifts from my nanny. None are designer, but that’s exactly what I need right now. Thankfully, I have a good memory and remember the address Jeremy gave me. I try to reach a small box on top of a wardrobe, but it falls and bursts open, scattering bills across the floor.

I look at the money—just as my nanny mentioned in her letter. I pick it up and tuck it into my jacket and jeans pockets. I wait until dawn, take my little dog Cookie, and manage to sneak out of the house. The streets feel terrifying. I’ve never gone anywhere alone before, but that’s less frightening than staying in that house, resigned to a fate I refuse to accept.

So I quicken my pace, determined to get as far away as possible from the place I once called home.

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