<h4>Chapter 117: Freedom</h4>


    Rain’s cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink as she nced at Alexander, unable to suppress the thought that she truly had hit the jackpot with him. His handsome face and the way he carried himself only made her more certain of her fortune.


    She chuckled softly, hoping to mask her blushing. "Don’t worry, Aunt," she said, her voice warm and reassuring. "He’s a good man. We can trust himpletely—he knows everything about me."


    There was a weight to her words, a quiet confidence she hadn’t felt in years. It was more than just admiration for Alexander’s looks; it was the sense of security and trust she had longed for, now finally within her grasp.


    Mnie nodded, murmuring with relief, "That’s good to hear."


    Rain’s face brightened as she suddenly remembered the treats she’d brought. "Oh, and guess what, Aunt? I’ve learned to cook and bake! I brought you some samples, so you have to try them and let me know what you think." She beamed, pulling her aunt toward a chair and setting the apple pie and cookies on the small table in front of her.


    Aunt Mnie’s room felt like a small, self-contained apartment. It had a mini-kitchen, a bitter reminder that her father hadn’t remodelled it for her aunt’s convenience but rather as a way to confine her, ensuring she had everything whenever they would lock her up. Rain suppressed the familiar surge of anger that thought always brought.


    Aunt Mnie took a seat and nced toward Alexander, who was still standing by the door. "Shouldn’t you let him sit down instead of guarding the door like a bodyguard?" shemented with a knowing smile.


    Rain sighed. "Well, Dina and I just had a... heated exchange before I came here. You know how she is when she’s angry."


    Before Mnie could respond, Alexander chimed in, his voice calm but thoughtful. "I should probably head downstairs and give you two some privacy. Besides, your father and stepmother are waiting. I believe they want to have a private talk with me."


    Rain met his gaze, her brows furrowing slightly. "Are you sure?"


    Alexander’s faint smile reassured her. "I’ll be fine. You two should have your time together. Besides, I think I’ve already made an impression." His eyes flickered toward Aunt Mnie, who gave an approving smile.


    Before leaving, Alexander grabbed a chair and wedged it against the door to prop it open, a subtle yet thoughtful gesture. He slipped out, leaving Rain and her aunt to reconnect in peace.


    Rain sighed, relieved to have the moment alone with her aunt. She quickly prepared a te, cing a slice of apple pie and some cookies in front of Mnie. "What happened, Aunt? Why did Father lock you up again?" she asked, concerncing her voice.


    Aunt Mnie’s faint smile barely reached her eyes as she began eating. "Your father wanted me to convince you toe here and bring your husband along. I refused, so he confiscated my phone and locked me up. Now that you’re here, with your husband no less, he’ll probably let me roam free again."


    Rain clenched her jaw, her frustration bubbling beneath the surface. She nced around the room, noting the stark contrast between the cozy atmosphere and the reality of her aunt’s imprisonment. "They treat you like a prisoner in your own home," she muttered under her breath, her eyes darkening.


    Mnie shook her head gently. "It’s nothing new, Rain. But seeing you, knowing you’re building a life away from all of this, it gives me hope."


    Rain bit her lower lip as she watched Aunt Mnie munch on the apple pie. "Who would have thought you’d take the effort to cook and bake? I remember how you used to hate it, always saying it’s better to just eat than cook," Mnie reminisced, then turned to Rain with a teasing glint in her eyes. "Do you like him that much?"


    "Yes," Rain confirmed softly, a warm smile and a blush spreading across her face. Aunt Mnie smiled, nodding approvingly. "You two look so in love. I can see it—the way your eyes sparkle whenever you look at each other."


    <i>’Love? Was Alexander also falling in love with her already?’ </i>Rain thought, her heart racing at the possibility. She desperately hoped her aunt was right, that the connection between her and Alexander was progressing that fast.


    But as she looked around the room, her moment of joy dimmed. Her gaze grew sharp and suspicious, scanning every corner. She didn’t trust anyone under this roof—not her father, not Dina, no one.


    There could be hidden bugs or spyware in her aunt’s room. Dina had a twisted habit of spying, and it wasn’t unheard of for her to secretly record Aunt Mnie in moments of weakness, crying, just to use the footage to torment Rain.


    ’No,’ Rain decided, a determined glint in her eyes. She wouldn’t let her guard down here, not in this house. Talking about important matters inside Aunt Mnie’s bedroom was too risky.


    "Aunt, how about we take a walk outside once you’re done eating?" Rain suggested, trying to mask her concern. Her aunt nodded, grateful for the idea. "I would love that. And this apple pie, Rain—it’s so delicious," Mnie praised, taking another bite and finishing the portion Rain had given her.


    Rain watched her Aunt Mnie with a mix of admiration and guilt. At forty, her aunt looked much younger, still full of life despite everything she had endured. It wasn’t toote for Aunt Mnie to have a family of her own, if not for Rain’s father meddling in her life. And somehow, that knowledge weighed heavily on Rain’s heart. It was all because of her... because Aunt Mnie had tried to save her, to protect her from the mistreatment by taking her away and attempting to run.


    "I’m sorry," Rain suddenly whispered, her voice tight with emotion. She forced a smile, fighting the tears that threatened to spill.


    "Rain, stop that or you’ll make me mad. Come on, let’s just head outside," Aunt Mnie said firmly, guiding Rain out of the room.


    As they strolled through the back garden, Rain asked, "Aunt, if I could find a way to get you out of here, would you be willing to cooperate to gain your freedom?"