Reborn From Oblivion

The guard flashed a smug grin, like a hunter who'd finally broken in his prize catch. He was basking in his own triumph.

That grin made Ashley's skin crawl, leaving her feeling like she was nothing more than a creature being tamed.

"Come with me," the guard instructed, turning on his heel and walking off briskly.

Ashley had to pick up her pace to keep up, practically jogging. She was so drained; it was like she had to channel every last bit of adrenaline just to not fall behind.

Finally, she emerged into the open air.

The sight of familiar surroundings brought her a wave of relief, a sense of safety she hadn't felt in a while. "Ashley," the guard relayed, "my boss wants you to know his wife is just for show."

Ashley was taken aback. Why would someone marry her if there was no love involved?noveldrama

"I understand," she replied, playing along.

The guard went on, "And even though he's set to be the Stewart family's future son-in-law and technically ranks lower, he's never been one to care about ethics or morals."

This time, Ashley got the message loud and clear.

The man was sending a warning to the Stewart family: don't try to guilt-trip him into doing anything he doesn't want.

"Alright," she nodded, feeling her heart race with unease.

Down in the basement, the man sat at a piano, his fingers dancing over the keys, playing a lively, beautiful tune. The melody was upbeat and catchy, a complete mismatch for his usually brooding demeanor. Hearing the music from afar, Ashley felt a mix of emotions swirling inside her.

How could someone like him play such a whimsical tune?

After the harsh treatment she'd received, Ashley didn't dare to

overthink it. She just wanted to net

escape the McCoy estate as quickly as possible.

The next morning, at the Stewart family home, their butler stumbled upon Ashley, passed out at their doorstep.

In a panic, he carried her inside and alerted the family. Before long, Ashley's bed was surrounded by concerned faces.

Grace, tears welling in her eyes, asked, "Ashley, what happened to you?"

"Hungry... so hungry..." Ashley whispered, barely able to form the words.

Grace had the servants bring grape juice, and after a few sips, Ashley began to perk up.

Seeing Grace, Ashley's tears flowed freely. "Mom," she cried, collapsing into Grace's arms, sobbing her heart out.

"Ashley, what on earth happened? Weren't you at the McCoy place? How did you end up starving? Did they not feed you?"

Ashley struggled to find the words, "No, it's just.. went to see him without Mr. Morris's go-ahead, and he got upset. When I had to leave, he told me to find my own way out. But the basement was a maze. I got completely lost. I couldn't get out. I was just wandering around. Sob sob sob."

Regan broke into a sweat, "What kind of maze keeps someone trapped for a whole day?"

They knew their granddaughter was sharp as a tack.

A regular maze wouldn't stump Ashley.

But the thought of an elaborate labyrinth under a private estate sent chills down Regan's spine.

Ashley tried to piece together her ordeal in the McCoy's basement, and the more she thought about it, the more baffled she became.

"It was so odd. When I went in,

everything seemed straightforward, but when I tried to leave, the paths were all tangled up. No matter which way went, it felt like I was just going in circles."