Hattie had some connections here that could help Aoife leave and find a temporary place to stay. Aoife, unfamiliar with the surroundings, needed everything carefully arranged.
After Finn returned home from his trip, he called the hospital caregiver to inquire about Aoife’s condition. Upon hearing that she was doing well and receiving treatment, he felt relieved. He asked the caregiver to pass the phone to Aoife so he could speak to her.
They chatted about mundane topics like meals, following doctor’s orders, and how her day was going. Finn wanted to talk more with Aoife, but the conversation looped back to these few phrases, becoming tedious.
“I’ve landed, you need to be good at the hospital. I’ll be back soon. Is there anything you want me to bring back for you? You mentioned wanting your old suitcase before, right?”
Aoife’s gaze softened slightly. “No need, it’s useless now. Just leave it there.”
Hearing Aoife speak at length, Finn was pleased. Her voice echoed in his ear.
She suddenly smiled and said, “You focus on your work. I felt a bit better during treatment today. Maybe I’ll be discharged by the time you return. I’ll be good and wait for you to pick me up.”
Her voice, soft and playful, made Finn feel a wave of emotions. “I’ll wrap up things soon.”
“I won’t disturb you then.” After saying this, Aoife handed the phone to the caregiver.
The caregiver listened to a few more words before hanging up. When she glanced back at Aoife, she was already asleep.
Compared to her earlier gentle tone, her expression was now cold as ice.
Finn called Aoife every day, morning and evening, juggling between caring for Lily during the day and leaving time for Aoife’s calls at night.
As September 3 approached, Finn became busier.
Even though Aoife had only known Hattie for a short time, she trusted her completely. Hattie had promised to help Aoife leave, and Aoife believed she could do it.
Being young and lacking life experiences, especially being isolated by Finn at home for so long, Aoife’s mind was obviously not functioning well. It felt suffocating these days.
It wasn’t until the caregiver who stayed with her was called away for a long time that Aoife sensed that something was wrong.
Hattie brought hospital scrubs for Aoife to change into. Aoife followed her instructions obediently. After changing, Hattie led Aoife through the staff corridor, bypassing the cameras, and found a trash bin for Aoife to hide in. With the trash bin as a cover, they confidently left the hospital.
In a deserted alley, Hattie opened the lid of the trash bin, and Aoife peeked out from inside, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. She had actually managed to leave like this?
Other than Hattie, there was another person. “You follow him, he will take you to where you’ll be staying. Take this card with you.”
Hattie helped Aoife out of the bin and handed her the card. Aoife shook her head. “I… I can’t take this.”
“Take it.” Hattie gripped her hand firmly. “You need money to live outside. Consider this a loan from me. When you’re able to support yourself, you can repay me.”
Worry filled Aoife’s eyes. “Will we ever see each other again? Do you want to come with me?”
Hattie chuckled. “I can’t leave. There’s a lot for me to handle at the hospital. If I leave, it will be too suspicious.”
Besides the bank card, Hattie also gave Aoife some cash. She gently pushed Aoife forward. “Go on, be safe.”
“Dr. Mason, thank you.”
“We’re already friends. Just call me Hattie.”
Aoife turned her head, her eyes becoming teary. She choked out, “Hattie.”
After watching Aoife leave, Hattie turned back and retraced her steps to the hospital.
Aoife was taken on a boat, choosing the water route to avoid cameras and searches. The destination was arranged by Hattie, with a place to stay and many Numbatian people around, so communication wouldn’t be a problem.
It took three days of constant rocking for Aoife to arrive. She was not feeling well, seasick and vomiting everything she ate. In just three days, she had lost several pounds.
The sea’s sights were exceptionally beautiful, especially at sunrise. Aoife had never seen such a beautiful sight before and found herself crying as she gazed at the horizon.
Tears flowed uncontrollably. She never thought she could leave Finn and gain her freedom. Although it was hard, the feeling of freedom was incredible. She no longer had to be the person she detested the most, no longer had to be Finn’s mistress or a home wrecker.
Aoife had a sudden feeling that she had truly severed her ties with Finn. In this vast world, with the open sea and sky, in a foreign country, it wouldn’t be easy for Finn to find her.
Little did she know, her escape caused chaos for Finn.