Chapter 11

As the early morning light made its way through the curtains, the hotel was filled with a beautiful sheen. I had not slept much at all because I had been thinking about what had happened the previous night all night long, the anonymous person who was pursuing me, Jack's warnings, and the depressing realization that I was entangled in a web of danger about which I knew very little. It's interesting that ever since being in New York, I've had several reasons for when I needed to run. As I lay there, staring up at the roof and listening to the distant sound of the city below.

I had to get out of here.

Jack had explained that my Monroe family was the reason I was in danger. Any secret that Henry' had stashed away, or anybody he had had a relationship with now weighed on me, and I was not ready to carry it. I was not meant for this world of power, riches, and hidden enemies. I was a teacher in a small town who was content with her quiet life until that moment, when I completely lost my identity.

The decision came quickly after that. I had to leave. I was hoping to return to Willow Creek, to a simpler place where I could breathe without feeling surrounded by walls. The money, the will, and, strangely, the answers didn't matter to me just now. I just had to get out of here.

I jumped up, grabbing my things with a sense of purpose that I had just recently developed. The quiet rustle of my clothes as I stuffed them into my bag was the only sound in the room. I wanted to leave town as quickly as possible, so I was in a rush. The magnificent hotel, with its rich design and drab wood furnishings, felt harsh now, a continual reminder of the place I so much wanted to leave behind.

By the time I looked at the clock on the end table, it was almost six in the morning. Something about the early morning light seemed abnormally peaceful, even if the city outside was starting to wake up. I had to leave by that time because Jack was due to be meet up in person in a few hours. I wasn't comfortable with one more tantrum about responsibilities and the dangers of quitting. I would have preferred not to hear any more justifications or warnings. I needed a little space.

After packing, I took a deep breath. My pulse was racing and my hands shaking, but I knew that once I got out of New York, I would feel better. I would feel incredibly reassured.

Grabbing my phone, I quickly texted Sophie, my closest friend in Willow Brook: traveling home. needing to get away from the chaos. See you soon?

The answer arrived right away: Clearly! I can't wait to see you. Em, you've been missed!

Relief streamed in via her text. My rock was Sophie, and Willow Creek was my haven. That small, peaceful village was the main place where I could make sense of the chaos that had taken over my life.

By eight in the morning, I was riding in a cab to the train station. I peered out the window at the foggy streets of New York, the huge skyscrapers and throngs of people making the city seem farther distant by the minute. It was strange to feel really alive in a climate when I felt like I was being suffocated. I was unable to get away fast enough.

When the car finally arrived at the station, I picked my bag, paid the driver, and walked out into the crowded station. Individuals were rushing by, some carrying coffee and others rearranging luggage and folder bags in an attempt to catch their train on schedule. For once, I was content with my lack of identity; I was just another face in the crowd.

I quickly and accurately bought my ticket, focusing all of my thoughts on going home. The persistent unease that had been plaguing me since the night before persisted while I waited for the train. I kept thinking about Jack's warning, which occasionally caused me to glance over my shoulder. It felt real, even though I had not seen the earlier man. I felt like I was being watched. It reminded me of a constant darkness that clung to me.

When the train finally arrived, I hurried to board and chose a seat near the window in the middle of the carriage. The train was just about full, and the quiet chatter of people finding their seats was somewhat consoling. I inhaled deeply, turned my back, and tucked my bags below the seat.

The train roared ahead and pulled out of the station with an abundance of relief. I was leaving New York, leaving behind the unknown and dangerous. As the city sank into darkness, I closed my eyes, trying to make sense of the flurry of emotions racing through my head. My expectation was to concentrate on Willow Creek, Pennsylvania, and return to a place that gave me a sense of security.

Even though the train travel took hours, when we stepped into Willow Brook's tiny station, I felt a wave of peace wash over me. The village was exactly as I recalled, quite and captivating, with gently sloping hillsides in the background and the vitality of the locals going about their everyday lives. When I stepped off the train, the smell of pine and fresh air made a dramatic contrast to New York's dense atmosphere.

Sophie stood close to the the platform, her smile inviting and big. She waved at me, blissfully, and spread her arms to embrace as I walked near her.

"Emily!" she yelled. and she threw me into a tight hug when I got close enough. "I've missed you!"

"I've missed you too," I said, my voice muffled against her shoulder. The comforts of home and the brightness of her arms were exactly what I desired.

Sophie stepped back and looked at me, a small frown forming on her face. "You appear to be in pieces. What is happening? There wasn't a lot of information in your text."

I gave her a lazy smile. "It is a long story. Let's just say that I anticipated spending some of my energy to anything other than New York."

As we started to go in the direction of the car, she gave me a gesture and wrapped her arm around me." Well, you've returned now. you won't go without telling me everything."

I laughed quietly, but the burden of all I hadn't told her continued to press hard against me. I knew I had to talk to someone, even though I wasn't sure how much of the truth about Henry, the will, and the danger I might be in was something I was ready to divulge just yet. Besides, Sophie was the only person I could always trust with anything.

As we went through the town, its remarkable roads and small stores brought us harmony. This served as a suitable substitute for home. where people were slower and simpler, and where everyone knew one another by name. The Monroe name and everything it stood for seemed like a faraway dream in this place.

"So," Sophie remarked as we came to a stop in front of her house, in the shade of a massive oak tree. "Will you spill the details right away, or will I have to entice you with coffee and cookies?"

I smiled, enjoying her cheerful personality. I stated, "Coffee first, details second," even though I was a little reluctant to reveal the incident that had completely turned my life around.

We settled into her comfortable living room, coffee mugs nearby and the aroma of warm ginger cookies baking in the air. Sophie sat on the couch next to me, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"All right," she replied while sipping her espresso. "Let's start from the beginning. What made you decide to run away from New York?"

I took a deep breath and turned to face the cup I was holding. "It's mind-boggling," I replied quietly. "I learned a few things about my family and my dad's identity. And yes, it's really a huge problem."

Sophie's eyes widened as she leaned closer. "Your dad? Emily, What do you mean?"

I bit my lip, not sure how to make sense of it all. Whatever the case, I realized I could no longer contain it. "Henry Monroe," I muttered, the words hanging in the air. "He is my biological father."

Sophie's expression immediately became horrified. Her jaw fell open, and she shot me a sideways glance. "Like, Henry Monroe, the billionaire? Hang tight, the Henry Monroe?"

I gestured, sensing that the reality was finally going to sink in between us. indubitably. That is the appropriate choice.

Sophie narrowed her eyes, as if she was having trouble processing what I had just spoken. "oh God," she said. "This is crazy, Emily."

With a hand over my hair, I answered, "Trust me, I know. It seems like I'm stuck in this nightmare, and I didn't ask for any of this. Given that Henry is linked to some dangerous people, I'm not sure who to believe."

Sophie's compassionate eyes relaxed and she reached out to take my hand. "Emily, you're safe in this place. You're safe at Willow "

She made me want to trust her. I had faith that returning to my former area would help Henry's prior issues fade into the past. Either way, I came to the important realization that I could not avoid the reality. Besides, try as I could to distance myself from it, my Monroe heritage and the danger that went along with it weren't done with me.