Is this destiny?

~ Austin, Morgan's family villa ~

Harriet is in the basement. She is locked in there since her mother forced her to come back from Los Angeles.

Harriet still remembers it clearly… Thursday, October 24. She was with Benjamin when her mother called, asking her to meet for lunch. If she knew that she will end up here, would she stay with Benjamin how he suggested, or would she still follow her mother? Harriet is not sure. She never openly defied her parents.

She remembers how during that lunch her mother was assaulting her with endless questions, as usually… asking her how she is spending her time, what events are her favorites so far, if she purchased any clothing pieces worth mentioning, and if she met anyone interesting. Harriet responded flawlessly while portraying an image of herself as someone who only thought about fashion events and shopping. Ah, now she knows that her mother was leading her on.

Mrs. Morgan asked her if she attended the big EY show previous night, and Harriet confirmed: "Of course, I did. EY is my favorite, do you think I would miss it?", she responded matter-of-factly.

Few random questions later, Mrs. Morgan asked Harriet if she met Jeffrey White: "You are here few days, attending events... Did you get a chance to meet with Jeffrey? Or at least attend any of the events he did?"

Harriet suspected that there might be something hidden behind her mother's question, but she responded honestly, to the best of her knowledge: "Where would I see him? You know that he does not attend fashion events?"

In an instant, her mother's expression turning into a scowl: "Really? For your information, he decided to attend last night's EY event. Funny thing how you didn't see him, considering that he was seated in the front row!"

"Where exactly have you been?!! What are you doing while telling us that you are attending fashion shows?!!", Harriet can still hear her mother shrieking at her.

After that, it all went downhill. Her mother took away her phone and her purse, making sure to seize all her credit cards, and brought her… here.

Harriet is not sure how much time passed since then. Two, maybe three weeks. Definitely two. Every day is the same, and she has no access to any electronics. Small windows close to the ceiling allow the daylight in, but she lost count of the days. Definitely more than two weeks.

What is Benjamin doing? He was probably worried when she didn't call him that day. And the next day, and then the next one… Did he give up waiting for her call? Probably not. Last time he waited for more than a month and now it passed only… she is not sure how long. But she believes that he is waiting for her.

Somehow, thoughts of Benjamin and the time they spent together give her comfort. A small smile creeps at the corner of her lips when she closes her eyes and sees his face, his eyes looking back at her… lovingly, lustfully, making her feel needed… important.

Will she be able to see Benjamin again?

Her throat is dry, and she forgot the sound of her voice. She used to hum some tune to keep herself busy, but after some time, she stopped. Harriet does not remember the last time she spoke.

She looked at the empty plate in front of her. She gets one meal a day, and a bottle of water. Harriet is unsure of her appearance, because she has no reflective surface available, but based on her arms alone, she can tell that she lost weight. Are her parents going to let her die here of malnutrition because she disobeyed them?

Both her mother and father were furious when she refused to tell them what she was doing in Los Angeles. But there is no way that she will mention Benjamin in front of them. Who knows what they will do to him? And she would be punished regardless if she talks or not.

The door opened. Is it mealtime?

Harriet's face fell and she shrank in the corner when she saw her mother. This can't be good. Usually maids are the ones bringing her food and a wet towel to clean herself up. Why is her mother here?

"Come. It's time for you to get out.", Mrs. Morgan spoke in a flat voice devoid of emotions and gestured toward the hallway.

Harriet could not believe it. The punishment is over? Just like that?

She was happy to shower and change into clean clothes. She was not surprised that they removed the phone and the PC from her room. It confirmed her suspicion: this is not over. But why did they allow her to get out?

The sight of a full meal waiting for her on the table brought tears to her Harriet's.

"Eat slowly!", her mother reminded her before shaking her head in disapproval and mumbling: "So unladylike."

…

Later that evening, a maid called Harriet to join her parents in the living room.

She really didn't want to go, but she has no choice. In this house, Harriet has two options: obey parents or be punished. And she does not want to go back to that basement.

"Don't think that we forgave you.", Mrs. Morgan told Harriet as soon as she joined them.

"We are willing to give you a chance to redeem yourself…", Mr. Morgan started. "If you do as you are told, we will consider reinstating some of your privileges."

Harriet looked apprehensively at her parents. She saw them exchange looks, and that can't be anything good.

"This Friday, you will have a dinner with Lukas White. His family is looking at potential partners for the boy, and if you do well…", Mrs. Morgan paused. "It will be good for everyone."

"Lukas White?", Harriet's voice was hoarse, and it made her parents frown. "What happened to Jeffrey?"

Mr. Morgan pursed his lips before responding. "Let's just say that Lukas has good chances of being the next in charge of the White family."

"Why go for the falling one if you can catch the next leader?", Mrs. Morgan added.

Harriet's eyes darted from her mother to her father. She could not believe what she heard. After years of talks about Jeffrey White, they changed to his cousin just like that?

Mr. Morgan saw the conflict in Harriet's expression. He stood up and pinched Harriet's chin, forcing her to look up at him.

He narrowed his eyes at her. "There is no need for you to understand. You need to fix yourself up and look pretty and make sure that he likes you. Don't disappoint us the second time. Do you understand?"

Harriet nodded faintly.

"Good!", Mr. Morgan exclaimed and turned to his wife. "Get her some medicine to fix her voice, and make sure that she has a good dress and looks presentable."

Mr. Morgan gave few more instructions before leaving the room.

"Is there anything else?", Harriet asked her mother.

"Not at this time."

Harriet excused herself and went to her room.

She told herself not to panic. It's just a dinner. She can do that.

Harriet went to her closet and reached in the back of the drawer with underwear. She found an envelope with several thousand dollars in it. She exhaled in relief, they didn't find it. It's the money which she saved for years, little by little so that her parents don't notice.

She realized that this will not stop, and she needs to get out of here. It was Jeff, now Lukas, who knows who will be next? Her parents are treating her like she is a thing to pass around for their benefit.

Harriet reminded herself that this is not the time to get angry. She kept the envelope back where she found it and went to her bed. She needs to think. She needs a plan. She needs a way out.

They said dinner with Lukas on Friday. But she does not know what day it is!

Harriet told herself not to rush. It's a first 'date'. They don't even know each other personally, so there is no way that Lukas will expect anything more than an introduction, right? They will eat, she will smile and earn herself a ticket to be invited for a second time. That will buy her at least few more days to come up with a plan.

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