When Love Turns Dangerous (Tara) novel Chapter 108

Tara had a lot on her mind. After a few more hours of sleep, she woke up to find it bright outside and quickly jumped out of bed.

She sighed in relief, clocking in just before the cutoff time. She might not work much longer, but being late meant a fine.

She assumed she had a few more days left. The morning passed in a blur of busy tasks until Terence pulled her aside in the afternoon, his face unusually serious.

With a sigh, he said, "Tara, starting tomorrow, you don't need to come in. You'll still be paid—triple, in fact."

Tara froze. Did Lance move that fast?

"I don't have to work starting tomorrow?" she asked.

Terence let out a long sigh. "Yes. I can't help you with this one. So, I wish you all the best in your next job."

Nervousness gnawed at Tara, yet she held onto the hope that once outside the villa, she would finally be free of the story's narrative.

"I'll be fine, Mr. Oakley. Don't worry about me," she said, trying to ease his concern.

He looked at her regretfully, loathing the thought of letting her go. Still, he said, "I hope things go smoothly for you."

"They will," she replied with a quiet smile. She truly believed she could make it in this universe.

"Mr. Oakley, I have a favor to ask," Tara added.

Terence agreed readily. "Of course. Just say the word."

As long as it was within his ability, he would help.

Tara said, "I'm leaving tonight. Please don't tell the others until tomorrow."

"You're leaving tonight? But the car Mr. Swain arranged is for tomorrow morning—"

Tara shook her head. "I don't want to trouble Mr. Swain anymore."

Terence didn't think it was a big deal, so he agreed.

Betty didn't find out Tara was leaving until later that evening. She burst into Tara's room, eyes red and brimming with tears, clutching Tara's arm like she was afraid Tara might vanish on the spot.

"Why so sudden? Tara, did you offend any of the band members? I'll go plead with them!"

Tara gave a helpless smile. "It's nothing like that. I chose to leave."

Betty was too stunned to continue crying. "You… You wanted to leave? But why?"

She couldn't understand. With great pay and a stable job, why give it up?

"I have my own path to follow," Tara said, glancing toward the window.

"But I don't want you to go…" Betty whispered, tearing up again.

The train hadn't departed yet.

Tara thought for a second, then answered the call.

"Hello?"

It was complete silence on the other end.

She checked her screen. The call was still connected.

"Hello? Who is this?" she repeated.

Then came Lance's voice. "Where are you?"

When Tara heard the iciness in his voice, a violent chill ran down her spine.

Lance?

"I… I…" Her voice faltered. Panic surged, and she hung up without another word. Her palms were slick with sweat. Had she found out she left early?

But no—she was already headed to another city. She wouldn't see him again. And anyway, there was no way someone like Lance would chase after someone like her.

She turned to the window. The city blurred by, the buildings flashing past like fragments of a fading dream. "I should have finally escaped the plot."