Chapter 54: The Great Escape

“That’s right, be quiet. It will lessen our workload, and you’ll suffer less. I’ve prepared some oatmeal for you. Now, be good and open your mouth.”

“I’m not hungry. I won’t eat,” Raylee said weakly. “When will you let me out?”

“That’s a question for the doctor. We’re just here to ensure you eat and drink. You have to eat, otherwise I won’t be able to fulfill my duties.”

Remembering Neville’s mention of a nasogastric tube, Raylee hesitated, then opened her mouth. After finishing, she asked, “Ma’am, could you do me a favor privately? I’ll pay you.”

“What favor?”

“Help me contact Jeremiah from the Lorimer family. I’m his fiancée. I’ll pay anything.” Raylee pinned her hopes on the nurse.

“The Lorimer family? Which one? How much money?”

“The most prestigious family in Jexburgh, the owners of Lorimer Group. You’ve heard of them, right?”

The nurse scoffed. “What do you take me for? You think you’re worthy of becoming a Lorimer daughter-in-law? Even a desperate backwoodsman wouldn’t marry you!”

“Ma’am, I’m telling the truth! Please believe me! I don’t remember his number. Just leave a message at Lorimer Estate,” Raylee pleaded.

“Lorimer Estate? You’re delusional! I see people like you every day. I’m a king’s daughter-in-law! Hmph!”

The nurse left. Raylee called out, but no one responded. This was a psychiatric hospital; who would believe her? Her pleas were falling on deaf ears.

Raylee blinked her red-rimmed eyes. How would she save herself? She felt trapped in a vast abyss, her cries unanswered. She was bound by straps, only her head and shoulders free.

She focused on the strap on her left hand. Remembering her childhood dance lessons, she jerked her head and shoulders, surprisingly managing to reach the strap with her teeth. This might be her only chance.

Steeling herself, Raylee began chewing. Her gums bled, feeling like blades, and the pain was intense. She cast a worried glance at the door, fearing interruption. But she persisted.

The strap was soaked with blood, the pain relentless. Yet, Raylee wouldn’t stop. Finally, the strap loosened, cold sweat beading on her forehead. Bleeding from her teeth was insignificant compared to her desire for freedom.

After swallowing the blood, she used her free hand to untie the other strap. Soon, all four limbs were free. The room was sealed; the window welded shut. Escape meant the door.

Without hesitation, she approached it. Hearing no sound, she cautiously opened it. Several patients were in the corridor. She tried to blend in, but then heard a shout: “The patient from Ward 2 has disappeared! There’s blood on the bed!”

Raylee calmed herself and hurried downstairs. A nurse recognized her. “It’s you! Don’t move!”

Cornered, Raylee saw a gap in the under-repair security net. Looking down at the ground far below, she jumped without hesitation. She would rather die than remain trapped.