Roxanne's Pov:

　　The knock on the door came repeatedly and I rushed out of the bathroom to check It out. I opened the door and of course, It was mum.

　　"Roxanne" she called with relieve.

　　"Where have you been? I've been knocking for some time now".

　　I sighed and walked back into the room and she followed me behind.

　　"I was taking my bath mum":I replied but she still looked around the room.

　　Hold on; is she doubting me?

　　"Seriously mum, do you think I'm lying?" I asked and scoffed.

　　"Where else could I possibly be in this cell? I've been locked here my entire life. It's not like I have a choice anymore".

　　"Roxanne" she called tenderly and held my hand.

　　I kept quiet and tried not to look at her.

　　"Baby, I know you're upset. But I want you to know I'm doing this for your own good"

　　"I've been hearing that for the past nineteen years mum, but you still can't explain it to me. Why are you keeping me locked in here? Why don't you want me to go out? I don't even know what the outside world looks like. The only people I know in my entire life Is just you and miss Margaret. Come on mum, I'm nineteen already. Isn't it enough?"

　　She heaved a sigh and closed her eyes. Then she opened them and placed them on my cheek.

　　"I love you, Roxanne" she said sadly.

　　"And one day, you'll get to understand I'm doing all these for your sake.

　　"Your tutor is waiting for you in the sitting room".

　　I left her and went to the bed to sit.

　　"I can't learn today. I'm feeling dizzy" I replied as I sat on the bed.

　　She walked up to me then kissed me on the forehead and left the room.

　　I sighed and stood up to go stand by the window. I looked outside and saw the same view I've been seeing my entire life. I don't even know where I am.

　　When I look out the window from the tallest part of the building where my room was, all I could see were trees and grasses - looking like a forest. I've been this way my entire life.

　　As soon as mum gave birth to me, she kept locked in here. Yes, I'll call it locked because I have no idea what the outside world looks like. I don't even go to school and miss Margaret has been my home teacher right from childhood. I don't even know what having a friend looks like because the only people I know is mum and miss Margaret.

　　Mum has forbidden me from going out because she said it's dangerous and it's something I've been trying to understand. What does she mean it's dangerous?

　　I mean, they're other people out there in the world. Even she herself goes out. So, why's my own case different? Why's she doing this to me?

　　I don't even know my dad. According to her, he's dead. But why do I feel unsecured about this whole thing? What could mum's secret be? Why's she keeping me away from the world?

　　Harriet's Pov:

　　I walked out of Roxanne's room and met Margaret there in the sitting room. I felt so bittered.

　　"She won't be able to receive lectures today" I told Margaret as I went to stand by the window.

　　"Oh! Why's that? What's wrong with her?" She asked but I didn't reply immediately.

　　"She's angry with me. She wants to get out of here" I said and a brief silence stepped in.

　　"Well, you wouldn't really blame her, Harriet. She's been treated like a prisoner for nineteen years" Margaret said, standing up.

　　"Well, what am I supposed to do?" I snapped and turned to look at her.

　　"My hands are tied, Margaret, and you know it. Damon's out there looking for her and if I let her step a foot out of this building, he's gonna sense her and find her."

　　"So,,do you plan on keeping her locked up for the rest of her life? Is that what you plan to do?" She asked.

　　"I don't know Margaret. But the most important thing right now is keeping my daughter safe. You know what Gerald did Damon. He killed his entire family. He murdered Damon's mother in front of her very eyes when he was a kid and now, all he wants is revenge. And that's why he grew up searching for Roxanne till date because she's Gerald's only child. Margaret,you won't blame me if I'm scared. Only God knows what Damon will do to Roxanne if he lays his hand on her. I don't know what to do".

　　I sniffed and buried my face in my palm. I was really so scared - scared for Roxanne.

　　Damon's a beast and I can't let him lay his hand on her.

　　"It's okay Harriet." Margaret said and drew close to console me.