The one with a scheming mind and malicious intentions was none other than Monica.

All I had ever done was fall for Cedar in the most innocent way, but for that, I endured torment that no one should face. In the end, I died alone, abandoned and miserable.

But not this time.

I allowed myself a few tears, then brushed them away. That was all the grief I could afford to give. Soon, I would leave this place and escape far away, where none of them could touch me.

The next day, I called my supervisor. His voice, brimming with both surprise and excitement, greeted me on the line, "Sylvia, are you sure about joining the geological survey team? You do know this fieldwork will take an entire year. Will your family be okay with it?"

His reaction was expected. I had once shared my aspirations with Cedar, expressing my dream of joining the team, but he had forbidden me from leaving.

Back then, blinded by my feelings for him, I foolishly turned down the opportunity. Cedar had insisted I stay by his side, controlling my choices without hesitation.

So, when I called to volunteer this time, my supervisor’s shock was understandable.

"Teacher, I’ve thought it through. I’m an adult now, capable of making my own decisions," I replied, my voice steady and resolute. "And you’re well aware of my family circumstances. I don’t want to trouble the elders any further. If you could keep this between us until departure, I’d be truly grateful."

My supervisor had always been kind to me, treating me with a warmth I rarely received. The last thing I wanted was to complicate things for him.

There were only seven days left until our departure. By the time Cedar realized I was gone, it would be far too late to stop me.

The field survey location was kept strictly confidential. While occasional contact with the outside world was allowed, we were bound by a strict confidentiality agreement. Not that it mattered; Cedar probably wouldn’t care where I went. My absence would likely feel like a weight lifted off his shoulders.

For him, my departure would pave the way to a life with Monica, free from my supposed interference. I could almost hear the relief in his voice when he realized I was truly gone.

While Cedar was busy at the company during the day, I quietly packed everything I would need. I made sure to be thorough, leaving nothing behind that would tie me to this place.

Unfortunately, there was one issue: the last time I mentioned going into the mountains, Cedar had confiscated my ID. I had no choice but to visit the police station to get a new one expedited.

Over the past few days, I maintained a calm façade at home. When Cedar returned in the evenings, I retreated to my room, avoiding him at all costs.

Though I no longer felt anger toward him, I pretended to sulk, keeping up the appearance of being upset. It was the perfect way to prevent him from suspecting anything.

During this time, Monica came by once. She had intended to chat with me, but Cedar quickly stepped in and stopped her.

"Don't mind her. She's becoming more and more unreasonable. If she angers you again, I’ll feel sorry for you!"

He knew exactly what he was doing, speaking just to provoke me. But I didn’t give him the satisfaction of an argument.

Monica seemed quite pleased by my reaction. She deliberately draped herself around Cedar in the living room, her affection so exaggerated it could almost be seen from space.

When she noticed that I wasn’t bothered or making a scene, she even took a moment to praise me for being smarter before she left.

Days slipped by quickly and in what seemed like the blink of an eye, five days had passed.

During that time, I had completed all the necessary formalities to join the team and now there was nothing left but the wait, just two more days before I would leave.

But then, in the afternoon, Cedar returned home earlier than usual. It was rare for him to come back so early unless something unusual had happened.

When Cedar walked into the living room, I heard him ask the maid for fever medicine and a glass of warm water. Then, without missing a beat, he called upstairs, his voice thick with fatigue.

"Sylvia, come here."

My heart skipped a beat as panic rushed through me. Could he have figured out that I was planning to leave without a word?

I took a few steadying breaths before walking to where he stood, keeping my gaze lowered as I meekly responded.

"Uncle, did you call me?"

Cedar’s face was flushed, his fever unmistakable. His brow furrowed slightly as his eyes flicked toward me, studying me for a moment. Then, he spoke, his voice heavy with concern.

"Why have you been so quiet these last few days? Did Monica say something to you in private? She’s so innocent and straightforward. If she spoke to you, it’s only because she cares. She meant no harm, I’m sure of it."

I nodded gently, my voice barely a whisper as I replied, "Uncle, I understand."

Cedar froze for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly before he let out a snort.

"It’s rare to hear you say that. And it’s been a while since I’ve heard you call me 'Uncle' with such respect."

"Sylvia, you’ve grown up now. I can’t spoil you the way I used to when you were younger. I admit I was too harsh when I scolded you last time. I understand if you hold some resentment in your heart."

He sighed, his voice softening as he looked at me.

"But if you can keep being as well-behaved as you have been these past few days, I promise I won’t raise my voice again. So stop sulking, alright?"

I nodded obediently, my heart heavy with emotions I couldn’t express.

Cedar’s eyes lingered on me, sharp and searching. I couldn’t meet his gaze, my eyes darting away, guilt bubbling up.

But then my gaze fell on a package sitting innocently on the sofa and my pulse quickened.

The expedited ID I’d ordered had arrived!

But why was Cedar the one to sign for it when I had clearly left my own number?

It was as if he read my thoughts.

"I happened to see the delivery when I came back, so I signed for it," he said in a hoarse voice, his gaze unrelenting.

He picked up the envelope, holding it out to me.

"This should be a document-type package, right? What’s inside?"

His eyes remained fixed on mine as he silently urged me to open it right then and there.

My hands trembled with nervousness and my mind raced, scrambling for a believable excuse.

Then, just as panic threatened to overwhelm me, my phone buzzed. It was a message from my good friend, a simple question mark.

This was our usual way of starting a conversation and it sparked an idea in my mind. Without missing a beat, I quickly flashed the phone in front of Cedar and pulled it away again.

"This is a credit card my friend applied for. She’s been working part-time to pay for her tuition, but she couldn’t sign for it, so it was mailed to me."

"You see, she just sent me a message asking if I had signed for it."

I watched Cedar’s expression, trying to gauge if he was convinced. To solidify my story, I carefully folded the paper envelope, revealing the edge of the ID inside.

"If you don’t believe me, here it is. It’s a credit card!"

I quickly sent a voice message to my friend, hoping it would tie everything together.

"Your credit card was just signed for by Uncle. I’ll bring it to you the day after tomorrow when you’re off."

The day after tomorrow was the day I was leaving, with the flight my supervisor had booked in the morning.

My friend knew my situation, so she would understand.

I quickly typed out a message and my friend instantly caught on to my meaning. Within seconds, her reply popped up.

"Keep it safe for me! My living expenses for next semester depend on it! Come to the dorm the day after tomorrow; we’ll have lunch together!"

I sent her a quick "OK" emoji.

With that, Cedar finally believed me. He got up and retreated to his bedroom to rest.

I made my way back to my room, only to realize my legs were unsteady beneath me.

Thankfully, Cedar didn’t come looking for me again. His fever must have been quite bad because that night, Monica took him to the hospital.

He didn’t return until the next day and later that evening, I sent a simple message to check on him.

But it was Monica who replied using his voice message, her voice almost too cheerful.

"Sylvia, your uncle is fine. He’ll be discharged tomorrow. Thanks for your concern on his behalf!"

That night, sleep came easily because tomorrow, I would finally be leaving this place.

After a quiet breakfast, I packed up my bulging backpack and headed straight for the airport.

When I arrived, my good friend was waiting for me and we embraced tightly, tears flowing freely.

"Sylvia, although I think it’s a little crazy that you’re leaving over a nightmare if it’s what you want, I’ll support you unconditionally!"

My supervisor and senior colleagues were already waiting for me at the boarding gate when my phone rang. It was Cedar’s call. I quickly handed the phone to my friend.

"This is my uncle. Please take care of it for me. I’ll contact you with a new number later."

Ten minutes later, I finally boarded the plane, my heart racing as the wheels of the aircraft lifted off.