Elizabeth emerged from the restroom, her cheeks still damp from her frantic rinsing, only to find Mr. Darcys shadow looming over her. His presence was as oppressive as the marble walls that enclosed them, and she could feel the weight of his displeasure radiating towards her.
"Elizabeth," he said, his tone laced with a warning that she chose to ignore. "Next time, you wont be so fortunate."
She paused for a moment, the sharpness in his voice cutting through her like a cold blade, and then she walked away with determined strides. Her mind was set on her daughter, Lily, and the safety that both of them needed to find.
After leaving the club, Elizabeth made arrangements for her child to attend a summer camp in Australia, planning to use the opportunity to entrust her to a friends care. Once Lily was safe, Elizabeth would be free to confront Mr. Darcy without the burden of fear for her childs well-being.
The following day, Elizabeth found herself once again escorted to a remote location, this time to a luxurious estate perched atop a mountain. The scene was one of revelry, with guests mingling and engaging in playful banter. Among them was Mr. Darcy, whose presence seemed to cast a shadow over the entire event.
"Whatever wind has blown you in, Darcy?" a dandyish man exclaimed dramatically. "And where is your lady friend?"
Mr. Darcy gestured towards Elizabeth, drawing the attention of everyone present. Dressed in her casual denim attire, she stood out like a sore thumb amidst the glamorous partygoers.
The real focus of the gathering, however, was a bet among the wealthy scions. The rules were simple: each would take their female companion up in a helicopter and whoevers companion jumped from the highest altitude into the pool below would be declared the winner. Of course, the risk was real—the mountain winds were strong, and a miscalculation could lead to a devastating fall...
Elizabeths heart raced at the prospect. She had a severe fear of heights, one that was debilitating in its intensity.
"No, I cant... Mr. Darcy, please dont do this to me... Cant you punish me in another way?" she pleaded, her voice trembling with genuine fear.
"Would you rather entertain clients?" Mr. Darcy retorted sarcastically, his fingers tapping against her cold, blood-drained lips. "Perhaps you actually prefer the company of嫖客?"
Elizabeth clutched at his hand, her voice barely above a whisper as she begged, "You know Im terrified of heights... Please..."
Mr. Darcy seemed to take pleasure in her desperation for a moment, then finally deigned to offer a choice. "You know what I want."
Elizabeths heart sank. She released Mr. Darcys hand and murmured to herself, "Theres nothing to be afraid of, I can swim, itll be fine..."
Mr. Darcy scoffed, clearly not believing her fear was real. Five years ago, he had taken her to an amusement park, blindfolding her and bringing her to the top of a Ferris wheel with the intention of proposing at the highest point. She had been so afraid of heights, clinging to him and shaking until they touched the ground again.
But now, he suspected it was all an act.
With a cold smile, he whispered into Elizabeths ear, "I want to win. Do you understand?"
As they boarded the helicopter with the other participants, the onlookers below cheered in anticipation. From the moment the helicopter began its ascent, Elizabeth kept her eyes tightly shut, unable to face the window.
She could hear the other womens voices, cooing and act like a spoiled child, followed by the splashes as they took their leaps.
"At this altitude, and Darcys girl hasnt jumped yet..."
"Seems like Darcy is leading the bet this time!"
Mr. Darcy, with his arms crossed, leisurely observed the ground falling away beneath them. He humbly replied, "Its too early to tell."
He dragged Elizabeth to the cabin door, his grip on her face as he forced her to look out at the vast distance to the pool below. "How can you jump with your eyes closed? If you fall to the ground, who will take care of your child?"
His words compelled Elizabeth to open her eyes. The sight of the blue pool below made her head spin, and a wave of dizziness overcame her. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her face turned ashen with fear.
Some of the other men present were starting to feel uneasy. This bet was set up by Mr. Darcy, and they had no say in it.
"Are you afraid?" Mr. Darcy asked, patting her cold and rigid cheek.
A small voice inside Elizabeth urged her to beg for mercy, to give in with just a few words, but she couldnt bring herself to do it. How could she face the sacrifices of her fallen colleagues if she did?
Elizabeth gritted her teeth and uttered a firm "No."
The coldness in Mr. Darcys eyes deepened, and with a push, he sent her out into the open air...