Chapter 280
The Imposter Bride
With Rita by her side, Lexi began to explore the confines of Callumâs castle.
Since her confinement, this was the first time she had the chance to wander around, and she was amazed by the grandeur of the castle Nestled between perfect natural scenery, surrounded by vibrant greenery and rugged mountains, it felt like being in an impeccable world Passing through corridors filled with delicate antiques, extravagant halls, and enchanting gardens, Lex followed Rita to the farthest end of the castle. Ahead was a large iron gate, beyond which lay a dense forest âWhatâs beyond there? Lexi asked Rita glanced at the forest, leading Lexi further along as she spoke, âMiss Lexi, thatâs the castleâs backyard, a massive forest. Itâs easy to get lost in there, so Mr. Callum has surrounded it with this fenceâ
Lexi took another look at the gate before following Rita on the tour. She would have been genuinely obsessed with this castle if it werenât for her captivity, but now, all she could think about was how to escape.
Rita continued to lead the way, oblivious to Lexiâs thoughts, and began explaining the different sights within the castle, âMiss Lexi, this is the fountain, built during the Midde Ages âExcuse me,â Lexi interrupted, looking a bit sheepish. âI think I need to use the restroom.â
Rita stopped âMiss Lexi, the restroom is just around the corner, do you need me to accompany you?â
âNo, no, Iâm fine. Iâll go by myselfâ Lexi quickly walked in the direction Rita had pointed Rita watched as Lex walked away, noticing that her demeanor had changed drastically since her arrival. Indeed, there was nothing in life that one couldnât get used to Rita waited patiently, but when Lexi didnât return after a long time, she started to panic. She was worried that Lexi might have lost her way and hurried towards the restroom, softly calling out, âMiss Lexi? Miss Lexi?â
When Rita got close to the restroom, she was shocked to find Lexi climbing over the iron gate. She rushed towards Lexi in a panic. âMs. Lexi, what are you doing?â
Lex had made up her mind to escape and wasnât going to miss this golden opportunity She kept climbing until she reached the top, and just as Rita got closer, she jumped to the other side of the gate, clapping her hands, âRita, thank you for taking care of me. But I crave freedom and donât want to be trapped in this golden cage Iâm leaving goodbye!
âMs Lex, no! The forest is too dense, youâll get lost. And there are wolves in the woods. Please, donât be foolish. Come back!â Rita stomped her foot in frustration, calling out to Lexi, hoping she would return.
But with freedom so close, there was no way Lexi was going to let Rita talk her out of it. She shook her head with a smile âEven if I get lost in this forest, I have to try Rita, youâve never lost your freedom, so you wouldnât understand how it feels to be a caged bird. See you! Or rather, goodbye!â
With that, Lexi walked towards the forest without looking back.
Freedom, at last, here I come Watching Lexis figure gradually disappear into the forest, Rita deeply regretted bringing her here. âOh no! Ms. Lexi didnât listen to me. I must report this to the master immediately!â Rita murmured anxiously running towards the main castle.
Callum was pouring himself a glass of red wine when Rita told him that Lexi had climbed over the gate and gone into the forest. He was furious and smashed the wine glass on the ground, yelling. âYou let her escape? You fool! Send someone to find her immediately!â
Scared, Rita nodded her head. âYes, Mr. Callum, right awayâ
While the castle was in chaos. Lexi was enjoying her stroll in the forest. She walked on the thick fallen leaves, creating a pleasant rustling sound. An occasional bird would hop around on branches, and sometimes a curious squirrel would peek out from behind a tree Lexi felt exhilarated even wondering if she had accidentally stepped into a fairy tale. She had never seen such breathtaking beauty in the modern world. She wandered aimlessly in the forest, starting with fascination, then fatigue, and finally, terror, because, she had lost her way She had passed this leaning tree more than once As darkness fell, the forest fell silent. All she could hear was the rustling sound of her own footsteps on the leaves. Suddenly, an animal howled in the distance, adding a touch of horror to the dark night Was that a wolf?
Lexi covered her mouth in terror, fearing that the next second, a wolf with glowing green eyes would chase her She stumbled through the dense forest, her steps weak and unsure. She didnât know when she could escape this terrifying forest. Perhaps, she shouldnât have run out of the castle âBoom, rumble, rumbleâ
A few heavy thunderclaps echoed, followed by a heavy downpour it was the rainy season, but encountering such a night wasnât exactly pleasant In just a short while, Lexi was completely drenched. The cold wind blew past, making her shiver The cold rain kept hitting Lexiâs head and body making her unable to see the path ahead Her foot slipped, and she tumbled down a slope crashing into a large tree and losing consciousness Inside the castle, Callum was berating his servants who were assigned to look for Lea in the forest.
âYou didnât find her? What are you lot, good for nothing? All of you, and you canât even find one person, you bunch of dots!â
His subordinates were taking the scolding with their heads bowed, barely daring to breathe for fear that Callum would kick them out of the castle.