Chapter 48 Just a Stray, Far Away from Home
Chapter 48 Just a Stray, Far Away from Home
In her previous life, things had been so painful that the thought of ending it all never even crossed her mind.
If it hadn’t been for the fire, she probably would’ve kept living, struggling and submitting to her circumstances.
She could have died, yes, but Wanda, who loved her with everything she had, was still waiting for her in that old, rundown house.
The plan she had made for tomorrow was to gather everything she needed to leave. But now, she was stuck in the Olsen Mansion, unable to escape.
Mario really has a way of ruining things at the worst possible times. Of all days, why did it have to be today?
Lisa seethed with frustration, her mind scattered, when she suddenly heard a soft whining sound. Something tugged at her pants. Turning around, she was surprised to see Tiffany’s dog had somehow made its way up to the rooftop.
The dog was a fluffy, snow–white bundle of energy, its tail wagging like mad.
Unlike everyone else in this house, the dog actually seemed to like Lisa. The moment it saw her, it rushed over, clearly wanting to be held.
But Fido was Tiffany’s pet, and Lisa never dared touch it in front of others.
Now that no one around, Lisa crouched down to pet the dog’s head. Fido eagerly licked her hand in return.
That simple, innocent act brought back memories from her past life–when the Olsen Mansion had burned down. Julius and Mario had made sure to save the dog as they escaped, while Lisa had been left behind, trapped in the flames and burned alive.
Her lips pressed together as she gently nudged Fido onto its side. The dog, confused, held onto her hand with its tiny paws, gazing at her with big, pleading eyes.
“Sorry,” Lisa whispered. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you.”
Fido, always affectionate, licked her cheek in response.
Lisa buried her face in its soft fur, letting out a quiet sigh.
Out of everyone in the Olsen Mansion, Fido had been the only one to show her any kindness.
In her past life, when she was confined like an animal, starving and neglected, it had been Fido’s food that kept her going.
Fido was incredibly generous, never holding grudges. Sometimes, it would even nudge its food bowl toward her, as if offering her the chance to eat first.
“Fido,” Lisa whispered, “Do you think of me as one of your own?”
She let out a small laugh. “We’re not the same, though. You’re a dog, and I’m just a stray, far away
from home.”
Fido suddenly whimpered, wriggled out of her arms, and darted off toward the garden.
Lisa didn’t mind. She watched for a moment as the dog disappeared into the greenery, then reappeared, sniffing around the flowerbeds. Lisa’s eyes sharpened.
The dog was playing near a small hole in the ground!
It suddenly clicked–Mario had once owned a large German Shepherd. The dog had been so energetic that the yard couldn’t contain it. So, Mario had installed a dog door in the wall, allowing the dog to come and go freely.
Lisa had never seen that German Shepherd. By the time she was brought back to the Olsens, the dog had already passed away from illness.
Lisa stared at the hole, now mostly hidden by overgrown plants, and her heart began to race.
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Chapter 48 Just a Stray, Far Away from Home
It felt like fate had opened a small window for her–she could slip through that hole and escape!
But she didn’t act right away. Fido was still near the hole. If any of the staff saw her going near it, they would definitely become suspicious. If Oscar found out about the hole, she’d lose her last chance to escape.
So, she waited, staying still until the house quieted down and the lights in the servants‘ quarters went out. Then, with cautious steps, she made her way outside, moving quietly into the garden.
Lisa carefully pushed the plants aside and examined the hole.
The German Shepherd had been a big dog, and Lisa, weakened by years of malnutrition, was small enough to fit through.
Taking in the cool air from outside the wall, Lisa carefully rearranged the plants to cover the hole again, hiding her escape route. With her small bag slung over her shoulder, she crept away from the Olsens‘ estate.
By the time she reached the street, the buses and subways had already stopped running. Not wanting to spend money on a cab, Lisa searched for a nearby bike share. After an hour, she finally arrived near Kensington University, where she turned into an alley and knocked on one of the doors.
“I thought you weren’t coming!” The door opened to reveal Mona Robson, a girl around Lisa’s age. She had a sweet, cute face, but her carefree, easygoing personality was reflected in her appearance. She pulled Lisa inside. “I’m just having a late–night snack. Come on in!”
Lisa felt a bit awkward.
She’d been classmates with Mona for almost four years, but their relationship had only involved working on a few group projects together.
This was the first time Lisa had ever reached out to Mona, and she had been nervous about bothering her. But Mona had agreed without hesitation and even waited up for her.
On the coffee table in the living room were fried chicken and cola, freshly delivered and steaming hot. Mona pulled Lisa over to the couch. “Eat something.”
“Thanks, but I’m not hungry.”
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