Chapter 41: Chapter 41

After breakfast, Diara retreated to her room, her nerves still buzzing from the small rebellion she had staged at the table. She had savored every moment, relishing the look of barely contained rage in Kariyah's eyes as she forced her to wait on her. 

Diara knew there would likely be consequences, but for now, she let herself savor this brief taste of victory.

Once inside her room, Diara closed the door behind her and swiftly turned the lock. She crossed the room, moving purposefully toward the small drawer in her wardrobe. 

With a quick glance over her shoulder to make sure she was truly alone, she knelt down and slid open the bottom drawer, lifting a false panel she had installed months ago. 

Beneath it, safely tucked away, was her little leather-bound account book—the only proof of the life she was quietly building for herself, right under Kellan's nose.