Chapter3-The Rapunzel Castle Escape Plan!
Time flies when you're content.
Today marks the fifth day since I was discharged from the hospital and the fifth day of my life as Rapunzel.
Why Rapunzel, you ask?
Because my grandfather has forbidden me to leave the house. He insists that I haven't fully recovered and, with my memory still lost, he doesn't trust me to go out alone. He wants me to rest in the castle for a while before venturing outside.
I agreed outwardly, but inside, my rebellious spirit was already scheming ways to escape the castle.
I've dubbed it the Rapunzel Castle Escape Plan!
I need someone to cover for me with Grandpa, someone to pick me up at the door, and a solid excuse for when I'm eventually discovered.
The first two conditions are easily met, for in this castle, I have not only the most loving grandfather but also my best friend who has grown up with me—Mary.
Mary is the butler's daughter. Harry isn't just the castle's butler; he's also my grandfather's most trusted companion.
To continue this friendship, when I was four, Grandpa asked Harry to bring his six-year-old granddaughter, Mary, to the castle.
From then on, Mary became my maid, and in a different sense, my sister.
"Miss Chloe,"
Mary entered with milk in hand, her pretty brow furrowing as she noticed me sitting on the floor again.
"The ground is too cold. You shouldn't sit there; you might catch a cold."
"It's alright, Mary. I'm not that fragile," I replied with a smile, accepting the milk and taking several sips.
As the milk level dropped, Mary's face lit up with a contented smile.
"You seem in good spirits today, and for once, you've finished your milk without Mr. Meredith having to coax you."
"Then, Mary, could you do something for me, since I've been so obedient?"
"Of course."
"Could you help me sneak out? I want to go outside!"
Mary's face drained of color, and she began to shake her head frantically.
"Oh, no! No, no, no!"
"No, absolutely not. Mr. Meredith would be furious if he found out I lied for you!"
"You wouldn't be lying; I'd be forcing you to lie for me!"
With a mischievous grin, I stood up and moved closer to Mary.
Mary sensed my intent and began to retreat. "Miss Chloe, what are you doing?"
"Mary, I desperately want to go out, and I'm afraid I'll have to implicate you!"
I revealed the rope I'd been hiding and swiftly bound Mary to a chair using a technique I'd learned from TikTok.
Mary's eyes widened in shock. "Miss Chloe, you can't tie me up. Let me go!"
"Don't be angry, Mary. I'm giving you an alibi. If Grandpa finds out I've snuck out, you can say I threatened you."
I fetched a Hermès scarf from the wardrobe, approached Mary, and asked with a smile, "Will you promise to help me escape from the castle, or should I gag you with this scarf and leave you here to worry for three hours?"
Mary was on the verge of tears.
I was beginning to feel a twinge of guilt, but my determination to leave was stronger.
I feigned an attempt to stuff the scarf into her mouth.
Frightened, Mary quickly conceded, "I'll help you, Miss Chloe!"
"That's my good girl, Mary!"
I gently stroked her hair and issued another warning as I untied her.
"Don't betray me. I can tie you up once, I can do it again. Remember, in this house, my orders are the ones you should follow."
Mary nodded, her eyes wide with fear. I doubted she'd dare cross me.
I instructed Mary to find any servant with a car, give them a hundred dollars, and have them drive me away.
Meanwhile, I searched the walk-in closet for something suitable to wear.
My closet is enormous, easily over ninety square feet, filled with a dizzying array of clothing.
After much deliberation, I chose a simple casual outfit. Since I was sneaking out, I couldn't dress too conspicuously, and I needed to be able to make a quick getaway if necessary.
Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I sighed in frustration.
"Oh, my God. How can I be so foolish? With such a beautiful face and such a distinct aura, how can I possibly conceal it?"
But I didn't have much time.
At lunch, I overheard Grandpa mentioning he'd be out playing golf in the afternoon and wouldn't be back until around 4 PM. It was one o'clock now, leaving me less than three hours to enjoy my outing.
"Forgive me, I've tried my best to hide my beauty. May the heavens help me avoid Grandpa's notice today."
Mary may be timid, but she's efficient.
By the time I reached the back door, she was waiting with an antiquated car.
Behind the wheel sat a young man with a flirtatious demeanor.
"Miss Chloe, my name is Jack, and I'm thrilled to be your chauffeur for the day."
I raised an eyebrow at Mary, seeking an explanation.
"Don't worry, Miss Chloe. Jack may not seem dependable, but he's my cousin. He's a bit of a gambler, but when the price is right, he's very reliable."
"Perfect! There's nothing I appreciate more than working with people motivated by money, and I happen to be very wealthy."
I pulled a twenty-dollar bill from my purse and handed it to Jack.
"I'll pay you the rest when you bring me back. Now, let's go—I can't wait to leave!"
Jack kissed the bill, then gallantly opened the car door for me. "It's my pleasure to serve Miss Chloe."
Settling into the back seat, I watched the castle and Mary shrink in the distance, a smile spreading across my face.
I, Chloe Meredith, was finally free!
Jack, sensing my excitement, put on some music.
It was a loud rock song, matching my mood perfectly.
I couldn't help but move to the rhythm, throwing the window open to breathe in the fresh air.
"That's the scent of freedom!"
"Miss Chloe, where would you like to go?" Jack asked, turning down the music.
I paused, suddenly realizing I had no destination in mind. After all, with my memory gone, I was a stranger in my own city.
"Well... Are there any interesting places? Maybe you can suggest somewhere."
"Sure, but you've only got three hours, right? It's a half-hour drive to the city from here, and that's an hour round trip already."
I frowned, feeling the pressure of time.
"I can't just go back now. But I also don't want to worry Grandpa. Isn't there a place nearby where I can enjoy myself without causing a stir when I'm found?"
The question hung in the air, and I felt a sudden chill as the wind whipped past my neck.
Glancing down, I spotted the smiley necklace Monford had given me, and an idea struck me.
"Jack, head to the company! I'm going to see Monford!"