L*ck Me If You Can-Chapter 127
Once Ashley heard the door close, he sat up and confirmed that he was alone. He’d bought himself some time—but this was only the beginning.
He hurried out of bed and rushed to the window. Pulling the thick curtains open just a crack, he peered outside and saw people scurrying about. Just like Dominique had said the day before, they were preparing to leave the estate.
If he claimed to be unwell, he might be able to buy a day.
Dominique wasn’t someone who would fall for such a shallow trick, but he’d probably allow it. Watching Ashley struggle and squirm for a day was probably entertaining enough for him. After all, he was convinced Ashley would never escape his grasp.
Ashley had believed that too—resigned himself to a puppet's life, moving silently the way Dominique wanted. But things were different now.
Now, Ashley had Koi—someone more precious to him than anything. And for him, he’d fight Dominique with everything he had.
When the secretary returned a short while later, Ashley was still lying in bed, just as before.
She informed him that suitable medication couldn’t be procured at the moment, and that Dominique had decided to delay their departure until the evening.
Exactly as he’d expected. The secretary placed a bowl of soup on the tea table and continued.
“If you change your mind later, please eat. I’ll bring you a fresh one if it gets cold.”
Still lying down, Ashley spoke.
“...I need to pack.”
“I’ve already organized everything, so don’t worry.”
Visit frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓ for the b𝘦st novel reading experience.
Just as he’d predicted. Ashley, affecting a weary tone, added,
“I want to check it myself. Bring it here.”
“...The trunk?”
This time, the secretary hesitated. Ashley’s voice was weak and dry with sarcasm.
“I want to pack my own bag, and I can’t even do that?”
After a pause, the secretary replied.
“I’ll confirm with Mr. Miller.”
She left and returned soon after with the trunk in hand. Ashley understood the message loud and clear.
Go ahead, try whatever you want.
He pictured those violet eyes mocking him—but quickly shoved the thought aside and closed his eyes.
“I’ll open it after I get more sleep. And make sure no one comes near the room. It’s too noisy.”
“Understood. I’ll tell everyone to stay quiet.”
Once she left the room and enough time had passed, Ashley got up again. He strained his ears, but no sounds reached him.
He slipped out of bed and darted to the door. When he finally opened it with bated breath, just as he expected, the hallway was empty. The secretary must’ve ordered everyone on the floor to keep away to avoid disturbing him.
Shutting the door again, Ashley hurried over to the trunk. He opened it, rifling through in hopes of finding something useful—and froze at what he found.
A cellphone.
*
♬♪♪♬♩♪......
The sudden ringtone made Koi jump as he sat in the cafeteria working on an assignment. He checked the number and his eyes went wide.
“A-Ash?”
—Koi.
Just hearing his voice made tears well up. Koi nodded frantically and answered,
“Yeah, it’s me. Ash, it’s Koi.”
—I know.
Ashley’s voice had a faint smile, but he was barely holding himself together, just like Koi. Trying not to cry, Koi rushed to speak.
“Are you okay? How have you been? Are you hurt anywhere?”
—I’m fine. Don’t worry. What about you?
“I’m okay too.”
Koi’s breath shook as he spoke.
“My dad’s still in the hospital, so I haven’t gone to see him. Don’t worry—I haven’t been hit or anything.”
—Good. I’m glad.
There was so much to say, but no time. Ashley got to the point.
—Koi, listen carefully. What I’m about to say is important.
“O-Okay.”
Koi straightened, heart pounding. Ashley continued quickly.
—There’s a train leaving in three hours. Let’s meet at the station. We’ll take it and go to another state.
“A t-train?”
This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.
Koi accidentally raised his voice in surprise, then quickly clamped his mouth shut and looked around. Thankfully, it was after class, and no one else was around.
Once he confirmed he was alone, Koi leaned in close to the phone again as Ashley spoke on.
—Let’s run away together. This time we’ll make it. Trust me.
Koi swallowed hard. Somehow, he felt certain this time would be different. Last time had been impulsive, reckless—but this wasn’t. And more than anything, he wanted to see Ashley again.
But there was something he had to ask first.
He almost agreed immediately, but held himself back.
“B-But... are you sure it’s okay? I mean... you were arrested. What if something happens to you...?”
Koi had no idea what terms Ashley had been released under. He was terrified that this choice might lead to something irreversible—that he might never get to see Ashley again.
Sensing Koi’s fear, Ashley said,
—If we don’t run now, we really will be separated forever.
Koi felt like his heart dropped through the floor. Panic consumed him. Ashley quickly added,
—My dad’s here. He’s taking me to the East. Everyone’s getting ready. If we don’t do this now, I’ll never get to see you again.
He couldn’t bring himself to say how much Dominique despised and opposed Koi. So Ashley kept it vague.
—Looks like he’s already picked out someone for me. A match he wants. But I’m not marrying anyone else. I only love you.
Koi froze. Ashley... might marry someone else?
Ashley went on, voice urgent.
—This is our only chance. Let’s run away, Koi. Just the two of us—get married and live together.
His words were too sweet. Koi remembered a passage from church when he was younger—about the serpent who tempted the first woman. Could its voice have been sweeter than this?
“...Okay.”
At last, Koi whispered in a trembling voice.
“I’ll go. I’ll go with you, anywhere.”
—Good, Koi.
Ashley’s joy was clear in his voice.
—Let’s meet at the station. I’ll find a way to get out of here.
“Okay, got it.”
Just before hanging up, Koi blurted out,
“I love you, Ash.”
—I love you too, Koi.
Only after hearing Ashley’s reply did Koi end the call. He wanted to hear his voice longer, but now wasn’t the time.
Soon, he’d hear it as much as he wanted.
Not that he’d ever get tired of Ashley’s voice—but still, with that thought, Koi quickly packed his things and ran toward where he’d parked his bike. Three hours wasn’t much time.
There was somewhere he had to go first before the station. Last time he hadn’t had [N O V E L I G H T] the chance to prepare—but this time, it was different.
He needed to take all the money he’d saved.
Jumping on his bike, Koi pedaled furiously toward the motorhome. Wherever they went, money would be essential. And they were both still minors. Ashley was escaping in secret, so he wouldn’t be able to bring much cash with him.
They’d need money.
Koi gritted his teeth and pedaled harder, racing like mad.
*
The door creaked open with a faint, ominous sound as it slowly swung outward. The hallway was still completely empty.
Ashley looked around cautiously and stepped outside. Thankfully, the secretary had packed his things well—nothing was missing.
He grabbed the small carry-on suitcase with one hand and quickly made his way down the hall. The staff were running back and forth between the house and the garden, clearly busy. Many of the security personnel were also nowhere to be seen—most likely already headed to the airport for preparations.
Probably doing preliminary checks for anything suspicious.
There weren’t many left behind. Luckily, the garage was empty. Ashley was able to easily find his Cayenne. As usual, the key had been left carelessly on the dashboard, as if taunting him.
He opened the driver’s door, released the handbrake, and quietly pushed the car forward to avoid making any engine noise. Distant murmurs of people echoed faintly in the background—but no one noticed his escape.
Ashley pushed the car far enough before climbing into the driver’s seat and starting the engine. Until the moment the car rolled forward, no one tried to stop him.
Not even Dominique Miller, who was watching from a window above.
