Chapter 29

Maxine's POV

Despite the harshness of my training, I found a strange sense of determination growing within me. Each day I survived was a small victory, a proof of my strength. I refused to let Liam break me completely. I clung to the hope that one day, I might find a way to escape this nightmare.

One evening, after a particularly brutal training session, I lay on the cold floor of my room, too exhausted to move to the bed. The door creaked open, and I looked up to see Elena standing there, her face was filled with concern.

“Maxine, you have to eat something,” she said softly, holding out a piece of bread.

I took it with trembling hands, my stomach growling in protest. “Thank you,” I whispered, grateful for her kindness.

Elena sat beside me, there was sadness in her eyes. “I wish I could do more,” she said. “I hate seeing you like this.”

“I'll survive,” I replied, forcing a weak smile. “I have to.”

Days turned into weeks, and