A Nun's Journey to Redemption

The tension in the room was palpable as Maria stood before Vincent, her chin tilted upward in defiance. She had agreed to his terms for the upcoming fashion show, but her condition had been clear.

"I'll do the show," she had said, her voice unwavering. "But you don't touch my parents. Promise me, Vincent."

Vincent had smiled, his charm as disarming as ever. "Of course, Maria. You have my word. Your parents will be safe."

Though she wanted to believe him, a knot of unease settled in her stomach.

---

The New York Fashion Show

The fashion show was a dazzling spectacle of opulence and creativity. Held in the heart of New York City, the venue was a sprawling glass structure, its interior bathed in golden light. Models strutted down the runway in avant-garde creations, each outfit more breathtaking than the last.

Maria was the star of the evening. Clad in a shimmering silver gown that hugged her figure like a second skin, she glided down the runway with an air of effortless confidence. The cameras flashed incessantly, capturing every angle, every movement.

The applause was thunderous when she took her final walk, the designer by her side. Reporters scrambled to get a word with her, their microphones thrust forward like weapons.

"How does it feel to be the centerpiece of such a magnificent show?" one of them asked.

Maria smiled graciously. "It's an honor to be part of something so extraordinary. The team behind this deserves all the credit."

---

Vincent's Deception

While Maria basked in the limelight, Vincent was back in Vancouver, orchestrating a plan of his own. He had made a promise to Maria not to harm her parents, and technically, he wasn't breaking that promise. But Vincent had his ways of bending the truth.

Sitting across from Maria's parents in their modest apartment, Vincent's demeanor was calm but firm. "You need to leave Vancouver," he said, his tone brooking no argument.

Maria's mother looked at him with wide, frightened eyes. "Why? What have we done?"

"It's not about what you've done," Vincent replied. "It's about what Maria needs. Staying here puts her in danger—and you as well. I've arranged for you to relocate to Texas. A small town, quiet, safe. You'll start fresh."

Maria's father frowned, his hands clenched into fists. "And if we refuse?"

Vincent's smile didn't reach his eyes. "I wouldn't recommend that."

---

The Departure

Maria's parents packed their belongings with heavy hearts. As the movers loaded the last of their boxes onto the truck, Maria's mother clutched a photo of her daughter, tears streaming down her face.

"She'll understand one day," her husband said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"But we didn't even get to say goodbye," she whispered.

"It's better this way," he replied, though his voice lacked conviction.

---

Maria's Return

When Maria returned to Vancouver after the fashion show, she was exhausted but exhilarated. The event had been a massive success, and she was eager to share her triumph with her parents.

But when she arrived at their apartment, the door was locked, the windows dark.

"Mom? Dad?" she called, her voice echoing in the empty hallway.

A neighbor emerged from the apartment next door. "They left," the elderly woman said, her expression sympathetic. "Packed up and moved out a few days ago."

Maria's heart sank. "Did they say where they were going?"

The woman shook her head. "No, they just said it was sudden."

---

Confrontation with Vincent

Maria stormed into Vincent's office later that evening, her face a mask of fury.

"Where are they?" she demanded, slamming her hands onto his desk.

Vincent looked up from his papers, feigning confusion. "Who?"

"My parents," she snapped. "Don't play games with me, Vincent. I know you had something to do with this."

He leaned back in his chair, his expression calm. "Maria, I promised you I wouldn't harm them. And I didn't. Where they've gone is their decision, not mine."

"You're lying," she said, her voice trembling.

"I'm not," Vincent replied smoothly. "Think about it, Maria. Would I risk losing my best asset by going back on my word?"

Her resolve wavered, doubt creeping in. Vincent's words were plausible, but the gnawing suspicion in her gut wouldn't be silenced.

---

A Lonely Evening

Back at her apartment, Maria sat on the couch, clutching the same photo her mother had held days earlier. The weight of her parents' absence pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity.

For the first time in years, she felt truly alone.

Her phone buzzed with a message from Vincent: "Be ready for your next assignment. Details tomorrow."

Maria stared at the screen, her resolve hardening. She had played Vincent's game for too long, and it was costing her everything she held dear.

As the city lights flickered outside her window, Maria made a silent vow. She would find her parents, no matter what it took. And when she did, she would make sure Vincent could never manipulate her—or anyone else she loved—again.