Caught

Kimberley POV:

"Place your watch securely. Report any unusual activity to me," I heard Mr. Fiore say on the phone as I descended the steps.

His face was serious, brows furrowed with worry. Whatever was being discussed was far from trivial.

At the bottom of the stairs, a woman suddenly embraced me in a warm hug, catching me off guard. Her perfume was sweet, comforting. For a moment, I wanted to stay in her arms, to forget everything. When she finally let go, I took in her features—blonde hair, bright almond eyes, her smile so easy it seemed impossible not to return it.

“What a gem Leonardo’s bagged for himself!” she said brightly.

I forced a smile. “Good evening.”

“I’m Emiliana. But please, just call me Emily.” She practically radiated happiness, the kind I hadn’t seen since I got here.

“Kimberly,” I replied, my smile straining.

"I can't wait for the wedding," she added, her excitement palpable. I couldn't help but wonder what made her so blissful about the whole thing.

"Let's go shopping!" she urged, taking my arm with enthusiasm.

"You can't go." A thick, cold voice interrupted us.

I turned to see Leonardo. 

"Why not?" Emily asked, her tone defiant.

"Reasons best known to me," he replied flatly.

“Enemies lurking around “ he added 

"Are enemies not always lurking around?" she shot back, clearly annoyed at his sudden change of plans.

Leonardo shot her a cold glare that silenced her.

“Everything she needs for the wedding will be sent here," Leonardo said, his tone dismissive.

Emily looked hurt, withdrawing her hand from mine. She picked up her bag and pulled me into a final hug, whispering,

 "We'll meet again."

As she walked away, I felt a surge of anger within me. I didn’t want the wedding, but escaping this mansion had seemed like my only chance. Now, hope was slipping away.

I watched her leave, the flicker of hope she represented vanishing with her. The wedding wasn’t what I wanted. But if I could just escape this mansion…

 I had somehow started to like her.

But what did Leonardo mean by "enemies lurking around"? I turned my attention back to him and found him engrossed in a phone call, his expression serious.

I rushed back upstairs, slipping out of my fitted jeans and pulling on a pair of shorts—something easy to run in. I paused for a moment, heart pounding, wondering if this plan was too reckless. But what choice did I have?

I passed through the hallway like I had done with Helen. I was more focused this time. Not missing chances. Then, I spotted a door to the garage. My heart raced as I noticed the guard. This was it—the moment to escape or get caught. I couldn’t afford to hesitate.

I noticed the guard was talking to someone, and he collected a package. I paid more attention and realised it was a food package.

I felt a pang of sympathy for the guard; he seemed overwhelmed with work and had little time to eat. But my pity quickly faded as a plan began to form in my mind.

"Wow!" I exclaimed as I approached him.

The guard's eyes widened, and he hurriedly tucked the food away, caught off guard by my sudden appearance.

"Eating on duty?" I teased, a playful edge to my voice.

"I'm sorry, madam. I don't usually do this," he stammered, flustered.

"Ah, but today is just an exception, isn’t it?" I replied, a hint of mockery in my tone.

Even I was taken aback by how confidently I confronted him. This wasn't just a game; it was my chance to turn the situation to my advantage.

I'll have no choice but to inform Mr. Fiore," I said, narrowing my eyes. The guard's face paled instantly, and I watched guilt and fear flicker across his features. I had him right where I needed him.

   

“Please don’t,” he said quickly, the panic unmistakable.

“Depends,” I said, leaning closer, my pulse quickening. “If you help me with something.”

He stood, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. His posture stiffened as if preparing for something he didn’t quite understand.

“What do you want?” he asked, his voice guarded.

“I need to step outside. Just for a minute. Not through the main gate. I know there should be another route.”

His doubt was clear, suspicion creeping into his expression. His hand hovered near his pistol, a silent threat.

I smiled, trying to seem harmless. “It’s a surprise for Leonardo. Something... personal.”

His eyes narrowed, sceptical. “I’m not sure I can help you with that ma'am” he replied with a tone of finality.

“You’re new here, right?” I forced a laugh, though every word felt like a gamble. “So am I. I’m just trying to plan a little surprise for him. 

I leaned in, my voice a whisper now. “Think about it. You help me, and you’re the one who made it all happen. You’ll be the hero.”

The guard’s shoulders slackened slightly. He was torn, I could see it. But finally, with a reluctant sigh, he nodded. 

“Alright. But the part outside is rough terrain, Be careful.”

I barely acknowledged his warning. “Just show me.”

His resistance wavered. Finally, with a heavy sigh, he nodded. “Fine. But be careful .”

He led the way, while I followed him.

 We got to a dead maze farm, a twisted trail of thorns and bushes. There he stopped.

 “Just keep walking straight,” he said. “It leads to the city.”

Without another word, I took off, the thorns scratching at my bare legs, the pain sharp but ignorable. My heart pounded in rhythm with my feet hitting the ground. I kept running, faster, harder, until I could see the faint outline of the city in the distance. I almost allowed myself a breath of relief. 

“Just a little more” I told myself. 

But then, the sound of rustling behind me. I stopped, my blood freezing in my veins. Slowly, I turned.

Leonardo.

He stood just a few feet away, his eyes cold and furious locked onto mine. The guard trembled behind him, eyes wide with terror.

Please, don’t kill me, sir,” the guard whimpered. “She said... she said she was planning a surprise.”

Leonardo’s face remained impassive, his gaze never leaving mine. And then, without a word, he raised his gun. I barely had time to react before the sound of the shot echoed through the air. 

Blood splattered onto the thorny plants, the guard’s body crumpling to the ground. The thorns tearing through his soulless skin.

I couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe.

He had killed the guard. No questions, no hesitation.

Because of me. Because of my stupidity.

I wanted to scream but no voice came out.

“Why?” I whispered, my voice trembling, barely audible. Tears blurred my vision, my body trembling as I looked at the lifeless body of the man who had just been helping me moments ago.

Leonardo’s expression didn’t soften. His grip on the gun was steady, unflinching, as he aimed it directly at me.

“This is what you get when you try to play smart with me,” he said coldly, his voice a deadly whisper. His finger tightened on the trigger.