Chapter 3

Elena's POV  

I blinked once, twice. Nothing changed; the alphabets remained the same. I trailed my fingers around the plaque, and a smile stretched across my lips. Caspian Nightingale, from the Nightingale family, was none other than Caleb's uncle.  

I had heard about him—stories, rumors, gossip. No one had seen him; he was scarcely related to the family, but I knew this name. I wouldn’t mistake it for anything else.  

Caleb and I had once spoken of him—his uncle, who stayed away from the family, fourteen years older than I was, holding the most hesitance and power in the family. Perhaps things weren’t as bad as I believed they were.  

I pulled away, making my turn out of the room, several thoughts racing through my mind. What were the odds? A golden opportunity had fallen directly into my lap. This was a chance for revenge. I could use him, his wealth, his power, and, to top it off, his name.  

Caleb would squirm at the sight of his uncle and me in each other’s embrace. I could only wonder how stunned he would be to find out I was married to his uncle. Although it was an impulsive decision, maybe I hadn’t expected things to take this twist. But it worked in my favor.  

“Elena?” Caspian called out to me. I tilted my head in his direction as a tingling sensation crawled down to my toes. This was it—my perfect plan. I would have him. I could get back at Caleb. What more could I want than a handsome, older man who was wealthy enough to get me anything I desired?  

“The kitchen is this way,” Caspian called out again. Now I understood it—his driving force, his reluctance, his elegance. He was from the Nightingale family. Yet he bore no similarity to Caleb; he treated me with respect and care.  

I bit my lips as he gestured for me to settle into the chair. Neither of us said anything to the other. I needed to leave and sort out my thoughts, but I knew running at this moment would be a waste. He was faster than I was, stronger; he would catch up with me in no time. All I needed at this moment was a distraction.  

I pursed my lips, watching as he diced some apples into a dish and passed a bottle of water to me.  

“Anything to eat? Drink?” he asked, but I ignored him. Nothing could change the fact that this man and I had already had sex. Knowing he was Caleb’s uncle made it seem even more real. I gulped some contents of the bottle, glancing back. It was getting dark already. I couldn’t stay curled up in here.  

“I need to use the restroom,” I blurted out just as the thought sank into my mind. He cocked an eyebrow in a questioning manner but refrained from making any comments.  

“Third room by the left corridor,” he responded, moving his attention back toward the apple in his hands. I stood from my seat, relaxing my shoulders, and took gentle steps. I couldn’t let him see how tense I was. Of course, he had his guard down. After all, it wasn’t like he expected me to make another escape attempt twice in a row.  

I turned toward the left corridor and then halted. Five seconds had passed. I heard no sound of footsteps approaching. My heart raced as I dashed toward the main door, thankful that the kitchen was further to the right.  

My steps were silent but hasty; adrenaline pumped through me. I reached for the knob, turning it again. It was dark out; I could barely see anything.  

I missed a step, flinching forward, almost crashing into the floor. My heart thudded against my chest, but I couldn’t make a sound out of fear of being caught.  

Mentally, I retraced my steps, trying to recall the layout of the mansion. Low murmurs surrounded me, causing an instant chill to run down my spine. Goosebumps lined my skin as reality dawned on me.  

I wasn’t alone; someone else was out here. I bit hard on my lips, pressing them into a thin line. Running off was a reckless choice in the dead of night.  

But I couldn’t care now. I pushed forward, not looking behind, clenching my fists, running across the floors, drawing out heavier breaths. A groan passed my lips as I fell forward, flat against the floor, my face buried in the ground.  

I sprained my ankle, my lips bruised, and the metallic taste of blood trickled against my tongue. Suddenly, I felt an arm grip mine, and a startled scream escaped my lips. But a fabric was shoved into my mouth, gagging me on reflex and preventing any sound from escaping.  

I shuddered from fear, glaring wide-eyed, but I couldn’t see anything. My arms were wrapped behind my back, a grip firmer than mine holding them down. I was lifted off the ground. I tried screaming, but nothing else came—not even a whisper.  

“Hurry, man, we don’t have all day,” another voice spoke. There were two of them? I was fucking kidnapped. Just then, the lights flickered on, and everyone froze in place.  

“Elena!” Caspian screamed, running toward us. I was tossed to the floor by the man who had lifted me, his face now turned toward Caspian. He pulled out a knife, swinging it through the air. Caspian’s eyes settled on mine; both my arms were still bound.  

He moved swiftly, throwing a punch at one of the two men. The other swung the knife forward, cutting him in the side, but he didn’t falter. He dealt another blow, sprained the attacker’s wrist, and the knife fell to the floor. He bent to reach for it, sending a kick down toward their sides. Loud whimpers escaped their lips as they took to their feet, running as fast as they could.  

“I’m sorry you got into this mess,” Caspian apologized. With shaky hands, he cut through the rope and removed the gag from my lips. I sucked in air hungrily, panting heavily, trying to catch my breath.  

“Caspian,” I whispered, my eyes fixed on his side. Only then did he trail his eyes toward the cut.  

“You’re bleeding,” I retorted in an alarmed voice. Blood oozed from his shoulder and side. He had been cut twice trying to save me. I knew immediately he needed help, and I couldn’t ignore it. This man hurt himself while saving my life—something Caleb would never have done.  

My heart raced as our eyes locked. Our proximity brought heat to my cheeks. He needed my help. Running away could wait.