Chapter Seventeen: Kidnapping

Evelyn's POV 

I could feel the tension in the room as Dad debated with himself. Finally, he nodded reluctantly. “Only because I know you’ll do everything to help her.”

Leonard nodded once, standing as Dad kissed my forehead lightly before stepping out. “I’ll call you as soon as the doctor arrives,” Leonard assured him.

Once we were alone, Leonard pulled a chair beside the bed and sat down. His usual composed demeanor had shifted; his brows were drawn together, and his lips pressed into a firm line. My eyes had not fully opened, but he was quick to see they had blinked. 

“You scared the hell out of me, Evelyn,” he muttered. His voice was low, almost to himself.

I blinked slowly, mustering the faintest of smiles. “I’m fine,” I whispered, though my voice cracked terribly.

“No, you’re not,” he replied, shaking his head. His eyes softened, but there was still a glint of frustration. “You’re stubborn, you know that? You push yourself too hard.”

I wanted to argue, but I was too drained. Instead, I closed my eyes, letting the quiet settle between us. He didn't know what had happened and I wasn't sure he'd ever hear. 

Minutes passed—or maybe it was hours. I wasn’t sure anymore. The sound of soft footsteps broke through the haze, and I opened my eyes to see Leonard standing near the window, his phone in hand. He seemed deep in thought, his fingers tapping the edge of the device rhythmically.

“Why are you standing there like a statue?” I rasped, my voice barely above a whisper.

He turned, startled, and approached the bed. “You’re awake.”

“Barely,” I replied, managing a weak smile.

He crouched beside me again, his hand brushing against mine. “You’re stronger than you look, Evelyn. But that doesn’t mean you have to fight through everything alone.”

“Is that your way of telling me I should’ve asked for help?”

“Exactly.” His lips twitched into a brief smile.

Before I could respond, the door opened, and a tall, middle-aged man in a white coat entered, carrying a medical bag. “Dr. Hensley,” Leonard said, relief evident in his tone. “Thank you for coming so quickly.”

The doctor nodded, his eyes scanning the room before settling on me. “Let’s take a look, shall we?”

Leonard stepped aside but remained close, watching intently as Dr. Hensley examined me. The doctor’s questions were thorough, his manner calm and professional. He took my temperature, checked my vitals, and asked about my symptoms.

“It’s a high fever, likely caused by exhaustion and stress,” he said finally, packing his instruments back into his bag. “She’ll need rest, plenty of fluids, and a light diet. I’ll prescribe something to bring the fever down and ease her discomfort.”

Leonard nodded, his expression serious. “Can you stay a while, just to monitor her?”

“I can’t stay long, but I’ll check in again later,” the doctor replied. “She’s in good hands with you.”

After Dr. Hensley left, Leonard returned to my side. He pulled a blanket over me, tucking it gently around my shoulders.

“You should sleep,” he said quietly. “I’ll be right here if you need anything.”

I was too tired to argue, my eyes fluttering shut as I drifted off. The last thing I heard was Leonard’s soft murmur: “You’re not alone, Evelyn. Not anymore.”

When I woke up, the world outside was moving in a blur of greens and browns, the trees lining the road rushing past the windows. My body ached faintly, and it took me a moment to register that I wasn’t in bed anymore. I blinked, disoriented, and turned my head to see Leonard in the driver’s seat, his hands steady on the wheel as he focused on the road ahead.

“What—” My voice cracked, my throat dry from sleep. I cleared it and tried again. “What’s going on? Where are we?”

He didn’t glance my way, his expression calm, even indifferent. “You’re awake,” he said simply, his tone devoid of any surprise.

I pushed myself upright in the passenger’s seat, my muscles protesting the movement. “Why am I here? Where are you taking me?”

Leonard finally turned his head slightly, a smirk playing on his lips. “You should save your energy, Evelyn. Rest. You’ll need it when we get there.”

I frowned, my patience already wearing thin. “What do you mean ‘when we get there’? Leonard, you can’t just drag me out of bed and take me somewhere without telling me where or why.”

His smirk deepened, but he kept his eyes on the road. “Drag you? Hardly. You were out cold, and I thought a little fresh air might do you some good.”

“This is ridiculous,” I snapped, crossing my arms tightly over my chest. “You’re aware this counts as attempted kidnapping, right?”

Leonard laughed, a rich, amused sound that only irritated me further. “Kidnapping? Come on, Evelyn. If I wanted to kidnap you, I wouldn’t bother driving you myself. I’d have someone else handle it.”

His casual response only made my blood boil. I glared at him, but he seemed utterly unfazed, his demeanor maddeningly relaxed. “This isn’t funny,” I said sharply.

“It’s not meant to be,” he replied, his tone suddenly more serious. “Now, if you’re done arguing, why don’t you sit back and enjoy the ride? You’ll find out soon enough where we’re going.”

His refusal to elaborate only heightened my frustration, but I realized I wasn’t going to get anything out of him. Huffing, I leaned back against the seat, my arms still folded. The silence in the car grew thick, the tension between us palpable.

When it became almost unbearable, Leonard reached out and turned on the radio. Soft, melodic tunes filled the car, cutting through the silence like a balm. I recognized the song—a classic ballad my mom used to play—and for a moment, the familiar melody tugged at my heartstrings.

I glanced at him, surprised. “You listen to this kind of music?”

He shrugged, his expression neutral. “It’s calming. Figured you could use some of that right now.”

I didn’t respond, unsure of what to make of this softer side of him. Instead, I stared out the window, trying to relax despite the unease twisting in my stomach. The journey felt endless, each minute stretching into eternity as I waited for some clue about where we were headed.

Finally, the car began to slow, and I realized we were pulling into a long, tree-lined driveway. The building at the end came into view—a grand estate with sprawling lawns and a stately entrance that looked like it belonged in a historical drama.

Leonard parked the car smoothly and stepped out without a word. He circled around to my side, opening the door for me. “We’re here,” he said simply, his hand extended as if to help me out.

I hesitated, staring at his outstretched hand before reluctantly taking it. Stepping out of the car, I took in my surroundings, still unsure of what to expect.

Then I saw him—my father, standing at the entrance, looking relieved yet slightly amused as he watched us approach.

My eyes darted between Leonard and my father, confusion and irritation battling within me. Leonard had brought me to the meeting ground. Before I could say a word, Leonard’s smirk returned, and he gestured toward the estate.

“After you,” he said, a wide grin on his face