Chapter 79
(Mid-night Nightmare)
Ariel’s POV
Axel kept to his words; he didn’t come down for lunch. Though the crashing sounds he was making had stopped before then. I told Minji not to bother him, saying that he won’t be coming down for lunch, and all she said was ‘Oh’ and nothing more.
I waited in the visitor’s room watching a movie, perhaps he will come down after getting rid of his anger, but he didn’t. I went to bed late that night after watching enough movies for the day. I was barely one hour into my sleep when I heard a loud shout from afar.
It sounded like it was coming from far off because I was still drown in my sleep. But it became closer as I began to gain consciousness; the sound was coming from Axel’s room which was adjacent to mine.
I jumped up on my feet after being fully awake hearing Axel scream and making panting sounds. Is he in danger, I thought, rushing towards the door to hear properly.
“No…no…leave me alone…let me go…no” Axel shouted as it came along with heavy bangs. I became terrified; is he being attacked by someone, are we in danger? All these scary thoughts kept coming to my mind as I didn’t hesitate to run out of the building, going towards the security post. Fortunately, I saw one of the security men, coming forward before I got there.
“Miss..is something wrong?” He asked, seeing my panic state
“Please Axel is in danger….he is screaming..i think someone is trying to hurt him in his room” I rushed my words as he quickly took to his heels, heading for the building, even before I could complete my statement.
He spoke into his mouthpiece summoning his colleagues as we both get to Axel’s room door. Axel could still be heard begging someone, but his voice wasn’t as loud as it was earlier. He was also making muffling sounds, he seem to be crying
“Axel…Axel…are you ok” I called banging the door, as the security man tried stopping me
“Please save him, he seems to be in danger….”
“Mr. Shaw…please open the door, are you ok…” The security man shouted for him to hear, as he tried opening the door with a spare key, nut it wouldn’t bulge. It seems something else has been used to lock the room from behind.
“It’s not opening…” He whispered to me
“Axel…please open the door, are you alright…is someone hurting you?”I called out. He seems to be quiet now; I paused to listen if I can grasp the voice of someone else in the room, but I can’t.
“Axel…?”
“I’m fine…you can leave” Axel muttered from inside
“Are you sure you want us to leave Mr. Shaw…you don’t need any help in there…” The security man asked, but there was no response. I was beginning to get scared
“Erm…Axel…please open up…let’s..”
“I said I’m fine..get the hell out of there” He yelled. The security man sigh, looking at me. He shrugged
“I think we will have to leave then…perhaps he was having a nightmare…come on go to sleep miss” He patted my shoulder and left. I was stunned. What’s really wrong with him? Is it really a nightmare like the security man had assumed.
~~
THE NEXT MORNING
I woke up with a slight headache, yawning loudly. I couldn’t get enough sleep being that I slept late and couldn’t sleep after what happened with Axel last night. I stayed up all night, keeping guard in case he starts screaming again. I only fell into a deep slumber when it was almost morning.
After saying my morning prayers I went into the bathroom to freshen up, picking out a blue crop top and short plaited skirt. I pack my hair into a messy bond and left for Axel’s room. Yea, I won’t be calm until I know what went wrong with him, and I also need to plead with hi, for my earlier actions.
I wasn’t planning to get him angry, but I think I did, and he didn’t take it slightly. He might have crash down a lot of things in his room after he left me.
I went towards the door and knocked
“Come in…the door is open” He ushered me in with his voice. It sounds calm this time. I pushed the door open to be welcome by a freaky sight. His room was in disorder, as lots of items were scattered on the floor.
The standing mirror has been crashed into pieces, the reading desk in not in its usual place. Books could be seen lying carelessly on the floor, and the flower vase is also broken. If it was to be someone else, I wouldn’t mind, but Axel doesn’t like a disorganize environment.
Although, this will be the first time I’m entering the room since we arrive here, but I’m sure that his room hasn’t been this unkempt, perhaps yesterday’s little quarrel led to all this. I think I went too far for him to cause such damage.
I sighted him standing by the window side; he look fresh in his new wears, he might have freshen up too. He turned to look at me, and I swear I could see heavy bags under his eyes, as his balls were having dark shadows round it. He also didn’t have a nice sleep.
“Hey…” he called drifting me out of my world of thought. I stiffen
“Erm…good morning” I greeted. He nodded and faced the window again, perhaps waiting for me to speak. My eyes glance at his hand and the wound on it wasn’t something to be overlooked. Did he punch someone or something..oh…perhaps the mirror. Gosh, the pain will excavate if he doesn’t get it treated.
“I’m sorry about yesterday….i believe I went too far in comparing you and your brother…I’m sorry..please forgive me” I pleaded. He turned to stare at me once again, this time, with a soft smile
“I’m not angry at you..it’s fine..this is not the first time someone is telling me that anyway” his face saddens as he said that, but it became bright again all of a sudden.
“Arhh…You are hurt…please let me help you fix that..” I pointed to his wound. He stared at his knuckles which was clearly bruise and nodded. He picked up a first aid box beside his bed and gave it to me, sitting opposite me on a close by couch.
I held his hand carefully to avoid the wound from bringing out more blood as he was clearly bleeding.
“I couldn’t make use for it, I would have done it” He said, referring to the first aid
“I will help you with it…” I mouthed, stroking his hand a bit before cleaning it first with a cotton wool, soaked with a methylated spirit. I gently cleaned the wound as I feel his gaze on me.
Our eyes lock contact briefly, which I quickly disengage. I was beginning to feel uneasy, so I decided to strike up a conversation.
“How did you get the cut” I asked, he hesitated before speaking
“I had a fist fight with my reflection. I punched the mirror” he stated as I gasp
“What…why..?” I asked looking at him; he returned the gaze with a short smile before looking down at his hand
“I did it to calm my angry nerves..but it’s nothing..it doesn’t hurt that much”
“Oh…I’m really sorry Axel…I shouldn’t have gotten you angry…you wouldn’t have gotten this cut if I had kept my mouth shut”
“It’s ok…you don’t need to blame yourself..and whereas, what you said is true. You spoke your mind and I’m ok with that..”
“But you still need to tell me if I am forgiven” I pouted. He jab my cheek softly, and chuckled
“Yea…you are….even though you did nothing wrong…it’s fine Ariel..” he muttered and silence took in for a while
“And about last night…” I was still speaking, when he cuts in
“I don’t wanna talk about it..” he snapped, looking sad.
“Ok” I replied. None of us spoke again until I was done plastering the wound.
“Here you go…” I smiled, happy at my perfect work
“Thanks so much…erm…where did you learn how to apply first aid so perfectly” he asked, as my smile brightens. He actually love it too
“Well…I just love doing anything perfectly. I learn to make things perfect” I grinned
“That’s good…thanks again…” he winked, as I blush. I kept the first aid in the right place and was about stepping out when his voice made me pause.
“I had a nightmare last night” He muttered as I turn to him. Hmm, the security man was right, but why will he be having nightmare, was it about out quarrel
“And yesterday wasn’t the first time…it has been tormenting me for a long time now, since when I was still a kid. “
“Oh…I’m sorry about that…”
“There are times it stop coming to hunt me….times when I’m happy, with the right person, or having a peace of mind. It only comes when I’m troubled, angry…or trying to control my anger, just like what happened yesterday.” He explained. I stood dump folded, I feel guilty
“Please Ariel…whenever you notice my change of mood, perhaps someone or something gets me really angry, please don’t come closer, I might hurt you. It took me all my strength and self control to make some things in this room still intact.”
“I’m really sorry for whatever you are going through Axel…i..erm..think I misunderstood you..”
“You don’t need to feel sad or guilty..come on…go get dress..and let’s go out” he uttered, perhaps not ready to spill more of his weird secrets that many know nothing about.
“Where are we going to?” I asked, already getting excited but still surprise at his sudden change of mood. He was cold to me for the past three days and now, he is acting like we have been friends for a long time. His smiles along is heart melting.
“We are gonna tour round Seoul…we might also visit other neighboring cities”
“Yippee…I will go change…” I squeal while he laughs
“Ariel…” he called as I was about leaving again
“Yes..”
“Thanks…”
“Erm…for the wound…naah…you don’t need to thank me…in fact you have done that already.”
“No…not that…thanks for yesterday…the words you spoke to me really made me know how back I have been treating you…and about what I said about my reasons for being that way…hmm….let’s just be friends” he sigh. I nodded with a smile
“Good friends….” I stated. He nodded
“Yea….good friends…”
“Ok…I will go change now…”
“Yea….meet me in the visitor’s room”
“Okay
~~~~~
Sophia’s POV
“What the hell are you telling me Frank, can’t you do a job as simple as that…you are wasting my time. She needs to be captured before the commencement of the concert” I yelled into the phone
“Calm down Miss Jenkins…”
“Don’t f**king call me that on the phone…damn…just go with Sophia….”
“Ok….miss Sophia…my men were already at Seoul when they both arrive in the jet. The watched their movement down to the apartment they are in right now.
But the problem we are having is that the security is tight. We can’t maneuver them into our traps. Axel got experienced security service officers to guide him and you know what that means.
We need time too if you want this job to be carried out clean with a trace. All we need is for her to step out or be alone without the guards watch, and then we will strike. But mind you, we are all doing our best in keeping watch over the house. We will get you know when we make progress”
“Just get down with it already..i’m tired of waiting…that b!tch might trick Axel into getting intimate with her…and that’s hell for me…arghh” I screamed and hanged the call, pacing around my room.
“I will make sure you pay for this….”
“Who will pay for this?” A voice startled me as I turn to see Michael already in my room. My heart beats faster in fear, was he eavesdropping on my conversation.
“What the f**k, when did you get into this room, and how long have you been here?” I asked with a snarl. He smirked
“Long enough to see you walking up and down your room like a lost Waif” he replied as I became calm. He didn’t her my call
“God damn you…” I seethed
“I love you too…now tell me…what’s my baby angry about…who do you want to deal with this time…remember that your knight in shining armour is here for you”
“I don’t need a freaking knight, and if I need one, I will get someone better and not some elephant dump.” I cursed as his eyes flickered with anger. I smirk; that’s just what I want; to make him angry and leave..
“I hate it when you call me that…Sophia..”
“Then go to hell…”
“And you will come with me….”
“No I won’t”
“No you will…because only the both of us, knows about Aiden’s little video” He blurted out as my eyes flared up. Now I remembered, I saw him with the flash drive that day but shrug it off thinking I wan hallucinating.
“What do you mean?”
“You know what I mean Soph…”
“No I don’t….”
“I have a deal for you….i won’t hesitate to show this video to Axel if you don’t stop fascinating about him. You belong to me and me alone; Leave Axel, he loves someone else….”
“He doesn’t….who would he love if not me…”
“Ariel of course…” Michael smirked, seeing my expression
“That’s a lie…” I arch my brow
“No ..it’s true…he confessed it himself. He loves her…so you are nothing to him, but something to me” He smiled, touching my cheeks as I stared at him. if what he said is true, then Ariel will just make things easy..no..i won’t allow that to happen
“What if I don’t believe you…I love Axel more than anyone else Michael…get that into your brain” I snapped. He frowns
“Then I will go back on my deal and show him the video..”
“That does not affect me in any way…do your worse” I slam. He smiled
“Ok..my princess…just wait and see how things will turn around” he whispered, pecking my cheek. I shove his lips off as he chuckled, leaving the room. I fume with fury, picking up my phone. I need to be ten thousand steps ahead of Ariel…or else she will bring me to the lowest class.
“Miss Soph….”
“Enough of the greetings…get me the head of that b!tch…” I yelled, slamming the phone across the room as it shattered into pieces
Chapter 80(Video Revealed)~Cape Town~Unknown Location.“Hmm…you have grown so beautiful and more popular my dear Ariel..can’t believe you made it so fast” Miss Peggy muttered, taking a drag of the cigar in between her fingers as she puff out the balls of smoke from her nostril, as little escapes her mouth. She was watching a playback video of Ariel’s performance, her latest pictures in the modeling world and also the recent crown contest.Scarlet, her friend entered the room, looking down as she collected the cigar from her, taking heavy drags from it“What the…hey…what’s wrong” Miss Peggy snapped collecting it back from her…“F**k that bastard….i was duped” Scarlet“Why…I mean how..?”
Chapter 81(Betrayal) Airport, Seoul.“We are going by a commercial plane” Axel muttered as they got to the airport“Why….” Ariel asked“I have my reasons… But the band will go in the private jet..” he stated“Ok…” Ariel shrugged. Their flight is schedule to take off around 9:00 and it’s just 8:55am. Five more minutes to go“I hope we arrive safely..I can’t wait to have a long rest” Ariel stated while he only smiled~~Flora’s POVI opened my eyes gently after flickering it for a while. Sighing softly, I stared round to see where I am. I think I was still in my room, but it doesn’t seem to be morning. I remembered passing out after watching the video on Karl’s phone. Was it real, or was I just ha
Chapter 82(No Choice)Ariel’s POV.I just tried mum’s number again but it was still giving the same response; not reachable. I don’t know how long I will have to wait for all this to be settled, because I’m really missing mum right now. I’m just waiting for the time I will be able to travel on my own; I won’t hesitate to grab the opportunity. Africa will be the first place in my mind.I sigh for the umpteen time, dropping my phone on the side stool as I made to have a quick nap. But my rest was cut short when Axel barge into the room, looking a bit enrage. Well, his facial expression showed that he is either angry, or perhaps had cried to have make his face look red.“Get your bags, we are leaving” he muttered coldly, going to pick up some of his clothes in the wardrobe as he stuff it into his box. I couldn’t process what he meant at first“W-What…but why…we just got here…” I shuttered. He heaves a sigh“Yes…but we are leaving now..”“Will you please state your reasons” I asked. I c
Chapter 83(See You In Court)Texas City~~Axel’s POV.I turned off the ignition, just after parking in front of a cottage. The journey was smooth being that Ariel decided to fall asleep; she has been crying silently before falling asleep. Right now, we are miles away from Cape Town; in the outskirt of Texas City, where the sea, that links to another country is.I own the little cottage that stood few meters away from the sea, in the middle of the shore. This place used to be my secret hide out whenever I wanna be away from everyone. I come here alone, and not even a soul knows that I own here, well, except for the care taker whom I put in charge of cleaning the place. I had called him about my coming while we were still on highway.Ariel mumbled inaudible words in her sleep as I turn t
Chapter 84(Curiosity)Cottage~~ Ariel’s POVI woke up yawing loudly as I stretch my bones; it made cracking sounds as I pull the blanket off my body. I noticed feeble sun rays invading the room through the window. Gosh…It’s morning already….nope it’s not morning..it’s already noon, I shriek jumping out of bed after glancing at the wall clock.“Did I really sleep for that long? And where is Axel?” I asked no one in particular.“You won’t be expecting him to be beside you when you wake up duh…” My subconscious replied as I rolled my eyes. My stomach made annoying noises which means that it needed to be fed. I walk sluggishly to the bathroom; well Axel actually showed it to me yesterday. I quickly freshen up; pulled out a cloth from my box and wore it.I made my way out, looking fresh after a warm bath as I head down the short steps that lead to the living room. Axel is actually not in his room, and I’m beginning to wonder if he hasn’t left me alone here, not until a sweet smell waft t
Chapter 85(Punishment)AFRICA.“Hmm…it’s so good to be home..just take a look at how fresh the air smells” Miss Peggy breathed in as she and Scarlet made their way to Ariel’s former house.“Yuck…this place stinks…” Scarlet grimace, as she frowns“It’s a slum dummy, you won’t expect everywhere to be pleasant..will you?”“I still prefer my country’s slum…this place is more like a dump” Scarlet stated“I think you have forgotten that this is still my country, and I won’t take that insult from you Scarlet.There are other places that are safe and nice..don’t judge a book by its cover “ Miss Peggy muttered sternly. Scarlet rolled her eyes.“Are we there already” Scarlet asked with a stressed
Chapter 86(Heart Breaks)“Peggy” she whispered, gawking at her“It’s me Gina…come on let us in” Miss Peggy stated, with a wide smile, as Gina engage her in a tight hug“Oh My gawd…is this a dream..I mean..I had thought all hope is lost since the day you left with Ariel, not until I saw the videos…oh gosh…you are welcome..come in…Hi” She greeted Scarlet with a soft smile while scarlet only nodded, smiling briefly.“You can also come in Kabria..” Gina beckoned as Kabria shrug“I don’t wanna pry into your discussion, I will just wait outside” she stated and left. Gina sighed“So what can I offer you both…gosh..I’m sorry..there isn’t any drink at home for now…perhaps water will do first while I go down the street to get you some drinks&rdqu
Chapter 87(I want you)Sophia’s POV“I can’t believe dad will decide to do this to me..it’s wrong” I scoff, bringing out a pack of cigarette from my drawer. Yea, I smoke, but it’s still a secret to everyone, because I know how to keep it low. I lighted a stick taking a hard drag as my phone rings“Hello” I muttered with a gruff voice as the caller’s voice came up“Hello ma’am”“Any news on where they are?” I asked, puffing out balls of smoke“Not yet ma’am…but we traced them to Texas..it’s won’t be long before we get hold of her”“That’s a bit of good news, but I want more…I’m giving you two weeks to get me her head…and if you fail, consider your head rolli
CHAPTER 93 (BLACK OUT)Police Headquarters~~ “Start talking” Noah muttered as he sat opposite Axel. He just arrived as he decided to know what move the police are taking“Erm..i’m sorry Mr. Jenkins” Axel stated He scoffed“You are sorry…you left for good three weeks, without allowing anyone reach you and all you can say is sorry..what has gotten over you this kid” He snapped. Axel’s head was bowed as he continue to plead“Fine…now tell me, how was she kidnapped and what are they doing about it.” He asked referring to the police“We had an argument, and erm…she left in tears without allowing anyone to go with her. We never knew she had left until her message came into my phone seeking for help in an unknown location”“We?”“Yes..I was with Aiden”“Fine go on…”“We watched the footage of how she left my house into the woods; the live cameras captured the faces of those men who kidnapped her. They were four and a lady. Their records are being worked on; they will be tracked before the
Chapter 89(Where is mum?)Africa~~Ariel’s POVI was so excited to breath in the fresh air, as we came down from the plane. Axel had fulfilled his promised of bringing me here to see mum, and I can’t tell how happy I am. It’s been months since I left home; coming back here is more like a relief. They are my people, the culture is perfect, different for the western culture, but I still love it even if it seems attic.We lodge in a hotel to get enough rest before proceeding to the slum where mum resides, or let’s say my former home. Axel has been himself this few days, none of us talked more on what happened the other day, but I think I’m cool not speaking about it, it’s better that way.“What route should I take” Axel muttered from the wheels. We had rented a car for the main time, before leaving.
Chapter 88(Confused Feelings)Aiden’s POV“Gosh..I messed up big time..I shouldn’t have done it, but my urge was irresistible” I cursed softy, remembering last night scene. I almost had my way with her; if grannie Naomi’s voice hadn’t ring out behind the door, then it would have been a different case. She had actually been looking for Josephine and decided to come tell me about her getting missing suddenly, not knowing she was in with him. We flipped of each other, as Josephine made for the door.She managed to convince Grannie that she was only checking on me, being that I was depressed and getting myself drown in drinks I was still a bit tipsy though, but was conscious of what was happening around me. Grannie Naomi scolds me for some time, warning me not to go near hot liquors again. And that was all I could remember before drifting into a long sleep. I
Chapter 87(I want you)Sophia’s POV“I can’t believe dad will decide to do this to me..it’s wrong” I scoff, bringing out a pack of cigarette from my drawer. Yea, I smoke, but it’s still a secret to everyone, because I know how to keep it low. I lighted a stick taking a hard drag as my phone rings“Hello” I muttered with a gruff voice as the caller’s voice came up“Hello ma’am”“Any news on where they are?” I asked, puffing out balls of smoke“Not yet ma’am…but we traced them to Texas..it’s won’t be long before we get hold of her”“That’s a bit of good news, but I want more…I’m giving you two weeks to get me her head…and if you fail, consider your head rolli
Chapter 86(Heart Breaks)“Peggy” she whispered, gawking at her“It’s me Gina…come on let us in” Miss Peggy stated, with a wide smile, as Gina engage her in a tight hug“Oh My gawd…is this a dream..I mean..I had thought all hope is lost since the day you left with Ariel, not until I saw the videos…oh gosh…you are welcome..come in…Hi” She greeted Scarlet with a soft smile while scarlet only nodded, smiling briefly.“You can also come in Kabria..” Gina beckoned as Kabria shrug“I don’t wanna pry into your discussion, I will just wait outside” she stated and left. Gina sighed“So what can I offer you both…gosh..I’m sorry..there isn’t any drink at home for now…perhaps water will do first while I go down the street to get you some drinks&rdqu
Chapter 85(Punishment)AFRICA.“Hmm…it’s so good to be home..just take a look at how fresh the air smells” Miss Peggy breathed in as she and Scarlet made their way to Ariel’s former house.“Yuck…this place stinks…” Scarlet grimace, as she frowns“It’s a slum dummy, you won’t expect everywhere to be pleasant..will you?”“I still prefer my country’s slum…this place is more like a dump” Scarlet stated“I think you have forgotten that this is still my country, and I won’t take that insult from you Scarlet.There are other places that are safe and nice..don’t judge a book by its cover “ Miss Peggy muttered sternly. Scarlet rolled her eyes.“Are we there already” Scarlet asked with a stressed
Chapter 84(Curiosity)Cottage~~ Ariel’s POVI woke up yawing loudly as I stretch my bones; it made cracking sounds as I pull the blanket off my body. I noticed feeble sun rays invading the room through the window. Gosh…It’s morning already….nope it’s not morning..it’s already noon, I shriek jumping out of bed after glancing at the wall clock.“Did I really sleep for that long? And where is Axel?” I asked no one in particular.“You won’t be expecting him to be beside you when you wake up duh…” My subconscious replied as I rolled my eyes. My stomach made annoying noises which means that it needed to be fed. I walk sluggishly to the bathroom; well Axel actually showed it to me yesterday. I quickly freshen up; pulled out a cloth from my box and wore it.I made my way out, looking fresh after a warm bath as I head down the short steps that lead to the living room. Axel is actually not in his room, and I’m beginning to wonder if he hasn’t left me alone here, not until a sweet smell waft t
Chapter 83(See You In Court)Texas City~~Axel’s POV.I turned off the ignition, just after parking in front of a cottage. The journey was smooth being that Ariel decided to fall asleep; she has been crying silently before falling asleep. Right now, we are miles away from Cape Town; in the outskirt of Texas City, where the sea, that links to another country is.I own the little cottage that stood few meters away from the sea, in the middle of the shore. This place used to be my secret hide out whenever I wanna be away from everyone. I come here alone, and not even a soul knows that I own here, well, except for the care taker whom I put in charge of cleaning the place. I had called him about my coming while we were still on highway.Ariel mumbled inaudible words in her sleep as I turn t
Chapter 82(No Choice)Ariel’s POV.I just tried mum’s number again but it was still giving the same response; not reachable. I don’t know how long I will have to wait for all this to be settled, because I’m really missing mum right now. I’m just waiting for the time I will be able to travel on my own; I won’t hesitate to grab the opportunity. Africa will be the first place in my mind.I sigh for the umpteen time, dropping my phone on the side stool as I made to have a quick nap. But my rest was cut short when Axel barge into the room, looking a bit enrage. Well, his facial expression showed that he is either angry, or perhaps had cried to have make his face look red.“Get your bags, we are leaving” he muttered coldly, going to pick up some of his clothes in the wardrobe as he stuff it into his box. I couldn’t process what he meant at first“W-What…but why…we just got here…” I shuttered. He heaves a sigh“Yes…but we are leaving now..”“Will you please state your reasons” I asked. I c