Pouring out some wine for myself, I settled into the recliner, massaging my temples before downing the wine in one go. I hadn’t informed Chloe yet; facing her with this news would likely only breed resentment that could last a lifetime, something I couldn’t afford.Pouring another glass, I gulped down its contents and repeated the action five times until I felt a bit tipsy. The situation was becoming increasingly troublesome, and the absence of a call left me wondering about Amelie's actions. Had she informed her father, or worse, had something terrible occurred in the aftermath? The uncertainty fueled my restlessness.Snatching up the phone on the table, I dialed her number and waited. It rang, but instead of her picking up as expected, the call abruptly ended. She was avoiding my calls and showed no inclination to return them. I attempted to call her twelve times without success, regretting the words I had uttered to her at the office. The weight of the situation pressed down on me
A week laterCHLOE’S POV"Boss wishes to see you," a stoic-looking guard declared, but I met his gaze with a look of utter disgust.A full week had elapsed since the argument, and true to his words, I had been kept under lock and key during this period. Despite the relatively short duration, it felt like an entire year had passed. Moments of desperation overwhelmed me, prompting screams of agony and pleas to be set free, yet my cries fell on deaf ears as they callously ignored my pleas."To hell with your boss," I defiantly retorted. The guard approached with a displeased frown, and anticipating a stinging slap, I tightly shut my eyes. However, to my surprise, his rough hand gripped mine instead of delivering the expected blow."Stand up!" he bellowed, and I flinched at the command. Realizing any attempt to resist would be futile, I surrendered to the inevitable. Without resistance, he forcefully pulled me upright. "Now, move!" he ordered, propelling me forward with a sense of urgenc
The morning arrived, marked by the rhythmic sounds of footsteps that roused me from my slumber. I peeped to see Rue, gathering some worn clothes for laundry. A smile adorned her face when she noticed me, and I reciprocated the gesture before she walked out. I sat up, tossing the duvet aside, and stretched. Locating my footwear at the bed's edge, I slipped my feet into them and stood up. The urgency to prepare for departure lingered, prompting me to grab the crumpled black card I had discovered in the garden.The card was crumpled, but thankfully, the numbers were still discernible. I planned to sneak out when an opportunity presented itself or perhaps make a call to him, seeking assistance. Leaving the mansion without Alistair's knowledge seemed impossible, and I needed a careful strategy.Approaching the window, I pulled the curtains aside, my gaze scanning the surroundings. A raised brow signaled my surprise – Alistair's car was conspicuously absent from the premises. The possib
ALISTAIR’S POV“Here are your keys, sir,” an attendant spoke, handing me the keys to my hotel room. With a smile, he left, leaving me to settle on the plush bed.The flight journey had been notably lengthy, and I couldn’t help but wish I had a mansion in Alaska. Visiting this place wasn’t something I had anticipated, particularly due to its cold weather. My disdain for the cold, particularly winter, made me regret not considering this destination sooner.I seized a bottle of whiskey from the bar section of the room, pouring myself a generous glass. Fortunately, having reserved the finest room in the entire hotel, everything was tailored to my convenience.Alaska became my destination because of Amelie. According to her uncle and aunt, she had returned to the city. While I felt a sense of relief that she hadn't divulged our encounter, I couldn't help but wonder about her decision to leave. With the meeting scheduled for 4 pm today, a glance at my watch assured me that I had ample time
The car sliced through the night, navigating the city’s streets as Jayden meticulously traced the map on his phone. My impatience reverberated through my tapping legs, and Jayden, picking up on my urgency, motioned for the chauffeur to step on it.We pulled up to a new location, a building teeming with life. Laughter echoed from within, a stark contrast to the previous desolate scene. The car parked near the fence, and Jayden, sensing the gravity of the situation, took the lead as we approached the lively house.The air was thick with anticipation as we stepped closer, my mind racing with possibilities. Could Chloe be inside, blissfully unaware of the chaos she left behind? Or was this another dead end in the relentless search for her? My fists clenched, and with every step, the echoes of laughter seemed to mock the urgency of our quest.Jayden took the lead, ringing the doorbell as I loitered behind him. The building, bathed in a white coat and surrounded by an ensemble of flowers, e
CHLOE’S POV As I trudged towards the road, tears streaming down my cheeks, a bitter rage simmered within me. “Fuck them all!” I seethed inwardly, unable to suppress the torrent of emotions coursing through me. Forgiveness seemed an impossible feat, a distant thought I refused to entertain, especially not after the betrayal I endured. And Alistair, his actions etched a wound too deep to heal. "Fucking Levons, all of them," I muttered bitterly, my steps heavy with resentment. Home beckoned me, a place tainted by memories of Mom. Yet, it was there I sought solace, hoping to find closure and bid her a proper farewell. Alistair's failure weighed heavily on my shoulders, a betrayal that cut deeper than I could bear, a betrayal not just to me, but to her memory. "Where to, miss?" the cab driver asked, his voice laced with concern as I sank into the backseat. I provided the address in silence, brushing off his inquiry into my somber mood. Ignoring his probing questions, I simply urged him t
Alistair’s Pov Turning the knob, I entered the room that had once been prepared for Chloe. A frown creased my brow as I scanned the empty space, the absence of her presence weighing heavily on my mind. I made my way to the bed and picked up her robe, holding it close as if seeking solace in the lingering scent of her. The familiar fragrance reminded me of her, stirring a sense of longing within me. A deeper frown etched itself onto my features as I berated myself for letting her slip away so easily. Why had I allowed her to leave? If only Jayden had been there, he would have been more vigilant, more determined to keep her by my side. The entire trip had turned into a nightmare, and if I had known it would end like this, I would never have given her the card or dismissed my guards. Regret gnawed at my heart as I realized the likelihood of ever seeing her again was slim. Knowing her as I did, she would have gone into hiding, far from anywhere I would think to look. The weight of my m
CHLOE'S POVMy eyes, heavy with exhaustion, bore the weight of countless tears shed. Streaks of sorrow stained my cheeks, silent witnesses to the anguish within. Hands trembling uncontrollably, I found myself seated at the breakfast table, my gaze fixed vacantly on the steaming cup of coffee before me.My hair, tousled and unkempt, bore witness to the chaos within. Despite Aspen's attempts to send attendants to groom me, I adamantly refused, shooing them away. In that moment, I found solace in my natural appearance, devoid of any desire for makeup.Grief consumed me, fueled by thoughts of vengeance against Alistair. As I gazed at the bread knife lying beside the mug, the image of him lying in a pool of his own blood played out in my mind repeatedly. Aspen had fulfilled his promise by sheltering me in one of his hotels. To ensure my comfort, he provided me with a phone and a prepared card. Despite his assurances that the card contained no tracking device and he had no interest in monit
Chloe’s Pov I caught Alistair’s gaze as he casually shrugged, a smile playing on his lips. Glancing over at my mother, I couldn’t help but mirror his grin. Anxious thoughts raced through my mind as I pondered how she might react upon learning about my background. I couldn't shake the uncertainty of whether she would embrace me or regard me with the same disdain as the rest of Alistair's family. Would she too label me a pauper and chastise Alistair for the supposed error of welcoming me into the family? "You're even more beautiful in person," she complimented, and I felt my cheeks flush as she enveloped me in a warm embrace. It was evident that someone had briefed her about me, and I had a strong suspicion that it was Alistair. The thought that he found me beautiful sent a thrill through me. "Thank you," I managed to say once I found my voice, gently pulling away from the embrace and tucking a few strands of hair behind my ears. "You look great as well," I complimented, earning a
Chloe’s Pov I caught Alistair’s gaze as he casually shrugged, a smile playing on his lips. Glancing over at my mother, I couldn’t help but mirror his grin. Anxious thoughts raced through my mind as I pondered how she might react upon learning about my background. I couldn't shake the uncertainty of whether she would embrace me or regard me with the same disdain as the rest of Alistair's family. Would she too label me a pauper and chastise Alistair for the supposed error of welcoming me into the family? "You're even more beautiful in person," she complimented, and I felt my cheeks flush as she enveloped me in a warm embrace. It was evident that someone had briefed her about me, and I had a strong suspicion that it was Alistair. The thought that he found me beautiful sent a thrill through me. "Thank you," I managed to say once I found my voice, gently pulling away from the embrace and tucking a few strands of hair behind my ears. "You look great as well," I complimented, earning a
Chloe’s Pov I caught Alistair’s gaze as he casually shrugged, a smile playing on his lips. Glancing over at my mother, I couldn’t help but mirror his grin. Anxious thoughts raced through my mind as I pondered how she might react upon learning about my background. I couldn't shake the uncertainty of whether she would embrace me or regard me with the same disdain as the rest of Alistair's family. Would she too label me a pauper and chastise Alistair for the supposed error of welcoming me into the family? "You're even more beautiful in person," she complimented, and I felt my cheeks flush as she enveloped me in a warm embrace. It was evident that someone had briefed her about me, and I had a strong suspicion that it was Alistair. The thought that he found me beautiful sent a thrill through me. "Thank you," I managed to say once I found my voice, gently pulling away from the embrace and tucking a few strands of hair behind my ears. "You look great as well," I complimented, earning a
Chloe’s Pov I caught Alistair’s gaze as he casually shrugged, a smile playing on his lips. Glancing over at my mother, I couldn’t help but mirror his grin. Anxious thoughts raced through my mind as I pondered how she might react upon learning about my background. I couldn't shake the uncertainty of whether she would embrace me or regard me with the same disdain as the rest of Alistair's family. Would she too label me a pauper and chastise Alistair for the supposed error of welcoming me into the family? "You're even more beautiful in person," she complimented, and I felt my cheeks flush as she enveloped me in a warm embrace. It was evident that someone had briefed her about me, and I had a strong suspicion that it was Alistair. The thought that he found me beautiful sent a thrill through me. "Thank you," I managed to say once I found my voice, gently pulling away from the embrace and tucking a few strands of hair behind my ears. "You look great as well," I complimented, earning a
Chloe’s PovI caught Alistair’s gaze as he casually shrugged, a smile playing on his lips. Glancing over at my mother, I couldn’t help but mirror his grin. Anxious thoughts raced through my mind as I pondered how she might react upon learning about my background.I couldn't shake the uncertainty of whether she would embrace me or regard me with the same disdain as the rest of Alistair's family. Would she too label me a pauper and chastise Alistair for the supposed error of welcoming me into the family? "You're even more beautiful in person," she complimented, and I felt my cheeks flush as she enveloped me in a warm embrace.It was evident that someone had briefed her about me, and I had a strong suspicion that it was Alistair. The thought that he found me beautiful sent a thrill through me."Thank you," I managed to say once I found my voice, gently pulling away from the embrace and tucking a few strands of hair behind my ears. "You look great as well," I complimented, earning a smi
CHLOE'S POVMy eyes were filled with bags from crying. Streaks of tears smeared on my cheeks as an evidence. My hands continuously tremble as I sat before the breakfast table, staring blankly at my coffee.My hair were dishevelled and even though Aspen as sent some attentants to give me a makeover, I had refused and chased them away. I was okay with the way I look and didn't want a make-up right at that moment.I was grieving and it was all thanks to Alistair. The only thought taht crossed my mind severally as I stared upon the bread knife that has dropped by the side of the mug, was killing Alistair and watching him die in his own pool of blood.Aspen as promised, had hidden me in one of his hotels. To make sure I was comfortable, he got me a phone and got a card prepared for me. He had assured me that the card had no tracking device in as he wasn't interested in wherever i went but I couldn't help but feel it was a lie.I had contemplated giving Kate a call but fought against it eve
CHLOE'S POVMy eyes were filled with bags from crying. Streaks of tears smeared on my cheeks as an evidence. My hands continuously tremble as I sat before the breakfast table, staring blankly at my coffee.My hair were dishevelled and even though Aspen as sent some attentants to give me a makeover, I had refused and chased them away. I was okay with the way I look and didn't want a make-up right at that moment.I was grieving and it was all thanks to Alistair. The only thought taht crossed my mind severally as I stared upon the bread knife that has dropped by the side of the mug, was killing Alistair and watching him die in his own pool of blood.Aspen as promised, had hidden me in one of his hotels. To make sure I was comfortable, he got me a phone and got a card prepared for me. He had assured me that the card had no tracking device in as he wasn't interested in wherever i went but I couldn't help but feel it was a lie.I had contemplated giving Kate a call but fought against it eve
Alistair’s Pov Amelie's uncle stood before me, a deep frown etched upon his face, his hands hidden behind his back. His disappointment was palpable, a silent rebuke for my recent display of disrespect towards Amelie and her family. I understood his reaction all too well. My actions had undoubtedly caused disappointment and strained relations within the family. It was still a surprise that grandfather had chosen not to include himself and simply stayed mute. While I was relieved that grandfather had refrained from intervening, a sense of unease lingered in the air. His threat loomed over me like a dark cloud, a reminder of the consequences of defying him. I wanted to believe that he would never carry out such a heinous act as harming Chloe, but I knew better than to underestimate him. grandfather was a man of his word, and his threats carried weight. He never made empty promises, and if pushed to the brink, he would not hesitate to follow through on his intentions. The unsettling
Alistair’s Pov Amelie's uncle stood before me, a deep frown etched upon his face, his hands hidden behind his back. His disappointment was palpable, a silent rebuke for my recent display of disrespect towards Amelie and her family. I understood his reaction all too well. My actions had undoubtedly caused disappointment and strained relations within the family. It was still a surprise that grandfather had chosen not to include himself and simply stayed mute. While I was relieved that grandfather had refrained from intervening, a sense of unease lingered in the air. His threat loomed over me like a dark cloud, a reminder of the consequences of defying him. I wanted to believe that he would never carry out such a heinous act as harming Chloe, but I knew better than to underestimate him. grandfather was a man of his word, and his threats carried weight. He never made empty promises, and if pushed to the brink, he would not hesitate to follow through on his intentions. The unsettling