Chapter 6: Rescue

"Let her go. Now!."

The men stopped in their tracks, their expressions shifting from menace to apprehension. 

A figure stood behind a lamppost wavering light, his angular figure exuding a sense of menace and dominance.

Anaïs felt relief as she saw who it was. It was Cael.

"Who the hell are you?" Spat the scarred one, though his voice wavered.

"Someone you don't want to mess with," Cael replied coldly, stepping closer into the light. 

His tone held an assured self-confidence and arrogance that froze the group in place. 

"I would give you all just three seconds to get lost before I make you regret this."

The men hesitated, sizing him up. But something about his unwavering gaze and calm bravado told them he wasn’t bluffing. 

Slowly but surely, cursing under their breath they backed up into the shadows, disappearing as quickly as they had appeared.

Anaïs, still trembling, watched as they disappeared before turning to face Cael. Relief washed over her but it was short-lived just as she met his icy gaze.

Cael just stood there in silence gazing at her, his expression unreadable. 

"I had to see my father," Anaïs said, her tone defiant despite her shaken state.

Cael didn’t respond. Instead, he gestured toward his car parked a few meters away. "Let's get home," he said, his voice clipped.

The ride back to the estate was tense. Anaïs sat in silence, her arms crossed as she stared out the window. Although it was a short ride it felt like hours. 

Cael’s grip on the steering wheel was tight, his knuckles white.

He just couldn't fathom why he was so bothered about her disappearance; after all, his relationship with her was based on an existing contract. She meant nothing to him, maybe it's the possibility that she might already have his child growing in her belly.

“That should be it”, he thought. There is no way I could develop feelings for any woman. No way.

Once they were back at the estate, he led her to her room door.

“We would talk in the morning,” he said for now, "go get some rest”.

Anaïs was left standing at her room door. She wondered what his decision would be in the morning.

She had breached the contract and he had no obligation to keep funding her father's medical bill as stated in the contract.

Shit! She cursed.

Anaïs opened the room door and stepped inside biting her lower lips. She had been too impulsive today and that may turn out to be such a costly thing to do.

***

“Hello, Miss; Sir Cael wishes to see you now.” “He is in the study”.

“All right, thank you.”

Anaïs had been restless all night. She couldn't sleep. 

Cael had seemed very angry last night. Although he said nothing concerning her misconduct she had felt his anger in those last words, “We would talk in the morning”.

Anaïs opened the office door to see Cael sitting at the table.

His grey gaze shifted from his phone to the lady standing at the door.

“Sit”, he said gesturing to the chair across the table.

She sat his gaze on her the whole time.

They stared at each other, the tension crackling like static electricity. Finally, Cael straightened, letting out a sharp exhale.

"I just received an invitation to a model awarding ceremony," he said, his tone lightening.

 "It’s a high-profile event, and I want you to accompany me as my number two"

“Staying here at the mansion is part of the agreement but I am willing to let you come with me”, he said.

Anaïs blinked, caught off guard 

"What?”

"You heard me," Cael said, smirking, as he stood up, making his way to the door. "We’ll need to get you a dress. Be ready in an hour."

True to his word, Cael drove Anaïs to one of the city’s most luxurious apparel stores. 

Anaïs felt relieved.

She had thought that she would be back on the island. She hadn't imagined he would take her shopping instead or that he would consider taking her to a modeling award ceremony.

The boutique was a haven of elegance. Anaïs was stunned. The sparkling chandeliers, plush carpets, and racks of designer gowns shimmered under the soft lighting.

Anaïs couldn’t help but feel out of place as she followed Cael inside. He spoke briefly with a sales attendant, who nodded eagerly and gestured for Anaïs to browse the selection.

"I have a call to take," Cael said, glancing at his watch. "Pick something. I’ll be back shortly."

Left alone, Anaïs browsed through the racks, wandering from one rack to another, her fingers brushing over fabrics that felt like liquid silk till she came into an open space with a single dress displayed in the middle.

It was a stunning emerald-green gown and it seemed to call to her, its sleek lines and intricate beadwork a perfect blend of sophistication and allure. There also was a variety of precious stones seamed into the fabric.

As she admired the dress, a sharp voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Excuse me," an attendant said, her tone icy. 

"That gown is extremely expensive. Are you sure you can afford it?" She asked, disdain dripping from her voice as she looked at Anaïs's cheap-looking dress.

Anaïs bristled at the question. "Uhhm…I wasn’t planning to buy it. I’m with someone."

The attendant’s eyes narrowed, sizing her up. "And who might that be?"

"Cael Moraine," Anaïs replied, her voice steady.

“Cael Moraine? She asked incredulously, she couldn't hold back her amusement and laughed hysterically.

Her doubt was obvious. " Oh right," she said, crossing her arms, finally calming down.

"If that’s true, why haven’t we seen you with him before? Or are you one of those many golddiggers? I know your type”.

Anaïs’ patience was wearing thin. "He’ll be back soon. You can ask him yourself."

The attendant wasn’t convinced; for all she cared, this shabby-looking lady could be a thief.

Unable to bear the humiliation anymore, Anaïs made to leave the room, but the woman grabbed her arm.

"Drop the dress and empty your bag," she demanded.

Anaïs stared at her, incredulous. "Excuse me?"

"I saw you lingering near the jewelry display," the attendant said, her voice rising. "I don't trust that you haven't taken something and now is the time to return it."

The commotion drew the attention of other staff and a few customers. Embarrassed and furious, Anaïs yanked her arm free.

"I didn’t take anything," she said firmly.

“Yes, you did, you thief!”