Chapter 30

NADIA'S POV.

As I drove, I glanced at Richard through the rearview mirror. He was slumped against the door, his breathing shallow.

“Soon, Richard,” I said softly. “Soon, you’ll understand that you belong to me.”

The road to the hotel estate was quiet, and my mind raced with thoughts of what would happen next.

My plan was simple but effective. I would frame Richard, make it look like he willingly came to me, and ensure he had no choice but to give in to my demands.

By the time I arrived at the hotel, the adrenaline coursing through my veins had reached its peak. I parked the car, checked my surroundings to make sure no one was watching, and got out.

I opened the back door, gently pulling Richard into a sitting position. He groaned softly but didn’t resist as I helped him out of the car.

“Just a little further,” I whispered, guiding him toward the entrance.

The hotel staff didn’t ask any questions as I led him inside. Everything was falling into place perfectly.

RICHARD’S POV

The pounding in my head was unbearable. I groaned as I opened my eyes, my vision blurry and my body heavy.

Slowly, my surroundings began to come into focus. The light in the room was dim, and I could faintly make out someone lying close to me on the bed.

As my vision cleared, I froze. The figure beside me was a woman…curled up, her hair cascading over her shoulders. My stomach twisted as realization hit me. Nadia.

“W-what the…?” I muttered, jerking up in alarm. I shoved her away from me, panic and anger surging through my veins.

Nadia stirred, stretching lazily as if she had just woken up from a pleasant dream. A wicked smile spread across her face as she turned to me.

“Good evening, darling,” she said sweetly, her voice dripping with honey. “Did you sleep well?”

“Don’t you dare,” I snapped, cutting her off sharply. “What the hell is going on here, Nadia?”

I quickly glanced around the room, and a cold chill ran down my spine. This wasn’t my room…it wasn’t even my house. The unfamiliar decor, the luxurious bedspread, the faint scent of flowers in the air…it all screamed trouble.

I stood up abruptly, grabbing my clothes from the chair nearby and putting them on with shaking hands. Nadia remained seated on the bed, watching me with that same twisted smile.

“You can run, Richard,” she said casually, her tone teasing. “But not forever.”

Her words only fueled my anger. I stormed toward her, my fists clenched at my sides. “What is wrong with you, Nadia?” I demanded. “How did I get here? What did you do to me?”

She tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Relax, Richard. You had a little too much fun last night.”

“Don’t lie to me!” I yelled, my voice echoing through the room. “The last thing I remember was being at the restaurant, buying food for Tammie. I was about to get into my car, and then… nothing. How did I end up here with you?”

Her smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. “Maybe you should stop overthinking and just enjoy the moment,” she said coyly, trying to reach for my hand.

I stepped back, glaring at her. My eyes darted to the clock on the wall. It was almost nine o’clock. My heart sank as realization hit me.

Tammie!

I had promised her and Mrs. Johnson that I would get them food from the restaurant. They must have been waiting for hours. Panic replaced my anger as I grabbed my phone, quickly dialing the hospital.

“Yes, this is Richard Garrison,” I said hurriedly when someone picked up. “I need a bouquet of meals delivered to Mrs. Johnson’s room immediately. Charge it to my account.”

The moment the call ended, my fury returned. I turned back to Nadia, who was now sitting cross-legged on the bed, watching me like a cat that had just cornered its prey.

“Where are my car keys?” I demanded, my voice low and dangerous.

She hesitated, her eyes was filled with uncertainty. She must have sensed how furious I was because she finally pointed to the dresser.

“Over there,” she said softly.

Without another word, I stomped across the room, grabbed the keys, and stormed out. My mind was a whirlwind of emotions…anger, confusion, and a deep sense of betrayal.

As I got into my car and sped off toward the hospital, I couldn’t stop the questions racing through my head. What was Nadia trying to achieve with this stunt? How could she stoop so low?

The tires screeched as I turned sharply onto the main road, driving like a man possessed. I need to get to the hospital. I need to make sure Tammie and Mrs. Johnson is okay.

I rushed into Mr. Kenneth’s hospital ward, my heart pounding. As I stepped inside, I saw the food I had ordered neatly placed on a table.

Despite the aroma filling the room, neither Mrs. Johnson nor Tammie had touched it. They both sat silently, their faces filled with concern.

Tammie looked up as soon as she noticed me, her eyes narrowing. “Richard, what happened? You’ve been gone for so long! We were worried.”

I opened my mouth to respond but faltered. Words failed me as my mind scrambled for an explanation. “I... uh...” I stammered, feeling the weight of their stares.

Finally, I forced a smile and said, “The car broke down on my way back, and just when I got it fixed, I was called for an emergency meeting at the office. It’s been a crazy day.”

Tammie tilted her head, unconvinced, but before she could probe further, Mrs. Johnson spoke up. “Are you sure everything’s okay, Richard?”

I nodded quickly. “Yes, all is well,” I said, masking my unease.

Gently, I coaxed them to eat. “Please, don’t let the food go cold. You both need your strength.” I watched as they hesitated but eventually started eating, their trust in me intact for now.