Lana pov What does he even want with Caroline? It's exhausting when some random dude I’ve never met thinks he can just waltz in and demand her in exchange for my son. How can I trust he even has my kid? “Mr. I-have-no-idea-what-you're-up-to, how can I believe you’re not just playing some twisted game?” I rolled my eyes, hands on my hips, waiting for him to say something that might make sense. “I’m not pulling any tricks to get your attention, Mrs. Lana. Honestly, I couldn’t care less about your feelings,” he shot back, stepping a little too close for comfort. I smiled, but inside, my heart was doing a wild dance of uncertainty. I shook my head slowly. “No way, I can’t do that. Caroline is…” I hesitated, ready to walk away when he grabbed my arms and spun me around. “Don’t even think about walking out on me. I’m not here to negotiate; I’m here to claim what’s rightfully mine.” “Let go of me! Who the heck do you think you are? Caroline doesn’t even know you, and you’re trying to sn
Caroline pov “Hey! I know you don't have Lana's child. You're trying to play smart by dragging her into your pathetic building. I won't be showing up, so you can take your nonsense and shove it.” I shouted, my voice dripping with anger, as my feelings burst forth. I understand what Alex is capable of and how he operates. He might just be trying to use me for his gain; I've seen that behavior before. “Listen, Caroline, I have every right to ask where you live because if I find you, it won't end well.” He threatened me over the phone, but I wasn't fazed. He doesn't control me, and his threats don't intimidate me. I laughed softly, thinking, “You're trying to scare me over the phone? How ridiculous is that?” The line went quiet, and for a moment, I thought he had hung up. But then, his voice returned, low and threatening. "You think you're smart, don't you, Caroline? Let me make this clear: I don't issue threats. I make promises." A shiver ran through me. "And I promise you, if
Donovan pov I sat on the couch, awaiting my son Bryan to get dressed for school, yet my thoughts were consumed by Lana. It had been some time since she last visited the office, and one might wonder how I was aware of this; perhaps it was simply an intuition. A smile crept across my face as I reflected on my foolishness for dwelling on something so improbable. I struck my fist gently against the couch and leaned forward, staring at the floor. At that moment, the television, which had been displaying a blue screen, suddenly began to broadcast sound, capturing my attention. The news reported that Caroline was missing, and Mrs. Lana was attempting to conduct a collaborative investigation regarding her friend. This revelation piqued my interest, prompting me to lift my gaze. It was absurd; both Caroline and Lana were receiving their just deserts at this moment. Sarah's voice trembled from the staircase; she had been feigning illness for several days, likely preoccupied with thoughts ab
Lana pov I attempted to rise after providing my complete account to the police. My body was weary from the stress I had endured over the past few days. I could hardly fathom the torment that those criminals might have inflicted upon her. "Mrs. Lana, do you believe you can manage the absence of your friend on your own? Will you not require the assistance of security personnel at your residence?" inquired the officer in charge of the case, his voice steady and his gaze fixed upon me, maintaining an air of levity. My eyes were bloodshot, and blinking had become a challenge; I could hardly manage a nod. "I can handle the inspector," I replied, my voice trembling as I dragged my feet toward the station's exit. Where could the kidnappers have taken Caroline? This thought consumed me as I slowly lifted my legs, feeling a growing discomfort in my arms. The sensation was alarming; the pain coursing through me was anything but ordinary. Suddenly, I let out a loud moan and crouched down quic
Caroline pov A substance had been applied to my lips, rendering me unable to utter a word, while my legs were bound with a rope that pressed painfully into my skin. I found myself alone in a dark room, unable to endure the agony of electric shocks, my hair resembling a wild, unkempt mass. I fought against my bindings, but they only pressed harder against my flesh. The oppressive darkness enveloped me, turning each breath into a laborious task. Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching from outside the room. The door creaked open, allowing a narrow beam of light to pierce the gloom. A shadowy figure stood over me, its features hidden in the darkness. "Welcome, Caroline," a deep, gravelly voice intoned. "You are quite the valuable asset." I attempted to respond, but my lips were sealed with duct tape. A wave of panic washed over me as I struggled to catch my breath. The figure extended a hand, tearing the tape from my mouth. "Water," I rasped, my voice barely rising above a whispe
Caroline pov “Release me! Where are you taking me, exactly? You scoundrel!” I groaned as I struggled to free my hands from his grasp; he held me so tightly that I could feel his fingers pressing painfully into my skin. Each moment he held me intensified the pain. I could only hope that Lana would come to my aid soon, as my thoughts were consumed by despair. Who is this man to determine my fate? What kind of love is he referring to when he utters those words? I LOVE YOU, CAROLINE. It’s absurd! I have no regard for his trivial emotions. How did Alex come to associate with this man? I could recall him clearly, yet the fact that he spoke of love left me utterly perplexed. He forcefully threw me into the car and slammed the door shut, the sound reverberating throughout the area. I curled up in a corner, trembling and wishing for a miracle to occur—whether now, later, or someday, I was simply hoping for now. As I glanced out the window, I saw him standing tall beside my door, not yet t
Lana pov It has only been three hours since we rescued Caroline from the clutches of those ruthless kidnappers, yet I find myself pondering the nature of her connection to them. My thoughts persisted as I made my way to Caroline's hospital room. She was taken to the hospital after fainting on the street where we found her and Alex. As I pushed the door open, I leaned against it, observing her as she slept peacefully. It was evident that she had not rested for days, likely consumed by thoughts of how to escape her captors. Poor Caroline; I can only imagine how her sharp tongue may have provoked the kidnappers. I chuckled to myself, acknowledging her tendency to irritate others. Just then, I felt a hand on my shoulder, pulling me from my reverie. I turned to see Jenkin. "Ma'am Lana, you have been watching Caroline for quite some time. She will recover," he said in a soothing tone, reassuring me about her condition. I nodded, determined to dispel my feelings of anxiety regarding her
Donovan pov Sarah was in a hurry. Bryan is scheduled to take the next bus to school, likely around 7:20 a.m. “Donovan, you do not have the authority to dictate what I should do with my son. Please allow me some space. The last time you interfered, you disrupted my plans for taking Bryan to school, and now you expect him to catch the next available bus? Impressive!” she exclaimed in frustration, her high-pitched voice cutting through the air from the kitchen where she was preparing Bryan's lunch. I exhaled deeply, fastening my sleeves. My gaze fell on young Bryan, who was preoccupied with his watch, struggling to secure the clasp that would keep it in place on his wrist. "Hey, little man, do you need Daddy's help?" I inquired, my lips pursed as I attempted to button my sleeves, which kept slipping off. This was one of the aspects I disliked about Sarah; she rarely assisted with such tasks when needed. "Sarah, could you assist me with my sleeves?" "No, I can't. I'm extremely busy.