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Chapter 16
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2024-10-29 19:42:56"What's that?" Edric pointed at the pregnancy test. I did not want to show him, but I could not resist him either. Careful he took my hand in his and removed the object from my hand. He was quiet when he looked at it.
"What is it Edric?" Evelyn now asked. He showed her and she gasped. She took the test in her hands and looked at it multiple times, to make sure it was real. Soon both their parents stood around her, taking in the news as well.
Miranda copied her daughter and gasped out as well, but it sounded more out of joy than from shock. "Well, this is wonderful news!"
"Mother!" Evelyn hissed.
"Another problem solved, well-done son." Marcus, the father of Edric, muttered. A slap on the back was given and both shared a small smile.
How could people be happy about this? How could people even be happy?
"I-I need to go... I need my brother." I muttered as I stumbled towards the front door. I did not make it far. Soon two hands were on my shoul
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The Caged Bird Chapter 17
Mafia. I had asked Alex for a laptop and he gave me one, not knowing what I wanted to do with it. I had searched for the term. I was finally getting answers, so I thought. Multiple hits came up. I thanked Evelyn silently in my mind for teaching me how to effectively use the internet.Although I knew I still had not mastered it, I knew now better how to use certain sites, like Google.I looked at the hits. The first hits were mostly about a game called Mafia, but I knew that was not what Alex and Edric meant withmafia. They talked aboutThe Businessand that meant a kind of organization.So, I looked further.Then, I stumbled on some hits about definitions. I read them and what I read; I could not believe it. They said the termmafiareferred to a criminal organization that had its own culture, politics, and economy. This organization did business in different areas like gambling, drug trafficki
The Caged Bird Chapter 18
Two months went by and things were different. Again, I was locked up in the mansion, it was now not my father's but my husband's. Evelyn tried to convince both her father and Edric to let me out and have some fun, especially before the baby would come. But both the men said no.I was now their number one priority, I needed to be protected 24/7, which was horrible. There would be always a bodyguard nearby. Their cold demeanor, almost robot-like, was not very comforting when I was watching a movie or eating my dinner.There was always someone looking over my shoulder. Following me like a hawk. It was very unnerving.The best thing about this whole pregnancy was that Edric kept his hands off me. This baby meant a lot to him, his family, and apparently the mafia. So, no harm was to come to me or the baby.I did not have to worry if I would do or say something wrong.I finally felt like I could breathe again.Also, it helped that Evelyn
The Caged Bird Chapter 19
Trigger Warning for the following chapterI had just put on my clothes, making myself ready for a new day. Evelyn would be coming back today. She had visited her friend for a couple of days and came back to our house to keep me company again. She wanted to look at the room which could be possibly the nursery for the baby.When I left the bathroom and was ready to exit the bedroom, I heard people shouting downstairs. I quickened my steps and headed towards the noise, only I was held back by the sound of a gunshot.I tensed.Careful I stepped forward. This was a stupid idea, I thought. You should run away! A voice in my head shouted at me.Short after the shot, it became silent, like the silence before a storm. Then all hell broke loose. Multiple gunshots were fired, by the sound of it. More people started to yell at each other.Instinctively, I stepped back.I saw a figure appearing around the corner. I wanted to shout
The Caged Bird Chapter 20
"Don't." That was all I said when I felt someone pick up my body. "Please don't," I said in a whisper. Two arms held me up and I felt how we moved slowly and carefully out of the basement. I tried to resist, but the person who held me shushed me in a calming way. I wanted to tell them to let me be, to leave me behind. I did not want to be tortured by something or someone again.I could not go through a rough period anymore. I had lost too many loved ones in a short period of time, I had felt too much pain for three lifetimes already at the age of eighteen. I just wanted peace.Leave me alone.• • •I was embraced in softness. I tried to move; my body ached. I noticed I was laying down on a bed and a good one at that. I opened my eyes and was met with a luxurious bedroom. I laid in a California King's bed, which had the softest sheets laying on them I had ever felt. The interior room had the same color theme, light grey, gold, and whi
The Caged Bird Chapter 21
I stepped out of the shower. After three days I could walk more freely. The miscarriage and the bruises on my ribs made it difficult for me to walk. Even though I did not want to be pregnant at first, now I wanted it so badly. I still could not believe what happened a few days ago. My husband and his family were dead. I was no longer a married woman. I was no longer pregnant. It felt all surreal to me.Nicholas had left me alone during the past days after his first visit. I did not mind it. I needed to be alone to process everything. The only person with who I had contact was Debbie. She was nice but too talkative. The moment she stepped in the room until she left, she talked the whole time through.In the corner of my eye, I saw a glimpse of how I looked in the mirror. I looked horrible. The bruises were still very dark. I hated to see myself like this. I wended my head away from the mirror and started to dress. Today I felt like leaving the bedroom.When I was
The Caged Bird Chapter 22
"Ask me."My brows furrowed. "What do you mean?""Ask me your questions and I will see if I can answer them," Nicholas explained. I was quiet for a minute. I had several questions, but none of them came to my mind right now. I had questions about my own family, about Edric and this Lex guy."Okay, who is the Lex guy?" First, I wanted to know who was responsible for the death of my baby."Lex was a gang leader. He had a small organization that trafficked drugs and weapons from time to time. I think he had some business in prostitution as well. Anyway, he was too eager to take power. He thought he could conquer the mafia world by killing Edric and marrying you, but he acted too rushed, now he is dead." Nicholas was shaking his head at the thought of Lex."What made him think that?""You mean why he thought he could grab power by killing Edric and marrying you?" I nodded my head."Edric was at the top when your father and brother died. H
The Caged Bird Chapter 23
One month. One month of misery. I barely slept during the night because of the nightmares. I barely eat because during the day the images of my traumatic memories would haunt me. Making it impossible for me to eat a whole meal. And lastly, I barely did anything during the day. All my things were still back at my last home and Nicholas did not want to take the risk to get my things back. He was afraid that would gain attention.It was like the world around me had stopped and I was stuck in time. It felt like I got a break from life and because of that, I could finally process what had happened to me. I was forced to marry an evil and cruel man, lost my family, got kidnapped, lost my baby, found out about the secret life of my brother, and was now locked up in another mansion again.After a failed attempt to eat breakfast I would settle myself in the living room. I would put on the tv and let that play in the background while I looked out of the window, thinking about ne
The Caged Bird Chapter 24
"Put your shoes on and get your coat." I heard Nicholas saying to me as he passed my bedroom. I wanted to ask why, but he continued to walk away, leaving me no room to question him about his mysterious request.I quickly took the asked items from my closet and made my way toward the foyer. As I made my decent down the steps, I saw Nicolas getting ready as well together with five other bodyguards."What's going on?" I asked worried. Had something happened? Did we need to flee? Were we in any danger?Nicolas looked at me with a warm smile and gestured to go outside with him. He escorted me towards one of the cars. He opened the passenger side door so I could enter the car. He quickly made his way around the car and joined me in the car.He turned the key and the engine came to life, roaring like a beast.As we were leaving the premises I sat stunned in my seat. We were leaving the house.I turned towards the man who denied every request of mine to leave the house. "Nicholas? Where are w
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The Caged Bird Epilogue
The wedding was done. The dress was shown, the kiss was shared, and the vows were spoken. The guests cheered, oblivious to the silent cries of the bride. The beautiful ceremony masked the impending doom that she felt deep within her heart.The bird was once again caged by a master who wanted to show his prized possession to the underworld of the modern era. He paraded her around, flaunting her beauty and grace to the other greedy men who desperately wanted to hunt down that precious lady. She was a trophy in his eyes, a symbol of his power and status.He pranced around with her, showing her off to the other greedy men, desperately wanting to hunt down that precious lady. Each night was a display, a spectacle where she was the main attraction. The lady felt miserable again. The weight of her gilded cage was suffocating. Never could she really leave her cage. Never could she spread her wings and explore the world. Never did she get the chance to feel the wind brushing through her hair,
The Caged Bird Chapter 34
For two months Nicholas and I were trapped in one of Victor's houses. It was difficult, but I was used to it. This was my life until now, so no differences for me. Nicholas, on the other hand, was going insane. A week ago he apologized to me for having me stay in his home all the time. But being locked up wasn't the only thing that irritated him. Nicholas' business, mafia, went through great losses because of the deal with Victor. It seemed every week went something wrong and he had to pay more and more money and lost many investments. At the same time, we didn't particularly try to get pregnant. I didn't want to be touched and well, Nicholas was a gentleman. He had only asked me once if I was serious to which I replied, "Well, if it really comes to it, yes, but I mostly did it to buy us some time while protecting Evelyn. So I would rather not." Nicholas understood and never spoke of it again. This morning was the same as any other, only it was not. After a quick shower and getti
The Caged Bird Chapter 33
I stood shaking on my legs, never in my life was I so afraid, except for the fact I was kidnapped once. I was back again at Nicholas' mansion. It was still dark and the world had gone to sleep. A cold breeze passed by us, between me, Evelyn and Victor, and my brother and Nicholas. We were both taken out of the car and Evelyn and I looked both panicked. The tension was real. Victor looked at Nicholas with a smug face. He knew he had the upper hand in this. It was not supposed to be this way. Evelyn and I would have been on the boat if it weren't for the cruel man next to me who held my arm in a tight grip.It started when we arrived at the harbor. Like here, it was too quiet when we got to our destination. Nicholas had said there would be multiple guards near us wherever we went, but once there, no one was in sight. The door of the car in front of us was opened by one of Nicholas' men, only to be closed again. The moment he tried to investigate he was shot. I remembered how I screamed.
The Caged Bird Chapter 32
The four of us sat all freshly showered and energized from last night in the living room together. We all looked anxious as we were all shaken up by the events of last night. The ball we held was supposed to be helpful for us, not harmful. My anger towards Nicholas had vanished from the moment he said he did not plan to get me pregnant. Evelyn, however, was still furious at my husband. She knew the most of my past as we had talked about it together these past weeks. She was only trying to protect me, which I appreciated, but I felt sorry for Nicholas as her eyes could kill somebody."So, what's the plan Mr. I-don't-think-things-thoroughly?" Evelyn snapped at Nicholas."Evelyn, please," I whispered. I was already too harsh towards him and Nicholas got already scolded last night by my brother's girlfriend."It's alright Ava. The plan is the following and we have to act quickly. Victor will send his lawyer by any time now. It will be either tomorrow or the day after that. Between now and
The Caged Bird Chapter 31
Meaning the girl is free to claim. No, no not this again. Why can't these people let me be? I hated father after everything he did to me, but I now truly understood why he kept me away from these men. Why can't they just leave me alone?My body started to shake. With my two hands, I had to grip Nicholas' arm to steady myself. I could not believe this was happening again. Again! I wanted to go home and hide from the world. To run away as far as possible."Don't be ridiculous!" Nicholas hissed. "She is my wife not some whore to be passed around." Victor seemed not to be faced by the words Nicholas said. He only laughed and smiled."Well if you are not giving her hand away I will tell your lovely guests that the two of you are not fully married yet," Victor said with no care in the world. I could not believe how he could be so calm while discussing such a horrible topic. Talking about someone else's life like it was nothing at all.Nicholas tensed even more if that was possible. "Don't y
The Caged Bird Chapter 30
Evelyn and I made our way down towards the foyer. Both our dresses moved majestically around our bodies as we made our descent down the stairs. Both men were waiting for us as they stood in their sharp-looking suits. Nicholas was wearing a dark black suit with a matching black dress shirt. Xavier, on the other hand, wore more lighter clothes. His suit was grey with a light grey dress shirt, matched with a burgundy red tie.It was my brother who spoke up first as we got in their eye-sight. "You look lovely, both of you ladies." He smiled. He always smiled when Evelyn was in the room. I wished somebody would do that when I would enter the room.Maybe, someday. After all this is over.When we were at the bottom of the stairs Evelyn thanked Xavier for the compliment. "I think 'beautiful' is a better way to phrase how our ladies look." Nicholas finally said as I stood beside him. "You look really beautiful Ava." He said in a low voice.I did not know how to take the compliment. "Y-You thin
The Caged Bird Chapter 29
"Trouble? What trouble?" I asked.Both men in front of me looked at each other for a second when Xavier nodded his head towards Nicholas. The said men straightened his back and cleared his throat. "I'm afraid I have to tell you bad news, again. It seems that the news of us being married has not convinced everybody. Some think our marriage documents are forged, fake if you will."Nicholas gave me an apologetic look. It was quite frustrating, really. We did all of this so I could have my old life back as much as possible, maybe with even more freedom. But this, this sets us back again. I really do not understand this power hunger of people."So, what now? What do we have to do now, again!" I slightly yelled. Frustration getting to me."Ava please-" Xavier started but was shut down by Nicholas. He held his hand up and said, "Xavier don't, we have talked about this." Nicholas spoke sternly. He continued, "We have to convince, Ava. Convince them that we are married.""Why? Why can we not l
The Caged Bird Chapter 28
The warmth of the sun was kissing my skin as I surrounded myself with plants. Droplets of sweat were dripping off my face, arms, and back. The calming sounds of the birds in the trees and the sky made me relax as I was doing hard laboring work. I carried plants, flowers, dirt, and flowerpots all over the back garden of the massive mansion of now my husband Nicholas. As I was finally married to the man who saved my life weeks ago, I could move more freely around.Once a week I would go to the store, find new plants to put in our garden, and the next couple of days I was busy planting them. Slowly the garden became more and more enjoyable with the many colors that crossed along the grounds.Leaving the house was still a whole other thing. I could only leave if I had at least four bodyguards with me, which meant that going outside to just explore was still difficult. Nicholas and Xavier were still weary to let me leave and only let me when I had a specific goal, like going to the store o
The Caged Bird Chapter 27
Hot tears were escaping my eyes. I felt them slowly rolling down my cheeks and saw them falling down on the ground, making small pools of my misery on the wooden floors. When I thought back on our conversation, I hugged my legs tighter. They want me to marry someone again.I do not want that.I want peace.I want to have a happy life again, with no pain, no fear, and no marriage.I squeezed my eyes shut and laid my head on my knees. Trying to hide from the world. After my outburst I stormed towards my room. Escaping from my problems. I felt betrayed by Nicholas, by Evelyn, and mostly by my brother. Why did he not come for me? Why did he ask Nicholas to safe me? Why not himself?It seems that I have always questions on my mind lately and I knew it was not my fault. Everybody who I met kept me in the dark. I am done living like that. I want to break free from the prison I am right now and spread my wings. I want freedom.I want peace.From now on I will fight for myself. I will not let
