CHAPTER 5

Jasmine's POV 

Staring at the sensual outline of his mouth in a full-blown level of curiosity is my newfound habit since we left the huge mansion where he kept me locked all day.

I keep asking myself what he stands to gain. I keep asking if this is just a ploy to get me kidnapped forever or if he is really honest about mistaking me for some Andre Moore whom he is obviously obsessed with.

He is good-looking despite his dark look. His blue eyes are unique and his voice sends chills down my spine.

How can a woman run away from a man like this? Is it because of his sinful handsomeness or is there more to it?

I am scared of him but I am not tired of watching him despite being unable to find any answers.

A part of me wants to be assured that everything is going to be fine once we get to the house we are headed to. Andre's parents will definitely know I am not her. Then I can be free.

Even though I hated the life I was living, this new life here in New York City isn't too promising for me to stay here forever. I might miss watching him but at least I will be free from having my heart skip beats whenever I see him out of fear.

I am not Andre.

I will be free after tonight.

Remembering how my wig came off earlier, I turn away in embarrassment. The man I have been watching for several minutes does not even notice me taking my eyes off him. He is busy doing something on that huge phone he has been holding since we hopped into the massive car.

Now, I am beginning to wonder what he does for a living.

Is he a multi-billionaire? A business mogul?

This is the only thing that can explain the huge mansion and the luxury that comes with living here. The car driving us to God knows where is a car I have never seen in my entire life.

He is definitely a billionaire or even more than that.

What then explains the numerous men in black all around him? 

These men are hugely built and scary. They look like the type of men who kidnap innocent women in movies and take them to a movie-like home to get punished for one thing or the other.

This man is well-to-do. I doubt if he is doing all of this intentionally just to ask for a ransom or something.

Besides, I don't even have anyone to call for a ransom. I am on my own and if asking for a ransom is it, then I will be here forever.

A wave of optimism fills me up again and I shake my head slightly to wave off the entire bad-news thought. I will be free tonight.

Andre's parents will know that I am not Andre but a different person.

When a sigh of relief leaves my mouth, the car comes to an abrupt stop and he goes out immediately. I look around to see we are in a house already.

Another big mansion but not as big as his. There is a small fountain in the middle of the courtyard directly facing where the car is parked.

The courtyard is illuminated with light from different areas, unlike his house where the courtyard is dark and scary.

Everything about this man is indeed scary.

A sharp knock on the car door jolts me out of my thoughts. "Come out, will you?"

I don't need a second harsh invitation. This is enough. I turn the car door open and then step out. The maids got me a beautiful dress but I don't feel comfortable in them. I feel out of place. I feel awkward about everything.

I can't remember if I ever wore a beautiful expensive dress like this before. I am much more comfortable with my casuals. 

"Do I need to tell you every single thing to do or do I have to drag you to see your parents…." he breaks off, irritation crossing his expression as he balls his fist, bites on his lips, and points in the direction of the front door. "Move!"

My body trembles a little but I feel I am getting used to having him shout orders at me every single time in just a day. I guess this is his type of person.

His personality.

If I wasn't Andre as he is thinking, would he be nicer? Is he still mad at her for jilting him?

With slow steps and the heels making silly sounds, I find him overtaking me with his long strides as he approaches the door. I try to increase my pace but it is impossible.

Exactly ten seconds after he is already inside, I finally get to the door, flashing a pitiful smile at the man holding the door for me to enter.

I stop dead in my tracks when I look up to see him waiting with arms akimbo and a deadly look on his face. He looks like he could kill me right now.

I guess he can do that. He almost killed the rapist last night so he can kill me. I shouldn't be free with this man if he can kill. 

"Xavier?" A woman's voice breaks the awkward moment of silence between us and the racing of my heart. He turns back to face her and I see her beautiful face. 

She looks like someone in mourning, already prepared for bed and not dressed gorgeously as I expect of the woman of the house.

It makes me wonder how long her daughter has gone off and if she is really fine wherever she is.

The woman averts her gaze from him and shifts it to me, then a low gasp leaves her mouth as she clamps her hand over her mouth before calling to me in shock and intense surprise. "Andre?"

The visible relief inside of me waiting to be released vanishes into thin air when the reality of the situation comes crashing on me as my abductor smiles satisfactorily and I almost begin to cry in self-pity of what the future holds for my innocent self.