Chapter 8

“Lucas, I really don't think it's necessary for you to assign a bodyguard to follow me around, especially to my workplace” Eleanor frowned, her brow furrowed in concern.

"I see nothing wrong with it, Eleanor," Lucas replied, his deep voice firm but gentle. He nodded to the bodyguard, Alex, who unlocked the car door for her. "If anything goes wrong, don't hesitate to call me." He paused, his eyes locking onto hers. "Alex, you're also assigned to drive and take her straight back home." He kissed her gently on the cheek. "I love you."

Eleanor smiled, She whispered into his ear, "You're really overdoing it, Lucas."

The driver to her office was quiet as her mind rampage on what her colleagues would think of her going from the assistant of the writing company to becoming the CEO

At the beginning of her marriage to Lucas, She had tried to hide it from her workplace but somehow somebody found out and told everyone, next thing she knew her boss started treating her differently, he had always been senseless but after figuring who she got married to, he started physical assaulting and embarrassing her

And now she shows up again with the Ceo position and a bodyguard

What a blast” she exclaimed inwardly sarcastically as she step out of the car and into the building

She tried to keep a bright face as she smiled at the employees who greeted and welcomed her back with a smile, she knew later on most of them would go on and gossip about her in their free time

As She got into the office with her bodyguard, Alex standing outside her door, she was struck by the fresh scent of paint and the feel of soft carpet beneath her feet. The newly renovated space was sleek and modern, with gleaming wood and vibrant artwork.

She couldn't help but run her hand over the smooth surface of her new desk, feeling a sense of pride and ownership by the now-furnished office. She knew only one person could have done this, picking up her phone she called him.

“Lucas, this isn't funny” she muttered “i can't continue allowing you to give me special treatment in front of this judgmental people”

“Surprise!”’she heard him exclaim over the phone with a chuckle

"Not funny, Lucas," Eleanor replied, her voice firm.

"I'm sorry," Lucas finally said, his voice unapologetic.

"But I just realized your office needed that color and radiation. It's the least I could do for not saving you from your boss.. twice, and for the little argument we had yesterday." He said, his voice teasing.

“Aright, Apologies accepted” she respond as she began settling the documents on her table

“Really?” she heard as his voice went audible with a beam of joy

Eleanor laughed over the phone. "Yes, sure, I'll call you when I get off work. Bye, Lucas”.

"Wait, I have good news," Lucas said, his voice pausing for a moment. "Your boss is in police custody right now, and he's still plainly denying ever attacking you in the restaurant but he won't last a minute there before he confesses. You're finally saved, Ele."

Eleanor's heart skipped a bit as she sat down, her mind racing with worry for her boss who was innocent

“You shouldn't have Lucas”, her voice broke, she didn't want her boss to go to prison for something he didn't do, she knew her husband would make sure of that and she can't afford to bear the guilt “Drop the charges, Lucas”,

“Eleanor…? That’s impossible. I can't just let the man who assaulted you go scout free, i ....”

"Lucas, this is my decision, please drop the charges!" Eleanor's voice was firm and commanding, but her hand trembled as she held the phone. "I have to go, I'll call you back." With that, she ended the call, and Lucas's breath stalled, his thoughts racing with concern.

Eleanor took a few deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart, and decided to focus on her pending work messages.

As she scrolled through her phone, her eyes widened in shock when she stumbled upon an unknown number.

Her heart skipped a beat as she opened the message, and a chill ran down her spine. Her eyes widened in shock as she saw the picture of her and Sebastian, taken when Sebastian came by the house. Her mind raced with fear as she realized someone had been watching her, someone who had access to her personal life.

she knew Marcus couldn't have entered with the tight security they had. She gulped down nothing, her mouth dry, as she came to the realization that someone, somebody, was secretly watching her for Marcus.

****

Marcus grinned maniacally as he stared at the text he sent to Eleanor, his eyes glistening with fury and determination. He was hell-bent on getting Eleanor back even if it meant ruining her life alongside her husband.

He had been running and hiding from Lucas, and because of that he couldn't get closer to Ele. "That bloody bastard!" he cursed, his voice echoing off the walls of the empty self-storage room.

"Where are the kids?" he demanded over the phone, his voice heavy and menacing. The voice on the other end stuttered, "I'm keeping watch over them, but what are you going to do to them?" Marcus sneered, "What I do to them is none of your fucking business." He cursed, his anger boiling over. "Stand guard, don't let her ever suspect you're the suspect, and don't you dare go against me." With that, he cut the call, his mind racing with his next move.

Just as he sank onto his sofa, the loud banging on the door startled him. He panicked, his heart racing, as he ran to grab his gun from the drawer. "Marcus, open the damn door, we know you're in there, and this time you aren't going anywhere without paying my money!"

The door burst open, and four men rushed in, grabbing him before he could even react. They brought him to his knees, and one of them pointed a gun at his head. "Your time is up, Marcus. Where is my fucking money?"

Marcus stuttered, "I don't have your money with me right now," his voice trembling. "But I can assure you, it will be ready by the end of the week." Before he could finish, a punch landed in his stomach, and he doubled over in pain. "Beat him up!"

Marcus's heart raced with fear as he lay on the floor, the smell of sweat and fear filling his nostrils. He could taste the blood in his mouth, and the sound of the men's laughter echoed in his ears.

He tried to crawl away, but they dragged him back, their grip strong. The leader held him by the neck, his voice cold and warning. "Now listen to me, if by the end of the week, you haven't brought my money to my feet, you won't live to see the next week."

They laughed as they hit him one last time, leaving him half-lifeless on the floor.

Marcus's body raced with humiliation, hurt, and anger. He needed to get the money and fast, He crawled, reaching for his phone on the desk, his mind racing with revenge. "I changed my mind," he struggled to speak. "Put the plan in motion to kidnap the kids now.

He staggered as he tried to stand up “Let's see if the Sinclairs really care about their little twin."