Chapter 5: Choice
My crutch got kicked away. Then a blindfold was slammed over my eyes, and my mouth was covered tightly. My left ear was still ringing from that earlier hit.”
Through the muffled haze, I tried to speak. “How much did Russell pay you? I’ll give you ten times more. Please, just let me go!“%
But no answer came.
I clenched my teeth. I knew Russell’s bodyguards weren’t just hired muscle. These guys were black market thugs, the kind who didn’t flinch. They only answered to Russell.
What was I supposed to do? Just sit there and let them ruin my hands?”
Not a chance.
Then I remembered. My phone was still in my pocket. Carefully, barely breathing, I reached for it. My whole body was soaked in sweat. Fingers shaking. I moved slowly, praying not to get caught.”
Just as I was about to tap the emergency feature, one of the bodyguards snatched it away.”
That was it. My last shot, gone.
At least I managed to trigger the emergency location. That beacon went straight to Jacob.
He wouldn’t ignore it. He wouldn’t.”
I didn’t know where they took me, but eventually, the bodyguards hauled me into a cold, dark place and ripped the blindfold from my eyes.!
They tied me up, treating me like a criminal.
Mooked around. The concrete floor was stained with blood. Some of it was still fresh.
I bit down hard on my lip. Russell was knee–deep in some serious darkness. Maybe worse than I’d thought.
They wordlessly placed my fingers, one by one, into some kind of torture device. Not a single one tried to negotiate or reason.
I shut my eyes. All I could do was pray that Jacob would get here in time.}
Then…a crash. Loud and sharp.§
Thuds followed, heavy bodies hitting the ground.
My eyes flew open.”
Jacob King stormed in, his whole body radiating fury. I had never seen anything like it. His punches were fast, brutal. He didn’t hold back. One by one, the guards went down.&
After dealing with the last one, he quietly untied me.
I threw my arms around him, shaking. “Thank you! Thank you so much!“}
If it weren’t for him, I’d be in hell right now.”
I didn’t even notice his body stiffen slightly before he murmured a low, “Mm.“>
I let go, took a deep breath, and grabbed my phone from the pile of knocked–out guards. I snapped photos of everything
tools, the blood. Evidence. Russell wasn’t walking away from this.}
I glanced at Jacob. His face was hard to read, flickering between light and shadow.
“Let’s go,” I said.
“Where to?” he asked, his voice hoarse.2
I smiled. “The police.”
At the station, I showed the photos and told them everything: the abduction, the threats, the setup.”
–
the room, the
The officers took matters seriously. They said they’d open a full investigation and start cracking down on black market operations.!! As for bringing down the Fraizer Group, that was Jacob’s job now.!!
I walked out of that building feeling something I hadn’t felt in a long time.”
Satisfied
Jacob was leaning against a pillar outside, his black coat hanging from one arm. He looked solid, unshaken. Those broad shoulders, those arms–no wonder he’d taken those guards down like it was nothing.
I averted my eyes and stretched my limbs. “I’m heading back for a bit. Can you help book me a flight to London?”
He paused. “What’s the trip for?
I looked over my shoulder and smiled. “Sir Andrei is looking for an apprentice to carry on his legacy. I applied. He’s not just a fashion designer. The art world respects him. I want to keep learning.”8
He didn’t respond right away. I
I glanced at him cunously “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” he said hoarsely. But I noticed the light set of his jaw “Til book you a flight for tomorrow. Is that okay?“%
“Thank you” I said softly. He’d already done too much for me
One day, I was going to repay him property.#
Walking back into that villa didn’t feel the same. The first time I stepped foot in here, I was holding onto the dream of a happy marriage.
2/2
9:05 AM
Russell and I, building a life.}
Now, just one year later, this was where we’d ended up.
As I stepped into the hall, my face was blank.
+
Russell was on the couch, one arm wrapped around Claudia’s waist. She spotted me and jumped a little, like a startled bird. But her eyes told the real story–smug and gleaming.”
Russell glanced at me, full of disgust, then pulled Claudia closer like she needed protection from me.”
“Russell, this isn’t appropriate,” Claudia whispered, all shy and fake, sneaking looks at me like she was winning.
Then Russell glanced at me and said in a cold tone, “If it weren’t for Claudia begging me, do you think you’d be out so easily?“}
I raised an eyebrow and looked at Claudia. She was playing the mercy card to make herself look noble. Russell still hadn’t realized that they hadn’t let me go. I escaped.
Anger stirred in my chest, hot and low. Russell must’ve felt it, because his tone shifted, like he was trying to calm me.”
“Alright, you know your mistake now. Stop bullying Claudia. She’s your sister. We’re husband and wife. Treat her right and there won’t be any more problems.“>
‘Sister? laughed under my breath. ‘What kind of sister steals your husband and tries to kill you?‘
If I hadn’t made it, Claudia would probably be standing by my casket, crying fake tears while kissing Russell on the side.
I took a deep breath. I was done playing nice. It was time to end it.
The divorce papers were in my bag.
“Russell, there’s something I need to talk to you about,” I said, serious.
He caught the tone and turned to Claudia. “Go wait for me in the study.”
She pouted but complied, leaving the two of us in the living room.
I thought back to the day I married him. Just us two, him looking in my eyes, telling me he’d take care of me. Love me. What a joke!
lled
I steadied myself and reached into my bag. I pulled the divorce papers halfway out.
But before I could speak, a scream rang out from upstairs.
Loud. Piercing.
“Russell, help me!“}
