Chapter 24%
My head throbbed as my vision adjusted. The dim light filtering through the tinted windows felt too bright, my body heavy and sluggish.
Something was wrong!
The second I became fully aware, I realized my head was resting against the shoulder of someone I knew too well
I jerked upright, my entire body going stiff with panic. My first instinct was to run, but before I could even reach for the door, Leo’s grip tightened around my wrist, yanking me back against him.
“Calm down, Lucy,” he murmured soothingly, as if I was some frightened animal, “You’re safe with me.”
His fingers threaded through my hair, stroking it in a way that once would have melted me
But that time, it made my skin crawl!
My instincts screamed at me that this entire situation was him from the very beginning
I forced myself to breathe, since losing control wouldn’t help me.
I turned my gaze to the window, my heart sinking as I took in the passing scenery.
We were on the highway and ahead was the airport
I swallowed hard, forcing my voice to stay steady. “Leo. Sara’s been harassing me, asking me where you are.” I feigned curiosity, my fingers curling into my palms to stop them from shaking. “So, where have you been all this time?”
Leo’s fingers did not stop stroking my hair.
“Are you worried about me, Lucy?” His voice was soft, but there was something off about it. “You don’t have to pretend. I know the Truth.”
I kept my head down, pretending not to see the dark look reflected in the car window
“You were forced to marry Ryan, weren’t you?” Lea whispered. “It’s okay now, I’m here to save you.”
A cold shiver ran down my spine.!!
His love had rotted. It had turned into obsession and I was trapped in it.!!
My pulse pounded in my ears, but I could not afford to let him see my fear. I had to stay calm.5
The more I resisted, the more he would spiral. So, I forced my voice to sound curious: “Where are we going. Leo?”
“Home,” he said simply. “Didn’t I promise you? We’d get married abroad, just the two of us. far away from everyone’s expectations.“1
As I listened to his answer, I scanned my body, no phone, no bag, even my smartwatch was gone.!!
He planned everything, so I clenched my fists beneath the fabric of my dress.
“Leo,” I murmured, tilting my head slightly as if considering his words. “You do know I’m engaged, right?”
“Don’t worry, Lucy” His voice was eenly calm. “That doesn’t matter. I know the truth.”
I turned my head slightly, trying to read his expression without meeting his eyes directlyX
“You were forced into it,” he said smoothly. “Just like me and Sara Childhood friends, family expectations. I understand what that’s like. So, don’t worry. We’ll escape it all Together
My stomach twisted. He really believed this.
“But you don’t have my passport,” I pointed out. “I haven’t even taken care of my visa. We can’t leave, Leo,”
Leo chuckled, his fingers tracing circles on my wrist.
“Lucy, you know how capable I am, don’t you?” he murmured. “Even without my family’s support, I’m still
I’m still Leo. I can handle everything. I’ll give you a good life.
The car slowed as we approached the private jet terminal. Leo released his grip on me for the first time
Relief barely settled in my chest before I felt the cool press of fabric against my skin. A rope.?
He was tying me up…
“Lucy,” Leo sighed, watching me with something almost like regret. “I don’t want to do this. But I can’t let you leave me again. Please Understand I
I stared at him, trying to keep my expression neutral.
I knew him too well. He was saying this like I had a choice. Like my understanding would change the fact that he was kidnapping
me
I clenched my
teeth, my breathing shallow
Just then, the passenger door opened. A pair of heels clicked against the pavement. And then, Sara slid gracefully into the front seat, tossing her golden hair over her shoulder!!
“Hi, Lucy Surprised to see me in front of you right now?” she taunted, tilting her head.
I ignored her, shifting my gaze to Leo, who stood by the car, scanning the area.
Leo said coldly. “Watch her I take care of our flight?
Sara immediately perked up. “Okay, honey,” she cooed sweetly.
But the moment Leo disappeared into the airport terminal, her entire expression shifted. The fake sweetness evaporated, replaced by
She shook her head, as if I had personally offended her. “It’s really beyond my understanding.”
I lifted my gaze and met hers head–on
“I could say the same about you, Sara,” I shot back, my voice razor–sharp. “You still haven’t leamed your lesson, have you?”
Her smirk faltered as I pressed further.
“Leo ran away on your wedding day, remember? Your pathetic crying face was all over the internet.”
Sara’s eyes blazed. “How dare you!”
“No, really. I cut her off, tilting my head in mock curiosity. “You still believe Leo wants you?“%
“Of course! Leo didn’t leave me,” she snapped. “He wanted to marry me in Portugal, not in the US. That’s why you have to come with us–to witness our wedding. Understand?”
I let out a small, mocking laugh.
“Oh, really?” I drawled. “Because he told me that he was taking me to Portugal to marry me instead. So, which one of us do you think he’s lying to?“!!
Sara’s expression froze. For a split second, I saw a flicker of uncertainty.
“No way” she muttered. “He must have been lying to you, just to get you to come with him.”
“Then why did he have to tie me up?” I raised my bound hands slightly. “If I agreed, why would he need to force me?”
Sara stiffened 3
“Let me give you a clue, since you’re so slow, Sara.” I smirked. “It’s because Leo doesn’t want you. He just wants me.” Sara snapped.X
“No way!” she shrieked, her voice shrill with denial. “After Ryan kicked him out, I was the one he called first. He spent time with me and will raise this child with me.”
I sighed, feigning pity.
“Sara,” I said softly, “You really believe that? Just think about it, in the past, I gave him to you. But he left you and came looking for me instead
Sara’s pupils trembled.”
The seed of doubt had been planted, so I pressed forward. “Look, I spent could go back, I would have left him sooner
three yea
years drowning in Leo’s lies and broken
promises. If i
“So as a fellow woman,” I continued, lowering my voice, I’m warning you, Sara–before it’s too late–don’t fall for his act. Don’t let yourself be the woman he abandons next?
Sara shook her head violently, covering her ears.
“Shut up, bitch!” she snapped. “Don’t try to manipulate me.“”
I sighed.
‘Then don’t believe me!
I nodded toward the dashboard camera
“Watch the footage. See what Leo told me when you weren’t here. “Z
Sara’s breath hitched. Her fingers twitched slightly, as if fighting the urge to reach for the footage
But I had already seen the hesitation in her eyes. She was starting to question everything
And that was all I needed.
Chapter 25%
