Chapter 49
Two months have passed since my house was reduced to ashes.
For weeks, nothing happened. No threats. No attacks. Just eerie silence.
I started to believe the bastard had given up.
Chief Daniel warned me not to let my guard down. "People like this don’t quit," he said. "They wait. They plan. They strike when you least expect it."
I understood his logic, but hope crept in anyway. When danger fades, so does vigilance.
These past months? The best of my life.
Not as perfect as my moments with Liam, but close.
Because of Daniel.
Every second with him revealed something new about myself.
I love his presence. If I’m honest? I’ve fallen for him.
He’s everything Ethan Blackwood never was—kind, attentive, passionate. And the way he looks at me? It makes my heart race.
I could build a future with him. If he wants me.
Some might say it’s too soon.
But nine years wasted on a man who despised me? I’m seizing happiness now. No regrets.
My phone rings, shattering the daydream.
"Where the hell are you?" Amelia’s voice screeches through the speaker.
Our weekly meetup. I’m late. Blame Daniel and his talented mouth.
"Relax. Just parking," I say, rolling my eyes.
Amelia hates tardiness—ironic, since she’s late 80% of the time.
"Fine!" She huffs and hangs up.
Inside the club’s VIP section, I spot her instantly.
Tonight’s different. No quiet dinners. She wanted to unwind, and I agreed.
My clubbing experience? Zero. My drinking history? Twice.
Once with Ethan Blackwood. Once with Daniel.
Funny how alcohol played a role in both.
"Finally," Amelia drawls as I slide into the booth.
"Got distracted," I smirk.
She grins, understanding without details.
"Cheers to that!" She downs her drink, already tipsy.
The bartender brings my cocktail. One sip, and my eyes widen.
"Told you," she smirks.
"Damn right," I admit. Sweet, not bitter—just how I like it.
"How’s life?" I ask.
"Chaotic," she sighs. "Need extra limbs and a new brain."
I laugh. "Can’t help with that."
"Heard from Ethan?"
Silence.
Since their fight, he’s ghosted me—even about Liam. Calls ignored. Texts answered by his lawyer.
I should be relieved. I asked for this.
But it feels... wrong.
"He’s respecting my wishes," I mutter.
"Doubt it," Amelia murmurs, gaze distant.
"You know something?"
"Just a hunch."
I shake it off. "Tonight’s for fun. No drama."
"Agreed." She checks her phone. "Bathroom break. Back soon."
She vanishes before I can respond.
Five minutes pass. Then ten.
Panic sets in.
The bathroom’s empty.
"Did you see my friend?" I ask the bartender.
"She left through the back," he says.
Why? Her purse and phone are still here.
I rush outside, scanning the alley.
A sharp pain explodes at the back of my skull.
Darkness.
Consciousness returns in fragments.
Blurry vision. Throbbing head.
Then, the horror sinks in.
My wrists are bound. Chains suspend me from the ceiling.
"Struggling’s pointless," a gruff voice says.
A man steps into view—late 30s, thinning blonde hair, cold amber eyes.
"Who are you?" My voice trembles.
"Irrelevant. You know why you’re here."
My blood runs cold.
"Please," I beg. "I have a son."
Tears fall at the thought of leaving Liam.
"Sorry, sweetheart. Big payout for your head."
"I’ll pay more!"
"Not about money," he sneers. "I finish what I start."
His knife grazes my cheek.
"Pretty. But not worth my reputation."
The warehouse door creaks open.
Hope flares—until his voice shatters it.
"Boss. Mission accomplished."
Betrayal crushes me.
The last person I’d ever suspect.
How didn’t I see this coming?