Chapter 10
1134 Words
Jade tossed around on the bed in awkward positions.
One of her legs was sticking out from under the duvet while her hair was a mess on the pillow.
She mumbled something and finally sat up. The brightness coming through the French windows almost blinded her.
Of course!
That was why she was uncomfortable.
Her eyes finally rested on the mannequin standing in the middle of her room.
She climbed out of bed to admire the dress on it.
"Wow."
She couldn't deny the fact that it was a very pretty dress, and an expensive one too.
She definitely knew expensive when she saw it. Besides, she was in Xavier's house, and he didn't like to hide his wealth.
It was a black dress embroidered with black precious stones and pearls.
What caught her attention was the veil.
Jade had to move around it to get a better look.
That was when she realized how long it was, and her jaw dropped.
"Holy s**t!"
She stared at it, trying to deny what her brain was telling her.
"Yes, that's your wedding dress," Xavier said, making her jump.
She turned to see him seated by her vanity.
Jade held her chest and looked around as though she didn't know where she was.
"How long have you been sitting there?" she asked with amusement laced with irritation.
How hadn't she seen him when she woke up?
"I watched you sleep," he simply said.
"Please don't do that again."
She turned to look at the dress.
"Wait, what?" She turned back to him. "What did you mean by my wedding dress?"
She never intended to get married, but even if she ever did, it would be in a white dress.
A fairytale wedding was all she had ever dreamed of.
"I'm not wearing black to my wedding..."
She stopped herself immediately.
Her wedding?
This was no wedding.
This was kidnapping.
How had she accepted that so easily? And said it without a second thought?
"You have no say. You're wearing it. That's that."
He walked out.
Hell no.
She searched for her phone and sent a quick message.
Jade took a quick shower and headed for the mall again.
No way was she marrying that beast.
"Jay!" Lily screamed when she saw her friend impatiently waiting in the restroom.
She was a tall blonde with full lips and a well-defined figure.
"Lily!"
Jade quickly hugged her.
"Are you okay? What happened? Your daddy said you went to South Africa. How come you're here? What happened? Everyone's worried about you. Tell me what—"
"The less I tell you, the better it'll be for both of us. He lied. I was never in South Africa. He... he... he married me off to some rich maniac to settle his debt," Jade said sadly.
Lily gasped.
"Oh, you poor thing. How could he do that to you!? You know what? We're getting out of here. Come."
Jade remained rooted to the floor.
"Wait, no, I can't." Jade shook her head. "I don't want to get you into any trouble."
"Trouble? Have you forgotten who I am, Jay?" Lily looked confused. "Are you scared?"
Her face filled with concern as she studied Jade.
"Just..."
"Oh my gosh, Jay."
Lily covered her mouth with her palm.
"Is he a drug dealer? Does he hit you?"
"Oh, stop it, Lily!" Jade sighed. "Just stick to the plan."
"But—"
"But nothing!" Jade stomped her foot. "They are very dangerous people. Please just trust me, okay? No more questions."
"Fine! It's because I trust you." Lily hugged her. "Everything you need is in the car. Oh, may heaven be with you. What about Aaron? He misses you a lot. He even went to South Africa looking for you."
"I'll explain everything when I see him. I don't even want to think about him right now," Jade said sadly. "Where are they?"
"Here."
Jade patiently waited for Lily to bring out the disguises, and in no time, Jade was wearing a blonde wig that looked exactly like her friend's hair.
They exchanged clothes and both put on shades.
"Wow, we should do this more often," Lily admired herself in the mirror. "You look like a better Lily."
"And you couldn't play Jade any better."
Jade tightly hugged her friend again.
"Stay in touch, please," Lily said sadly. "And call me if you need absolutely anything."
"I'll try. Now go."
Jade watched her friend walk out.
The moment Lily stepped outside, she picked up speed, immediately drawing the attention of Jade's security detail.
"Come on, boys!" Lily laughed, enjoying every second of it.
They wouldn't be able to catch her even if they tried.
She was an athlete, with three records and medals to prove it.
Jade, on the other hand, quickly exited the restroom and headed for the parking lot.
"Where the hell are the keys?"
She searched through her purse but suddenly stopped.
She slowly looked around.
Something seemed off.
And once again, she felt eyes on her.
No, concentrate, Jade.
She found the keys and attempted to unlock the car but suddenly felt a sharp yet controlled blow to the back of her neck.
Jade fell to the ground, feeling dizzy.
She looked up only to see a blurry figure she couldn't make out.
Then she passed out.
With a slight frown on her face, Jade struggled to sit up.
When she finally opened her eyes, they slowly scanned the room.
Xavier was sitting right beside her on the bed.
How did she get back here?
A flash of pain forced her back onto the pillow.
"Stop moving."
His voice was calm.
He didn't look angry or upset.
"What happened?"
"You were found unconscious in the parking lot." He gently caressed her cheek. "How are you feeling?"
Jade stared at him with confusion and a hint of suspicion.
How had her plan failed?
Where had she gone wrong?
And who the hell knocked her out?
These were questions she couldn't answer.
But the man sitting right in front of her could.
"I... I'm fine."
She was furious.
Xavier simply stood and headed for the door.
"Xavier."
She called his name, making him stop.
He waited for her to continue.
"I feel like someone is always watching me. Is that a good thing?"
She didn't want to ask the question, but it had to be asked.
"How do you mean?"
"Like someone is following me, keeping an eye on me. It's... creepy and kind of scary," she admitted.
"Don't worry. No harm will come to you."
That was all he said before leaving.
Jade sighed and finally sat up, searching for her phone.
Carefully looking around, she knew she couldn't risk speaking on the phone as she began typing out a message.
- Writer
