CHAPTER 4
611 Words
Henry Smith strode into the room moments after Liam’s call.
Dressed in an impeccably tailored navy suit that highlighted his broad shoulders and slim build, he exuded wealth and power.
His gold wristwatch gleamed under the dim light, and his perfectly groomed hair complemented his sharp, chiseled features.
Despite his undeniable handsomeness, Cathy felt no attraction to him.
Tara, on the other hand, was utterly captivated.
Her face lit up with a broad smile, and she nearly bent over in reverence.
“Oh, Mr. Smith, please have a seat,” she said eagerly, gesturing toward the best chair in the room.
Kevin greeted him with a respectful bow, murmuring a polite, “Good evening, sir.”
Tara gushed, “Mr Smith, you’re everything Cathy has ever dreamed of. She talks about you constantly. She must be so overwhelmed with excitement that she can’t even speak right now!”
Tara was so caught up in her theatrics that she nearly dashed to the kitchen to fetch refreshments.
“I’ll get you something to eat,” she offered.
Henry raised a hand to stop her.
“Please, there’s no need. I’m here to talk, not to eat.”
Cathy's expression remained cold and distant as she stood, questioning her mother's desperation.
Sure, she wanted to escape poverty too, but not like this.
Marrying a criminal!
Unable to tolerate the situation any longer, Cathy rose from her seat to leave.
“Where are you going?” Tara demanded sharply upon sighting Cathy.
"Anywhere! I told you I’m not interested in any affair with Henry Smith!”
Tara’s eyes widened in shock.
“What are you saying? You can’t just—”
Cathy interrupted, speaking boldly and with conviction.
“If you know what’s best, Mother, you’ll send Henry away. I will never marry him.”
With that, Cathy walked out of the house, not waiting for a response.
Tara was left standing there, stunned and furious.
She turned to Henry and Liam, her face flushed with embarrassment.
“I’m so sorry for her behavior,” Tara apologized, her voice trembling.
“She’s been going through a tough time lately, and it’s affected her. I promise this is temporary. Give her some time, and she’ll come around.”
Henry, his face impassive, gave a slight nod and stood.
Without a word, he left the house, Liam following closely behind.
---
The following evening, Cathy was heading home after a grueling day at work.
Her feet ached, and all she wanted was a quiet dinner and a warm bed.
As she approached her family’s house, she noticed a black Jeep parked nearby.
She thought nothing of it until, suddenly, three men stepped out and blocked her path.
Before Cathy could react, one of them grabbed her, covering her mouth with a cloth that smelled strongly of chemicals.
Darkness quickly enveloped her as she was bundled into the waiting vehicle.
When Cathy came to herself, she was in the back seat of the Jeep.
Her hands and feet were tied, and the thugs sat on either side of her, ensuring she couldn’t escape.
Cathy frantically glanced sideways, desperate to make sense of her situation.
But it was futile—the men’s faces were hidden behind dark masks, their cold, hostile demeanor sending shivers down her spine.
Their silence only amplified her fear as she wondered who they were and who had sent them.
Most importantly, where were they taking her?
Before she could gather her thoughts, the driver revved the engine, and the black jeep sped off down the rough, uneven road, its tires kicking up clouds of dust as it disappeared into the fading evening light.
- Writer
