The switch
1241 Words
Addison
Hunter stepped away from me so fast I thought he was the Flash.
“Well, is someone going to answer me?” Kiera asked as she got up from the couch.
“Girl, don't look at me, I don't owe you anything. This man over here, though,” I said, glancing at Hunter, “he can give you your answers.”
“I know what this is,” Kiera laughed. “You feel threatened. He is with a woman out of your league, and I guess this is your attempt at seduction.”
“Let me explain some things to you, because you are obviously confused.” For some reason, I didn't feel as small as I did in front of her yesterday. It must be the dress and makeup doing their work. Knowing you look good sure gives a boost of confidence. “Hunter is my husband. I do not feel threatened by you because this marriage is never going to work, and maybe deep down you know that. That's why you have come into my matrimonial home to spend the night. That's why you are trying to assert dominance, because you are the one that is threatened.”
“You do not know who you are messing with, girl,” Kiera said. “I don't fight with words.”
“Can you go now? You were leaving anyway,” Hunter said.
As I rode in the taxi to work, I couldn't help but wonder if any of this was worth it. Would getting a divorce be so bad? I would be free from a loveless marriage. I wouldn't have to deal with my overbearing in-laws. I might even get over my feelings for Hunter. I wouldn't have to see him every time, and people say, “out of sight is out of mind.” I have never considered this option, but it seems to be the best I’ve got.
“We're here, ma'am,” my taxi driver said, his taps jolting me back to the present. “I called you a few times, you were lost in thought. That's why I touched you, ma'am,” he explained.
“It's fine, Manny, we aren't strangers.”
“What were you thinking about? You were so lost in thought.”
We might not be strangers, but we are also not that close. He has been driving me around for years, but our relationship has always been professional.
“Nothing serious.”
“I learned it was your birthday and got you something. It's not much really, I just wanted to show appreciation,” he said, scratching his head nervously.
It was a chocolate cake from my favourite bakery. I squealed, unable to hide my joy.
“I love it, thank you so much, Manny.”
“That's good,” he sighed in relief.
Matthew organised a little birthday party for me, and every worker offered a gift. It was the most things I have ever received in my life. I even took some pictures, something I haven't done in a long time.
After all that was over, I felt compelled to read one of the historical records on the shelf, particularly the one Mrs. Grey read when she was here last.
I snacked on the cake I got from Manny as I flipped through the pages of the book. It was quite interesting, maybe Mrs. Grey was right after all. I closed the book and kept it in my bag, with plans to read it over the weekend.
I started to feel very sleepy and quickly called Manny to drive me back home. I can't believe the little fun I had made me this exhausted.
About an hour later, I opened my eyes and realised I was still in the car. My hands and legs were tied firmly with rope, my mouth was also sealed shut with tape. Manny was outside, receiving a call.
I tried to recollect the last few hours. I ate cake, read a book, got tired, called Manny to drive me home, I got into his car, and that was it.
“What's going on, am I being kidnapped?” I panicked.
I quickly shut my eyes after Manny ended his call, pretending to still be unconscious. Immediately, another call came through, and this time he didn't bother stepping outside.
“Look, ‘Miss I wanna marry a rich man,’ I am not a murderer. You told me to get her to the warehouse, and that's what I'm going to do.”
I racked my brain. Who could he be talking to? Who around me wants to marry a rich man and hates me enough to do this?
Kiera?
The name flashed in my mind. She did say she doesn't fight with words.
“I’ve known her for years, it would be quite uncomfortable to kill her,” he yelled at whoever was on the other end of the phone. “If you want to end her life, do it yourself. I’ll keep her at the warehouse like we agreed.”
I can't believe I was excited to get a cake this morning only for it to be drugged. “Is this how I am going to die? I know my life isn't the most valuable or exciting, but I haven't even lived it properly.”
He started the car and drove to the place I assumed my murderer would be meeting me, cursing under his breath every few seconds.
In a couple of minutes, he was there. He carried me out of the car and tied me to a pole.
“You are a kind woman. In your next life, don't get involved with the Arthurs,” he said and drove off.
“Bastard,” I cursed. “If I have a next life, I'll make you pay for this betrayal.”
I needed to figure out how to get away, quickly.
I thrashed against the pole repeatedly, to no avail.
“Think, Addison. You are going to die if you don't.”
The rope tying my legs together was no longer there, that must be what he used to tie me to the pole. I hurriedly kicked off my stilettos and dragged my bag closer with my feet. I removed a lighter from it with my toes and pushed it toward my fingers.
I immediately flicked it on. The flame burned the rope little by little, burning my flesh in the process. The pain was excruciating, but I endured it so I could be free.
As soon as the rope was completely burnt, I grabbed my bag and rushed outside, only to bump into a car. I didn't need to know who was inside, I knew why they were here.
I ran as fast as my feet could carry me, but I was no match for a car.
The farther I ran, the more tired I got, but I kept running until I got to a hilltop. There was nowhere else to go.
The car suddenly rammed into me. I guess the driver was tired of the chase. I tried to move out of the way, but he drove into me again, sending me off the cliff.
I held my bag tightly, screaming my lungs out as I plunged into the dark, cold water.
The last thing I remembered was the pendant on my neck glowing with a bright light.
Then everything went black.
- Writer
