THE UNCOVERED MYSTERY

CHAPTER 3

After a swift bath, I changed into casual attire: black jeans and a blue shirt. I aimed for understated elegance, but the jeans still highlighted my figure. I packed my long hair in a ponytail and applied a hint of perfume from the dressing table.

"You ready?" She came right back on time just like she assured.

"Yeah," I replied.

She led the way and I followed.

"You look beautiful, by the way. And nice hair and curves you got right there." She adored me as we walked through the passageway leading to a large front room.

Shocked by her words, it's rare for a lady to appreciate and compliment a woman's beauty like that.

"Thank you," I said, in a soothing tone.

"You're welcome"

She led me outside the building. I must say, this penthouse is beautiful with superior qualities. Just like that of my fathers.

Dave must be very rich. I find myself wondering how he amassed such wealth at his relatively young age. Did he inherit it, just as I inherited my family's wealth?" He's got another thing coming if he thinks I'm some vulnerable girl he can bully. His wealth may have given him a sense of entitlement, but I'm not intimidated. I'll fight back with every tool at my disposal. He's not the only one with wealth. He'll regret the day he ever laid eyes on me.

I'm awestruck by the compound's grandeur, which was lost on me during my blindfolded arrival at night. The fountain, adorned with an eagle sculpture, is a breathtaking focal point.

She strolled along a winding path that led to a breathtaking garden, meticulously landscaped with vibrant flowers arranged in elegant beds. Others bloomed freely, swaying gently in the breeze. As someone who adores gardens, I was captivated by this stunning oasis – the most beautiful I'd ever laid eyes on.

Looking forward is a round table with all kinds of food, more like a feast going on. With the sweet scent coming from the flowers now combined with the aromas from the food, feels like heaven on earth. I won't waste time doing justice to the food cause I've been starving, and the sweet aroma ain't helping either.

"You may sit." She offered me a sit and left.

Was all this made just for me? I can't help but imagine. Just as I was about to eat, behold, the monster is here. I refer to him as a monster cause of the evil aura I feel around him, like one who could take a life out of someone and as well capable of lots of evil, just like I see in the movies. Still, he's the most handsome man I've ever seen. Why is this uniqueness yet evil. He hasn't tried to hurt or physically abuse me but I still don't feel safe around him.

Looking at the man walking towards me, from the strings of hair that fell off his handsome face to the sky blue shirt, which is buttoned halfway down, leaving his bare chest that's like a perfectly sculpted statue with nicely groomed hair on it. Down, is a white short revealing his long hairy legs, and a pair of white sneakers. So captivating that every woman will desperately want to have him.

Oh heavens, how can a man be so perfectly made? Hold on...I'm really having breakfast with him!

As he approached the table, a warm smile crept across his face, putting me at ease. But when our eyes met, I felt a flutter in my chest. My nerves were on edge, but surprisingly, the fear that had gripped me previously was absent. Perhaps it was the way he seemed more relaxed, or maybe it was my own resolve to face whatever came next. Whatever the reason, I steeled myself for the encounter, unsure of what to expect.

"Good morning sunshine, sorry I'm late," he greeted, still maintaining the smile.

Sunshine? Did he just apologize to me? What game is he trying to play?

"Good morning" I replied coldly.

"Why sound so cold? Missed me already?" he smirked.

Yeah, right; how can I forget so soon how annoying he can be? I ignored him and started eating, while he smiled at me and joined.

"I need to make a call," I said, breaking the silence "I have people who will be worried sick about me. At least let them know I'm okay" I said, not certain of the last statement. But I would die defending myself.

"Alright, but after the meal" he assured.

"Thanks" I simply said.

He popped one of the wines on the table and poured it into the wineglass that he offered to me. Is he genuinely a gentleman? I aim to find out.

He poured another for himself.

"Let's make a toast," he requested, lifting his wineglass.

"To what? Successful kidnap? Now with a nice treat ugh?" I teased.

On hearing that, he brought his hand down and continued eating without even a glance up. It was a subtle yet potent reminder that he wasn't the only one who knew how to get under someone's skin. I felt a thrill of satisfaction and couldn't help but smile to myself.

He stood up and lent me his phone, moving away from the table.

"Make it quick" he ordered

I think I've made him angry, again. I took the phone and dialed Jane's number, thankful that it was one I knew by heart.

"Hello, Aunty," I softly screamed as I sprang up.

"Meena? Meena!" She shouts happily and starts subbing, "Where are you? What happened? Are you okay? my Meena!"

The sound of her voice melted my heart, stirring up a storm of emotions that brought tears to my eyes before I even realized it.

After losing her husband and her only child in a tragic car accident, Jane's world was turned upside down. I can only imagine the depth of her pain. Now that she's taken me under her wing, I sense her deep-seated fear of losing someone she loves again. Remarkably, she's been a maternal figure to me even when my own mother was still alive. Now, with the support of Uncle Gabriel, I've made it my mission to care for her and ensure she wants nothing.

"Aunty, calm down, okay? I'm okay, sorry I made you worry"

"Your friends Mandy, Jeb, and Rose traveled all the way at night, to inform me you were nowhere to be found, and your belongings were left behind. We've been searching everywhere for you, can you tell me what's going on? Is everything okay?" She said still subbing.

"Aunty, I've told you I'm fine. I will explain to you what happened later, but till then, please stop worrying. I love you, aunty"

"Okay, I love you too. Please be careful and stay safe"

"I sure will. Tell my friends I said hi. Bye Aunty"

"Bye Meena"

The sadness in her voice got me emotional. I could only imagine the distress she must have gone through cause of me.

I returned the phone to Dave, who had been standing there inspecting the call.

"Thanks," I said.

"You're welcome," he replied with a soft tone.

"Can I just know the reason why you abducted me? I don't even know what to call it anymore, Abduction.. house arrest or..." I went mute as I tried to find my words.

Seeing the sadness in his face, I'm convinced it was triggered by our emotional conversation. Perhaps he was deeply affected by the tears of the two women on the call. If he's bothered then he should let me go.

"Why am I here? Who are you? Why are you doing all this? At least I deserve an answer. I deserve to know what's happening." I uttered -tears streamed down my face as I struggled to contain my emotions. At first, I had been driven by a fierce determination to confront him and escape the confines of the locked room. But now, something within me had shifted. The fight had drained out of me, replaced by a desperate longing for answers. Confusion swirled in my mind, and I yearned for clarity.

"Have a seat" he instructed.

I sat down, while he sat across from me, in the exact spot where he'd been during our meal.

"I apologize for keeping you here against your will," he said in a sincere tone, indicating that he's ready to talk.