**Henry’s POV**
I called Kylie’s number again.
*“The number you have dialed is unattended, please try your call later.”*
“Tch, damn it! Why does this have to happen to her? Kylie, I’m really worried about you. I hope you’re safe.”
“Never mind, I’ll just call the police and ask for their help. But first, I’ll call Jake—maybe he can help me find where Kylie is.”
*Ringing…*
**Jake:** “Hello?”
**Henry:** “Hello, Jake, it’s me, Henry.”
**Jake:** “Oh bro, what’s up? Why are you calling?”
**Henry:** “Something bad happened—Kylie got kidnapped.”
**Jake:** “What?! She got kidn*pped?”
**Henry:** “Yeah, I don’t know the details either.”
**Jake:** “What do you need me to do?”
**Henry:** “I want you to hack their GPS so we can track them ASAP. I’ll call the cops meanwhile.”
**Jake:** “Got it, bro. I’ll try.”
**Henry:** “Thanks, man.” *[hangs up]*
---
**At the police station**
**Henry:** “Hello, sir, I need to report something.”
**Officer:** “What is it, sir?”
**Henry:** “My girlfriend’s been kidnapped.”
**Officer:** “What’s her name?” *[takes out pen and paper]*
**Henry:** “Kylie Dantre.”
**Officer:** “Do you know who kidn*pped her?”
**Henry:** “No.”
**Officer:** “Do you know where they took her?”
“Damn it! What are you, reporters? You keep asking questions instead of doing something!” I snapped.
**Officer:** “Sir, please calm down.”
“How can I calm down when my girlfriend’s life is in danger?!”
**Officer:** “We understand, sir. That’s why we’re asking you questions—to get some clues. We don’t know where to start searching otherwise.”
“Sh*t… even if it’s the ends of the earth, I’ll find her!” I growled.
**Officer:** “Sir, maybe you should cool down for a bit.”
“Tch, unbelievable…”
*Phone ringing*
**Henry:** “Hello? Who’s this?”
**Jake:** “Henry, it’s Jake.”
**Henry:** “What’s the update?”
**Jake:** “I know where she is.”
**Henry:** “Where?!”
**Jake:** “At an abandoned factory near Fendi Pastry. Nobody lives there anymore. It’s in a deserted area.”
**Henry:** “Got it. I’m heading there right now.”
**Jake:** “Wait, did you tell the police?”
**Henry:** “No need.”
**Jake:** “H-huh? Don’t tell me you’re going alone?”
**Henry:** “Yeah, I can handle this myself.”
**Jake:** “Henry, let me come with you.”
**Henry:** “No, Jake. Thanks, but this is something I have to do.”
**Jake:** “But what if—”
**Henry:** “Don’t you trust me? I’ve done this before.”
**Jake:** “Are you really sure about this?”
**Henry:** “Yes. And I promise, if they hurt Kylie, none of them will leave alive.”
**Jake:** “…Henry—”
**Henry:** “I’m going. Take care, Jake. And thanks for everything.”
**Jake:** “Always, bro. You know I got your back.”
---
I floored the gas and drove fast until I finally reached the destination.
“This really does look abandoned.”
I was about to enter when I saw two guards posted at the door.
“Tch, great…”
I thought hard—charging in recklessly would only put Kylie in more danger.
Then I spotted a wooden plank nearby. Without hesitation, I grabbed it. Moving silently, I approached while they were distracted playing mahjong. I smacked them hard and dragged them out of the way.
“Tch, useless bastards,” I muttered angrily, even though they were already unconscious.
I kept walking cautiously. But of course, just my luck—
A gun pressed against the side of my head.
“Hands up,” the man ordered.
I complied.
“Move,” he barked.
“Tch, bossy much?” I muttered under my breath, shaking my head. He seemed to hear me.
“You say something?”
“Nope.”
“Then hurry up!” he shouted.
We stopped. My eyes widened—I saw Kylie. She was tied to a chair, her clothes dirty, but there was no mistaking her.
She looked like she was asleep.
(So I was right—following this guy led me straight to her.)
“Any last words you wanna say?” I asked him, smirking.
“What last words are you babbling about? Are you—”
Before he could finish, I elbowed him in the gut. He nearly dropped his gun. I tried to snatch it away, but he tightened his grip. We struggled, both pulling at the weapon, until—
*BANG!*
---
**Someone’s POV**
We heard a gunshot echo, startling us.
“Tch! He’s here. Get ready—he’s already inside!”
My men rushed out, dragging him bound.
---
**Henry’s POV**
“Damn it, there’s too many of them…” I gritted my teeth.
The gunshot woke Kylie. She gasped when she saw me.
“Henry?! What are you doing here?” Her eyes welled up with tears.
“To save you, of course.”
(Obviously. Why else would I be here?)
“B-but—”
She didn’t finish because more people arrived. And then I saw her…
A masked woman, followed closely by several men. Clearly, she was the mastermind.
“Well, well, well… look who’s here. The lovebirds, reunited. How sweet,” the masked woman taunted.
Kylie frowned deeply.
“Since this might be your *last* time together, I’ll let you enjoy it,” she sneered.
“What do you mean, *last*?” Kylie asked, face blank. (I’d never seen her look like that before.)
“Oh right, you don’t know me yet,” the woman mocked.
“Who are you?” I thought to myself.
“I’m just someone who’s been desperate for your boyfriend,” she snapped at Kylie.
(Are you kidding me? Even here? Damn, am I really that good-looking? But seriously—who the hell is this woman?!)
“Who are you?!” I demanded. “If it’s me you want, leave Kylie out of this!”
Kylie nudged me sharply—we were tied close enough for her to reach me.
“Like I said, this is your last moment together, so I’ll let you have it,” the woman continued. Slowly, she removed her mask.
My eyes widened.
“I knew it! Jevelyn…” Kylie gasped.
Even I was shocked. But Jevelyn’s expression stayed cold.
“Why? Since when?” I demanded.
“Well, first year of high school I was the one leaving sweet treats in your locker every day,” she admitted.
“What?! That was you? The secret admirer who always left me snacks and letters? But why? Why are you doing this?”
“Hm, now you know.”
“But if you liked him back then, why did you *help* us become a couple?” Kylie asked, confused.
“I have many reasons,” Jevelyn said coldly.
“First, I didn’t want you to know yet. I wanted to surprise you—finally, I’d found someone who made my heart race.”
“Second, a few days later, I found out you were already courting her.”
“Third, I could clearly see the spark between you two. Helping you was part of my plan.”
“Fourth, because I knew there was nothing I could do. You two really loved each other.”
“And fifth…” her voice cracked with anger, “…because you took *everything* from me!” She pointed at Kylie furiously.
The hatred in her eyes made my blood boil. If she so much as touched Kylie, she’d see the real me—the side I’d been holding back.
“Jevelyn, what happened to you? You’re not my Jevelyn anymore! Where is she? What have you done to my best friend?!” Kylie cried, tears streaming.
“Cheh! Stop acting. This isn’t the Jevelyn you knew—she’s never coming back! Hahaha!” she cackled, a madwoman’s laugh.
“Now Henry’s mine!” She grabbed my chin, making Kylie flinch.
“What should I do with your boyfriend, hmm? Maybe… a wedding! I’ll be the bride, Henry’s the groom, and Kylie—you can be the bridesmaid.”
“Tsk, a game? With a real priest? We’re not as stupid as you,” I snapped.
But then a priest appeared—dragged out from hiding. Jevelyn must have signaled for him earlier.
“Don’t worry, baby Henry. This’ll be easy, hahaha!” she giggled insanely.
“And if I refuse?” I challenged.
“Then your girlfriend dies,” she hissed.
I glanced at Kylie. She was crying again—crying because of me. I’d promised I’d never make her cry, never let her get hurt. But I’d already broken that vow. I’m sorry, Kylie…
“Fine. I’ll do it. Just don’t hurt her.”
“Aww, how sweet! That’s what I like about you, Henry. You’re her hero!” she clapped, ecstatic.
“Father, come here! The groom and bride are ready!” she giggled.
The priest walked nervously, a gun aimed at him.
“Y-yes, ma’am…” he stuttered.
“Don’t be shy, Father, start the ceremony!” Jevelyn said gleefully.
But before he could speak, the door burst open. Bright sunlight flooded in, blinding us.
And then a firm voice declared:
“Ms. Jevelyn, you are under arrest for k********g. Anything you want to say, you can say at the station.”
Wait a second—I know that voice…