Rabbit Hole (Romantic-Suspense)

Chapter 18: Thirteenth floor

Chapter 18: Thirteenth floor

Alice's POV

Blinking, lying down, as I felt the soft blanket's fabrics, soft and comfortable pillows. I stare blankly at the ceiling above me as the night sky's peeking through the nearby window.

"How?" I uttered, trying to regain my memories of how I got into an unfamiliar cozy room.

I must have fallen asleep somewhere, but I can't remember. Damn, it's already dark outside. How long have I slept? Where am I? I thought to myself, trying to recall my memories as comforting sheets of soft cushions enveloped me.

And just when I was about to get up, a scene before I fell asleep struck through my mind that alerted my senses abruptly.

Brusquely sitting up, panicking, I looked down at my clothes and immediately looked around the room. Seeing I was not naked, a sigh of relief slipped through me. But just as when I was about to feel relaxed, the scene in my mind continued from when Lennox was carrying me in his arms to when we were inside, stunned me.

Froze on the spot, I imagined what expressions the ladies inside the elevator had when we entered as I was drowning in my thoughts.

Suddenly, when I was about to brush it off my mind and face the situation I currently have, another memory came in rushing through—completely giving me the reason to break down on my knees—imaginatively, because of shame.

"Oh my goodness, I feel young just by watching you too."

"Ugh, where's my boyfriend—kiss! Kiss!"

"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"

"Show us a kiss!"

Remembering what kind of mischievous grins and hopeful gazes they were giving us this morning, I pinned my eyes down, palm on my face as those people's expressions lingered in my mind.

"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" until this continued to echo in my ears. I automatically thought of Lennox's triumphant grin.

Damn, that psycho—he successfully manipulated the crowd without me realizing it— wait—he couldn't have snatched a kiss on me while I was asleep—right?!

I thought, opening my eyes sharply, standing up, marching my way out of his room—I suppose, I mindlessly slammed open the room doors.

Just the mere thought of him kissing me in sleep fumes the hell out of me—

But what I saw and next dazes me. As if gracing me up with lights, the view I see now is enough to drop my jaw and calm me.

Fancy interior lights radiating, minimalist but striking accents. Woah, this suite's reputation for being one of the best—

"Whoa," I uttered in awe, admiring every detail of the walls, chandeliers, partitions—everything has. Given that the penthouse's interior planning is open, I can also see the second-floor areas.

Appreciating the vast spaces and the window curtains' view, I stood there roaming my eyes everywhere from my feet.

It's incredible how these elements have intricate details, but at the same time, it doesn't look suffocating. –I thought to myself about every nook and cranny I saw. Completely letting go of my rage, sparkles in my eyes, I decided to go down.

Getting down the stairs, I also couldn't help but notice the cable railings installed on the wooden planks steps from the ceiling.

But as I step down the stairs, a smell—so good snatches my attention. Leading my eyes to the kitchen where it's also visible from here, there I saw him.

Lennox in an apron, quietly cooking a meal on a range attached to the bar. Watching him from here, I hate to admit, but he's a gorgeous man. Too bad, he has taken a liking to someone who doesn't consider reciprocating his feelings.

Damn, how did I manage to catch his eyes? With his accomplishments, looks, and fortune, he definitely has girls lining up for him—

"Wow! To think that hottie on the thirteenth floor is going to be one of your supervisors sure makes it feel like you hit the jackpot, huh?"

Getting the chills on my spine, I stopped from going down the stairs when Mae's words echoed in my mind. Urgency rushing in, I run down the stairs, but a voice stopped me.

"You don't need to worry; I have already reported it to the police," Lennox said, smiling as he approached me until he blocks which direction I was headed in, which instinctively gave me the feeling that the door behind him was the main door—my only way to get out of here.

He called the police?! Yeah, right, but that doesn't sound good to me. If it comes down to this, I have to find Mae before the police do. I thought to myself, thinking of how the situation got more complicated. Furthermore, it's my fault for not telling Lennox not to report this— if the person I suspect is the one who's controlling Mae, everything will worsen if the police meddle.

But, now that I still haven't confirmed from Mae if who that person is, I have to be wary and watch my back from now on. Because even if I didn't hear Mae admit the scheme, in the end, I have gained confirmation that she's being controlled.

Mae has been my only friend—I know she would stilln't have done something like this in the first place if not for specific reasons that I am still not aware of.

But, one thing's for sure. Based on the men who are after her, and based on Mae's personality, she must have been cornered with guilt and plans to back down. With that, that person must not have liked it and wanted to cut some loose ends with her, sending men to tame her down—

"Let's eat, shall we? I'm sure you're hungry since you've been running all around this morning." My train of thoughts was interrupted when Lennox suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the dining area.

Dumbstruck and hesitant about what to react, knowing he'd been freely touching me without hesitation, I looked back at his broad shoulders.

"Hey, Lennox, thanks for carrying and looking out for me, but wait—I have no time to spare!" I said, trying to pull my hand out of his grip as I thought about Mae.

Please, Mae, at the very least, be safe! I thought, gritting my teeth in anxiety, feeling guilty about falling asleep while she's in danger and on the run.

"Even so, you have to eat," Lennox said, gesturing while pushing me gently down the chair.

"I'm not hungry—"I tried to refute and stood up from my seat, but was once again caught by my grumbling stomach. With the impeccable timing it has, I stare blankly, not feeling any shame now as I can remember something very familiar about this situation has happened.

"Isn't this what they call déjà vu?" Lennox said, giggling at my back. As I found myself discreetly agreeing with him, the strength to argue died out.

Hands still on my shoulders, he pushed me down the chair gently but firmly.

"Come on, don't be shy." He said with warmth in his tone as he pushed the chair forward to the table where the food had already been prepared.

After that, he went and sat on the chair across from mine. Staring at him, it subtly amazed me how good these foods look like. However, no matter how appetizing they look and the smell is, I still couldn't bring myself to eat knowing Mae's even out there.

Not only that, but the faces of both brawn-man and brain-man still bother me. Ugh, I feel bad being comfortably sitting here while Mae—

Ah! My phone!

Thinking Mae might have left some message popped into my mind. But when I patted my pockets, I checked where my phone is.

I instinctively shot a glare at Lennox's smiling face.

"Yes?—"

"My phone, where is it?" I asked worriedly, thinking of Mae.

"Oh, I'll give it to you as soon as you finish." He said calmly, beaming a smile with his eyes. As if it's a light matter, I fumed out, clenching my fist.

Flipping the table in his face—or so I thought I could.

"What?! Hey, aren't you being too much?!" I blurted out, controlling myself from doing the outrageous thing.

"You know well that arguing with me will only waste your time. Why not use that time on finishing your dinner first so that you can have your phone back immediately?" He said, feeling that made me feel like he just slammed a logical reason on my face with his smiling eyes.

Again, not being able to argue more as I know that he makes perfect sense, I grab the knife and fork, unwillingly slicing the steak.

"…thank you for the food," I said, staring blankly at his irksome smiling face.

I swear, if anything, I know he's good at it. It's probably dissing someone while keeping up this innocent—cheerful f*cking smile. I thought, chewing the food he cooked, as I looked at him, who was humming gleefully while watching me eat.

Hang in there, Mae, I'll find you. Just please! Contact or call me again!

But—

If she doesn't do any of that—if she doesn't come and contact me again—tsk.

I have no choice but to confront the person I suspect—damn it.

3rd person's POV

A man is watching them through binoculars from the condominium tower's unit adjacent to Lennox's penthouse unit.

"What the f**k is it?" He cussed, watching Alice eat in front of the optimistic-looking Lennox.

"My eyes must be fooling me." He looked with contempt and unbelief at Lennox's smiling eyes as it looks at Alice affectionately.

Menace in his eyes, he stands there watching them.

"This is not good." He uttered, watching Alice comfortably talk to Lennox.

"Get out of there…before it's too late." He said, gripping the deep scar on his palm.

Alice's POV

Looking blankly at the city lights visible from Lennox's living area through the enormous fixed windows, I kept on calling Mae's phone. Then a cup of coffee was put down on the table in front of me.

I don't know how long I have been here trying to reach her, but Lennox gave me the phone right away just after I finished the meal. However, to my dismay, there weren't any kinds of texts or missed calls from Mae.

"Thanks," I uttered, not sparing him a glance.

But, it doesn't need a peek to know what kind of face he's having now. Sighing comfortably, he sat beside me and took a sip of his coffee.

"You're welcome," he said.

"So, no texts and calls again?" He asked.

"Mhmm," I uttered. Still, eyes glued to the city lights.

Mae…what are you doing?! Answer the phone. I thought to myself, panicking inwardly. Thinking that her phone's not yet dead after many attempts to reach her, there's still a chance she'll answer my calls.

Just where the hell are you?! I asked in the void, worrying. Just the thought of possible things she's facing now makes me anxious.

"What time are you going to sleep? Its already past midnight—"

"Don't mind me." Lennox was about to encourage me again to sleep in his room as he said he'd be using the other room in the meantime, but I cut him off immediately.

I can't bring myself now to relax, knowing I slept peacefully earlier while my friend still hadn't answered any of my calls.

The longer I wait here, the deeper the guilt stabs my heart. Sitting here comfortably, I can't help but worry about Mae's whereabouts and that person's hounds hunting her.

Frowning, thinking of that person's sadistic smiling face as he hunts her down, I clench my fist, remembering how he looks.

It's not yet confirmed if he's the person behind this mess. However, everything that's happening screams his name.

Stalking as keeping his eyes on me, killing off a person who doesn't serve him any other purpose, keeping my personal information in check, using Mae as surveillance and emotional baggage for me—everything shouts his name.

If anything, I feel like I've long met the real psychopath. Looks like after I disowned everything still wasn't enough for him to feel at ease, huh?

Then, if that's the case, and by tomorrow I still haven't heard anything from Mae, I have no choice. I'll not stand idly anymore—

"Huh? Alice, it's already Monday. You have to come and work tomorrow," he said.

"I remember, I clearly said that I'm quitting," I said, repeating it for the nth time, not bothering to raise my voice anymore after having the same debate over and over. Several times I even lost count.

Sighing, he chuckles and rests his back on the sofa, arms stretching out behind the seat.

"You can't." He said, humming confidently.

"I can. The deal we made doesn't touch my human rights—"In an attempt to argue my right to resign, he stopped me.

"The contract. Have you read the contract thoroughly?" He asked firmly as soft chuckles evaded.

"Contract?" I asked, shifting my gaze at him. Then his eyes sharpened, looking at my clueless eyes, smirking as if I missed an important detail.

What contract is he bringing up now? I don't remember signing the contract—suddenly, the contract Ms. Allen gave me just after being interviewed by him flashed through.

Remembering how many papers that contract had, even I at first glance became skeptical; however, it managed to slip through me, thinking I'd offend Ms. Allen—f**k. Could it be?!

A sudden realization came, arching a brow. I stopped momentarily and looked at his relaxed, proud face.

Realizing I had been played and manipulated since the beginning, I stood up, stepping back from him. Sitting comfortably, wearing his infamous smiling face, he tilts his head sideways, innocently looking at me without a trace of shame.

He dares to show this face to me again?!

"What's wrong, Alice?" He asked.

You, f*cking psycho.