Attracted to the Devil

Chapter Eight: The Journey into the Shadows

Emily stirred awake to find Max in her apartment, a sudden surge of affection enveloping him. Max, playing the part of the doting partner, greeted her with a cheerful "Good morning, my angel," as he presented breakfast in bed. Bewildered by his newfound affection, Emily couldn't help but question the sudden change. "Why all this?" she asked, suspecting another looming business trip.

Max, ever the master of deception, confirmed her suspicions but added a twist. "Yes, baby, I'll be going soon, but this time with someone special." As disappointment flickered across Emily's face, Max assured her it was a journey meant for just the two of them, an attempt to dispel her growing suspicions.

Eager to share her newfound excitement, Emily hurriedly prepared for school, planning to spill the beans to Lisa. Bursting into the hallway, she enthusiastically shared the news with her friend. However, Lisa's reaction was unexpected.

Uncomfortable with the revelation, she hesitated, expressing a desire to share something about Max.

Misinterpreting Lisa's concern as jealousy, Emily stormed away in frustration, leaving Lisa alone in the hallway with untold secrets lingering in the air. As the school day concluded, Emily rushed home to find Max ready, their bags packed for the upcoming journey.

Little did Emily know, the journey Max promised held secrets and shadows that would unravel with time, leaving her standing at the precipice of a revelation that could change the course of her life.

Feeling the weight of the secrets she held, Lisa knew she had to warn Emily about the shadows lurking in Max's intentions. As she exited the school premises, a twist of fate brought her face to face with Duke, who was looking for Emily.

"Sorry to disturb. Where's your friend?" Duke inquired. Lisa, fueled by concern, shared that Emily had left immediately after school, as she mentioned a trip with Max. She confided in Duke about expressing her discomfort with the journey, unaware of the unfolding events.

Duke, sensing urgency, immediately dialed Max, but to his dismay, Max was already a step ahead. They rushed to the neighborhood, only to find a chilling note left by Max. "We'll be gone for a while. Don't look for us. - Max."

A sinking feeling gripped Duke as he realized Emily was in trouble. The ominous note hinted at a journey filled with uncertainty, and the realization dawned that Max's intentions were darker than anyone had imagined.

****

In the midway of the unfolding chaos, Lisa received an anonymous message. “I thought you’d be in support of Max, but turns out I was wrong. Have a nice life. - Emily.”

She immediately showed Duke the message she had just received, as they both tried calling the line, but to no avail.

Duke suggested they go over to Max apartment to find any clue of where Max and Emily had gone to.

On getting there, Max who had a spare key of the apartment opened the door and they both got in.

As they started their search, Lisa found a note under Max bedside Cupboard.

It had a list of names which included Emily.