RETURN OF THE FORGOTTEN BRIDE

ChapterFourteen

NATALIE’S POV

The door to the container like room had been left open after days of being tightly shut. I mustered up courage to fund a way out or get a hint of fresh air away from the stench of urine and other bodily fluids which made a home in the room.

“You can’t be out here, goods aren't meant to wander around ”, the voice said and I slowly turned back. He was a giant-looking man who had tattoos on his hands that I could mistake for a piece of clothing.

“I was looking for the restroom. I’m pressed”, I lied.

I was looking for a way out but I also needed to use the bathroom or anywhere I could puke. My stomach had been churning from the relentless waves.

“Oh, I got you. The restroom is not that way, it’s this way”, he pointed in the opposite direction.

His intonation was distinct from mine, which made me wonder where I was and where I was heading.

“Okay, thank you,” I obediently said as I walked in that direction. “Sorry, can I ask you a question?”, I paused midway to ask him.

“Yes, what’s that?”, he asked.

“Where am I?”, my voice slowly said. I was careful not to annoy him with the question. I had to do so anyway.

“We’re currently on board going to Colombia”

“Oh, Colombia?”, my eyes widened when I heard where we were heading to. “Why am I heading to Colombia?” my eyes were already teary and they threatened to fall heavily.

“I’m not meant to even talk to anyone, but I will make an exception because you’re pretty”, he said, examining me from head to toe.

Surprisingly, I didn’t feel irritated. I was used to men drooling over me, and even Richard’s friends made advances to me while we were together even Caleb, but this time, all I wanted was to hear what he had to say.

“You have been sold to a Colombian businessman,” he said. “I hear that he is an important figure in the country, and I’m very sure you would be taken care of well, so you don’t need to bother,” he added.

My teary eyes soon flooded my entire face with tears, what could I have done wrong to deserve this?

I lost my father to a crash without being left any assets which were left for his secret wife and daughter. Richard also got into an accident which cost him the memory of both of us. I found out that I was carrying his child and now this? Being sold to a Colombian man.

“Wipe your eyes”, he instructed, handing a towel over to me.

“Thank you”, my voice lowered and shook. I grabbed the towel and dabbed it on my eyes and face, wiping the tears away. The tears didn’t seem to want to go away as they got heavier with each wipe.

“Is that why all of us are here?” I asked, glancing through the container like room; there were mostly women and children with all our hands bound by ropes.

“Yes, you all have been sold to rich men, and surprisingly, you were the only one sold to him,” he said.

“Only me? Why is that?” I wanted him to spill more, at most, also who had me involved in this mess.

“You were brought in just when the ship was about to take off. We discovered you very late and had to take you along as quickly”

“Do you have any idea who he is? The businessman, I mean?” I asked.

“No, we’re not allowed to know them. But I hear he is very wealthy”, he chuckled. “But be careful, and do whatever he says you should do because some can be very difficult and dangerous if messed with”, he cautioned.

“You mentioned that I was brought in here late, who brought me?” I asked, I was curious and I wanted to know who wanted me out of the way so badly. A part of me knew who it would be but I wanted to be sure.

“You were brought in by two men”, he paused, looking at me “and there was a lady who negotiated with my Boss”

“A lady?” my eyes sparkled.

“Yes”, he confirmed.

“Can you describe her?”

“She’s blonde and has pale skin, that’s all I can remember; I’m sorry”, he said, “I have to go; I need to attend to other things. This place is off limits, so don’t go there.”, he instructed, pointing at the door opening.

I nodded and he turned to leave but paused.

“Don’t mention to anyone what you hear from me”, he said and without waiting for my response, he left.

There was no other person that I could attribute to that description other than Jenna.

I didn’t think she would stoop so low to get me out of her way as far as selling me off.

*****

JENNA’s POV

Richard was within my grasp. I smirked at the thought, knowing just how unaware he was of the web I was weaving. He was everything I wanted—handsome, successful, and obliviously pliable.

“Would you like me to ask Olivia to prepare something for you?” Richard’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.

“No, I’m fine,” I replied, masking my satisfaction with a somber expression. “I can’t eat anything right now, especially not when Natalie is still missing.”

That was a lie, of course. I’d eaten before I left the house, but Richard didn’t need to know that. Sympathy worked wonders when used wisely.

“Are you sure?” he asked, with concern flickering in his hazel eyes.

“Yes, Richard. Don’t bother. Thank you.” I reached out and took his hand, locking my gaze with his. The way he looked at me, so trusting, so devoted—it was almost too easy.

Truth be told, Richard was undeniably handsome, and his touch was magnetic. He leaned forward, planting a soft kiss on my forehead. I closed my eyes, savoring the moment.

“I need to head back upstairs. My mom’s waiting for me,” he said, pulling back. “Feel free to make yourself comfortable.”

“Of course,” I replied sweetly, watching as he moved toward the staircase.

Just as he was about to disappear, the front door swung open. My heart sank when I saw her. Natalya.

Clad in a cream trench coat, she entered like a whirlwind, her usual flair for dramatics on full display.

“Richard!” she squealed, her voice grating on my nerves.

“Natalya,” Richard greeted, surprise etched on his face. “You didn’t mention you were coming.”

He turned to me, his brow furrowed. “Did she tell you?”

I shook my head, feigning ignorance, though my stomach churned. Why was she here? She’d barely let me finish a call earlier before cutting it off in anger.

“I’m here for you, Richard,” Natalya announced, striding toward him. She didn’t even glance in my direction, as if I didn’t exist.

“Mom!” I snapped, my voice sharp. I knew her schemes well, and her interest in Richard was no secret.

“Keep it down,” she hissed, gesturing dismissively.

“What’s going on?” Richard asked, his confusion palpable.

Natalya turned to him, her eyes narrowing. “Jenna has been deceiving you all along. She—”

“Mom!” I shouted, cutting her off. Panic surged in me. She couldn’t reveal anything, especially not about Natalie.

“You knew I wanted him, Jenna,” Natalya shot back, her voice dripping with venom. “And yet, you went behind my back. You’re just as conniving as ever.”

I glared at her. “And you’re delusional. Richard is mine, not yours. You’re too late. He’s already promised to marry me.”

“You took him from me,” she spat. “But I will do whatever it takes to have him—even if that means getting you out of the way.”

“Fred isn’t enough for you, is he?” I asked, smirking.

“Fred?” she scoffed. “He’s a nobody.”

“Your gigolo, you mean?” I interjected, enjoying the flicker of rage in her eyes.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said through clenched teeth.

“Then enlighten me, Mother,” I said mockingly.

“I didn’t come here to argue with you,” she snapped. “I came to reclaim what’s mine.” She reached for Richard’s hand, but he pulled away, clearly uncomfortable.

“Mom,” I hissed, stepping between her and Richard, “leave. Now. Richard is mine, and you’re not taking him from me.”

We glared at each other, the room heavy with tension.

“Enough, both of you!” Richard’s voice sliced through the air, his frustration evident. “This is ridiculous.”

I softened my tone, turning to him while clutching his hand. “Richard, I’m sorry. Please, ask her to leave.”

He nodded, his jaw tight. “Natalya, you heard her. Leave.”

I watched, a triumphant smile playing on my lips, as my mother stormed out of the house. I had won this round, but I knew she wouldn’t give up so easily.

Still, I wasn’t worried. Richard was mine.

And if anyone tried to take him—like Natalie—I’d deal with them the same way.