Kidnapped

Chapter One Cara Saturday mornings were usually peaceful. The sun had barely risen above the rooftops as I stood outside our small house, washing clothes in a large blue basin. It wasn't how most people my age wanted to spend their weekends, but I didn't mind. It gave me time to think, and besides, helping my mother had always been part of my routine. Just as I reached for another shirt, my phone rang. I frowned. Very few people called me that early on a Saturday. Drying my hands on my skirt, I picked up the phone. The screen displayed an unknown number. "Hello?" A deep voice answered. "Come. Your presence is needed." Before I could ask who was speaking or what had happened, the call ended. I stared at the phone. "What was that?" A knot formed in my stomach. The office. Something must have happened at work. Without wasting another second, I hurried inside the house, grabbed my car keys, locked the front door, and rushed to my car. I didn't even tell my mother where I was going. The urgency in the caller's voice drowned out every other thought. The drive to the office felt longer than usual. Questions flooded my mind. Was someone injured? Had there been an accident? Or had I done something wrong? The moment I pulled into the parking lot, I knew something wasn't right. Everything looked... normal. Employees walked in and out of the building carrying files and coffee cups. Security guards chatted lazily at the entrance. A few colleagues waved at me as though it were just another ordinary day. No panic. No emergency. No one seemed to be expecting me. Confused, I stepped inside. "Good morning," I greeted the receptionist. She smiled warmly. "Good morning, Cara." "Did someone ask for me?" She frowned slightly. "No." My heartbeat quickened. I checked with another colleague. Nothing. No one had called me. No one needed me. A cold shiver crawled down my spine. Then... Who had called? Every instinct screamed at me to leave immediately. I turned and hurried toward the exit, trying to ignore the strange feeling building inside me. My legs suddenly felt heavy. My palms grew cold. I reached my car and fumbled for my keys. Just as I unlocked the driver's door, someone tapped my shoulder. I spun around. Darkness swallowed everything. --- The first thing I noticed was the soft mattress beneath me. Slowly, I opened my eyes. A crystal chandelier sparkled above my head, scattering tiny reflections across the ceiling. For a moment, I wondered if I was dreaming. Then reality struck. I shot upright. This wasn't my bedroom. The room was enormous, decorated with elegant curtains, polished wooden furniture, fresh flowers, and paintings that looked priceless. Every detail spoke of unimaginable wealth. It looked like something out of a royal palace. "Where am I?" I whispered. Panic tightened around my chest. I climbed out of bed and hurried toward the window. Outside, dozens of people moved busily across the compound. Some carried flowers. Others arranged decorations. A few rolled out long carpets across the courtyard. It looked as though the mansion was preparing for an important celebration. But why was I here? I rushed out into the hallway. The first servant I saw was carrying a tray. "Excuse me!" I called. No response. "Please... can you tell me where I am?" The woman continued walking as though she hadn't heard me. I stopped another servant. "Please, I need help." Again... Nothing. One after another, they ignored me completely. My breathing became uneven. Was I invisible? Or had they been ordered not to speak to me? I looked down at myself. No bruises. No cuts. No blood. Physically, I was unharmed. But inside... Fear consumed me. My thoughts drifted to my mother. She would be worried by now. Would she think I had been kidnapped? Would she report me missing? Hot tears filled my eyes. Why had I answered that phone call? How could I have been so careless? Was this how my life would end? A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. Before I could answer, the door opened. A young man stepped inside. He stood respectfully near the entrance. "Miss." I blinked, convinced my frightened mind was imagining voices. "Miss," he repeated, this time louder. I hurried toward him. "It's about time someone spoke to me!" I cried. "Please... let me leave. I don't belong here. Tell me what you people want from me." Tears streamed freely down my face. The young man remained silent. He simply watched me cry until my sobs gradually subsided. Only then did he speak. "It's time to get you ready." I stared at him. "Ready... for what?" He offered no explanation. As he reached the door, he paused without looking back. "Someone will come shortly to help you prepare." Then he walked away, leaving me alone once more. I stared at the closed door, my heart pounding. Ready... For what?