Kidnapped

BEAUTIFIED FOR THE KILL

Cara

I couldn't take my eyes off the mirror.

Was that really me?

The young woman staring back looked nothing like the frightened girl who had been dragged into this strange mansion. My makeup was flawless, my hair elegantly styled, and every detail had been carefully perfected.

For the first time since my nightmare began, I forgot where I was.

I simply stood there, admiring my reflection.

Then reality came crashing back.

Before I could ask another question, someone gently covered my eyes with a soft piece of cloth.

"Stand up, Miss."

I obeyed.

"One foot at a time."

I lifted each foot as instructed while they dressed me in unfamiliar clothing. Moments later, they raised my arms and adjusted the fabric around my body with great care. My hair was gathered and wrapped beneath another piece of cloth.

Fear settled deep inside me.

What were they doing?

Where were they taking me?

No one answered.

A few minutes later, Maryan's voice broke the silence.

"Everything is ready. You may leave now. I'll take it from here."

The room became quiet.

Just then, my stomach growled loudly.

I froze.

I hadn't eaten since morning.

For a moment, I considered asking for food, but another thought stopped me.

What if they poisoned me?

No...

I'd rather stay hungry.

Maryan glanced at me with concern.

"Miss... have you had breakfast?"

I hesitated before answering.

"No."

Her expression changed instantly.

Without another word, she ordered the servants to bring food.

Within minutes, they returned carrying toast and a steaming cup of tea.

Maryan sighed with relief.

"Open your mouth."

She fed me patiently until I had eaten enough.

The warmth of the tea settled my trembling nerves.

For the first time all day, I felt human again.

Then someone knocked.

"It's time," a voice announced. "The Master is waiting."

My heart skipped a beat.

The Master?

They helped me to my feet and guided me outside.

Moments later, I was seated inside a car.

The journey felt endless.

I couldn't see anything beneath the blindfold, so every turn and every stop only deepened my anxiety.

Eventually, the car came to a halt.

Someone gently held my hand.

"Careful," they whispered.

I stepped out.

Immediately, I heard voices.

Laughter.

Music.

Applause.

I frowned.

This didn't sound like the place where someone was about to be executed.

Slowly, my breathing steadied.

The atmosphere was... joyful.

People were celebrating.

I was led forward several more steps before someone untied the cloth covering my eyes.

I blinked several times.

Then my world stopped.

I was standing before an altar.

Beside me stood a strikingly handsome young man dressed in an expensive black tuxedo. His eyes were fixed on me, filled with hope and quiet anticipation.

The priest smiled warmly.

"Do you take this young lady to be your lawful wedded wife?"

My heart nearly stopped.

Wife?

I stared blankly at the priest.

Who was getting married?

I turned slowly, scanning the crowd.

Rows of elegantly dressed guests smiled back at me.

Then I saw her.

My mother.

She was smiling.

Smiling?

My chest tightened.

Hadn't I been kidnapped?

Why wasn't she terrified?

Unless...

No.

She couldn't possibly be part of this.

Confusion crashed over me in waves.

I looked down at myself.

My breath caught.

I was wearing an exquisite wedding gown, its delicate lace shimmering beneath the lights. It looked so expensive that I was afraid to touch it.

With trembling hands, I turned to the man beside me.

He was undeniably handsome.

Yet I had never seen him before in my life.

I pulled my hand away.

"What kind of joke is this?" I demanded.

He remained silent.

I took one step backward.

Then another.

As I tried to take a third, his hand closed gently but firmly around mine.

There was no escape.