Us against the world

Chapter Two

I was scared, though I couldn’t quite understand why. His aura was cold, powerful. I couldn’t even look him straight in the eyes. He walked past me as if I didn’t exist. But why? Why wasn’t he noticing me? I was certain he was the one who brought me here.

I turned back and grabbed his shirt from behind, holding tight. He paused, then slowly turned his gaze to meet mine.

"Please, take me home. I don’t know who you are, but I promise I won’t report you to the police. I’m not rich; I don’t have wealthy parents. There’s no reason for you to keep me here, no reason to hold me captive. I’m just like a worthless beggar. So please, set me free." I pleaded, but received no response. Two men in suits pulled me away from him as he continued walking toward the next room.

"You almost got yourself killed," one of them muttered.

"Killed? How? I was just trying to talk to him, to reason with him," I said, frustration spilling over. "I’m trying to make him understand there’s no reason to keep me here. Tell your boss I have nothing. I’m poor, okay? I lost my job. If he’s thinking of killing my parents for money, there’s nothing to get. No money! So tell your worthless boss to let me go. And why do you keep saying I’m lucky I wasn’t killed? Does he have guns? I’m not afraid of that, you know."

"Really? You’re not afraid of death?" one of them sneered. "Well, he won’t make it easy for you. So stay away from the boss. That’s your last warning."

The only thing I could do was search for an escape route on my own. Trying to blend in. Trying to act in a way that wouldn’t get me killed. I even mentioned that I wasn’t afraid of death—but I am. I don’t want to die like this. I don’t want to ruin my parents' legacy. I want to live and fulfill the dreams they had for me.

Excusing myself, I went to the washroom and splashed my face with cold water. That’s when I noticed it—an exit door leading outside. What? Could this be my chance? I glanced back at the door, then at the exit. After a moment of hesitation, I bolted through it.

Once outside, I froze, realizing I didn’t recognize my surroundings. Where was I? How could they secure the main entrance yet leave this exit unguarded? It made no sense. But I couldn’t waste time wondering. I had to find a way out. The few people around were all wearing dark suits and masks, blending into the shadows like something out of a nightmare.

Then, from the corner of my eye, I spotted a guard from earlier, who stepped away for a break. I ducked out of sight. I was lucky. So far, I hadn’t been seen. But if they discovered I was gone, they’d come after me. I still wasn’t anywhere near freedom when suddenly, a hand covered my mouth.

I stiffened as a stranger with the faint scent of mint whispered, "Do not say a word." He pointed down a narrow path leading to a small cave, faint light flickering from within. "Come with me," he urged softly.

I hesitated, then followed him, unsure of what I was stepping into. I could only hope this was my savior—and not another danger waiting in the shadows.

I discovered that the cave led to a massive building, and as I stepped inside, the door shut behind me. The figure beside me removed his mask, and I was struck by the sight before me. He was the most enchanting being I had ever seen. His piercing eyes, his tall, commanding presence, and his sharp features—all of it was mesmerizing. His skin seemed to glow with a warm, golden tone, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away.

"Please, I’m scared. I don’t want to die. I just want to go home. I live alone, I’m doing fine, and I have plans—"

"Why are you telling me all this?" he interrupted, his voice steady but slightly amused.

"Because… because I want you to take me home safely," I pleaded, my voice breaking. "I don’t want you to be like the man in that place, the one who held me captive and trapped me in his house. Please… don’t—"

"I’m not going to hurt you," he interrupted again, this time with a reassuring tone. I stared at him, shocked and overwhelmed by his presence.

"O-okay," I stammered.

"They’re going to be looking for you," he said calmly. "It’s safer for you to stay here, at least until tomorrow. They won’t stop until they find you, so before dawn, I’ll take you home. I promise."

"Who… who are you?" I asked, hesitating as I took a step closer. "Do I know you from somewhere? You seem… familiar, but I can’t place it."

"Why are you asking?" He smiled faintly, as if amused. "Do I really look that familiar to you?"

"No… not exactly," I admitted, feeling foolish. "I just don’t understand why you’re risking yourself to save me. And… who was that man back there? Do you know him?"

"I have nothing to tell you about him, not yet," he replied, his tone growing serious. "All you need to know is that I’ll get you home. Got that?"

"Yes… I got that," I whispered. “By the way, I’m Chelyn Frostwood. And you are?” I asked, extending my hand.

“Derek Zeke,” he replied, shaking my hand with a firm grip.

As soon as he shook my hand, a rush of adrenaline surged through me. I was both shocked and oddly excited. Why was my body reacting this way? He was just a stranger.

"Thank you again, Derek," I said, my voice slightly unsteady. "I’ll be sitting over there. If you need anything—or have any questions about me—I’ll be glad to answer." I moved over to the couch, trying to mask my nerves. I was frightened, but only slightly. Oddly, in Derek’s presence, I felt safe. Safer than I’d felt in a long time.

We sat in the sitting room, an awkward silence filled the air. His eyes lingered on me, and I couldn’t tell what he was thinking. Meanwhile, my own mind was spinning into chaos. Part of me wanted to run, to vanish into the ground beneath me. His gaze was so piercing that I felt exposed. Did I have something on my face? Should I start a conversation? Socializing had never been part of my strength.

"So… you live here?" I finally broke the silence, forcing the words out.

He paused, then nodded with a small smile. "Yes," he replied. "I live here with my men and few female workers."

I took a deep breath, feeling slightly awkward. "I have a question," I began, hesitating. "These men… the ones around here… do they work for you?"

Derek raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Yes, they do," he replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"Oh, I know it sounds a bit silly, but… well, I just don’t want to feel like the only woman here who’s clueless about everything," I admitted, laughing nervously. "I mean, I’m not really rushing to know, it’s just… awkward." I noticed he was watching me with that amused expression, and I felt myself blushing. "Why are you laughing?" I asked, raising an eyebrow, trying to mask my embarrassment.

He chuckled. "It’s just… the way you’re asking," he said, shaking his head slightly. "But yes, those men work for me. They’re here to protect this household and to keep it secure. Let’s just say there are plenty of people who’d love to barge in here if given the chance, and my men make sure that doesn’t happen."

"Wow," I murmured, impressed. "That’s… something out of a movie. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who has a private security team before." I paused, letting out a shaky breath as I tried to keep the conversation light, but something darker lingered in my mind. "Anyway… I lost my job recently, and… something happened to a friend of mine. She was… well, someone murdered her."

Derek's expression shifted, his amusement fading as he looked at me seriously. "I’m sorry to hear that, Chelyn," he said softly, his voice gentler than before. "I know things have been difficult. But you’re safe here, and I’ll make sure it stays that way."

I nodded, grateful for his words, even if I still didn’t fully understand everything happening around me.

"Uh, what do you do for a living?" I asked, glancing around the impressive room. "I mean, you have an amazing place here, and I’m… kind of curious."

He chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "Well, aren’t you a bit nosy?"

I felt my cheeks heat up. "I didn’t mean to pry," I stammered. "It’s just… well, it’s hard not to wonder when everything around here looks like it’s from another world."

He shrugged, still amused. "I suppose I can’t blame you for asking. Let’s just say I deal in… a variety of things. Some business, some security, and a few other ventures that keep things interesting."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued but still feeling like he was being deliberately vague. "So, mysterious as ever," I teased, trying to keep things light.

He smiled, that same unreadable look in his eyes. "Sometimes, mystery is better than the truth, Chelyn," he replied. "But maybe, if you stick around long enough, you’ll find out more than you bargained for."

A chill ran down my spine, but I forced a smile, realizing that there was still so much I didn’t know about him—or this place.

"Oh, that’s… that’s nice. What about your family? Your mom? Do you have any siblings?" I knew it was personal, but I was desperate to fill the silence.

"I don’t have any," he said, his voice quiet, and the words struck me. I glanced away, feeling a pang of shared sorrow as I remembered my own parents, lost in a cruel accident. He was like me, after all—alone, with no family.

Life can be daunting at times, and it's hard to accept. It comes with its own obstacles, with both advantages and disadvantages. I think I was only focused on myself, too scared to seek justice for my friend. And now look at me, hiding out, even kidn*pped by someone I know nothing about. I just... I just want peace. Only peace. Then maybe, someday, I’ll be able to say... I’m satisfied with my life. Even though my parents are gone, they always told me to find something in life that makes me happy. To do something meaningful. That’s why I try not to hold on to the past. I’m trying, but it’s harder than ever."