Chapter 2 Please Save Me
896 Words
Emma had thought it would be just an ordinary family dinner, but as the waiter led her to the table, she found her stepmother, Rita Davis, also there.
It seemed that James had tricked her again.
Emma felt a wave of disappointment wash over. Then, she frowned as she saw a stranger sitting with them.
This man had a chubby face, and his body was completely out of shape, but he wore an expensive Patek Phillippe watch and was dressed in fine clothes.
Emma instantly realized what Rita was up to.
A hint of disgust flashed across her eyes as she turned to leave, but Rita grabbed her hand.
"Where are you going? You haven't visited in so long. Your father has missed you."
As Emma's eyes fixated on the man, Rita took the opportunity to introduce him.
"This is Mr. Wilson, a friend of your father's. We happened to run into him today, so we're having dinner together. He is a financial industry elite. Since you both are here, why not have a drink together?"
Rita urged, pushing a wine glass towards Emma.
Emma didn't take the glass. Instead, she turned to look at James, who was sitting quietly in the corner.
James smiled and leaned in to whisper to Emma.
"I've been having some financial troubles lately. Can you help me out this once?"
Emma's heart softened.
"Mr. Wilson, nice to meet you."
She took a small sip of the wine, but even that little bit made her head spin. She shook her head, trying to clear it.
"Emma, are you feeling unwell? I booked a room upstairs. You should have some rest."
Without waiting for her response, Rita hurriedly urged James, "What are you waiting for? Can't you see your daughter isn't feeling well? Take her upstairs to rest."
James quickly stood up.
Emma tried to tough it out, but she felt increasingly hot and itchy, like she was about to explode. She couldn't sit still any longer.
So, she got up and followed James out of the dining area.
When they reached the room, James fumbled in his pockets for the key card, his hands shaking.
"Dad, haven't you found it yet?" Emma felt herself getting hotter, and she couldn't hold on any longer. Her stomach churned. "Hold on. I need to use the bathroom."
Luckily, the bathroom was only a few steps away. Emma barely made it inside before she started vomiting violently.
After a moment of relief, she leaned against the wall, slowly making her way back.
Outside, she overheard Rita speaking.
"Mr. Wilson, as agreed, one night for 30 grand. You can't go back on your word."
Mr. Wilson laughed heartily.
"Don't worry. Your daughter is quite a beauty. As long as I'm satisfied, you'll get even more than I promised."
What? Thirty grand? What was going on?!
Emma froze, straining to get more information.
"But let's be clear, it's just for the night. She can't recognize you. That girl's got a stubborn streak. If she comes after you, we can't help you."
"Don't worry. She had already taken the drug I prepared. She probably won't even recognize herself, let alone me. Just stop standing here like a fool and check where she went. It's been too long."
The man's impatience was clear.
"Okay, okay, I'm going."
Rita agreed and approached the bathroom, but when she got there, she found the window wide open and the room empty.
"Dammit, she ran away."
"She can't have gone far. Find her and bring her back!"
Meanwhile, Emma had just jumped out of the window.
It was a two-story drop—not too high, but not low either. She landed awkwardly, twisting her ankle.
Her ankle throbbed with pain, but she couldn't stop. Limping as fast as she could, she kept moving forward.
It felt like a hungry wolf was chasing her, ready to tear her apart.
Tears welled up in her eyes, the emotional pain tearing her apart. The pain in her ankle seemed insignificant in comparison.
Tonight, everyone had set a trap for her, waiting for her to fall into it.
If it hadn't been for the nausea earlier, she would have already...
Driven by fear, Emma ran with all her might.
Suddenly, a bright light blinded her. A car was approaching, but she steeled herself and ran into the road, the headlights blurring her vision.
The tires of the black Cayenne screeched loudly as it came to a halt.
Emma ran to the window, frantically knocking, and her face full of fear.
"Please help me. Let me in, please!"
The door opened, and she quickly got in. The warmth of the car enveloped her, helping her calm down. Then, she turned to thank the driver.
"Thank you... Mr. Brooks?!"
Ethan was sitting in the driver's seat, his face partially illuminated by the moonlight, giving him a detached look. He glanced at Emma and sneered.
"Ms. Foster, you turned me down earlier. What game are you playing now?"
Facing Ethan's mocking gaze, Emma felt desperate. She wanted to turn and leave immediately, but she had no strength left.
Seeing Rita and the others closing in, Emma had no choice but to plead with Ethan.
"Mr. Brooks, please, help me."
Ethan noticed Emma's discomfort and the people from the hotel pursuing her. With an annoyed sigh, he reluctantly drove her home.
- Writer
