Her Heart, His Scheme

CHAPTER 4

Roselyn… the voice called out, the voice was smooth, mocking, and far too calm for her comfort.

“I know you're in here.” the voice said

She clamped her hand tighter to her mouth with her chest heaving.

How did he know? she said to herself

The door creaked slightly as he pressed against it but it was lock inside.

“ I've been patient with you.” the voice continued

This little games you are playing, is starting to annoy me.

Roselyn's mind raced as she recognised the voice, it was Raymond, she knew if he forced his way in ,there is nowhere for her to hide.

She quickly scanned the bathroom looking for a possible solution. The window above the bathtub was small but possibly large enough to climb through.

The doorknob rattled harder as he tries to force himself in.

“Open the door,Roselyn, Raymond demanded with frustration in his voice.

Roselyn didn't wait, she scrambled onto the edge of the tub,hitting the window in order to force it open.

A loud bang against the door made her jump up in fear. She noticed he was trying to break the door open, in order to come inside.

You're only making this harder for yourself, Raymond growled as he slammed his fist against the door again.

Roselyn kept pushing and hitting the window with all her strength and finally the window gave way and a cold air rushed in. She didn't hesitate for a moment considering the height. She jumped as soon as the bathroom door opened,landing awkwardly on her ankle. She felt the pains shoot through her legs but she bit down her lip inorder not to cry out.

She didn't wait to see what would happen nexts. As she pushes forward staggering. She could hear Raymond muffled curses from inside the house but she didn't look back.

She ran blindly,gasping for breath. She felt a sharp pain in her ankle that slowed her down but she couldn't give up, she still push through with it. Determined to put much distance between herself and the hotel.

Her mind began to replay the events of the day, first she caught her cheating husband, the cryptic messages, the missing USB drive and now Raymond pursuit. None of it made sense to her, but one thing was clear,which is trust no one not even her own husband.

A car engine roared to life behind her which brought her back to reality. She duck into the shadows of a nearby alley,trying to press her back against the cold brick wall but her chest was rising and falling. she tries to maintain silence but her heart was pounding trembly.

The sleek black car rolled slowly down the street, it's headlights cut through the darkness where she was ,but Roselyn held her breath with her body trembling as the car crawled past her hiding spot

Suddenly the car stopped and her heart leapt into her throat.

She saw the driver's side door opening and Raymond stepping out.

She pressed herself tighter against the wall,praying he wouldn't see her. Raymond’s sharp eyes scanned the area.

With cold and calculating expression he said

I know you're out here. His voice sounding dangerous, he continued “you can't run forever Roselyn.

She clenched her fingers into fists, wanting to scream at him and force out answers too but fear kept her rooted in that spot.

Raymond took a few steps forward, gazing over the alley

He said; “ You've always been predictable and don't you think you could outsmart me.” he sneered.

Roselyn’s phone buzzed again and the vibration startled her. She fumbled in silence but the faint noise drew Raymond’s attention .

He headed towards the spot she was, with a smirk on his lips

“There you are,” he said softly.

Roselyn's pulse pounded in her ears as she looks for an escape route.

Before she could move, light appeared at the end of the alley,illuminating the narrow space.

Before Raymond could reach her, a car sped towards them and knock Raymond to the ground leaving him in pains, unable to stand.

Raymond turned in pains, wondering who could have possibly hit him.

Then he saw a man stepped out, his face obscure the shadows,

“Leave her alone,”the stranger said, his voice strong and commanding .

Raymond smirked, though It's lack the usual confidence.

“This doesn't concern you.” He said coldly.

The stranger stepped closer to Raymond , with his broad shoulder and air of authority, he lifted Raymond by his collar and said to him: “Walk away, or you'll regret it.”

Raymond crawled in pains to where his car was parked, with his Jaw tightened he said; This isn't over, He spatted while glaring at the stranger.

In regret, he entered his car and drove away,leaving his wife and the stranger. As Raymond’s car disappeared into the night, the stranger opened the passenger seat, and asked Roselyn to get in.

Roselyn's breath caught immediately, she didn't know him and why would he ask her to get in.

She was afraid and confused at the same time, she was already exhausted from the whole drama and here is another one happening before her face.

“Who are you? “She managed to whisper, her voice was barely audible

The man reached into his pocket, brought out his card and handed it to her hoping that it would convince her.

His dark eyes looking onto hers, he said;

My name is Ethan Cole , your father hired me, we need to talk and we don't have time get in quickly.

Roselyn hesitated as she stared at the card with her mind racing, his presence felt like a lifeline, but she couldn't ignore the fact that he was a total stranger and anyone could claim to know or work for her dad just to lure her..

She wasn't just ready to trust a total stranger.

what if it was Raymond’s plans to lure her.

She couldn't ignored the nagging questions in her mind.

So she took a step backwards, her grip tightening around the card. Her instincts strongly streaming at her not to trust so easily. The night has shown her that betrayal comes from the people close to you. She wasn't ready to take the risk.

Ethan seemed to sense her hesitation, his jaw clenched slightly before lowering his voice to say; I don't have time to convince you Roselyn, if I wanted to hurt you ,I wouldn't be standing here just to give you choice.

His eyes flicked towards the dark street behind her as he continued: But if you stay here any longer, he will capture you.

On hearing those words a cold shiver ran down her spine

She doesn't Know why the sudden mention of her husband name or what he would do,makes her afraid.

She exhale sharply, “fine,I will follow you”. with uncertainty in her voice.

Ethan didn't waste another second, he opened the car door and asked her to get in

Roselyn hesitated for a moment, suddenly She asked a shocking question

How did you know where I was hiding, are you the one that sent these cryptic messages? She said while giving him her phone to check