- 2.
Clang, clang.
The iron door outside opened.
Heavy, steady footsteps echoed on the stone floor.
Someone was coming.
Judging by the footsteps, it didn’t sound like Ray, who usually brought me food.
I huddled in the corner, fearfully watching the newcomer.
He was carrying a bottle of liquor, and the strong smell of alcohol filled the small cell.
He put a cigarette in his mouth.
Lit a lighter.
The flame illuminated his face.
Sharp, defined features, a rugged profile, and wolf–like eyes glinting coldly.
After five years, I recognized him instantly.
My former “lover,” the boss of the Bright Family, Adrian Bright.
He leaned against the iron bars, smoking. It was very quiet, with only the sound of the cigarette burning.
“Chloe, long time no see,” he said in a low, hoarse voice.
I didn’t speak. I was no longer used to talking.
“We’re leaving,” he continued. “This area is getting too dangerous. We plan to flee far away. We’ve made enough money anyway. But they don’t agree to bring you along. They all want me to kill you.”
Kill me? Killing me would be good. I’m better off dead.
“But I want your death to have value. So, before you die, I need you to do something for me.”
He came closer, grabbed my chin, and forced me to look at him.
His alcohol–laden breath hit my face, terrifyingly oppressive.
“I need you to lure Lucas Lang out.”
I remained calm, neither humble nor arrogant, without joy or sorrow.
This angered him.
In his fury, he slapped me hard.
Suddenly, blood gushed from my nose.
He paused, “I didn’t hit that hard…”
Indeed, he hadn’t used much force.
ལ་
12:29 PM N
<
This nosebleed wasn’t caused by his slap.
It was my illness.
I felt very sick.
Death must be near.
Since I was going to die anyway, why should I help Adrian Bright hurt my husband?
Adrian Bright used the sleeve of his white shirt to wipe away the blood and pulled me into his arms.
I struggled, but he held me tight, resting his chin on my head.
“Chloe, listen to me, listen to me, his voice was seductive. “Did you see that little girl earlier? Her name is Hailey. She’s your child. The baby you gave birth to that year wasn’t stillborn; she survived. If you help me take down Lucas Lang, I’ll spare Hailey’s life. If you don’t cooperate, I’ll make you hold her as we jump into the sea together…”
I stopped struggling.
