Chapter Four

His not around

Janessa's pov

“Elaine,” I said, knocking another arrow. “I thought we were having coffee. Why are we suddenly engaging in a highly competitive archery duel?” My arrow found its mark, splitting the target just as Elaine’s arrow did the same.

“I’m just in a mood,” she said, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she aimed for the target. “No particular reason. Just feeling… competitive.”

My phone rang. I set down my bow and arrow. I saw it was Roy. “I’ll just take this,” I said.

“Okay… but make it quick.”

“I will,” I said, heading outside to answer it.

“Cuz… listen… we have a problem. A big one. No, bigger than that.”

“ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! He hung up! That absolute jerk! He couldn't even have the decency to tell me straight! Why?! Why do I even have a cousin like him?!”

Heading back inside, I carefully placed my phone and other items in my bag, getting ready to depart.

“Oh, you're leaving already?” she said softly, putting down her bow.

“Something came up at the hospital, I'm afraid. Don't worry, we'll definitely do something fun together soon to make up for it!” I gave her a warm hug before heading out.

“Fine, but this is it! No next time… I’m way too nice.”

“Whatever you say, Papa’s girl.”

“Janessa!”

Driving at high speed in heavy rain and darkness, my car was struck by a large truck. The impact shattered

the windshield; my head hit the steering wheel, causing a bleeding forehead and blurred vision. The last thing I saw was a double figure before losing consciousness, and everything went black.

I awoke to the sound of arguing voices. My hand was restrained, and I was tied to a wooden chair.

“Brother, I’m telling you, I’m going to strangle her to death. And it’ll be glorious.”

“Be patient, babe!”

As my vision cleared, I saw Liam Smith and his whore girlfriend Reina, Liam Smith; his uncle was Eric’s assistant, Gilbert Smith.

“Where… where am I? Is this… a hospital?” I muttered, barely audible, my vision was still a blur.

“You don’t need a hospital, dear,” Reina said, She leaned close, her sharp nails digging into my chin as she lifted my face. “We’re going to send you to hell. What do you think of that?”

Wait until I’m untied; I’ll definitely beat you to death.

“You bitch… if Eric…” Jason cut me off.

Reina tilted my chin, her nails making me bleed. "Eric won't even suspect a thing since he's in Europe for business, and Liam's uncle is the one in charge while he's away…” she smiled wickedly, letting go of my chin roughly. “I will ruin that face of yours so if Eric comes back he won't look at you again, even if he marries you."

What about Europe? So this is what Roy has been talking about? I bet their goal was to give me to Eric's enemies.

“Release me… how dare you do this to me! If my father finds out that you…”

Then came the gunshots—a brutal eruption outside. Bullets ripped into the walls, embedding themselves in the wood.

“Shit!” the man yelled, snatching up his gun. His men reacted instantly, their own weapon already in hand. The walls exploded with returning fire.

Panting, Liam's men burst through the door. He slammed the door shut, leaning against it for support.

“Sir… Roy… he’s here… with a whole battalion… We’re outnumbered.”

Liam's voice was cold and steely. “Gather every weapon. It’s time to go.”

“But but, are we just going to leave her here?”

“Are you an idiot? If we bring her, Roy won’t stop hunting us.”

“Then I’ll just kill her here,” Reina hissed, the gun barrel pressing against my temple.

Before she could pull the trigger, Roy shattered the window, a hail of bullets tearing through the air. He screamed as two shots ripped through his hands, sending her weapon clattering to the floor.

“This isn’t over,” Liam helped Reina to her feet. They disappeared into a waiting black van before Roy’s men could even get a clear shot.

“Roy…” I whispered, my voice weak.

He knelt beside me, his expression softening as he quickly cut the ropes binding my wrists. “Are you okay?”

“Do I look okay? Seriously?” I retorted, rubbing my aching wrists.

He grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “No thank you at all? What kind of cousin are you?”

During the drive to nowhere in the van, he cleaned and bandaged my forehead and other wounds while I was trying to contact Eric.

"Ughhh! Why aren't they answering?!" I threw my phone down in irritation.

Why didn't they inform me about this?

"You see... there's no signal at their location," Roy said nonchalantly, leaning against the car window.

"How long will they stay there?"

"Just for a week, though… I suggest you stay in the house for the rest of the week."

"So the emergency was Gilbert being in charge of the Mafia for a week?" I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms.

How troublesome

"Exactly... You know how he wants to get rid of you since he wants his daughter to be Eric's wife... He will definitely use this to his advantage."

"Whatever... I'll just stick to my disguise as a doctor for the meantime."

"That's good to hear... I will tell Mom to prepare your room.”

“Okay… but I have to get some clothes from home first, so you can just drop me at the estate”

Roy dropped me off at my house, and I went inside to pack my things. As I was packing, a picture frame fell. It was a happy picture of me and my whole perfect family. It was a time before my parents got divorce. I hope things will be the same as before.

Then a knock on my door brought me back to reality.

"Come in... The door isn't locked," I said loudly.

"Where are you going?"

I turned around as I heard Cole's soft and gentle voice.

"Oh, it's you, Cole... I'm going to stay with my aunt for a week so the hospital wouldn't doubt my identity," I said while packing.

"Okay... But take care of yourself, okay? Don't forget to eat; you always skip meals."

"Yes, Mom..." I said humorously, and I closed my suitcase.

"Hey, someone has to act as parents between us... You should always remember, no matter what, I always got your back, sis."

Cole, even though we're not related by blood, you're always there for me and I'm thankful for it.

"Of course, I know... And I've got your back too."

"Take..." Before Cole could finish his words, the sound of shattered glass stopped him, and it was coming from the living room.

We looked at each other and immediately dropped.

"What was that?!”