Chapter 3

Ember's Pov 

It's been a week since I saw Mr A… I mean, Aaron. 

A doctor came to check on me every day, and with the two men stationed outside, I couldn't leave at all. I decided to pause on planning my escape till I was much better, it would be too dangerous to risk fainting while escaping. Besides, the past week has been the most peaceful I have ever been in a long while. It sounded crazy to say I felt at peace in my captor's house, but it was the truth. It was boring lying down all day, taking meds and eating, but it was a good type of boring that I didn't realise I needed. 

I have been in six foster homes till I turned 18 and there was no moment I could sit down to hear my own thoughts and just enjoy the quiet. Even at night, I was either crying myself to sleep or passed out due to exhaustion after working like a labourer all day. 

So for a second, I even dared to think about just staying here and giving up escaping. 

But that man's death tormented me every single night which made me even more confused about Aaron's personality. He could shoot a man without flinching, but he hasn't harassed me for the past week I stayed in his house. It made me curious about the type of person he was, a caring kidnapper? No, that didn't fit him. He clearly didn't care about me and probably took care of me so I recovered quickly to be sold out like an item.

I was in a dilemma, one part of me hated and feared him and the other part…

… I couldn't explain it because I was confused as well.

“The boss wants to see you,” one of the men entered the room and announced.

I don't know why my heart fluttered a little at his words; it had to be fear. What did Mr Aaron want from me so randomly?

I didn't waste any more time, I was eager to leave this room anyway, so I followed him and got downstairs to the big hall. I saw Mr Aaron but the person with him almost made my heart fly out of my chest.

It was Kelvin. 

Why was he back so soon? Did he gather the money that quickly?

My stomach tightened in knots at the thought of returning to him, I didn't want to at all. His eyes on me made my skin crawl; it looked like it held promises of what he would do to me once I was released by my captor. 

I looked away to Aaron and asked in a shaky voice, “What is he doing here?

“He paid his first instalment today and requested to see how you were doing. Such a caring boyfriend, isn't he?” Aaron said with a hint of mockery and amusement in his voice.

I was immediately ticked off by his response, all this was just a game to him while I was literally fighting for my life and freedom. It was clear how unreliable he was; he cared about nothing but himself, so I'd better find my way out before Kelvin completed his payment.

“Hey baby, please be patient okay? I promise you I'll come get you soon,” Kelvin comforted, but there was absolutely nothing comforting about his words; his eyes said otherwise. 

He stepped forward and pulled me into a hug. I just stood there frozen, staring hard at the ground as if it would just open and swallow me whole. He whispered into my ear.

 “Don’t even think about leaving me, I will find you and I'll make you wish you had died earlier” I let out a gasp at his words, my heart sank and my body shook uncontrollably. 

“Show him out”, Aaron said nonchalantly to his men, and Kelvin was immediately escorted out. He kept his eyes trained on me till he disappeared out of sight. 

I finally released the breath I didn't know I was holding after he left. His presence unnerved me badly, I wish I had never had to see him again. 

“Looks like you are much better now. I gave you one week to recover, but you can't sit idly in this house any longer than that. Starting today, you will resume work as a maid and make sure this house stays clean, do I understand?” Aaron instructed from behind and began walking away without waiting for a reply.

“If I do that, will you make sure I never see Kelvin again? Will you prevent him from coming back for me even after he has paid you in full? I am ready to do anything, just don't make me return with him” I fell to my knees and clasped my hands together to plead with him,, hot tears dropped from my eyes as I pleaded. Seeing him again after a week made me realise how vulnerable and terrified I was of him. I can't take any more abuse from him.

It was called picking the lesser devils at this point, between the two I knew Kelvin all too well. There was no guarantee that even if I managed to leave here he wouldn't track me down. He claimed I belonged to him and always said I can't run from him; he was ready to chase me to the end of the earth if need be. 

So how far could I really run when I have nothing? I had no money, phone, belongings…nothing. But here, Kelvin feared Aaron and wouldn't dare trespass to take me. I know it sounded crazy but being with my kidnapper happened to be the safest place I could be. 

If Aaron only demanded that I become a maid and clean, then it was a paradise compared to Kelvin. I will do it wholeheartedly.

Aaron was quiet for a few seconds before he said.

 “A deal is a deal, Ember. I don't renege on my promises, but then no one can force me to do anything so even if I break a promise, it doesn't matter. What matters is you convincing me that you are worth keeping, earn your keep and I might think about it”

His words gave me hope and I replied with utmost gratitude.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Aaron. I promise to be good” 

Aaron grunted in response and muttered.

 “It's Sir to you” and walked away. 

What a turn of events! I was brought into this house and now I am happy about staying here. I just hope I didn't make the wrong decision, Aaron was a man I couldn't be too relaxed with yet.

Now I knew what the other part of me felt about this man, it felt safe.