Chapter 7

Jacqueline’s POV

It has been a week since I got married and nothing has happened. No calls, no posters of a missing person, nothing. It almost feels like I have been easily forgotten. To top it all, I don’t remember where my phone is. How can I call for help?

I am certain Bianca would be worried about me and probably be looking for me. She is the only I count on. I walked towards the window and looked through it. His bodyguards were outside, two though.

Argh.

I have to get out of here somehow. I left the window and paced up and down beside the bed. I caught a glimpse of the handle turning and stood still. It pulled open and that maid came in. She hung her head and avoided eye contact.

“Good morning, Mrs. Northman.”

Huh? That was strange. Usually, I would have been greeted with rudeness or a sarcastic remark but I didn’t get either of those.

“Breakfast is ready. Would you like to be served in your room or downstairs at the table?” She asked, raising her head.

I furrowed my brow surprisingly. Okay. Something wasn’t right. Was this a dream or has been trapped here affected me psychologically?

“I’m not that hungry. I’ll let you know if I change my mind.” I replied, still finding her behaviour too good to be true.

She replied in a nod and turned to leave. She walked through the partially open door and closed it behind her. I glanced at the door, stunned at what had happened. I shrugged off the thought and focused on the main thing—leaving this house.

I didn’t have a plan. It’s either I escape successfully or I get caught, which I wish the latter doesn’t happen. I made my bed, making it look like I’m still sleeping. This should keep them distracted for a while. I headed for the door and opened it.

I surveyed the floor below as I climbed down the stairs. Empty as usually. I got to the landing and walked towards the living room. I scanned the living room from the entrance and the coast was clear.

Was this coincidence or did a lot change overnight? I glanced at the main entrance and there wasn’t a bodyguard standing there. A smile appeared on my face. I guess my escape would be easy. I hurried to the door and pulled it open. I glanced at the compound. The two bodyguards I had seen earlier were still at the other side of the house.

The gate was closed and the gate-keeper wasn’t at his post. Going to meet him will ruin my plan. I need to figure out a way out to escape. I caught a glimpse of a ladder, leaning against the fence. Coincidence? I don’t care anymore. I walked towards it and climbed up. The ladder wobbled as I got to the top. I was slowly slipping away from the wall and I almost fell.

Luckily, I quickly held on to the top of the wall. I managed to put the ladder back in its position. Phew! That could’ve ended worst. I looked over the fence. Behind it was hedges. This should be easy. I left the ladder and jumped over the fence.

Ow! I partially landed on a hedge and scratched my forearm. I glanced at it. It’s nothing a plaster couldn’t solve. I stood on my feet and dusted my clothes. I glanced at the fence and smiled happily.

Freedom; at last. I was finally free from that, that obnoxious man. I looked both ways and ran towards the south of the street. I was finally going home.

~Rex’s POV~

The volume on the headphones were set to moderate while I ran at a certain speed on the treadmill. My sweatshirt was partially drenched in sweat and my face had visible droplets. I wiped off some off my temple and heaved tiredly.

“Boss.” A feeble voice said beside me.

I turned to my side and glanced at Peter. I turned off the treadmill and stood still. I removed the headphone from my ears and hung it on my neck. I picked my water bottle from the edge of the treadmill and unscrewed it.

“Your excuse better be important.” I said ironically, drinking the water.

Peter stalled for a minute and scratched his head.

“Your-your wife, she…” He stammered.

I paused and lowered the bottle. I screwed back the cap on slowly. I looked blankly. What trouble did she get herself into this time?

“She what?” I inquired.

Peter hung his head.

“She-she-ran away.” He said timidly.

Escaped? Did I hear him clearly?

“What do you mean she escaped? Did she invisibly walked through the gate without either of you seeing her?” I asked, pissed off by the news.

“I don’t know, Boss. She—.” He stuttered.

“You fools! What is the essence of hiring you? You’re just useless! All of you!” I snapped.

Peter stayed muted. He knows that if he tries to justify anything, I’ll deal with him. No, no, no! This can’t be happening! I raked my fingers through my hair.

“I hold this.” I said, discarding my water bottle.

I barely cared if he caught it or not. My problem was far bigger. I took out my phone from my pocket and unlocked it quickly. I tapped the security camera app and rewinded the video. I stopped as soon as I saw her. I watched everything.

“The reason why she was able to run away was because neither of you was at your position.” I told him off, raising my voice.

“Boss, I’m—.”

“I’m not in the mood for to listen to your pathetic apology.” I said furiously.

I need to find her. I need to! Ugh! This can’t be happening! Not now!

“I regret hiring you. You are useless. Neither of you could keep an eye one person. Just one. I will deal with you later but right now, we have to find my wife.” I said.

Peter replied in a nod. She couldn’t have gone far. Could she? My phone vibrated. I glanced at the screen and the caller ID.

Unknown number.

I hesitated for a while. It’s probably Alex calling. He really knows to how to be a pain in the a*se. I slid answer.

“Hello!” I said reluctantly.

“Hello! Rex Northman?” A stern voice said from the other end.

Sounds nothing like Alex. I flashed a glance at Peter.

“Yes, I am he.” I said, curious to know where this was leading to.

“I’m Inspector John. Your presence is needed at the police station urgently.” He said.

Sh*t! Did she rat me out? I hung up the call without replying. I stormed out of the room, which I use as my personal gym.