PUZZLING PLEA

Elliott Scott's POV

"Elliot! Elliot! Elli-ot!" The sound of Cardy's urgent voice echoed in my ears, each repetition growing louder and more frantic.

"They've followed us home? Oh no, it's all over," I silently said to myself, panic gripping my heart. I quickly sought refuge in a hidden corner, waiting anxiously as Cardy forcefully swung the door open.

As soon as I realized she was alone, a wave of relief washed over me, and I seized the opportunity to slip away unnoticed. But before I could disappear completely, Cardy confronted me with a mix of frustration and concern.

"I've been calling your name repeatedly, and you ignored me completely! What if I was in danger?" She exclaimed, her voice filled with reproach. Although her distress wasn't my concern, I couldn't help but inquire about the cause of her commotion.

"What happened? Why were you shouting so urgently?" I questioned her, moving closer to her. My curiosity outweighed any sympathy I might have felt.

"I just received a call saying my dad has gone missing," she replied, tears streaming down her face, painting a portrait of despair. My mind immediately started to calculate the potential advantages this situation presented.

"Well, this might be my chance to avoid signing that contract again," I mused silently, a glimmer of hope igniting within me. However, outwardly, I maintained a facade of concern.

"What steps are being taken to find him?" I inquired, expecting a logical and methodical response. Instead, Cardy fell silent, continuing to sob uncontrollably.

She eventually managed to convey that the police had been alerted and were involved in the search. Feeling a mix of indifference and impatience, I grabbed a towel and made my way to the shower, seeking solace within the soothing cascade of water.

After a few minutes, I emerged from the bathroom, dressed and ready to escape the weight of the day's events. It was an extraordinary occurrence, something I had never encountered before. The depths of obsession that led someone to such extremes left me astounded.

With a determination to leave the turmoil behind, I set out to find solace elsewhere. The world outside awaited, promising a temporary respite from the chaos of Cardy's predicament. I longed to immerse myself in distractions, to forget, if only for a while, the weighty burden that had unexpectedly fallen upon her.

"Are you heading out?" Cardy inquired, and I affirmed. However, instead of understanding my composure, she seized the chance to interrogate me relentlessly.

"So you're not concerned about what's happening? You actually intend to abandon me here alone, fully aware that they might come after me?" She persisted with her foolish questions.

"Which option do you prefer? Should I stay with you, or should I go stay with your father and the kidnappers?" I retorted, but she remained silent.

"Have you already forgotten that ours is a contractual marriage? You have no authority over me. I am the one who chooses my own company and location. The sooner you grasp this concept, the better for you. Utter nonsense," I concluded, leaving her frozen in place as I exited the house.

"Oh, I almost forgot." I quickly rushed back inside.

"Please ask them to return my cars," I instructed Cardy before promptly departing.

Perhaps it would be more beneficial for me to spend the night enjoying myself rather than dwelling on her misfortunes.

Upon arriving at the hotel, I secured a room and ordered them to bring food over to my room. However, my attention was captivated by the presence of an exquisitely beautiful lady, her back radiating elegance.

Intrigued, I resolved to approach her. To my surprise, as she turned around, it was none other than Cardy.

"Oh my goodness! What brings you here? Wait, did you follow me?" I questioned her, pulling her aside into a secluded corner.

"How could you expect me to be the only one in that house at this time?" she retorted, averting her gaze.

"By the way, I didn't come here to be stuck with you. I'm here on my own. So do whatever you want, except involve other women," she declared, but I couldn't help but wonder what gave her the audacity to think that I couldn't be with other women.

"So you think you can dictate what I should do or not? Listen, I have control over you, and I can easily choose to control someone else too. Get that straight in your head," she said, standing her ground as I left the place and retreated to my room.

A few minutes later, I heard some commotion outside, but I initially chose to mind my own business until I heard my name being mentioned. Curiosity got the better of me, and I hastily made my way outside.

"You wretched woman! Are you still here?" I confronted Cardy with a look of disdain on my face. Turning to the bartender, I inquired about the situation.

"She ordered a drink but couldn't pay for it," he responded, and my attention shifted back to Cardy.

"Yeah, I was in a rush and forgot my bag and even my phone at home," Cardy admitted, leaving me dumbfounded.

"Why wouldn't you forget things when you're busy chasing after what isn't yours? You better focus on yourself, you foolish person," I scolded her, paying for the drink before escorting her to my room.

"Please, may I use the shower?" Cardy pleaded, and I directed her towards the bathroom.

With the passage of time, a sudden cry pierced the air, jolting me from my thoughts. With a sense of urgency, I hastened towards the source, my feet carrying me swiftly to the bathroom. What awaited me there was a sight that stirred both surprise and concern: she lay sprawled on the cold floor, vulnerable and helpless.

My initial reaction was one of exasperation, voiced through an incredulous remark. "Goodness gracious, have you summoned me solely to partake in this peculiar display of your unclothed form?" Yet, as I peered into her eyes, I detected a flicker of pain and vulnerability. Her gaze shifted away, avoiding my own.

"Will you just stand there and not help me?" She beseeched, her voice laden with an imploring plea. The natural inclination was to refuse, to distance myself from this uncomfortable situation. However, a deeper sense of responsibility compelled me to reconsider. I could not abandon her in such a state, for the consequences could be dire, and the burden of guilt would weigh heavily upon my conscience.

Reluctantly, I resolved to lift her from the unforgiving ground. But as my hands reached out to offer support, she placed a solitary finger upon my lips.