All Chapters of The CEO'S SECRET BRIDE : Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

I ran until my legs hurt. My lungs were burning. I sought refuge in a tiny motel. The type that no one ever visits. It had the smell of cheap disinfectant and stale cigarettes. I used the last of my money to make the payment. My hands felt trembling. After I left I locked the door. My back was against the thin wood as I slid to the ground. I was still holding the flash drive, cold right now. I felt like my phone was exploding. There was a chance. I had to though. I needed explanation. There was only Fred. I gave him a call. My hands were trembling. He picked up at the first ring. “Annabel? Are you alright? Are you hurt?Carson called me. Did they get the flash drive?”“No, I'm not hurt.” For the time being I said in a raspy voice. “But Fred, they found us. They found the apartment. How?”In a strained whisper he spoke. “I'm not sure. I can't explain it. But they are ahead of us by one step. They were paying attention. For that reason I was unable to tell you over the phone.” “What

I opened the door with a push. I froze by the entrance. My blood ran cold at the sight. Carson was sitting on the bed. He was bowing his head. Victoria, his mother, was standing by his side. She was very stylish. Her pricey suit contrasted sharply with the run-down apartment. I got a smile from her. She smiled without opening her eyes. She had a strong perfume and power scent. It smelled oppressive. Her words were “Hello Annabelle.”Her tone was serene and fluid. I turned my gaze from her to Carson. My thoughts were racing. My eyes shifted to Carson wondering how she had discovered us and how she knew we were here. He refused to give me a glance. His gaze remained fixed on the ground. A chilly certainty descended upon me. Victoria cut the quiet. “I’m here to take my son home He should return to the mansion now. Its time for him to rejoin the business. Too much time has passed since he left.”I questioned “Carson?” I spoke in a whisper. “What is she saying? Will you go back with

The drive was a silent blur. I sat in the backseat of the limousine, staring out the window. The city lights faded into the endless black of the countryside. Carson was beside me. He tried to reach for my hand, but I pulled away. My eyes stayed fixed on the reflection of the car in front of us. Victoria’s car. It was a sleek black sedan, just like ours. A perfect match.A few hours later, we pulled up to a grand estate. It was bigger than I remembered. A huge iron gate stood at the entrance. The gate swung open silently, and we drove in. The mansion was a monstrous thing of brick and stone. It was a dark, brooding presence against the moonlit sky. It felt less like a home and more like a tomb. A cold dread settled in my stomach.The car stopped. The driver got out and opened the door for us. I stepped out, my feet sinking into the soft gravel. The air was cold and still. The only sound was the crunch of our shoes on the path. Victoria stepped out of her car. She looked at me, her e

I continued until I got to my room. With my body shaking from a new wave of embarrassment I had dashed up the grand staircase. The elegant hallway seemed to go on forever. After locating the door I slammed it behind me. A loud defiant punctuation to the stiflingly quiet dinner the sound reverberated throughout the quiet house. My chest heaved as I leaned against the door. I finally shed the tears I had so desperately suppressed. They were stinging and hot as they ran down my face. I moved to the bed after pushing myself away from the door. My legs felt weak. I slumped onto the plush mattress and covered my face with my hands. Now I let the tears fall freely and let out a soft sob. It was a cry of complete defeat grief and rage. I had made a mistake by coming here. I was familiar with Victoria's personality. I had anticipated this. However a tiny optimistic part of me had thought that Carson's presence would suffice. This had been my mistake. I had been foolish. I had let mys

The silence was broken by a soft knock on the door. A beat skipped in my chest. With the phone still warm against my ear I froze for a second. In the deafening silence of the room the tentative gentle knock sounded like a thunderclap. Since Fred was on the other end of the line it couldn't be him. Carson had already made his spectacular departure so it couldn't be him. Only one person remained. Not even a second knock was necessary before the door swung open. It was Victoria. With a mask of icy rage covering her face she stood there as a picture of flawless elegance. As soon as I fumbled with the phone I hung up before she could hear Fred's voice. I blurted out my voice shaky but defiant “You can’t just barge in here!”With my legs still feeling weak and a towel still loosely wrapped around my wet hair I got out of bed. Victoria didn't pay attention. Glancing over the sterile décor as though she were examining a piece of trash she strode into the room. My already frayed nerve