Chapter 9 - 9

SASHA'S POV

What is all this? I want to die. I just want to leave but not by his hands. What if he goes to kill my family because I left? I don't think I can risk my family's life for anything in this world. I don't want to lose them, neither do I want them to lose me. As I ran out of the room, I thought of a way to escape and find my family. Then maybe I will run far away with them so this man would leave me alone. Then I realized there is no way out of this except a miracle when I stepped out. His men were already waiting for me outside. They ushered me to a very luxurious and expensive car.

I can't help but feel sad as I entered the car with them. I feel like my life in a nutshell will be a living hell from now on. He's going to abuse me and do whatever he wants with me. There is a justice system, but the link to that place is very far. The ones who are the main link are already on the mafias side. What should I do?

I don't want to die by his hand. Should I just kill myself and end my misery once and for all. I don't want to live the rest of my life like this. He wants to get married to me. I did not dream of my wedding like this, I never wanted to get married to a man I barely know even if he gives me a lot of money. I would still say no. I watched as people moved freely round the city as we drove away. I did not give them my address but it seems the already know where we are going.

This makes me more sad. I feel like an idiot. How did I not see this coming? How could I let a girl like that fool me into coming to that hotel? Why didn't I make a research of the hotels he goes to. I have made enough to prepare me, I just wanted to make more so I can survive before getting a job wherever I go.

This is hard enough as it is. How did I get to this point in my life? How did I get to the point of no going back? Am I never going to get out of this mess? I don't deserve this at all. I've always been good and obedient. Why is this happening to me?

I got to the apartment, Annie was home already. She probably finished her shift on time today, I could not help but burst into tears again when I walked in. She was watching TV when I entered. My tears caught her attention and she rushed to me.

"Oh my God! What happened to you Sasha? What's the matter? Did she do anything to you?" She asked leading me to the couch.

"He...he..." I burst into tears again, choking with it.

"I'll get you some water." She said, rushing into the kitchen. She came back with a glass of water which she gave me. I gulped down the water and sniffled.

"Can you calmly tell me what is going on? Who is he? What did he do?" She asked a few seconds later.

"He found me. He set me up, I met with him instead of her." I replied, wiping my tears.

She gasped loudly, then she heard a horn outside. She quickly checked the window, her eyes widened. I am sure she saw the people I came with.

"Oh no! How did he even do it?" She asked dumbfounded.

"He even knows my family and knows I live with you. Everyone is in danger because of me..."

"Oh no! What do we do now? Should we run away together? We'll get the others and leave this country." She suggested.

I shook my head. It's no use. He has connections everywhere, he'll find me before I can get away. And this time around, he won't be so nice. I am very sure he will kill me if he is given a chance to.

"I can't leave anymore. He has people watching me all over. He asked me to come pack my things and come to him. I am going to be living with him from now on as his wife." I explained sadly.

She shook her head, "No! That's not good! You aren't going anywhere. You can't let one random guy tell you what to do with your life. This is your life and he has no right whatsoever to make claims and decisions. You are going to retaliate against him again, we won't do this."

I wish I could do that. What is the use? He's a criminal who has gotten away with so many crimes. He won't be arrested for killing me and I'll probably die for nothing. I won't risk her life for my mistakes, neither would I risk anyone else. I am going to fix this. I'll get that man out of my way no matter what I have to do. He'll pay for making me this miserable, but for now I'm going to play along.

"Help me pack up Annie. I need to leave as soon as possible." I told her.

She stood up staring at me in disbelief, "What? You're just going to accept like that? You will let him make a fool out of you? You'll let someone try and control of your life, it's your life remember!"

How do I convince Annie to listen to me? Sometimes you don't have to fight everything.

"Listen to me Annie, can you trust me on this for once? I won't let anyone control my life. But I won't let anyone get hurt because of me. I am sorry but I have to decline your help. I know what I am doing, I'll be calling to tell you I'm okay so you don't have to worry about me."

She frowned, "What do you mean? Are you saying you're just going to give up? Just like that?"

"I don't want anyone to get hurt. We do not have a choice in this! Life is more important. As long as I'm still alive, you're still breathing, there is always a way." I assured her.

She sighed deeply and turned to hug me. "You have no idea how sad I am seeing you go to a man you don't even know. What if he treats you so bad? How can you even marry such a notorious man? This is so unfair."

I listened to her whining with a smile. She's the best friend I have ever had. I know she is willing to risk her life for her friendship but I won't be so selfish. I should also be willing to protect her.

"Come on, let's not think about negative things. Look on the bright side, he's a super rich man. Maybe I'll finally get to be a billionaire." I joked.

She finally laughed, "Maybe we should focus on that. We won't give up easily until we can finally get him out of the way."

After much whining and consolation, she finally decided to help me get ready to leave. I am glad she finally gets it. A girl's got to do what a girl should do to survive. We sat down for a while looking at each other after packing. She's about to cry but she keeps holding back her tears.

"My best friend is suffering and I can't even help her. I am not worthy to be called a friend at all." She sniffled, giving in to her tears.

I hugged her, "Come on, we agreed that you would be strong for me. There's no way my family would be okay if you are like this. You are my only hope bestie."

She's the only one who can help me keep herself and my family safe. She is the only one who can stand by me in this time of despair. I hope she doesn't fail to protect herself when I can no longer watch her. My parents would be devastated when they hear the news, I need her to console them in my place. I am going to fight back and survive. He will know that he messed with the wrong person as soon as I am done with him.

"It's time to go." I heard the voice of one of the bodyguards outside.

I looked at Annie, "Don't cry bitch. I am counting on you. Of course I'll call you when I get there so don't worry. Think about it, I am about to go enjoy the life that you can only dream off."

She laughed as I made jokes to lighten the mood. She hugged me again before standing up and holding my bags.

"Watching Netflix without you would be so boring. At least now I can bring whoever I want without getting scolded." She joked as well.

"Be careful with men, I'll kill whoever messes with you. Bye bestie, I love you." Just when I said that, the door opened and they came in.

"Let's go miss." They took my bags and ushered me out. I waved at Annie who followed us out.

"I love you too bestie. You better call me if you don't want me to haunt you!" She threatened.

I laughed while getting into the car and finally letting the tears flow. What the hell awaits me where I am going now?