* * * * *
Ajunno
It has been a week since Mira's ceremony. A week since I last saw her and I have been searching ever since. I don't know where she is. Could she possibly have followed that guy? No, I believe he is not her lover but then, how do I explain all this?
My phone rings and I pick it up, expectation making my heart surge.
" Hello Kush, have you found anything?"
" Ajunno.... I... I think we should call this search off."
" What?" My anger flares up and my blood is red. I rein in my anger, trying hard to control it.
" Why do you think so?" I ask quietly. I know he has sensed my anger.
" Ajunno, I hate to say this but, it's obvious she eloped with...with her lo- husband. "
Now I'm seeing red. How dare he? How dare he deliberately use the word husband for that thieving brat?
I slam the phone on the ground, stomping it with my feet.
I will find you Mira. And I will have you.
Even if it's the last thing I do.
* * * *
Mira
I crawl into the hot, scented bath, a privilege I never had back home, and let the water seep into my bones. I don't know how I feel. What should I feel?
I can barely remember how everything went sideways. I don't remember why I ran from the crowd but I know it is all that rude guy's fault. He has caused pain to me every time we meet,I can't help but think I'm really cursed.
I remember father disowning me, Ajunno fighting for me but I also remember getting married with so much joy, not knowing I was marrying the wrong person. Tell me, how should I feel?
I pour more scent into the bath, washing my skin with the cool gel.
And then I was brought here.
All I do is eat, bath and sleep all day. The maids here call me "ma'am" and the girls I get to see look at me enviously. Now I can't help but laugh. Isn't this the life I always wanted just like them? Do they know I'm living with the tip of a dagger to my throat ready to plunge in anytime?
And as if that wasn't enough, we have to share a room together. One room!
I know it's large and all but it's torture. I have to build pillow fences every night and bear his terrible sleeping postures. Arrghh!
Life here is horrible with him in it.
I'm rinsing soap off my body as I think of him.
We've barely spoken in the past one week. He doesn't answer me when I tell him I want to go home. I can feel the danger about him. I can't live like this. I know everyone hates me now back at home but I really need to leave.
I dry myself with a towel and step into the walk in closet connected to the bathroom. It is wide and elegant and I would never need new clothes.
I will ask him when we are leaving today again. At least, then I can go back home.
* * * *
Aeon
I'm living on an edge.
Every passing day seems like a countdown to great danger. I wouldn't have escaped on my own that day. They were still hot on my trail when a truck suddenly slammed into one of the cars.
At first, I was shocked. My ally was not informed I was coming to him so how would he have sent that? Except Rahid did.
Another car pulled up in front of me, preventing me from speeding off.
" Who are they? Do you know them?" Milk girl asked and I wanted to slap her mouth shut.
Four burly men in black came out, strode to my car and tried to open it. Of course I had locked myself in but what I saw next made my blood freeze.
One of them just punched through the bullet proof glass like it was rotten wood.
I was scared out of my wits I started struggling with screams. Milk girl looked like she was drained clean of blood.
" Our Boss wants to see you. It would be better if you follow peacefully."
I was to be shocked later on.
Ronald Heist.
That's what he is known as. Ronald is the second most influential person in this part of Asia answerable only to the Prince of India. He is known as the Boss of heists. I had helped him some time ago in a way that still affects me. I can say he is forever indebted to me. He is the reason I am Deaon Rex.
I had seen Ronald again after 5 long years at his luxurious villa. It was situated deep in the suburbans and tightly guarded.
" Brother." He had called me with a smile, clad only in banana boxers and an expensive coat. His beard was full and he looked like he was partying in a beach.
He extended his arms towards me for a hug.
" Brother indeed." I sneered. " If I was your brother you wouldn't abandon me for five years."
" But I showed up on time. I wouldn't let you call on me first."
We both laughed and hugged ourselves, milk girl watching on from the side.
Now it's been a week since I came here. Ronald had offered to host me for as long as I needed to hide. Last I was updated, Darken's men were searching for me everywhere. I'm hoping they would give up after a month.
I hear footsteps behind me and the light scent of Black Orchid fills the room. I groan. What is it again?
" Mister, when are we leaving this place? I want to go home."
I don't answer her. She has been saying the same thing since we got here. Is she that daft? Can't she see I have no choice?
" Mister, please give me a reply. I only want to go home."
" Shut up!" I command, swiping a glass to the floor. It gives a crisp shattering sound.
"I warned you not to follow me. You had the chance to stay back, have a normal life and maybe get a divorce a year later but you chose to follow me. Hun, you have bought your death ticket and now, we are bonded." I move closer to her, relishing in the tears she was fighting back.
" And don't forget dear wife, this union is till death."