Chapter 43

DONNIE’S POV

The engine hummed softly as the car glided through the late afternoon traffic. The sun painted warm hues on the horizon, casting a gentle glow inside the car. Jake, strapped securely in his car seat, fidgeted with excitement.

“Did you have fun at the park today, Mason?”

He nodded vigorously. “I loved the slide and swing, Mama! It was so fun!

“I’m glad you enjoyed it, buddy.” I smiled at him through the rearview mirror. “We’ll have

to go again soon. Maybe we can try the merry–go–round next time.”

“Round and round, Mama! Yeah!”

I laughed at his antics. “Yes baby. Now, we’re off to Grandma Athena’s house. What do you want to do there?” I asked, as the traffic light in front of me turned green.

“Cookies!” Mason’s face lit up with the promise of sweet treats.

I chuckled, “Cookies it is. Remember, not too much.”

As we approached Athena’s house, a familiar sight on the quiet street, I felt a sense of comfort. The car slowed to a stop, and I turned to Jake.

“We’re here, little buddy. Ready to see Athena?”

“Play with Teddy,” he waved his worn down teddy bear around.

“That sounds like a plan. Let’s go see Athena and then you can play with Teddy while I grab a few things, okay?”

Mason beamed, his excitement palpable as I unbuckled him from his car seat. The car door creaked open, and we stepped out onto the familiar sidewalk. The scent of blooming flowers lingered in the air as we made our way to Athena’s welcoming door.

As we entered, the aroma of something delicious cooking filled the air, and Mason’s eyes lit up.

“Donnie! You’re back.” Athena uttered.

Athena came out of the kitchen and took Mason from me.

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Chapter 43

I had a great time at the park. How’s

dear. Maso“, did you

gaze focused on his toy.

with Teddy, Athena and

I’m going to

the ordinary chore of grocery shopping was about

me. The sounds of the city became a distant hum as an instinctual awareness told me something was amiss. Ignoring the uncase, I quickened my pace, the grocery list in

to me, a shadowy group of men had begun to tail my every move. Their intentions remained shrouded in mystery as 1 approached a quiet corner, the dimly lit street revealing the clandestine nature

surged through me as I struggled against an invisible force, my instincts urging me to fight. But they were relentless, overpowering me with a strength that caught me off

of muffled sounds and uneven footsteps. The blindfold, a cruel shroud, robbed me of my ability to navigate or understand the unfolding situation. Questions swirled in my mind – who were these men, and why

tightened around my wrists, rendering any attempt at resistance futile. Fear and frustration intermingled within me as the vehicle sped away, leaving me enveloped in the chilling uncertainty of my captors‘ intentions.

me feeling vulnerable and isolated. As time blurred, I replayed the events leading to this moment,

vowed that if an opportunity arose, I would seize it with every ounce of strength I could muster. The wellbeing of Mason, waiting innocently at home, fueled my resolve

Chapter 43

ominous

I strained to discern any recognizable sounds or landmarks. The unknown loomed, and with every step, I clung to the hope that Athena’s wisdom and the strength within me would navigate me

eyes fluttered open, I found myself in an underground basement. The air was thick with an acrid scent, unmistakably that of wolfsbane. Panic gripped me as

light revealed a malicious. glint in her eyes, a chilling reflection of the threat she posed. We had argued fiercely before. Raina threatening me to leave Carlyle for her. But I, driven by the unwavering bond we shared, refused to

and Raina faced each other, the

“You need to understand, Raina. Carlyle and I share

twisted into a sneer, her voice

Donnie. Carlyle deserves someone who can give him what he truly needs.

anger crossed Donnie’s features, but

is strong, and he loves me. Your attempts

special, but you’re just a hindrance. Carlyle could have so much more without you.”

possessiveness for love, Raina. Carlyle and I have something real, something

tension.

rang Donnie’s spine.

sound that sent shivers

Carlyle saved you, but for how long? I

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