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.

1/3

Chapter 43

I had a great time at

Maso“, did you have fun

gaze focused on his toy.

settled into playtime with Teddy, Athena and

be right back, Athena. I’m going to get

little did I know, the ordinary chore of grocery shopping was about to plunge me into an

awareness told me something was amiss. Ignoring

of men had begun to tail my every move. Their intentions remained shrouded in mystery as 1 approached a quiet corner, the dimly lit

and before I could react, a blindfold covered my eyes. Panic 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

became a disorienting blur 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 had they targeted

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

blurred, I replayed the events leading to this moment, searching

silently vowed that if an opportunity arose, I would seize it with every ounce of strength I could muster. The wellbeing of Mason,

Chapter 43

this ominous predicament.

different, and 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

air was thick with an acrid

a chilling reflection of the threat she posed. We had argued fiercely before. Raina threatening me to leave

crackled with tension as Donnie and Raina faced each other, the dimly lit

onto Raina’s. “You need to understand, Raina. Carlyle and I share a bond that goes beyond your obsession. He’s my

sneer,

can give him what he truly needs.

flash of anger crossed Donnie’s features,

is strong, and he loves me. Your attempts to break us apart won’t

eyes narrowing. “You think you’re so special, but you’re just a hindrance. Carlyle could have

mistake possessiveness for love, Raina. Carlyle and I have something real, something you’ll never understand,” Donnie retorted, her words cutting through the

tension.

laughter rang Donnie’s

a chilling sound that sent shivers

blind, Donnie. Carlyle saved you, but for

37%1

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255