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

Athena. Jake and I had a great time at

good, dear. Maso“, did you have

replied, his gaze

Teddy, Athena and

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

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

an unsettling feeling crept over me. The sounds of the city became a distant hum as an instinctual awareness told me something was amiss. Ignoring the uncase,

tail my every move. Their intentions remained shrouded in mystery as 1 approached a quiet corner, the dimly lit street revealing the clandestine nature of

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

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

my wrists, rendering any attempt at resistance futile. Fear and frustration intermingled within me as the vehicle sped away, leaving me enveloped in the

that left me feeling vulnerable and isolated. As time blurred, I replayed the events

my fear, a surge of determination coursed through me. I silently vowed that if an opportunity arose, I would seize it with

Chapter 43

ominous

The ait telt 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

air was thick with an acrid scent, unmistakably that of wolfsbane. Panic gripped me as I scanned the

chilling reflection of the threat she posed. We had argued fiercely before. Raina threatening me to leave Carlyle for her. But I, driven

faced each other, the dimly lit room

and determination, her eyes locked onto Raina’s. “You need to understand, Raina. Carlyle and I share a

into a sneer, her

deserves someone who can give him what he truly needs. You’re holding him back.”

anger crossed Donnie’s features, but she held

needs is not your concern. Our connection is strong, and

think you’re so special, but you’re just a hindrance. Carlyle

have something real,

tension.

laughter rang Donnie’s spine.

sound that sent shivers

you, but for how long? I can offer

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