Hiding Behind Her Superficiality by Kyla Olson

Elspeth narrowed her eyes. She wondered if she could win, but then she realized she couldn’t. She hadn’t had anything to eat the whole day, so she didn’t have much strength. “Take me, then.”

The man froze. “I’m here to capture you.” He was wondering why Elspeth would let him take her. Is she stupid?

“I know. Take me.” She extended her hands, looking impatient.

“Odd. You should be asking me who I am, why I am capturing you, refuse to cooperate, and then fight me.” The man was stunned. His boss told him that Elspeth was a decent fighter and that he must exercise caution, yet Elspeth wasn’t putting up any resistance. He felt a little down that he couldn’t fight.

The man was staring at the ground in disappointment, much to Elspeth’s chagrin. “Why should I resist? You’re here to capture me, not kill me. We can talk things out on the way. Just take me now. If the Coles come after us, none of us can leave.”

“We’re not chatting. I’m here to capture you!” Angered, the man darted ahead and grabbed Elspeth’s arm, intending to throw her over his shoulder.

Elspeth flung his hand away and took a few steps back. “No. I can walk on my own. Just lead the way.”

The man frowned. He wanted to get mad, but he couldn’t. This is too simple. Wonder if there’s something wrong. However, his boss did tell him to take Elspeth away no matter what. Guess there’s nothing wrong with her coming with me. I still will be finishing my mission anyway. I was also ordered not to hurt her. If I push my luck, she might go back on her word and fight me until her last breath. Can’t let that happen. The man nodded and led the way. They then got into the van and left.

a moment, then it

…

for three years. Ever since he saw the smart Elspeth, he had already taken a liking to her, but he never showed it, or Callum might laugh at him. To his dismay, Callum managed to make Elspeth fall for him first, and their love for each other deepened at a blistering rate. It was then he gave up on her. However, Callum lost his love for Elspeth all of a sudden, and he became the Coles’

to get wicked drunk, but then Elspeth didn’t like the smell of alcohol nor did she like bumbling fools, so he only drank a little. He then gently told everyone off and made his way to the bedroom. Yet, when he wobbled his way into the room, the first thing he saw was the unconscious servants. A bad feeling surged in his heart. He stormed into the room, but all

too sad. This marriage was just a test anyway. What would turn out depended on Elspeth. If she refused to sleep with him, then he wouldn’t do anything. Even if she wanted to cancel the marriage, he would do it as well. All he wanted to do was to see if Elspeth would choose him if Callum was out of the picture, but now he knew it

he closed the door. Edmund

wedding night. Why aren’t you

exhausted. She’s asleep, so here I am.” Calling her that is certainly… odd, but not like I can

“Missus? Well, someone’s bragging.”

Might as well have as

friend.

…

led to an area filled with villas. It was remote enough that no

“My orders are to take you here. You’re going have to figure everything out yourself.” Then, she was kicked out of the