124 WINDOW PAIN

LUKE’S POV

I couldn’t believe it. The car was empty, and Ariel was nowhere to be seen. I looked around frantically, trying to find any sign of her or the men who took her. But there was nothing, just an empty street.

I called out Ariel’s name, hoping she would somehow hear me. But there was yet to be a response. And then my mother’s mocking words echoed in my head, taunting me once more. She talked nonsense the first time I heard her voice after a very long time. I clenched my fists, feeling the rage build up inside of me. I couldn’t let her win; I couldn’t let her do anything terrible to Ariel.

I quickly pulled out my phone and called Ariel, praying that she would answer. But it just went straight to voicemail. I tried calling again and again, but still need

an answer.

“Where are you, Ariel?” I whispered to myself, my heart racing with fear and frustration.

Just then, my phone rang again. It was that useless woman, someone I didn’t believe I used to call mother.

“What do you want now?” I answered the phone call, and my voice was shaking with anger.

“Oh, I just wanted to check in on you and your missing wife,” she said with so much sarcasm.

“Tell me where she is,” I demanded, my patience wearing thin.

“Oh, Pushki. Poor Pushki. Do you really think I would tell you where she is? You’re so predictable. You always try to be the hero, but you always end up failing. What a fool you are,” she taunted.

“You’re the one who sent those men after her, aren’t you?” I yelled, my fists clenched in rage.

“Maybe I did; maybe I didn’t. But it’s too late now; she’s gone,” she said, her voice filled with amusement.

“Tell me where she is!” I screamed, my voice echoing through the empty street.

and then the line went

it anymore. I slammed my fist against the window of

I didn’t know what to do

for something to happen, I had to do

I could even think of a plan, my

number.

my voice shaking.

me,” a familiar voice said.

asked,

to escape. Meet me at the old, abandoned factory on the outskirts of town. Please, hurry,” she

I said, my heart racing with relief.

my car and drove towards the abandoned factory,

the factory, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for my mother’s call. If she

there she was. My beautiful wife was bruised

tightly, tears of

sorry, Ariel. I should have protected you,” I whispered,

I’m just glad you found me,”

taking me out of my imagination. I turned around, and it was Andre. I wondered what he was doing here. Has he been following me the whole time? And I couldn’t believe I was

that.

here?” I asked Andre, giving him a curious

about?” He inquired immediately.

for minutes, I

you’re thinking about Ariel. I followed you here because I had a feeling you came looking for her. And I wasn’t wrong about that; I saw you from afar, yelling her name. And take a look at how you’re so worried. I didn’t expect you to love her like

closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. I glanced at André once again. “You know what? I’m just going to act like

way you keep on acting like

are you trying to say now?” I

truth, Luke. You can keep on lying to

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

Comments ()

0/255