Chapter_28
Chapter 28
“Mr. Ryker, you’re helpless, so you’d better obey us. We’ll contact you soon,” the kidnapper’s voice came through the phone with an unsettling calmness.
“If my son is harmed in the process, I will find you, and I will torture you!” Abel’s voice was cold, seething with fury.
“We’ve already told you—we’re only here for the money.” The kidnapper’s tone remained unshaken.
“But why do we have to wait three days? What kind of trick are you playing?” Abel demanded, frustration bubbling over.
“Stop asking so many questions; just wait for us!” The line went dead before Abel could respond.
Abel slammed the phone down, fuming with rage. “What the hell do they want?” he muttered through clenched teeth.
He knew the kidnappers had an ulterior motive. They’re creating an opportunity for me to get close to you, Abel thought bitterly. Once you have sex with me, your son will be back by the following day!
His fists clenched at his sides. But I need to take it one step at a time. There will be opportunities.
“Damn it!” Abel growled. “I’ll never let them go!”
Alana, sensing the surge of anger radiating off him, took a step back, her eyes widening with fear. His fury was palpable, and she knew that if she pushed him too far, things could get dangerous.
She quickly threw herself onto him, wrapping her arms around his waist, and sobbed dramatically. “Abel, I’m willing to exchange myself for Timmy! Please, let me go!”
“Timmy will be fine; there’s no need to rush,” Abel muttered, his arms stiff as he held her back with one arm, trying to calm the situation.
Alana continued to sob, her fake tears flowing as she clung to him. “Timmy… Where are you? I’m so worried…” she cried.
If Abel were to look closely, he would notice how carefully controlled her tears were. She was faking it, pretending to be heartbroken. But in the midst of her performance, she had managed to convince Rosaline, who was in the other room, that her distress was real.
“Abel, you should marry Alana once Timmy returns,” Rosaline’s voice interrupted the tension, her words filled with concern. “I would feel so much more secure if the two of you gave birth to more grandchildren.”
Abel’s face remained neutral, but inside, he was far from comfortable with the suggestion. He said nothing, keeping his thoughts to himself.
Alana, sensing the lack of response, ramped up her theatrics. She began to scream, her voice loud and shrill. “Timmy, I’ll die with you if you’re dead!” she cried, as though she couldn’t bear the thought of her son being in danger.
“Abel, can you hear me?” Rosaline raised her voice again.
“Yes,” Abel responded reluctantly, his voice thick with frustration.
“Abel,” Rosaline continued, “I’ll give you many more children! I know the Ryker family would love to have a daughter. I’ll make your family whole!”
Abel’s throat tightened as he replied hoarsely, “Okay, I promised to get married.”
The conversation was draining, but it was clear that Alana had plans of her own. The kidnappers, however, had not contacted them again, even though it was late into the night.
Alana, taking advantage of the situation, pretended to faint. She collapsed dramatically onto the couch, crying louder than ever. Abel, exhausted and already on edge, reluctantly picked her up and carried her to the guest room.
Once inside, he was about to leave her on the bed when Alana wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him tightly.
“Abel, please don’t leave me alone,” she begged, her voice trembling with feigned fear. “I’m so scared.”
Abel’s patience was running thin. He gently pulled her off him, his voice flat. “It’s late. Have a good rest. I’ll be waiting for the call.”
“They won’t contact us for three days,” Alana continued to cry, her acting seamless. “Let’s not exhaust ourselves. You should get some rest too.”
“I’m not sleepy,” Abel muttered, his frustration evident. He turned to leave.
Alana, not willing to let him go so easily, clung to him once more, her sobs more dramatic than ever. “You’re so cold-hearted. Can’t you stay with me? I’m so lonely without Timmy.”
Abel’s response was swift. “I’m asking Yvonne to stay with you tonight,” he said, his voice resolute. He didn’t give her a chance to argue before walking out of the room, leaving Alana behind.
Alone in his room, Abel tried to relax. The anger and worry over Timothy weighed heavily on him, but he forced himself to take a cold shower, hoping it would help clear his mind.
He lit a cigarette, inhaling deeply as he sat in the dark, trying to calm his thoughts. His mind raced, not just with thoughts of Timothy, but with everything going on—the lies, the manipulation, the constant pressure from Alana and Rosaline.
He didn’t know when he finally fell asleep, but he woke to a sudden sensation.
Someone was hugging him.
Abel’s eyes flew open, his body immediately tense. He found Alana in his arms, her body pressed against his, her breath hot on his neck. She had entered his room without him noticing.
“What the hell?” Abel growled, shoving her away forcefully. His voice was filled with disapproval and anger. “Who let you in?”
Alana, taken aback by his reaction, tried to play it off, but the look in her eyes was one of desperation. “Abel… I’m just so scared. I need you.”
Abel’s eyes hardened. “Get out of my room, now. I don’t want to see you like this.”
Alana hesitated, but finally, she got up and walked toward the door. Abel watched her go, his mind in turmoil. She’s playing a game, and I’m not going to fall for it.
He needed to focus. Timothy’s safety was the only thing that mattered now.
