Celina had just stepped out of the hotel.
It was time to leave, yet her heart ached terribly. It felt as though she were leaving the most important part of her life behind in Larissa, Greece.
She had made so many memories here both good and bad, especially with her father.
He used to call her his sunshine. She could still remember the poem he had recited to her when she was five, the very first time he gave her the name.
Those had been happier days.
Then, as the years passed, everything between Celina and her stepsisters changed. Their hatred toward her had begun when they were teenagers, and even now, she couldn't put a finger on what she had done to deserve it.
As the memories resurfaced, tears gathered in her eyes. There was nothing she could do.
She couldn't even think of going against her stepmother. Only God knew what that woman might do to her father if Celina disobeyed her.
The most ironic part was that her stepmother currently had almost complete authority over everything. The only thing keeping Celina from becoming completely stranded was her personal savings account.
Thankfully, her stepmother had no access to it.
Celina had always known that her stepmother's flawless public image was nothing more than a carefully constructed mask. It had fooled her father and everyone around them for years.
Now, Celina had finally seen the woman behind it.
The tears she had fought so hard to contain finally spilled down her cheeks. They were already red from crying, and she was certain that a terrible migraine would soon follow.
She felt helpless.
As she approached the cab waiting for her, another wave of sadness washed over her. She would miss so many people here.
Manny most of all.
Manny had been her favorite maid for years, almost like a mother to her. She was the one who had booked the cab and helped arrange everything for her departure.
Celina was grateful that she had chosen to wear her plush pink coat with bunny ears. The hood covered most of her face, giving her a small sense of comfort.
At least no one would easily notice how badly she was crying.
She clutched her small suitcase. It contained only a few clothes. The rest of her belongings would be shipped to Italy once everything was settled.
A new life and her friends too. At least, that was what she kept telling herself.
She moved toward the cab....
Then she stopped.
A huge man was an understatement more like A Big Man occupied the driver's seat.
A strange chill crawled down her spine. Goosebumps spread across her skin, and the tiny hairs at the back of her neck stood upright.
Whenever that happened, she was usually scared.
Scared of what? She tried to reassure herself. It's just the cold. After all, the weather was chilly.
That had to be it.
Didn't it? Celina stared at the man for another second. Her eyes darting from the seat and the big man..Smething felt wrong. She felt it in her guts.
Yet, she still stood, her body sensing danger but not fleeing from it. Just staring. Expressionless.
"Don't be scared, little one."
Her blood ran cold.
The man smiled. It wasn't a reassuring smile.It was the kind that made every instinct inside her scream run.
Before Celina could process what was happening, she realized something else.
That wasn't the voice of the driver she had spoken to few minutes ago, her fingers immediately moved toward her phone. Slightly faltering as she searched her recent calls.
She needed to call the cab company.
She needed to—
A shadow appeared behind her. Celina barely had time to turn before the sound of a car door slammed beside her.
Then came a sharp, unfamiliar smell. Her vision blurred. She struggled to remain conscious, but the strength slowly drained from her body.
The sound of the car engine faded into the distance.
And then— Everything went black.
---------------------------------------------
Celina woke to pain. Her eyes fluttered open, but she immediately forced them shut again.
Something was digging painfully into her wrists.
She couldn't move them. Ropes.
Her heart began pounding violently. Where am I?
Who are these men? What do they want from me?
Fear rushed through her body.
She was too terrified to make a sound. If they realized she was awake, she didn't know what they would do.
So she stayed still. Cmpletely still.
Helpless and Hopeless were the two words that hung above her fate, yet a silver hope was the only thing that withold tears from streaming down her face.
She slowly opened her eyes a fraction.
The inside of the vehicle was dark.
"Who could have done this and what have I done to deserve this". Each unanswered question in her mind torn her bravery in shreds.
Yet, she felt the presence of another person and from what she could glance at. There was another muscled man sitting beside her.
Male voices filled the cramped space. They were talking, laughing and occasionally shouting over one another.
Celina carefully looked around, Three men in total.
All of them were large. Most expecially, All of them looked dangerous.
Her stomach twisted. From their facial expressions and body structure signaled one thing. Their body and mind were built for ruthlessness. She was like a damsel in distress with no knight in shining armor.
Their hugeness and height turned her into puddle, to discard every plan of escaping because one thing was sure—she could never pass this fortress to begin with.
There was no way she could overpower them.
She swallowed hard, but one thing was straight.
if they wanted to kill me, I would've been dead by now...but the car is still moving". The thought gave her a tiny flicker of hope.
Before she could wrap her head over it fully, another thought swayed in..
Then where are they taking me? Her breathing became shallow.
She didn't know what frightened her more—the fact that she had been kidnapped or the fact that she had no idea what awaited her.
A slow movement caught her attention. Celina froze and quicky close her eyes. Even with them shut, she could feel a pair of eyes suddenly turned toward her.
Nausea rose in her throat, her stomach twisting in fear as the observation continued. She tried her best to remain motionless, terrified that one wrong movement would draw attention to her.
The man looked away... finally, while she exhaled silently.
She couldn't let them know she was awake.
Not yet, She needed a chance, needed an opening. Else, the consequences would be too dire.
"Let's have fun with her, she's freaking hot never have I seen such a curvaceous lady, at the same time very beautiful.."
A voice trailed, and it buzzing against her skin due to the close space they sat. "In my life" the voice uttered in awe.
"Boss orders," one of the men said from the driver's seat. His voice was stern. "We're not supposed to touch her."
Another man scoffed.
"Boss orders? At this point Boss wouldn't know what we do. We could have fun alitte before carrying out the orders" A devlish smile tugged at his lips.
He continued. "After all, we're supposed to torture her for a week and leave her with injuries before she's eventually killed. Don't tell me we can't have a little fun before then."
Celina's blood ran colder, she tried all her best not to move.
"Fun! like seriously" Akash rolled his eyes as he continued driving a little bit fast.
Another man laughed.
"Have you even looked at her properly?" The one at the back exclaimed.
"No."
"Then look."
The one not driving at the seat in the front. Urged him. "SURLEY, Don't Tell me you can't spare a minute to check out this beauty".
He rolled his sleeves deftly and stretched his arms out.
"I could help out by assisting he steering for a little while.." His eyes twinkled. "Cos you might spend more than a minute, once your eyes are fixed on her."
Celina felt their attention shift toward her.
The Guy driving was Akash. He turned once. Twice. His grip still on the steering wheel, yet the space was enough for the other in the front to control the wheel.
Celina stomach churned.
Akash turned again for the third time, clearly tempted. His eyes talking it's fill. He hadn't gotten a clear view of her when she was captured and tied.
Maybe the dimly lit road or maybe it was in the nigh made it difficult to see her properly.
Whatever the reason was..now that he had a better look at her, he couldn't deny it. She was beautiful and he's hooked, staring.
"She's beautiful, Right? " The man who controlled the wheels grinned at him, noticing how motionless Akash fingers had become on the wheel.
"I've never seen anyone like her." Akash confessed.
"Enough,"The one close to the driver's seat snapped from the driver's seat.
The man sitting beside Celina laughed.
"What? I'm just saying." Akash winced.
"Keep your eyes on the road," The one sitting at the front warned. "Unless you want to kill all of us before we get the chance to kill her."
The half- scary joke erupted into laughter from them and it filled the vehicle.
"She's a hottttttt pie...I can't wait to f*ck her off. Let's bed her, she wouldn't know. Just take a look how sexy she is". The guy at the back seat said.
Akash signed "To be honest. she's freaking hottt at least we can take one or two liberties with her". He finally agreed with the rest of them as they laughed mockingly..
Celina's eyes burned, tears slipped silently down her cheeks. She had never felt this helpless in her life, how could she overpower them?
She couldn't outrun them. She couldn't even move freely, but she refused to give up. I have to survive,by all means necessary.
Her heart hammered against her ribs. She desperately prayed for strength, no matter how scared she was.
One thing was certain.They would never lay their hand on her, not even a finger even if it means dying to save herself.
She needed an opportunity, And eventually, one came.
Akash mumbled a few times and the car dragged on a slow pace
"Why are we stopping? Hit the brakes Akash, we aren't entirely free from safety". The man at the back seat said.
"I need to pee," Akash replied, mumbled. "I can't hold it anymore".
"Same here." Another voice echoed "it's been hours since we drove, the streets are empty and no one visit a grave yard at night we can just pull over, do the needful and continue our journey".
He reasoned with the rest as they noded in affirmation.
The vehicle came to a complete stop. Akash climbed out, almost running to the bush side.
The man in the front seat opened his door as well.
"Keep an eye on her," he ordered sternly to the man at the back and suddenly, the door slammed shut behind him.
Celina's heart pounded, It was now or never. Fist things first, she had to access the movements of the thugs.
Her eyes opened. The remaining man was distracted and the other two were several feet away.
This was her chance. There might not be another.
Celina twisted her body with everything she had, and slowly the man turned. But it was too late.
She kicked him at his groi*n as hard as she could.
He cried out and doubled over, screaming and trying to make a move to pin the doors that were opened.
Celina didn't wait. She pushed herself towards the front seat and struggled to use her tied body, streching her fingers to the closed door and finally opened it.
The man grabbed for her ankle.
She kicked again and his hand slipped.
Celina struggled forward, fighting against the ropes still restricting her movement. She managed to loosen herself enough to pull one hand free.
Marks from the ropes marred her skin.
The man lunged again.
She struck his face and bit down on his hand when he grabbed her. Yet didn't relent, she struggled to keep her face close to his, bit on his earlobes, and nose between her lips.
Blood smeared on her lips and flowed to her jaw. He shouted and recoiled.
It was useless. No-one could hear him clearly over the distance and the noise of the vehicle.
Celina rolled out of the vehicle and finally, her knees hit the rough ground.
Pain shot through them. She didn't care, that wasn't part of her safety options as quickly as possible she scrambled to her feet and ran
She didn't know where she was going.
She didn't know what lay ahead.
She only knew she couldn't stay.
Behind her, she heard shouting, "GET HER!"and belts switching back in it's holes.
Celina ran faster, her lungs burned, legs trembled AR each pace she moved.
Tears blurred her vision.
She pushed through an unpaved path and disappeared into the thick bushes surrounding the area.
She had been given two choices. Stay Or run.
And the best options are always the most unfavourable..So.. She choosed the Last.
----------------------------------------
For the first time this year, Leonardo visited his grandfather's grave alone and somehow, standing there made the pain feel as fresh as it had the day he received the news of his death.
It took every part of him not to be torn apart like that day.. right now. Again.
His grandfather had been one of the most important people in his life.
His friend.
His mentor.
His confidant.
The one person who could look beyond Leonardo's cold exterior and understand what was happening inside him.
It was a tradition for Leonardo to visit the graveside several times a year.
His grandfather had died the previous December.
It was already several weeks into the new year, yet Leonardo had visited only once, breaking the rule he had set for the visitation.
Work had kept him away. Normally, the family went together for visitation, but he couldn't meet up last week. Even this week, his schedule was tight but tonight.
Tonight, however, he had promised himself he would come.
Hours earlier, he had finalized a multimillion-dollar investment deal. Instead of returning home, he boarded his private plane and came straight to Greece.
After stepping down from the plane, he drove the Tesla Cybertruck that had been waiting for him.
Now, dressed in dark clothes, Leonardo crouched beside the grave. His gaze remained fixed on the headstone on his grandfather's name.."ALBERTO D...".
Memories flooded his mind. Old memories how his grandpa had always been that strong rock supporting him. Right from time.
He remembered being younger. His mother's death.
The days when he barely understood what grief meant and his grandfather's hand resting firmly on his shoulder. "My child, you have to be strong."
Leonardo closed his eyes. He could still feel the old man touch pressing lightly on his shoulders. Could never forget it.
"A lot of things will tamper with your spirit as you grow older. Nevertheless, you must overcome them with a willing heart, determination and wisdom."
His grandfather had always believed in him. Even when Leonardo didn't believe in himself.
A bitter smile touched his lips. "Strong men don't cry."
Yet a tear escaped anyway, as the memories clung to his heart. It slid slowly down his cheek and Leonardo wiped it away immediately.
His jaw tightened.
He hated feeling vulnerable.
He had built walls around himself for a reason.
His father had never truly been close to him.
Mr. Alexander d... had tried for years to form a relationship with his son, but something between them had always remained broken.
The word "Relationship" it brought deep rage boiling in his heart. There was never a relationship between them...precisely!! it was guilt? Choking his father's heart.. since Leonardo's tender years.!
When he realized Leon was his... and other circumstances included when his mom died.
There were things that had happened in the past.
Things Leonardo refused to discuss. Things his family had been forbidden from mentioning, scared of Leonard's warth. Not even a whisper, because the consequences would be unredeemable.
He pushed the memories away.
Not tonight. Tonight belonged to his grandfather.
Losing his grandpa was like a source of light pulled off above him leaving him in total darkness.
Yet he had to be strong, to keep his emotions checked, not letting to break his walls down.
Not on the outside.
Not even on the inside. Even, if he's hurting badly in the inside, that's if he could feel pain anymore.
There's one source of pain recently. His Grandfather's death.
Leon face hardened, teeth clenching while his hands shook.
Each breath came heavily through his nose as he pressed his palms against his chest, trying to control his emotions.
His expression turned blank as he fought against the memories of how his grandfather had unexpectedly died.
Suddenly, his panting grew heavier, ragged. His emotions resurfaced all over. He removed his palms from his chest.
In repetitive motions, he curled and uncurled his fists, trying to ease the tension.
Over and Over again. To control himself for hunting for blood at the accomplice behind his grandpa's sudden death..
Then, leonardo heard something. Some weird sounds, very much unusual because, he had come here before and he had never heard noises like these.
This place was always quiet.
It was a reserved area bought by him and visited by his family.
Who had the guts to break into private grounds and to leave unscathed without being scared of unforseen circumstances.
First, was his grandpa death that left his family mourning.
Now someone was trespassing on this private ground, secured solely for him. This county Greece had something special to his grandparents even though his grandpa had Italian origins.
It held a beautiful moments because this is where his grandpa and his wife first met.
Leonardo looked around the private grounds.
His grandfather had always dreamed of being buried in Greece.
He had loved this place—the flowers, the peaceful landscape, the serenity. He used to describe it with a wistful smile, telling everyone how beautiful it would be.
Leonardo had made certain that his wish came true.
Still recounting the memories, he could hear his Grandpa faint laughter after describing how he wanted to be buried,
His eyes had always gleamed whenever he spoke about the beauty of the place. Just that, he hadn't known his death was near.
Leonardo remembered his grandmother's horrified expression. Nagging. She had refused to imagine him dead or even entertain the thought of his grave.
His grandmother would always turn the conversation into a lecture, rolling her eyes at her precious grandson.
She would tell him that his grandfather wouldn't have such negative thoughts if Leonardo would simply settle down, start a family...
And.. Babies which his grandpa would have ample of time to be with instead of entertaining these Ill-thoughts.
Working his fingers on his hair to calm down his nerves. Leonardo struggled to take deep breaths, untangling the last knots within him.
Almost everything in his life was intertwined with his grandpa. He was his friend. Role model. A mentor and His confidant.
Leonardo had a reputation of being cold, brutal and heartless. It was only his grandpa who could really see through him.
Leonardo made sure that his grandpa illusions of his gravesite came into reality.
That was the one of the things that could make his grandpa's spirit more happier and at ease.
The entire area belonged to his family and had been bought by him. There was no demarcation in this private landscape. No secret pathways.
It was secured, no stranger should have been able to enter.
He searched around, his keen eyes scanning every corner while taking in the serenity of the place.
At this point, he was beginning to wonder if he was imagining things.
He knew there was a cliff end.. that's just it
"Isn't it". He tried to convince himself but it proved fruitless. There was still an aching gap in his heart .
Did someone follow him from the back when he opened the gate and walked in.
Even if that was true the person would have strike him since when he was lost in thoughts of his beloved Grandpa.
Even at that could the person easily overthrow him?
That thought made him grin wickedly as he flexed his muscles.
But nothing else happened since then. Nothing felt suspicious...until now.
The person truly had some guts!! If it was true.
Then Leonardo heard a sound in the distance, his brows furrowed.
He looked up. Total silence. Then— A faint sound. Footsteps which were heavy and felt unsteady.
Leonardo stood, His eyes narrowed searching keenly around. Another sound followed, heavy breathing like pants. Someone was panting.
Then, he saw movement between the trees. A bright beam of light flashed through the darkness.
Someone was running. The clicks of equipments and then He heared it.
A heart-welching scream. A scream like someone was..No. A woman was screaming in panic.
Leonardo froze for a slipt second. Stunned.
Something about that sound struck him somewhere deep inside.
It was sonorous, piercing and filled with fear.
His heart began beating faster, Was that a woman?
What could a woman possibly be doing here at this hour?
He listened, another cry. Leonardo's body tensed. For a moment, he felt like everything be saw was a figment of his imagination.
Everything became blank as he lowered himself downwards, beads of sweat formed on his forehead. He had to place his hands on his vehicle, for support.
The only time he felt like this was when.... and stooped the thought. He took a mouthful of air and finally felt life returning to him.
Leonardo sighed deeply for the last time and straightend, from his crouching position to full height.
What surprised him was hearing that scream and how it did alot to his mind.
Why did it affect him so much? His heart was thudding in low, heavy beats, as though warning him that something bad had happened.
Like he suspected. He felt an unbridled urge to go help her.
Like he couldn't believe his eyes that someone might actually be in trouble! Especially here of all places.
It seems so Impossible at first, until minutes ago when he heared a piercing voice like a female scream.
And the sound till tugged at his heart making him forget how cold and aloof he had always being....why was he so interested in this voice?
"What would someone be doing here by night" The question still rang in his mind. He was very much curious now.
"It isn't possible," Leonardo concluded, trying to force his heart to stop painting frightening scenarios. while he made move towards his Tesla Cybertruck which was obviously the latest model.
He turned toward his Cybertruck.
He should leave, watever was happening or was his imaginations had nothing to do with him.
He opened the driver's door, another scream pierced the night. Leonardo's hand stopped on the door.
"It's nothing" He had spent years learning how to control his emotions.
That was how he survived. That was how he remained the man everyone called heartless.
He didn't get involved in other people's problems and didn't care about strangers. There was only a specific set of people he cared about, and his grandfather had been among them. More like the first.
His jaw tightened, He could vividly remember the cost. The cost of letting his guard down, that pain clung to him like a fresh wound.
He could hear running footsteps now from afar, someone was getting closer.
He closed his eyes briefly. 'Keep walking.' He reminded himself internally and He remembered the rule he had lived by for years.
'Keep your emotions in check because The moment you allow yourself to care, It would be preyed upon by friends lurking as foes and enemies searching for weaknesses'.
He had learned that lesson the hard way. He wasn't going to repeat it. Couldn't gve a damm about the damm voice..sweet and piercing even in fear.
"Forget it. I would do just that". A pause. It felt real but impossible for him to do.
Leonardo climbed into the truck, he placed his hand on the ignition.
But his fingers wouldn't move, his breathing became heavier as though he could still hear sounds.
The scream replayed in his mind. He could almost hear his grandfather's voice telling him to always follow hhs heart. 'With a willing heart...'
"Don't." He didn't know whether he was speaking to himself or to the memory.
Leonardo signed annoyingly, he had to block the woman's voice. Block the sounds from his head. Was this really his imagination or reality? Whatever it was, it affected every nerve in his head, badly.
He started the vehicle, the engine came alive. He should drive away instead, he sat there.
Motionless. He had to Get-the-hell put of here. As fast as possible. Far from where this soft voice couldn't affect his soul and turn into unheard whispers in his mind.
His hand tightened around the steering wheel, another scream echoed through the darkness while leonardo's heart clenched.
He cursed under his breath, then he shut off the engine.
For several seconds, he simply stared ahead. His heart told him to Turn Back. Turn Back. Like that's what he wanted to do.
His instincts told him to Go On But There's Danger If You Turn Back and for the first time in years, Leonardo chose to listen to something other than his... Instincts.
He opened the door and closed it tightly.
Maybe every strange thing he had noticed—the flickering shades of light, the pounding footsteps and those piercing screams—was nothing more than his imagination.
Perhaps everything he had experienced during the month and a half since his grandfather's death had affected his ability to distinguish reality from imagination.
Sometimes, he heard his grandfather's voice.
That cracked, low voice filled with warmth, even though his grandfather's cold body now lay beneath the earth.
Leonardo's heart raced as the piercing scream replayed in his mind.
Again And again.
His hand faltered. His fingers hovered over the ignition, unable to press it properly.
A heavy breath escaped his lips.
His heart seemed to have a will of its own, refusing to follow the commands of his instincts.
He had spent years teaching himself not to listen to his heart.
There would be no exceptions. Not again.
With a trembling hand, Leonardo finally started the vehicle.
The engine roared to life, yet, something inside him remained still.
His heart wasn't ready to leave and perhaps that was the problem.
Because if he allowed himself to follow his heart again...He might never recover from what it led him to.
EVER!!
Somewhere beyond the trees, Celina was running for her life And neither of them knew that their lives were about to change forever.