Chapter 1

Excruciating pain engulfed my entire body. The agony was unbearable. I let out a muffled groan as the captor pressed his foot onto my hand.

"Why isn't he answering?" one kidnapper growled in frustration.

"Are we sure we've got the right person?" another questioned.

My chest tightened with anguish. I was torn between wanting Ash to answer and hoping he wouldn't, to keep him safe from harm.

A piercing cry escaped my lips as my hair was violently yanked.

"What's the deal? Why won't he pick up?"

Through gritted teeth, I whimpered, "How am I supposed to know his reasons?"

"Listen up. He's got ten minutes to answer. If he doesn't, consider your life forfeit," he snarled, tossing my phone back at me.

Panic-stricken, I scrambled for the device. With shaking hands, I dialed again. No response. This continued for seven agonizing minutes.

The kidnappers' patience was wearing thin. Even they could see that Ash seemed indifferent to my plight. If he cared, surely he would have answered one of my numerous calls, regardless of his commitments. Tears began to flow down my cheeks.

'Please, Ash. Just answer,' I silently pleaded.

As hope dwindled, I persisted in calling. I desperately needed him to respond.

The ten-minute deadline was almost up. Just as I was about to give up, he finally answered.

"Ash!" I cried out, my voice quivering. "Please, come quickly... My life depends on it. Please, Ash..."

"Quiet, Astrid. How dare you make threats? You know I don't take calls at work. 59 missed calls? Have you lost your mind?"

"Ash, I beg you..." I implored, my heart racing. I needed him to hear me out. "I've been kid—"

Before I could finish, a familiar voice in the background interrupted me.

"Thanks for being here, Ash."

My heart sank as I recognized Kate's voice.

I trembled as their conversation continued.

"Look at the little one."

"He's adorable, just like you. He'll grow up to be your spitting image."

"I hope so, Ash. Thank you for coming. I'm sorry for the sudden call. I didn't know who else to turn to when labor started."

"Don't worry about it, Kate. I'm always here for you."

"But you received so many calls during this time. You should check them."

"Don't concern yourself, they're not important."

"Are you certain? I thought I heard Astrid's voice. It seemed urgent."

"Trust me, it's nothing crucial."

"You should still take a look, just in case."

"Alright, give me a second."

My grip on the phone tightened as words failed me.

Ash soon realized the call was still connected and scoffed. "Look, Kate just had a baby, and I need to be here for her. I don't have time for your games."

My lips quivered as I whispered, "Ash, I'm in real danger..."

"Then perish. Don't worry, I won't attend your funeral."

With that, he hung up.

My hands shook as I tried calling again, but he had blocked my number.

Did our three years together mean nothing to him? All this time, he still loved Kate. He even rushed to see her give birth to another man's child.

Why, then, did he propose to me?

Tears streamed down my face as I angrily threw the phone away.

Four years of love. I had adored him since my brother introduced us. But I never pushed for more, knowing Kate held his heart. Yet he was the one who asked me to marry him after Kate wed someone else.

We had been married for three years. Was it too selfish of me to ask him to save me? Was I wrong to want him to acknowledge me and all I had done for him?

"What should we do with her now?"

"What else? Let's have our way with her, then dispose of her."

"Tch, all this trouble for nothing."

As they approached, I remained motionless.

"Back off, you scum!"

A bitter smile crossed my face as I began to lose consciousness. He had come to rescue me.

"Astrid, stay with me!"

Tears flowed as I heard him. I'm sorry...