ManyWriters

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?"

A Desperate Call

My eyelids slowly parted. Agony coursed through my entire body, every muscle screaming as if I'd been run over by a herd of animals.


The steady beeps of medical equipment and hushed voices in the room brought me back to consciousness.


"Astrid!" Seth exclaimed with relief, tinged with what sounded like anger. He immediately grasped my hand, holding it firmly as though fearful I might vanish again.


His exhausted, bloodshot eyes met mine, brimming with emotion. "You're conscious... Thank heavens."


Dad stood just behind him, hands folded as if he'd been in constant prayer. His typically strong, stoic face was softened, concern etched across his features. "Astrid," he uttered softly.


I attempted to speak, but my throat was sore, and my voice emerged as barely a whisper. "I... I want to end our marriage."


The words escaped my lips before I could reconsider, and the room fell silent. Seth's expression instantly hardened, his jaw clenching.


Chapter 11