Chapter 8

"I'll take you overseas and keep you confined. Then you'll be mine alone."

I composed myself and attempted to negotiate: "Alexander, this is unlawful imprisonment. Release me, and I'll act as if nothing occurred."

He just laughed ominously, running his fingers through my hair: "You think I'm foolish? If I set you free, you'll immediately contact the authorities and have me arrested."

I needed to try a different tactic. "Alexander, when did you start having feelings for me?"

He paused before answering. "When you offered me that strawberry milk outside. I later discovered it was something you couldn't even afford for yourself."

"Lily, you were willing to give me things you couldn't have. You must have had feelings for me, right?"

His tone seemed almost beseeching.

I wanted to speak up and shatter his misconceptions.

But given my current predicament, and fearing he might do something drastic, I remained silent.

My lack of response seemed to give Alexander a ray of hope.