A novel of passion's flame chapter 38
NORA'S POV
My eyes fluttered open, still feeling the warmth of last night's date with Alexander. A wide smile spread across my face and I got out of bed and headed to the shower. The warm water cascaded down my skin, washing away the sleepiness and leaving me feeling warm and refreshed.
As I stepped out of the bathroom, I wrapped myself in a towel, feeling the softness of the fabric against my skin. I got dressed quickly, my mind still preoccupied with thoughts of Alexander.
Just as I was finishing up, my phone buzzed. I picked it up, seeing Beth's name on the screen. "Hey Girl! How was your date with Alexander?" she asked.
I smiled, thinking back to the previous night. "It was amazing!" I replied, typing out a quick message. "He took me to Chez Pierre and then to the Griffith Observatory. It was incredible, Beth!"
Beth responded almost immediately. "Awwwn, I'm glad you had fun. I have to go now, Take care of yourself. Bye"
"Okay, Bye. Be careful," I responded, dropping the phone and getting dressed.
As I headed downstairs to the kitchen, my mind suddenly drifted to Lily. A frown appeared on my face, quickly replaced with worry. She always was the first to come see me when it's morning, but it was different today. Maybe she was still asleep.
I pushed open the kitchen door, and my eyes landed on Alexander, who was standing by the counter, looking handsome as ever in his office suit. My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met.
"Good morning, Nora," he said, smiling softly.
I smiled back, feeling a little shy. "Good morning, Alexander."
Alexander walked over to me and leaned in to kiss my cheek. "Did you sleep well?" he asked.
I nodded, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "Yes, I did. How about you?"
He was about to respond when Alexander's phone suddenly buzzed. He pulled it out of his pocket and looked at the screen. "I'm sorry, Nora. I have to take this," he said, looking apologetic.
I nodded, smiling softly. "It's okay, I'll see you later."
Alexander smiled and leaned in to kiss my cheek again before answering his phone and walking out of the kitchen. I watched him go, feeling a little flutter in my chest.
I made my way back upstairs to Lily's room,I slowly opened the door, looking around the room, but she wasn't on the bed. I walked inside and went to her bathroom, then her closet, but she was nowhere to be seen.
My worry turned to panic as I rushed to Mrs. Knights' room. I knocked softly on the door, and when she asked me enter, I walked in, my heart racing with fear.
"Good morning, Mrs. Knights. I thought...Lily was with you," I said, staring around.
Her smile faltered, and her face was filled with worry. "I thought she was with you, Nora. If she isn't, then where is she?"
"Don't panic, Mrs. Knights. I'll go check the garden. Maybe she's playing there."
I rushed out of Mrs. Knights' room, my heart racing with fear. I quickly made my way to the garden, my eyes scanning the area for any sign of Lily. But she was nowhere to be found.
I called out her name, my voice echoing through the garden. "Lily! Lily, where are you?"
But there was only silence.
I burst into Mrs. Knights' room, out of breath. "She's not in the garden," I exclaimed.
Mrs. Knights' face was pale with worry. "What!"
"I'll check the rest of the house," I said, trying to sound calm. "Maybe she's just hiding somewhere."
But as I searched the house from top to bottom, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was terribly wrong. Lily was nowhere to be found, and I was starting to get really scared.
Where could she have gone this early in the morning without informing anyone?
Mrs Knights immediately informed all the staffs to start looking for her.
As I continued searching for her alone,My phone suddenly started ringing out loudly and I answered without looking at the caller.
"Hello?" I answered, my voice barely above a whisper.
At first, there was only silence.But then, a little scream that sent shivers down my spine. It sounded like Lily.
My eyes widened in horror as I recognized the tiny voice. "L...Lily! Lily, where are you? Are you okay? Where...?" I stuttered, my voice trembling with fear.
And then, a low, chuckle echoed through the line, making my skin crawl in disgust. I recognized that voice.
"She's with me," August growled and a loud gasp escaped my lips as I felt the room spin around me. Oh my God. August has Lily. He has Lily. I need to inform Alexander immediately.
But before I could even think of reacting, August's cold voice came on again "Don't even think about telling anyone, or I'll slit her throat right now."
What! My Eyes went wide. "No, please don't hurt her," I begged, my voice shaking. "She's just a little girl, please... She doesn't deserve to be hurt. Whatever you want, I'll do it, just please don't harm her."
There was a long pause and for a moment...I thought he had ended the call but his stupid voice I hated so much came back. "I'll send you an address," August's voice was cold.
"I want you here within 30 minutes. Do not come with anyone. Do not inform Alexander. Or else..." He paused. "Lily dies."
I gasped, my eyes filling with tears. I felt like I was going to collapse. "Fine!" I exclaimed."I'm coming. Please don't touch her. I'm on my way."
August's laughed out loudly. "I'm looking forward to seeing you," he said more calmly "Don't be late."
The line went dead, and I was left standing there, my heart racing with fear. I quickly grabbed my purse and rushed out of my room sneaking out of the mansion so Alexander's guards wouldn't see me.
I knew this was trap but I have no choice. I have to safe Lily. She's too young to die,I can't let him hurt her. I won't let him hurt my Lily.
Thankfully no one saw me sneaking out of the house since everyone was busy searching for Lily but they had no idea that Alexander's brother-Her uncle had held her captive threatening to kill her.
He was heartless...How could he kidnap his own niece? Doesn't he have a heart? They were family for crying out loud.
I wiped my tears,My eyes scanning the street for a Taxi. I hailed one and immediately jumped in, giving the driver the address August sent to me.
"Drive faster please"I said to the driver,My heart racing. Was she okay? Was August hurting her?. Oh God,I hope not.
The Taxi suddenly screeched to a halt and I looked up to see a Run down Warehouse...The area looked desserted and my heart sank,I got even more scared. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the taxi.
I paid the driver and the car drove off,I walked in slowly, clutching on my purse. The only sound that was heard was my heavy breathing,My racing heart and the tingling sound of the bracelet on my wrist.
"Hello?" I called out, my voice shaking slightly. "L.lily? Where are you?"
There was no response. I took a few slow steps forward, my eyes scanning the dimly lit space. And then, I saw her. Lily was sitting on a chair in the corner of the room, her eyes wide with fear.
"Lily"I exclaimed with wide eyes but As I rushed towards Lily, a sudden and searing pain shot through my neck,I felt my head spinning, my vision blurring.
I fell to the ground, my hands clutching at my head as if trying to hold it together. The pain was intense. I felt my eyelids growing heavy, threatening to close, and I knew I was about to pass out.
The last thing I heard was Lily's terrified scream, "Nora! Nora!" Her voice echoed in my mind, a desperate cry for help, but I was powerless to respond. Everything went blank instantly.