Handcuffs And Kisses (Series #1)

Chapter 5

Lilian Carson POV

My voice trembled and my lips quivered in fear as I pleaded, "Please no, I can't swim."

I begged him to refrain from pushing me into the pool's deep end, but he ignored me. I struggled desperately to keep my head above water as I submerged, gasping for air. His mouth formed a broad smile.

"What's the purpose of this? Please stop, I beg you," I inquired.

My cheeks were flushed with tears. He was laughing as I bawled like a baby, filling the entire space. I was feeling weak, but I was unable to control my tears. I felt worse after his callous response.

I was falling more and more with each passing second. They were giggling in the background, as if everything were a joke to them. I made an effort to collect my thoughts and relax, but panic had taken over. Before it was too late, I needed to find a way out of this predicament.

I forcefully opened my eyes and began coughing as I continued to try to breathe. I look around the room with suspicion and paranoia, despite the fact that it was just a nightmare, fearing that horror may have followed me here. I carefully stand up and rub my eyes in an effort to become fully awake. I inhale deeply and remind myself that everything is still fine and that it was just a dream.

Why can't I let go of the past? Why does it continue to haunt me? Perhaps because I am frail. I can't sleep because of insomnia, but the fact is that I'm afraid of falling asleep.

When I looked around the room properly, a stunning realisation hit me. This isn't my room!

This is a whole other room. What the heck am I doing here? Was I genuinely kidnapped? When I glance around, I notice that I am in a bright room with arched windows and a single door. I attempt to recall what happened before I passed out, but my mind goes blank. It's possible that I've been abducted, but it's also possible that my father is playing a joke on me.

Dad might be the source of all of this. My gaze was drawn to my clothing; I swear I wasn't wearing a nightgown. My clothes have been altered! I felt a rush of terror and bewilderment as I attempted to remember what had happened the night before, but my recollection was foggy and disjointed. It hurts to think about it, but I may have done something inappropriate last night. I need to find out what occurred.

I closed my eyes and tried to recall what had occurred the night before, and suddenly it hit me that I had fainted the day before, but someone had lifted me up in their arms. It may be that mystery man's place; perhaps he took me here while I went out from intoxication. Nonetheless, I owe him an apology.

At the very least, my head feels lighter, and the alcohol helped me cope with my grief; it was only momentary, but it felt wonderful. When I glanced around the house, I saw how neatly designed it was and how pricey the furniture was. That piqued my interest as to who this strange man was and what he did for a living.

In any case, I need to leave this place. I should stop bothering the stranger. He has already offered me a spot to stay the night when I was unconscious. In the future, I'll figure out how to return his compassion.

I snatched up my bag and headed out the door. Everything had the aroma of freshly cut flowers. The corridor appeared deserted. This location is unknown to me. This house seems enormous. I moved along the corridor with caution, looking for any signs or instructions. A staircase leading down caught my attention as I rounded a corner. There were additional rooms lined up in a row. Perhaps there was an exit down the steps, I pondered as I followed the stairway. I observed that all of the rooms were locked as I passed them.

An elevator was located next to the stairwell. Even my own home lacks an elevator. I made the decision to use the stairs since I get anxious about elevators.