A Ruin Of Roses (Used to be: My Mysterious Husband)

TWENTY-EIGHT

𝙽𝚎𝚠 𝚈𝚘𝚛𝚔 𝙲𝚒𝚝𝚢, 𝙽𝚎𝚠 𝚈𝚘𝚛𝚔, 8:23 𝙿.𝙼 𝙹𝚄𝙽𝙴 𝟹𝟶𝚝𝚑 𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟾
[𝙿.𝙾.𝚅 𝙹𝙰𝚇𝙾𝙽]

 The feeling of being out of the country, far from the familiar territory I know so well, is strange and unsettling. I can't help but consider the possibility that this trip might be a trap, a carefully orchestrated scheme that could end in disaster for all of us. But something deep within me tells me that we stand a fair chance, that our determination and the information we've gathered could tip the scales in our favor.

After settling into our accommodations, I carefully set my belongings on the bed, the weight of our mission ever-present in the back of my mind. I draw the curtains closed, casting the room into shadows and adding to the sense of secrecy that has become our constant companion.

Jayce enters the room, carrying my computer, and places it on the desk next to my bed. I appreciate his assistance and the commitment he's shown to our shared goal.

"Thank you," I say, my voice steady and determined. "I expect everyone to be up by dawn. We can't afford any missteps."

Jayce nods in agreement and departs, leaving me to contemplate the enormity of the task ahead. The hours tick away, and as the night deepens, I hope fervently that our plans will bear fruit, leading us one step closer to the resolution we seek.

Despite the uncertainty and the shadows that surround us, there's a glimmer of hope in my heart that our efforts will be rewarded, and that, in the end, we will triumph over the ominous forces that have kept my family apart.

𝙱𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚘𝚝, 𝙸𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝟷:𝟸𝟹 𝙰.𝙼 𝙹𝚄 𝟷𝚜𝚝 𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟾
[𝙿.𝙾.𝚅 𝚁𝙾𝚂𝙴]

In the early hours of the morning, my senses are on high alert. There's something, a sound, a presence that's caught my attention. It's a subtle disturbance, but it feels close, too close for comfort. I'm in an apartment building, surrounded by neighbors, but the sounds are different, more menacing. With utmost caution, I reach forward, retrieving my phone and a pocket knife that holds sentimental value, a gift from my father on my fourteenth birthday.

I release the blade silently, the cool metal providing some reassurance in this disquieting moment. Creeping towards my bedroom door, I handle the doorknob with extreme care, making sure not to create any noise. The latch releases itself from the doorframe, allowing me to slide out into the dimly lit hallway.

Taking slow, measured steps, I proceed down the narrow corridor, my senses tuned to the slightest irregularity. I leave the blade on the small desk in the hall, hoping that I won't need it, but keeping it within reach just in case. As I gently nudge open Jayden's door, my heart beats faster; my mind racing through all the possibilities of what might be causing this unsettling disturbance.

To my alarm, Jayden's bed is empty, and a surge of panic courses through me. Before I can react, a shadowy figure emerges from the darkness, a formidable presence. A powerful blow lands on my head, and I crumple to the floor, disoriented and in excruciating pain. The world spins around me, and as I struggle to maintain consciousness, I realize I'm in grave danger, and Jayden's whereabouts are unknown