The Billionaire's obsession

The Ransom (10)

It's been a month since Enzo's withdrawal, and Elena feels like a ghost in their sprawling penthouse. She's tried everything to break through his icy exterior but to no avail. Today, she decides to clear her head with a trip to her favorite art gallery.

As Elena exits the gallery, she checks her phone - no messages from Enzo, as usual. Sighing, she heads towards her car in the underground parking lot. Suddenly, a hand clamps over her mouth, and she feels a sharp prick in her neck. The world faded to black.

Meanwhile, Enzo sits in his office, buried in work as he has been for weeks. Oblivious to anything going on outside of his study. His phone rings - an unknown number. He almost ignores it, but something in his gut makes him answer the call.

"Mr. Rossi," a distorted voice greets him. "I believe I have something of yours."
Enzo's blood runs cold. "Who is this? What are you talking about?"

"Your lovely fiancée, of course. Elena sends her regards."

Enzo's heart races, but he keeps his voice steady. "If this is a joke, it's in very poor taste."

"Oh, this is no joke, Mr. Rossi. Would you like proof?"

There's a rustling sound, then Elena's voice, weak and frightened: "ENZO! Enzo, please-" Her words are cut off abruptly.

For the first time in weeks, Enzo feels something break through his numb exterior - fear. "What do you want?" he demands, his voice low and dangerous.

"Twenty million euros. Cash. You have 24 hours. We'll be in touch with details."

The line goes dead, leaving Enzo staring at his phone in shock. For a moment, he's paralyzed. Then, as the reality of the situation sinks in, a surge of emotions he's been suppressing for weeks comes rushing back.

Guilt - he's pushed Elena away, treated her coldly, and now she's in danger.

Fear - what if he can't save her?
And underneath it all, a realization hits him like a physical blow: he loves her.

Enzo springs into action. He calls his head of security, then the police, barking orders and demanding updates. As he waits for them to arrive, his mind races. Who could be behind this? Is it connected to the blackmail that forced their engagement in the first place?

He paces his office, memories of Elena flooding his mind. Her smile, her kindness, the way she stood by him during his mother's illness. How could he have pushed her away like this? If anything happens to her...

The police arrive, asking questions and setting up surveillance. Enzo answers mechanically, his mind elsewhere. He remembers the last words he said to Elena, how he hurt her.

The thought of never getting to apologize, to tell her how he feels, is unbearable.

As the hours tick by, Enzo grows more agitated. The kidnappers haven't made contact again, and there are no leads. He's ready to tear the city apart to find her.

Finally, his phone buzzed - another message from an unknown number. It's a location for the drop-off and a warning: come alone, or Elena dies.
Enzo stares at the message, his jaw clenched.

He knows he should tell the police, and follow protocol. But the thought of Elena being scared and alone makes his decision for him.

He grabs a briefcase filled with cash - he'd been prepared, just in case - and heads for the door. His security team tries to stop him, but he brushes them off with a steely glare.

As he drives through the night towards the meeting point, Enzo's mind is clearer than it's been in weeks. He realizes now how foolish he's been, pushing away the one person who truly cared for him, all because he was afraid of being hurt again after his mother's death.

"I'm coming, Elena," he mutters, gripping the steering wheel tightly. "And when I find you, I swear I'll make things right."

Enzo pulls up to an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. He steps out of the car, briefcase in hand, his face set in grim determination. Whatever happens next, he's not leaving without Elena.

|:|~Authors Note~|:|

I'm so sorry about this but it'll make their relationship grow so much stronger in the long run.

Word count: 715

Published: 6/10/24