The Black Dahlia (Cartel Series #1) ✔️

68. Am I dreaming?

Gabriella

Lost in the vast expanse of my own thoughts, I found myself staring blankly at the ceiling, each passing moment weighed down by the burden of the past two weeks. It had been a relentless battle, each day feeling like a new skirmish in the war for my freedom and sanity.

Nearly two weeks had passed since I had left Alejandro—or rather, since I had been kidnapped—and in that time, every fiber of my being had been stretched to its limits. Each day had brought with it a new set of challenges, each obstacle a reminder of the precariousness of my situation.

As I lay there, trapped in the confines of my own mind, I couldn't help but feel a sense of desperation creeping in. With each passing day, the weight of uncertainty grew heavier, threatening to crush me beneath its relentless pressure. And yet, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of resilience burned brightly within me, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there was still a flicker of hope to cling to.

The absence of Alejandro left an unfathomable void within me, a gaping hole that seemed to widen with each passing day. Hope became a fragile thread, stretched to its limit by the weight of unfulfilled expectations and shattered dreams.

Every morning, I clung to the belief that today would be the day he would come for me, that his absence was merely a temporary aberration in our shared journey. Yet, as the days stretched into weeks, my hope began to wane, eroded by the harsh reality of his continued absence.

If he doesn't come that I have to move on in life like I promised to Gabriel.

Move on? I am really not ready for this?

I closed my eyes and prayed to God that please send Alejandro to me as soon as possible. I can't live without him and I can't bear our separation anymore.

Day after day, I found myself drawn to the balcony, my gaze fixed unwaveringly upon the gate below. With each passing moment, my heart raced with anticipation, longing for the sight of a familiar figure emerging from the car, a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty that clouded my days.

But as the hours slipped by and the sun dipped below the horizon, my vigil was met with disappointment time and time again. The ache of longing intensified with each passing day, the weight of unfulfilled expectations threatening to crush me beneath its relentless burden.

And so, night after night, I retreated to my bed, my heart heavy with the weight of shattered dreams and fractured hope.

With a determined shake of my head, I resolved to push thoughts of Alejandro to the back of my mind, at least for the time being. Today held significance for reasons beyond the confines of my tumultuous emotions, and I refused to let his absence overshadow the importance of the day ahead.

Feeling a surge of excitement mingled with nervous anticipation, I rose from the bed and made my way to the bathroom, intent on indulging in a long and refreshing bath.

I relished the anticipation as i prepared my sanctuary of relaxation. I poured the bath salts into the tub, their soothing scent wafting around me,mingling with the warm steam rising from the water.
With a gentle touch, i tested the water's temperature, ensuring it was just right.

As i eased into the water, i felt the stresses of the day begin to slip away. The warmth enveloped me, easing the tension in my muscles and quieting my mind. Closing my eyes, i surrendered to the tranquility, allowing myself to simply be in the moment, embracing the luxury of solitude and serenity.

After 15 minutes of blissful immersion, i reluctantly decided it was time to emerge from my watery sanctuary. With a reluctant sigh, i rose from the depths of the tub, the water cascading off my skin in shimmering rivulets.