Dangerous Minds

10

ELLA

I stand before the mirror, scissors trembling in my hand, as the devil incarnate lurks behind me, arms folded across his chest. His impatient gaze pierces through me, awaiting my surrender.

"You're taking too long, criminal," he growls.

My heart races as I grasp my luscious locks, the crowning glory of my beauty and confidence. The sound of the scissors slicing through my hair echoes through my mind like a death sentence.

I despise the bob style, never understanding its appeal, unlike my best friend Olivia, who once rocked it with signature blonde flair, channeling Marilyn Monroe. I'd teasingly call her that, but now she's transformed, her style and life revamped since fortune showered upon us like petals in the wind.

Tears stream down my face as I confront Alejandro, but he remains impassive, inhuman.

"Are you satisfied now?" I demand, my voice laced with defiance and desperation. "What's next? Must I strip bare for your amusement?"

His silence is deafening, and I wonder why he refuses to respond. Does he derive pleasure from humiliating me in front of his cohorts?

In this moment, I realize I'm nothing more than a pawn in his game of power and control. Men like him can destroy lives with impunity, rendering our existence meaningless.

My hand still trembles, the scissors now idle, as I behold my altered reflection. A piece of me is gone, sacrificed to his whims.

I stride out of the room, his threat echoing behind me: "If you think about making another call, you'll regret it." I hastily wipe away my tears, the mansion's grandeur looming before me. I yearn to escape this opulent prison, but fear and uncertainty root me in place.

As I traverse the lush garden courtyard, the vibrant foliage and soothing water features momentarily calm my racing thoughts. Gardens have always been my sanctuary, and this one is no exception. The sweet fragrance and gentle chirping envelop me, providing a fleeting respite.

Suddenly, my heel catches on the stone pavement, and I tumble into a stranger's arms. My hands instinctively grasp his shoulders, while his wrap around my waist, steadying me. Our eyes lock, and time suspends.

"Ella?" he says, his voice laced with surprise.

"Diego?" I reply, my mind reeling.

What is he doing here? The years melt away, and memories come flooding back. This chance encounter feels suffocating, yet I maintain my composure, carefully extricating myself from his embrace.

Diego's warm smile and sparkling eyes betray his genuine happiness at seeing me. I share his sentiment, but the timing couldn't be more inconvenient.

"Where have you been?" he asks, his voice tinged with longing. "You left and never came back, Ella."

He envelops me in a gentle hug, his luxurious scent—rich leather and warm spices—wafting up, transporting me to a bygone era. The familiarity is comforting, yet unsettling.

Diego's arms wrap around me, his luxurious scent—rich leather and warm spices—enveloping me. "Where have you been, Ella? You left and never came back." His voice is laced with longing.

"It's a long story," I say, evading the truth.

Diego releases me, his gaze drifting to my white linen dress. "What are you doing here, dressed like that?"

Before I can respond, Alejandro emerges, his arms shoved into his black pants. "Diego? Why didn't you tell me you were coming here?"

Diego steps away, embracing Alejandro. "It's called a surprise, brother."

Brother? My mind reels. I slip away, escaping the confusion.

Upstairs, I try calling Olivia again, desperation creeping in. "Olivia?"

Her voice bursts through the line, relief washing over me. "What happened, Ella? I saw your message, oh my goodness!"

"I'm trapped," I whisper urgently. "He knew all along I was coming for him. I need your help, Olivia."

Silence grips the line before Olivia's words slap me. "I can't, Ella. It's too dangerous."

"No, Olivia! You have to help me. I'm like your sister." Panic seeps into my voice.

"I know, but I can't come there. Figure out how to get out yourself." Olivia's words cut deep.

"How can you refuse? You're my only hope!" I plead, tears welling up.

"I saw him humiliate you in front of his workers, butt naked. Please, Olivia!"

The line goes dead. Olivia has hung up.

I stand frozen, disbelief and despair suffocating me.

stand frozen, phone still clutched in my hand, as Olivia's rejection cuts deep. How can she abandon me?

I hide my phone and steel myself to face Diego, determined to keep my true intentions hidden.

Downstairs, Diego's question stops me in my tracks: "Why is she here, Alejandro? I know you hate women."

I pause, curiosity getting the better of me, and listen in.

"Things change," Alejandro responds smoothly. "She's a designer, here for some work."

I raise an eyebrow, impressed by Alejandro's quick thinking. How does he know I'm a fashion designer? Has he been digging into my past?

Diego's next words pierce my heart: "We were one flesh, and I'm happy to see her again after so many years. She left me broken... damnit, I still love her up until now."

Alejandro's laughter grates on my nerves. Is he mocking Diego's confession?

"Aren't you married?" Alejandro asks, his tone laced with amusement.

Diego's marriage? A sharp pain stabs my heart, and I'm surprised by my own reaction. Why do I care? We're over.

My phone buzzes, and Olivia's name flashes on the screen. I open the message, and my heart swells with relief.

"I'll disguise myself as a new worker or something. Stay alert. I'll come rescue you from that motherfucker. Don't know when, but I promise."

A smile spreads across my face, hope rekindled. But uncertainty creeps in – when will Olivia come? How long must I endure this captivity?

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