Kidnapped to love

chapter 21

Crystal stood by the window in her room , waiting for the right moment. The rain drizzled outside, creating a soft haze. Dimitri waved at her from the driveway as he left. She forced a smile, waving back mechanically, though her mind was racing. The second he was out of sight, excitement surged through her veins. Today was the day.

She turned toward the door, ready to make her move—only to find a maid standing in her path.

"Hello, ma’am. My name is Liz. I’m here to show you around."

Crystal’s heart sank. She quickly masked her disappointment. "I can look around by myself."

"Boss ordered me to assist you, ma’am," Liz replied firmly.

Crystal clenched her fists. Of course he wouldn’t leave me alone.She forced a smile. "Fine. But I’ll explore on my own. You can just stay beside me."

"Yes, ma’am," Liz said, stepping aside.

Crystal’s smile widened. "Great. Let’s go, then."

As they walked, Crystal scanned every hallway, every window, every exit. Dimitri had shown her the house before, but this time, her mind wasn’t on admiring the grandeur. She was hunting for an escape route. The back doors, windows, side passages—anything that could lead her outside.

As they passed a large glass window, something caught her eye. The backyard garden spread out before her, lush and inviting. But it wasn’t the flowers that drew her attention—it was the door, barely noticeable, nestled in the corner. It clearly led outside.

"I want to see the garden," Crystal said, trying to keep her tone casual.

Liz hesitated. "You’re not allowed to go out, ma’am."

"It’s just a garden," Crystal insisted, her heart pounding. "Besides, it’s raining. Perfect weather for a stroll."

Liz hesitated again, glancing at the rain-soaked lawn. "It’s not dry out there, ma’am."

"All the more reason to get some fresh air," Crystal said, a forced cheerfulness in her voice.

Liz’s brow furrowed, but she said nothing and left for a moment. Crystal waited, her impatience growing.

Where did she go?

After what felt like an eternity, Liz returned. "You may go, ma’am," she said.

Crystal's heart leaped. She could hardly contain her excitement as she made her way to the door. But just as she reached for the handle, a guard appeared, stepping in front of her to open the door.

Her excitement faltered as she noticed not one, but two guards. They flanked her, just standing there, eyes alert.

"Don’t worry, ma’am," Liz said, sensing her confusion. "The guards will accompany us. Boss’s orders."

Crystal rolled her eyes. This man... she thought bitterly. But outwardly, she smiled. "Whatever," she muttered under her breath. You can’t stop me, Dimitri. I’ve already planned my escape, and nothing will ruin it now.

They stepped into the garden, the cool air washing over her. The rain had made everything damp, and the wet grass tickled her bare feet, sending shivers up her spine. The flowers glistened with raindrops, and for a moment, Crystal admired the beauty of it all.

"If I were staying here, I’d love to sit here with Dimitri and talk all night," she murmured, almost to herself.

"You said something, ma’am?" Liz asked.

"Nothing," Crystal replied quickly, her mind already back to the plan.

Then, a light rain began to fall again.

"It’s raining. We should go inside, ma’am," Liz said, her voice polite but firm.

"It’s not that bad. Hey, guards, go get an umbrella," Crystal said, her voice commanding.

"Sure, ma’am," one of them responded, leaving.

Crystal turned to the other. "You go too."

"He can bring it, ma’am," the remaining guard replied, his voice stiff.

"You’re talking back to me?" she asked sharply, narrowing her eyes. "Let Dimitri come, and we’ll see."

The guard paled. "No, ma’am. Don’t—I'll go right away." He hurried off, leaving Crystal alone with Liz.

Crystal smirked to herself. Dimitri’s possessiveness works in my favor. She knew how terrified the guards were of him—he had killed two before just for touching her. She could use that fear.

Now, only Liz remained.

"Pick some of those berries for me," Crystal said, pointing toward a high patch of fruit on the other side of the garden.

"They’re high up, ma’am," Liz replied.

"So? Do it," Crystal ordered.

Liz hesitated, but then obeyed, moving toward the bushes. Crystal watched as Liz’s back turned, giving her the perfect opportunity. She slowly inched toward the door, careful not to make a sound. Her heart raced as she unlocked it, her hand trembling with anticipation.

Just as Liz was about to turn around, Crystal quickly said, "I don’t think those are ten berries yet."

"Sorry, ma’am," Liz apologized, bending down again to pick more, her back still turned.

"Sorry  Liz" Crystal whispered.

Seizing the moment, Crystal opened the door, slipping through without a second glance. She stepped into the cold, damp air and shut the door quietly behind her.

Freedom.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she took in her surroundings. But the moment of triumph quickly turned to confusion. Before her lay not an open road or a path back to civilization—but a dense forest, dark and unwelcoming.

"Where the hell am I?" she whispered, panic setting in.

From behind, she heard Liz’s voice. "Ma’am?"

Crystal’s stomach dropped. She had been discovered. Without a second thought, she bolted, her feet pounding against the wet earth as she ran into the forest, her breath coming in quick, shallow gasps.

"Please, God," she whispered between breaths, "help me escape."

And with that, she disappeared into the trees, the rain falling harder as she ran for her life.