Title: Falling Through Shadows

Chapter 23: The Failed Attempt

Betty's POV

As I sat in my dimly lit apartment, the flickering shadows cast by the streetlights outside only amplified the darkness swirling inside me. I couldn't let Liam slip through my fingers. He was mine, and I was determined to reclaim what was rightfully mine, even if it meant playing dirty.

I had devised a plan—one that would send shockwaves through Liam's world and put him back in line. It involved Elara. The thought of her being a pawn in my game thrilled me. I couldn't help but smirk as I envisioned her frightened expression when she realized I held the cards.

I had hired a group of skilled goons, the kind who wouldn't hesitate to do my bidding. They were ready to execute my plan, and I was confident they would succeed. After all, how hard could it be to snatch someone from the clutches of their own home?

"Remember, grab her quickly. In and out," I instructed them over the phone, my voice low and steady. "We don't need any mess. If you do this right, we won't have any loose ends."

"Got it, Betty. We'll make sure she doesn't see it coming," one of them replied, his tone filled with enthusiasm. I could almost hear the eager nods on the other end.

As the minutes ticked by, my heart raced with anticipation. I couldn't wait to see Liam's reaction when he found out I had taken Elara. It would devastate him, leaving him no choice but to come crawling back to me.

Elara's POV

I had spent the day in a quiet sanctuary of my own, wrapped in the comfort of my home. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow that I could sense but not see. I felt at peace, but an unsettling feeling gnawed at the back of my mind. It was as if a storm was brewing just beyond my reach.

That evening, my phone buzzed, breaking the tranquility. I lifted it to my ear, hearing Liam's familiar voice. "Hey, Elara. Just checking in. How's your evening going?"

"It's nice," I replied, a smile creeping onto my lips despite the unease. "Just enjoying the quiet."

But then, as I spoke, I sensed a disturbance outside. The atmosphere shifted, and instinct told me to be cautious. "Liam, I feel like something's not right," I said, my heart beginning to race.

"Stay where you are. I'll be there in a few minutes," he said, his voice firm and protective.

Before I could respond, a loud crash echoed through my home. The sound sent shockwaves of fear through me. "Liam!" I shouted, panic rising in my chest.

Suddenly, the front door burst open, and I heard the hurried footsteps of men entering my home. My breath hitched as I gripped the phone tighter, desperately trying to remain calm. "Liam, they're here! Someone's in my house!"

"Hold on, Elara! I'm on my way!" His voice was strained, filled with urgency. I heard the panic in his voice, a reflection of the fear coursing through me.

The men were upon me before I could react. "Let me go!" I screamed, my voice trembling with fear as they grabbed my arms, dragging me away from the safety of my home.

"Stay quiet!" one of them growled, but I fought against their hold, struggling with everything I had. My heart raced as I fought to break free, but their grip was unyielding.

"Liam!" I cried out again, my voice cracking as I struggled against them. I could hear the chaos around me, but all I could focus on was the terrifying reality of being taken from my sanctuary.

Liam's POV

I was racing down the street, my heart pounding in my chest as I recalled Elara's terrified voice. "They're here!" echoed in my mind, fueling my urgency. I couldn't let anything happen to her.