Beyond The Lie

Chapter 49: The Ex-Factor

Adeline.

I didn't know what happened. One minute I was heading to the washroom, and the next, I was answering Mom's call. Then, out of nowhere, some people grabbed me, covering my head and tying my hands. That's when it hit me - I'd been kidnapped. Again.

I'm not an amateur, so I knew better than to scream or try to escape. What if they had knives? I wasn't eager to become a human pin cushion. Thanks to my brilliant decision to stay quiet, I now found myself sitting in an ugly, uncomfortable chair, hands tied behind my back and a plaster on my mouth.

Great, just great. I'd seen this scene in movies a million times. My life was literally an award-winning movie script! I rolled my eyes internally, thinking, "Not again."

My gaze shifted to the woman who'd been calling Eryx. She was stunning - heart-shaped face, high cheekbones, sharp jawline, full lips, and a wide forehead with a distinctive widow's peak hairline. Youthful, feminine, and gorgeous. Oh, and let's not forget those long, thin legs - beautiful, unlike mine, which resembled sturdy tree trunks.

The woman's eyes locked onto mine, a sly smile spreading across her face. I raised an eyebrow, thinking, "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Well, I wasn't. Not one bit.

Lena extended her hand, grinning. "So, I'm Lena... a businesswoman!" She faked shock, "Oops, cuffed hand! Got it!" She took back her hand, eyes sparkling with amusement.

My brain face-palmed at her cringe-worthy words.

Lena asked, "So, who are you?" I raised an eyebrow. Did she really just introduce herself and then ask for my name? Doesn't she have my kidnapping dossier?

Lena continued, "Adeline, the great, popular fashion designer." I deadpanned, Wow, you must have a Google Alert set up for me.

Lena let out a dramatic sigh. "Gosh, this is boring. You don't look like a dumb girl. Eryx doesn't go for dumb girls; he likes brave women!" She winked, "So, I hope you won't scream if I remove that tape. And if you do... well, Eryx was wrong, and I have better ways to take care of it!"

Lena ripped off the tape, and I felt cool air hit my lips. "Thanks for the dramatic reveal," I said, rubbing my sore mouth. "You know, you'd make a great Bond villain... or a drama club president."

"I said, and she smiled warmly. "What's your deal, girl?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

"With Eryx?" she clarified.

"Well, it's a big story!" she said, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"I'm not exactly known for my listening skills, so please, keep it brief," I said, and she chuckled.

"You know what? I like you!" she exclaimed.

"Thanks, I think," I replied with a smile. "I'm still deciding whether to like you back."

She laughed. "Take your time, I can wait."

Lena took a deep breath before launching into her story. "So, you know how Eryx and I used to be together?"

"Like, relationship-together?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Lena nodded. "Yeah, not like we were just really into maternity wear together."

I nodded, amused by her sass.

"And then he broke up with me!" she announced, her voice dripping with drama.

I waited for her to continue, but she just smiled sweetly. "Is that it?" I asked, confused.

"You told me to keep it brief!" she protested.