The Captured

Season 02 Episode 21

Back to my wattpad days. Done with the real world for now. 😍

I settled next to the girls, closer to the pool where kids played on their swan pool floats. Olivia had just arrived, sporting a white see-through net dress over a brightly colored bikini. Her hair was styled similarly to mine, with shoulder-length waves and a bright pink lipstick that caught my attention.

To my surprise, Valentina joined us, clad in a striped blue and white kaftan that left her legs bare.

Her ensemble was accessorized with a hat, straw bag, and a heavy statement necklace. Her presence puzzled me; she hadn't been here before.

As she greeted us with kisses on the cheek and annoyingly loud sounds, I couldn't help but stumble over my feet in an attempt to reciprocate.

"Surprised to see you here," I blurted out, unable to contain my confusion.

"I like to give surprises, baby."

She replied with a plastic accent that grated on my nerves.

The boys fired up the barbecue, and we all pitched in to help.

It was refreshing to be surrounded by adults of the same age, enjoying each other's company.

Linus who returned from Lahore played music, drawing the kids to join us in dancing, eating, and laughing.

As the sun began to set, signaling the end of the party, it seemed like everyone—including myself—wanted more.

The boys suggested playing volleyball, and I excused myself to change into something more suitable. The girls followed suit, and I was surprised to find my stylist waiting for me.

"Are you a full-time stylist?" I asked, intrigued.

"No, but I work until 8 in the evening," she replied politely.

I informed her about the volleyball game, and she left to choose a dress for me. Seizing the opportunity, I quickly retrieved my laptop from the closet, making sure she didn't notice.

As I sat on the bed, anxiously waiting for messages, a sense of disappointment washed over me when I saw nothing from Adam.

My inner turmoil was palpable as I watched the screen, hoping for a sign of his presence. A notification blinked, but it wasn't from him—it was Madds.

‘Look who rose from the dead?’ Her message read, followed by another, ‘Is it you, Anns? What made you reactivate your account?’

Frustration crept in as I replied slowly, my fingers almost reluctant.

'Hi Madds, how are you doing? How is everyone?’

I typed it out, trying to mask my disappointment.

Her quick response hit me like a punch.

‘Guess I couldn’t stay without talking to you people.’

Just as I hit send, the stylist arrived, and I hurriedly concealed the laptop under the pillow. Despite my racing thoughts, I managed to keep my composure.

As I emerged from my room, adorned in a new outfit, Mom's stern presence halted me in my tracks.

"Where do you think you're going now?"

Her voice was sharp, and I could feel tension building in the air.

"I'm heading out for a volleyball match."

I replied, trying to keep my voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

But Mom's reaction was explosive.

"HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU; YOU ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE OUTSIDE!?"

By out, I didn’t mean outside.