Abducted

Ivery Clark POV

So embarrassing!

I didn’t stop running until the muffled sounds of voices and footsteps faded behind me. My legs burned, and my heart thundered, but it wasn’t the exertion that had me gasping for air. I pressed my back against the cold stone wall of the hallway, trying to steady the whirlwind inside me.

What was I thinking? I squeezed my eyes shut, groaning silently. So embarrassing.

I stopped pacing, gripping the back of my neck as I looked toward the end of the hall. This isn’t who you are, I told myself. I wasn’t impulsive, reckless, or dependent. I wasn’t someone who threw herself at the feet of a man who—what? A stranger?

Not a chance.

Next day

The cold light of winter filtered through the thin curtains, falling in muted streaks across the worn couch.

I sat curled up on it, clutching a mug of tea that had long gone lukewarm. It didn’t matter; the tea wasn’t comforting me any more than the thick blanket I’d wrapped myself in.

"Still thinking about them?” Bella's voice broke the silence.

I bit my lips. In my mind, the scene played on an endless loop—the glittering lights of the engagement party, the clinking of champagne glasses, and the sound of John laughing beside Fayre.

Her hand in his, my hand empty. His eyes sparkling for her, like mine, never mattered.

“Ivery, you have to let this go. They’re not worth it—neither of them. Especially not John. And you know Fayre thrives off knowing she hurt you.”

Bella, my best friend, set the food aside and reached for my hand. “I know, and it’s cruel. But you can’t keep drowning in this. You’re letting him rob more of your time and happiness. Don’t you think you’ve given enough to that man?”

I swallowed the lump in my throat and looked away. "It's not about him Ivery, it's about how much time I wasted, how many opportunities I lost for a man who never saw me as his own."

"After Dad died, my brother Rowan had to take over too much too soon, working two jobs just to keep us fed. And I…" My voice cracked. “Only concentrate on John. Gave my everything so that I could see him succeed. I had too much hope in him, Bella. But everything's gone now. I have failed everyone."

"Come on Ivery, there's still time. You're still 19, your life hasn't ended." Bella leaned back, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "You know what you need? A break. A getaway from all this."

"I have a voucher for a trip. I can't come because I have father's work to handle but you can go and take some time for yourself."

I stared at her, unsure if she was serious. “A trip?”

“Yes. I’m serious. You need it. Life isn’t supposed to be just survival, Ivery. And maybe while you’re busy soaking up some Vitamin D, you’ll start seeing things differently.”

It was hard to imagine leaving this cocoon of despair I’d wrapped myself in, but deep down, Bella’s words sparked something. Maybe I did need to get away—from the pain, the memories, the suffocating regret.

“Alright,” I said quietly, surprising even myself. “I'll go.”

Bella’s smile was radiant. “Good. You won’t regret this. I promise.”

For the first time in weeks, a sliver of hope crept into my heart, battling with the lingering ache of betrayal. Maybe a break wouldn’t erase everything, but it might just give me the strength to rebuild.

In the airport

"Okay here's the ticket ! Have a blast, Ivery. Give your soul some time." Bella chimed and pushed me towards the escalator.

I heaved a sigh and prepared myself to board the airplane. Bella had booked a business class seat for me.

"Please this way ma'am..." The air hostess smiled at me. I don't know how time went fast, I was in a daze. I still couldn't take out the sorrow that was eating me like a plague.

When I reached our destination, I hired a taxi.

"Ma'am, where do you want to go ? You didn't tell me the destination." The taxi driver interrupted my train of thoughts.

"To the Ritzz Resort please." I said between my gasps, trying to cool myself down.

After I reached my destination, I gave the taxi fare and my mouth dropped.

The resort was located within a lush jungle which offered unbelievable views of mountains.

To the other side I could see a private beach which created a secluded castaway paradise.

It was truly a heaven.

"Welcome to the resort ! Please, this way..." A lady staff chimed out as she put a garland made up of orchids around my neck.

The resort was truly beautiful. The sand underneath my feet felt so perfect and calming.

"Welcome to the Ritzz Resort. Please let me check your allotted room." Elderly woman smiled politely at me.

"Yes...yes please. " I followed her to the counter.

"Your sweet name ?"

"Ivery Clark."

The elderly woman checked on the computer. " Oh yes, there's a reservation in your name."

She then took out the card and slided it towards me. "If you go left and take a turn, you'll get it. Have a nice day."

I nodded in response and took the key card. Go left and take a turn. I can do this.

The allotted room was so beautiful. The bathtub was so huge. Outside the balcony I could see the mountain and forest with a vast beach area.

My mind was still rambling about the sexy man I met at the restroom. I hope he forgets about me and how much I want to forget about him.

I took a nap and by the time I got it was already dark. The light blues that spread through the edge of the horizon had completely disappeared. The sky was under a blanket of darkness.

Now, the water was like a dark black space that reached out to nowhere the eye could follow. I decided to take a walk along the beach to calm my mind.

Without knowing I had unconsciously walked to the far away side of the beach.

Shit, when did I reach here ? I have been too absent minded lately.

As I turned a black sack covered my head and painfully tightened around my head. What the hell!?

I couldn't see anything, and I immediately panicked. "Ahhhh!!!"

My arms were pulled back behind me so fast that I thought they were being ripped out of the sockets.

An immense pain exploded and I screamed in horror, my breath hot inside the bag that felt like it was already starting to drown me.

Another pair of hands went for my legs. I started kicking wildly, trying to slip off. Suddenly I felt a heavy hit on my skull and I fainted out.

Everything around me was so black and hazy.