Chapter 21 TAKEN!!!
It was just one day before the engagement party, and everything was unfolding exactly as planned.
The grand venue was already transformed into a floral wonderland, with chandeliers twinkling over gold-accented tables and floral designs hanging over the wall. The catering service had confirmed their gourmet menu, photographers were prepped and ready, and all five hundred guests had received their invitations. Social media was buzzing with speculations and countdown posts. The Montclair-Wentworth engagement was the event of the year.
Elaxon.
Elena had cleared her schedule three days ago, as ordered by her mother, to focus solely on final preparations. She had spent the last few days confirming arrangements, supervising decor layouts, and helping coordinate the seating plan. But now, with most tasks ticked off the list, she finally had a moment to breathe.
To be herself.
The sun filtered softly through the curtains as she rose from bed that morning. After a quick shower and routine skincare, she brushed her teeth, tied her hair in a loose ponytail, and headed downstairs in her silk Sky blue robe.
The comforting aroma of poached eggs, buttered toast, and perfectly seared steak wafted through the air.
“Your favorite,” her mother beamed from the kitchen, still wearing her apron.
Elena smiled. “You didn’t have to go all out, Mom.”
“Nonsense. You’re the bride-to-be. Let us spoil you a little,” her father said from behind his newspaper.
They gathered at the dining table, chatting lightly about the upcoming event. Her mom mentioned the jewelry set she planned for Elena to wear, while her dad teased about the number of dignitaries attending and how Elena would have to keep smiling even if her feet ached in those designer heels.
It was peaceful.
Midway through breakfast, Elena’s phone vibrated on the table.
She casually picked it up, glancing at the screen. Her brows furrowed.
Brielle: “You need to come to the office. Emergency. It's Urgent.”
Elena’s heart skipped.
“What is it, darling?” her mother asked, noticing the change in her expression.
Elena quickly forced a smile, slipping the phone face-down on the table. “It’s nothing serious. Just...a quick check-in from Brielle.”
“Tell her to handle it. You’re officially off duty until after the engagement party,” her father said firmly.
“I know, Dad,” Elena replied. “She just wants me to check out a final design for the main hall entrance. Something about fabric texture and lighting clashes. It won’t take long.”
Her mother sighed, reluctant but trusting. “Fine. But don’t stress and come back early so that you can have your beauty rest before tomorrow. And no detours.”
“I promise,” Elena replied, standing. “Thanks for breakfast. I’m full already.”
She hurried back upstairs, trying Brielle’s number the moment she closed her bedroom door. No answer.
She frowned and tried again. Still nothing.
A strange sense of unease crept over her. Brielle never sent a vague message like that—especially without picking her call afterward. Something didn’t feel right.
And if her Parents found out she went to the office she'll get a real earful from them.
Still, brushing off the chill down her spine, Elena changed into a pair of black skinny jeans, a designer ivory blouse with subtle gold details, and black sandals. She grabbed her purse, phone, and keys, then slipped out of the house.
The sun was bright and the city was already pulsing with traffic and excitement. As she drove through the familiar streets, her thoughts raced—mostly wondering what sort of emergency would pull Brielle into panic mode just hours before the engagement.
She was nearing the office when everything changed.
A large black bus suddenly veered into her lane, swerving in front of her car without warning. Elena gasped and slammed the brakes, tires screeching against asphalt.
Her heart pounded.
The bus stopped—completely blocking the road.
For a second, everything was still.
Then the doors of the bus burst open, and five masked men jumped out. They moved like a unit—calculated and fast. A few of them carried weapons. Elena’s eyes widened in horror.
“No, no, no...”
Hands trembling, she grabbed her phone and immediately dialed Jaxon.
He picked up on the first ring. “Elena?”
“Jaxon—” she choked out.
Before she could say another word, two of the men yanked her door open.
“No! Get off me!” she screamed, struggling against their grip.
The phone slipped from her hand, clattering to the floor of the car. On the other end, Jaxon could hear her terrified screams.
“Elena?! ELENA!” he shouted. “What’s going on?! Elena?!”
But no one answered.
His voice echoed into the void, helpless.
The masked men dragged her from the car as she kicked and thrashed. One of them slapped duct tape across her mouth and blindfolded her before throwing her into the back of the bus.
Within seconds, the bus roared back to life and sped off.
Jaxon was still on the line, frozen in panic.
He could only hear the last fading sounds—Elena’s muffled cries, the thud of the car door slamming shut, the screech of tires.
Then...nothing.
Silence.
The engagement party was tomorrow.
But now, all plans were collapsing...
Because the bride had just been taken.