Chapter 19

Chapter 19
THE TRAP IN THE NIGHT

Point of View: Luna Hart

As I gaze at my phone's image of my mother strapped to a chair, her eyes wide and terrified, my heart thumps like a rapid rabbit. My stomach aches from the words below it: Come to Hart Global tonight, Luna. Or she's gone. Due to our fictitious marriage, I am now living in my room at Mr. Cole's penthouse in order to pay off my obligations. The front door creaks open, and I hear footsteps reverberating in the living room. The phone is heavy on my lap, and my hands are shaking. My great secret is that I'm not simply an intern but Luna Hart, the missing girl from Hart Global. I'm being pursued by the notes, the key, the locket, the video, and Ethan's scheme. They want me to fall into a trap now that they have my mother. Breathing rapidly, I tuck the phone into my pocket under the locket and key and tiptoe to my door.

Through the large window, I can see the city lights shining in the dark living room. A towering, silent shadow passes past the sofa. My heart stops. Mr. Cole is sleeping down the hall, so it's not him. With icy hands, I gently lock my door and shut it. I can't get the image of my mother's terrified expression out of my thoughts. She must be saved, but I can't do it by myself. Come alone is what the message says, but I'm afraid. They are working with Mr. Cole's brother, Ethan. The knife-wielding guy may be waiting.

With unsteady hands, I pick up my coat and tuck the locket and my mother's letter into my pocket. I need assistance before I can go to Hart Global. My dearest friend Mia comes to mind, but she's already in danger since she followed me to the orphanage. I can't tell Mr. Cole because if he finds out that I'm a Hart, he could cancel our agreement. However, he has shown kindness and previously repelled the guy and Ms. Linda. I inhale deeply, open my door, and peep out once again. My stomach turns, but the shadow has vanished. My steps are silent on the gleaming floor as I stealthily make my way to Mr. Cole's chamber.

With my pulse pounding, I gently knock. "Mr. Cole?" I mumble.

He's there, wearing sweatpants, his eyes wide, and the door opens quickly. "Luna? "What's wrong?" he says in a quiet voice.

With trembling hands, I swallow hard. "I need help," I remark in a low voice. "Someone is pursuing me. They have a person I adore.

His expression hardens, as if he were angry at work. "Who? Tell me everything.

I moisten my eyes and shake my head. "I am unable to. Not quite yet. However, Hart Global is where they are. I must go there.

He picks up a jacket and his phone. He responds, "You're not going alone." "I'll be there."

My throat tightens as I nod. I'm afraid, but I want to tell him about my mom and Ethan. With the penthouse silent and the city dark outside, we slip out. With my fists clenched in my lap, we travel to Hart Global as Mr. Cole's automobile hums. It breaks my heart to see the photo of my mother bound. I remember of her grin when I discovered her last night as I touch the locket in my pocket. I can't let her go once again.

The lights are faint as we park close to the big glass structure. Mr. Cole gives me a serious look. "Remain near," he says. "Don't flee."

I flip my stomach as I nod. Using the keycard from Ms. Linda's notepad, we enter covertly. The hallways are dim and have a papery scent. As we go into the office where I used to find my mom, my heart is pounding. I hear a faint sound coming from within, like if someone is moving, even though the door is closed. Mr. Cole's eyes are keen as he places a hand on my shoulder. "Are you ready?" he murmurs.

My hands are chilly as I nod. We enter when he slowly unlocks the door. There is just one light on the desk, and the room is gloomy. My mother is not present. There are ropes on the floor and the chair in the photo is empty. It breaks my heart. "Mom?" My voice is weak as I murmur.

A chilly, cruel chuckle echoes from the corner. As I turn, Ethan emerges with a wolf-like grin. He adds, "You're late, Luna," while carrying a phone that has a picture of my mother on it. But my brother was with you. Good.

Mr. Cole approaches me with a firm voice. "What are you doing, Ethan?"

With cruel eyes, Ethan chuckles once again. "Adrian, take what's mine. Cole Industries, Hart Global, etc.

My stomach turns. As stated in the press, he is collaborating with Aunt Victoria. My hands are shaking as I grip the locket. "Where is my mother?" I inquire in a low voice.

He gestures to a rear door with a sly smile. "Be safe. For the time being.

Red-faced, Mr. Cole takes Ethan's arm. "Ethan, let her go. You are not this person.

Ethan releases his grip, no longer grinning. Adrian, you're a softy. They always were.

With my pulse pounding, I go approach the rear entrance. I must locate my mother. Ethan and Mr. Cole are shouting, but I'm not paying attention. With unsteady hands, I open the door. The room is tiny, chilly, and dark. My mother is there, her eyes open, strapped to a chair. "Luna!" she utters in a terrified whisper.

My hands fumbling with the ropes, I dash to her. I say, "I'm here," with tears in my eyes. "You're all right."

Her gaze flickers to the door as she shakes her head. "Luna, it's a trap. Run!

The door crashes behind me before I can get out of it. My heart stops as I turn. Aunt Victoria is there, her eyes like ice and her grin cruel. "Hello, Luna," she says in a quiet but ominous tone. "You ought not to have returned."

My mother's hand grabs mine as I back up. My breath is quick and my stomach aches. I tremble when I say, "Let her go."

Victoria takes a step closer and chuckles. "You resemble your mother exactly. Weak.

Outside, I hear a crash and Mr. Cole yelling. My heart is pounding. Victoria is blocking the door, but I have to get us out. I think of my mother's smile when I touch the locket in my pocket. I must have courage.

I push Victoria hard as I lunge at her. I take hold of my mother's arm and yank her toward the door as she falters, her eyes wide. As we dash inside the main office, we see Mr. Cole, with an angry face, pinning Ethan against the wall. "Luna, hurry up!" he shouts loudly.

Keeping my mother's hand firmly in mine, we dash into the hallway. My legs are wobbly and my heart is racing. The building is dark as we arrive at the steps. I hear loud, quick footsteps behind me. My stomach turns around. They will arrive.

The chilly air slammed into my face as we sprang outdoors. In search of Mr. Cole's vehicle, I draw my mother toward the street. However, the door of a black vehicle slides open as it drives up. The guy with the knife, wearing a black cloak, leaps out with his face obscured. My mother yells and drags me away.

"Run, Luna!" She pushes me away and shouts.

The guy snatches her and drags her toward the vehicle before I can get away. With a broken heart, I shout and chase after them. However, a second hand seizes my arm and pulls me back. With horrified eyes
, I turn to find Ethan holding a fresh knife and grinning icily.