chapter[42]

chapter[42]
CHAPTER 42

Selena.

I stood there, frozen, as I took in the chaotic scene before me. The confused expression on Ahmet’s face was alarming. Why hadn’t he mentioned Franco to me? And how in the world had Franco found me? My mind raced with questions, each one more pressing than the last. I needed answers, and I needed them now. The tension in the room was suffocating, and I felt a knot tightening in my stomach as I waited for Ahmet to react, to say something to Franco, who was equally shocked by this unexpected reunion. But instead of stepping up, Ahmet appeared awkward and evasive, which made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I had known him long enough to recognize when he was lying, and it was painfully clear to me that he was not being truthful this time. Noah's earlier questions about Ahmet had opened my eyes to things I hadn’t considered before.

Despite our closeness, I had never seen Ahmet show any affection towards another man. He often mentioned having a boyfriend, but he never discussed anything intimate, never shared any details about his relationships. It was always vague, as though he was keeping a secret. Maybe that was just his way, but now it felt like a wall had been erected between us, and I was on the wrong side of it. I needed to know what was going on, but the fear of losing Ahmet was palpable, weighing heavily in the air.

"Ahmet?" I raised an eyebrow, my voice steady but laced with curiosity.

He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "Yes?" His gaze darted away from mine, avoiding the confrontation.

"Do you know Franco? Have you two met before?" I pressed, my tone firm. The situation was making me increasingly frustrated, but I fought to keep my anger in check. What was the point of hiding Franco from us? I wouldn’t judge Ahmet for being friends with him; everyone deserved to know who they could be with. But then it hit me—Franco was a bottom, and so had Ahmet claimed to be. There was no apparent connection between them, not even a shared nationality. It didn’t add up, and my instincts screamed that something was off.

I grabbed Ahmet's arm, forcing him to meet my gaze. "What the hell? Say something!" I yelled, unable to contain my frustration.

"I don’t know him," he replied, but his voice trembled, and I felt my heart sink. This was not the reaction of someone who was telling the truth.

Noah, watching the scene unfold, let out a low, witchy laugh. "Okay, let’s talk inside. I guess we need some privacy." He roughly pulled Ahmet’s arm, and I instinctively followed, unwilling to let my husband be alone with him. But Noah turned to me, his expression serious. "Stay here," he commanded, his voice stern.

I shook my head defiantly, refusing to accept his order. I walked with them, my heart racing as we approached the torture room—a place that filled me with dread.

Suddenly, Noah shouted at me, his voice sharp. "I said to stay outside! Are you listening?" His eyes blazed with anger, and I felt a chill run down my spine as he shot me a glare that could freeze fire. He shoved Ahmet inside, and Steven followed without hesitation.

"What's going on?" I pulled Steven’s arm, desperate for some clarity.

Steven glanced back at me, concern etched on his face. "I don’t know, really. But—please, just stay outside. I’ll make sure Ahmet is safe."

And just like that, they were all inside, leaving me alone with Franco and the guards. I stood there, anxious and worried, biting my nails until Franco wrapped his arms around my shoulders in a comforting gesture.

"Don’t worry; this is for your safety," he said softly, trying to ease my nerves.

I rolled my eyes, feeling frustration bubble up inside me. "Do you know Ahmet? Why did he say he has no idea who you are? Is this some kind of trap for my best friend? Did Noah ask you to play along?"

Franco held up a finger to my lips, silencing me. "Stop that now. Don’t speak ill of Mr. Noah. He loves you very much," he warned me, his tone serious.

I raised my eyebrows skeptically. "Then tell me the truth," I demanded, crossing my arms.

Franco sighed, his expression softening. "Ahmet appeared in my life a few weeks ago, right after I met you. He pretended to be gay and said he liked me, then started asking me a lot of strange questions—" He paused, and I interrupted him.

"What kind of questions?" I narrowed my eyes, intrigued.

He blurted out, "About you! He showed me your picture, and I was shocked and scared. I refused to tell him anything. The next day, he was just gone."

"Then why didn’t you tell me?" I asked, my voice tinged with frustration.

"Because I couldn’t! You know I was in love with Jacob. If I told you I was dating that guy, Jacob would think I was unfaithful. I couldn’t lose him. I just got scared," he explained, his voice filled with guilt.

I nodded slowly, processing his words. "So, I should believe this nonsense now?" I smirked, skepticism dripping from my voice.

He shrugged, his demeanor nonchalant. "Whatever. I never lie," he said confidently.

I mocked him with a scoff. "Yeah, I can see that, Mr. Cheater." I shot him a disgusted look, not meaning to be harsh but feeling betrayed.

Deep down, I knew I didn’t want to believe him, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. How had Ahmet found Franco? How did he know I was living in Franco’s mansion? The questions swirled in my mind like a storm, each one more unsettling than the last.

Suddenly, I heard a commotion coming from inside the torture room—screams and raised voices. My heart raced as I knocked frantically on the door, desperation clawing at my throat. When Noah finally opened it, I slipped past him, determined to find out what was happening.

Noah rubbed his face, trying to suppress his anger, but I didn’t care. I marched straight towards Ahmet, who was facing the woman from before, the tension in the room palpable.

I glanced around, my gaze darting between the faces of everyone present. Silence reigned, and I couldn’t take it anymore. "Listen to me, all of you! I don’t like being treated like a toy. If none of you tell me what’s going on, I swear I will cut all the strings and sever every tie!" My voice was loud and unwavering, a mixture of authority and fear.

Ahmet let out a deep sigh, his composure crumbling as tears streamed down his face. He fell to his knees, his voice shaking. "Okay, I’m sorry! I got scared when I heard that Selena was going to leave the country and might not come back. So I adjusted her cell phone to mine to track her last location using GPS. I’m so sorry! I couldn’t bear the thought of losing my best friend. She was my everything. I’m sorry, Selena, for invading your privacy. Please forgive me!" His sobs echoed in the room, raw and heart-wrenching.

I pulled him into a tight embrace, holding him close. "It’s okay, baby. I forgive you." I shot Noah a look filled with blame and disappointment, but there was also relief.

Noah shrugged, his expression bewildered. "What? I didn’t know he was this soft."

I turned my attention to the woman, who had remained silent, her eyes cast down. "Now, who are you, and who dragged you here?" I demanded, my voice firm.

She didn’t respond, clearly terrified to admit anything.

I raised an eyebrow at Noah. "Noah, finish this now."

Noah rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then pulled out his pistol, pointing it at the woman’s face. I gasped, panic rising within me. "What the hell are you doing?"

He dropped his jaw, taken aback. "What? You said to finish this," he replied, confusion etched on his features.

I huffed, exasperated. "I meant finish this as in stop and let her go, not kill her!" I gritted my teeth, stepping closer to him. I cupped his face gently, my voice dropping to a hushed tone. "Honey, try to learn how to forgive. Please, for the sake of our kids."

He hesitated, his resolve wavering as he looked into my eyes. Finally, he relented, gesturing to Jacob to let her go.

In that moment, I couldn’t shake the feeling of uncertainty. I didn’t fully believe Ahmet’s story, but I also knew he wasn’t a dangerous person. He might be struggling with his emotions, but he wasn’t out to hurt anyone. I resolved to bury my doubts deep inside. I wouldn’t allow anyone to hurt the only friend I had left in this world—my best friend, my confidant.

As the dust began to settle, the gravity of our situation began to dawn on me. This wasn’t just about Ahmet or Franco; it was about us, our lives, our safety. We were all tangled in a web of secrets, lies, and fears, and I was determined to unravel it. I glanced at Noah, who still looked troubled, and I knew we had a long road ahead of us. We needed to confront the truths hidden beneath the surface, and I was ready to face whatever came next. Together.