22-1

Chapter Twenty Two - Disappear Me and Aria have just come back from grocery shopping to stock up after our trip when my phone rings. I frown in confusion when it's an unknown number from the UK. Thinking it's either my family, Liam or a salesperson that have somehow found out my direct number I pick it up. "Hello?" "Charlotte?! Is this Charlotte Davidson?!" A woman asks frantically. "Uh yes...who are you?" "This is Carmen, Liam's girlfriend. We met at the engagement party – anyways, listen to me! You need to get yourself and your daughter somewhere safe right away!" She states with a panicked tone which makes me eyes widen. "I just found out that Liam took an early flight to Dallas but not to discuss having a relationship with your daughter! He just wants to get back together with you!" "But I told him –" "He doesn't care Charlotte! I was clearing our camera footage today and because it includes audio I heard him talking to someone on the phone about how he's going to get back together with you even if he has to force you!" She stresses and I quickly grab the bags before locking the car. "I'm so sorry I didn't call sooner as it was difficult to get your direct number. Please just get somewhere safe because he didn't sound like himself. I feel like he may hurt you!" "O-Okay...okay I'm going to go to Theo's place. I'm just going to grab some things and leave. Thank you for telling me Carmen." I breathe gratefully as I hastily take out my keys. "Call me when you get there okay? Just so I know you're safe." "I will, thanks again. I'll chat to you in a bit." I reply before hanging up. "What's wrong?" Aria asks with a confused frown. "Nothing, we're just going to visit Theo." I smile calmly while on the inside I'm anything but. I open the door and lock it after ushering Aria inside. Quickly placing the grocery bags on the kitchen counter, I tell Aria to put some of her things in an overnight bag. She stares at me confused for a moment but thankfully does as I say. Rushing into my room I pack mine and Aria's legal documents, other valuables, and necessities. "Mum, what's wrong? Why are we packing?" She asks timidly when I walk into her room. "I'll explain later when we have time okay?" I reply before hurriedly zipping her bag up. "Come on, let's get in the car." She sighs and takes my hand before we make our way to the door. I open it only for our bags to drop in surprise when I find Liam standing outside. Aria pushes back against me with a whimper and I pull her behind me protectively. My mind races a mile a minute as I try to figure out what to do. Instantly I try to mask my expression and smile a little to appear normal. "Hey, I thought your flight was due to land tomorrow?" "Yeah but I finished work early so just got an early one." He grins but then his eyes wander to the bags in my hand. "Where are you going?" "Oh, just to a friend's place." I smile but it slips right off my face when he steps in. "We're late already so can we meet up tomorrow morning to discuss?" "That won't be necessary." He murmurs and I gasp when he shoves me to the side and closes the door behind him. Aria screams in fear and I pull her back to my side again. "Liam what the hell are you doing?!" I trail off as my throat becomes dry. Dread and fear settles deep within my bones heavily when he takes out a gun and dagger. "If either of you make any sounds I'll shoot her first." He nods at Aria who's hiding behind my legs. "Give me any devices you have." I hesitate and watch as his expression becomes murderous. The safety comes off the gun as he points it at us and my heart pounds in terror. There's a crazy gleam in his eyes that makes me move and I pick up the bags. Aria has tears in her eyes as she shakes her head at me when I take her hand. "Mum..." She sniffles as her eyes dart to Liam. "It'll be okay. I'm here and nothing will happen to you." I smile shakily and she releases a shuddering breath in response. "Leave her out of this Liam." He chuckles darkly as he walks over to lock the door. "You were right you know. I don't care about her...all I want is you." "Why?! You have Carmen, a great job...you could go about your life and be happy!" I argue and back up when he grabs the bags from me. "I never wanted to break up with you Charlie. I love you. I want to be with you for the rest of my life, I just didn't want a child." He shrugs half-heartedly as he glances at Aria who shuffles uncomfortably. "I constantly thought about you after. I even thought about killing her –" "W-What?!" I stumble back in alarm. "But then I just decided to let you be...until I saw you again at that party. Everything came back full force and I...I wanted to be the one holding you, kissing you, making you smile – not Theo Jackson!" He all but spits at his name and I flinch. "What are you going to do?! You can't get away with this!" I shake my head angrily. "Just leave us alone Liam, you're going to get caught anyways!" It's like something switches inside him. He straightens and his eyes become steely and emotionless. One minute he was panicked and desperate now he's cold and insane. "And how exactly are you two going to get out of this huh?" He lunges at me and grabs me by my hair tightly. Aria yells at him to let me go when he presses the dagger against the skin of my neck. "You two are coming with me. The second you try anything funny or try to alert anyone I will fire so many bullets into your precious daughter that you won't recognize her after I'm done. Trust me Charlie I've got nothing to lose." "O-Okay." I whisper and try to take Aria's hand but he grabs her. "She stays with me. Get your phone out." He holds out his hand and I give it to him. "Liam...please just let Aria go, take me instead! Please!" I beg and my hope dwindles when he scoffs. "And have her run to Theo? Are you fucking stupid Charlie? Get me your laptop." He seethes and shoves me towards the bedrooms. "Aria stays with me just in case you decide to try anything stupid."