Chapter 87: You're On Your Own

Chapter 87: You're On Your Own
Cattleya’s POV

ONE WEEK LATER,

I dropped the hot coffee, sending it splattering across the floor. Then, my heart pounded as I listened to the news report. 

"Breaking News: The notorious drug lord, false identity as a good detective turned out to be the son of Don Marco Gambino. The police already have him in jail, and it's true that the authorities got all the evidence that Nikolai Gambino, also known as Nikolai Stone, working as a detective, is the man who killed Ariella Sullivan and kidnapped her twin sister, Cattleya Sullivan..."

I couldn't believe my ears. Jaxon had already turned in Nikolai. But something was off about Nikolai. He couldn't talk or move his limbs. I scoffed, realizing Jaxon had done this to silence Nikolai, to prevent him from revealing the secrets of the High Table, the Crimson Circle.

I turned off the television and settled into my remote Italian retreat. I wasn't running away anymore. I was tired of running. But I knew everyone would assume I had fled, and that was fine for now.

I cleaned the floor with a mop, then closed the window and drew the curtains. I sighed softly. Just then, I heard a knock at the door. 

"It's me." Vianne said.

I opened the door with relief. "Where have you been?" I asked.

She showed me the groceries she'd bought from the nearest town. "I bought groceries. I'm tired of eating the same thing every day," she explained.

I smiled. "So, how's your new gallery in town?"

"I'm really enjoying it. A lot of the townsfolk love the paintings I've displayed. They're mesmerized. It's my dream to share my talent with everyone, for free. They want to buy them, but I'm still thinking about giving them away," she shrugged, putting her coat behind the door.

I helped her put the groceries away. "How's your cramp? Is your baby okay? And you?" she asked.

I nodded and smiled. "Don't worry, I'm fine," I assured her.

"I saw the post on the internet. Elise threw a baby shower, and Jaxon was there," she mentioned.

"Even if I wanted to be with him, I can't anymore. Elise is the perfect girl for him. Her family is part of a crime organization, and I'm sure she won't be in danger because she is the danger herself," I said, turning to face her.

Her face softened. "Aren't you worried that your life will be in danger because of me? My father is still searching for me, and he's part of that criminal elite group."

"You're my friend, Vianne. I can't abandon you. Your situation is connected to mine. I'm worried that if I left you there, something would happen to you," I replied.

And then we hugged each other. 

But the truth is my heart aches because I left my life there, I threw everything away just like a snap of my finger. 



The next day, I visited the flower shop to buy some flowers for decoration. As I walked away from the shop, I felt a strange sensation, like someone was watching me. So I clutched the flowers and kept walking without glancing back. Suddenly, someone grabbed me from behind, pulling me into a dark alleyway. 

He covered my mouth with his hand while pinning me against the wall. "Don't scream." 

My eyes widened in fear as I recognized the man's face. He worked at the villa!

"Who are you? What do you want from me?" I demanded, struggling against his grip.

"Your life is in danger. Vlad sent me to warn you that Elise is looking for you and she'll do anything to get rid of you," he said, handing me a phone.

"V-Vlad?" I stammered, taking the phone.

"Did I tell you to run away and leave the country?!" Vlad's angry voice boomed through the phone.

"I-I'm sorry," I whispered, tears welling up in my eyes. "B-But how's my family? Is Elise after them?"

"Jaxon withdrew his shares and investments from your father's company. Your father's struggling now, and he could end up homeless any day. Your mom, on the other hand, is doing fine. She's living a better life than you. But you need to worry about yourself because Elise is after you, and I can’t protect you anymore, Catt. I’m sorry…. you’re on your own now." Vlad warned.

My heart skipped a beat, and I said, “Thank you for everything, Vlad.” 

I returned the phone to the man and walked away without looking back. I drove home, but when I arrived, the gate was open, and two strangers were inside my house, searching for me. I turned around in shock and tried to call Vianne. 

Thankfully, she answered immediately. "Hello, Catt? What’s wrong?"

"Vianne, they're after me. Save yourself, and don't come back to the house! They're waiting for me to show up. Please, stay where you are..." I pleaded.

She gasped. "But where are you going?"

"Vianne, listen to me! Leave this place without me. I'm in danger, and I can't involve you..." I cried, hanging up the call.

To my horror, two black vans started following me, speeding up to catch me. My heart pounded with fear, not just for myself but for the baby growing inside me.

They kept ramming my car until I lost control, sending it rolling down the highway and crashing into the cliff's edge. I clutched my stomach, my eyes heavy as blood streamed down my head. I looked up to see three armed men inspecting the wreckage. Suddenly, a car screeched to a halt, and more men emerged.

“No, no, no, please! I’m begging you… don’t kill me. I’m pregnant!” 

Elise stepped out, a sinister smile playing on her lips. "Shoot her," she ordered.

"Elise! How could you do this to me?! You're going to be a mother, and you're a monster!" I screamed at her.

She replied, cold and calculated, "That's why I'm killing you and your baby! Both of you are obstacles to my plan. Jaxon will never be mine if you're still alive, carrying his child. So, getting rid of you is the best option just like I did before to your first pregnancy. Kill her!"

She laughed at me again. "Do you want to know how I found you here? Vianne? Your friend? You thought you could trust her? She's my stepsister, and look what she did to you. She sold you to me so she could get away from Dad again."

My heart shattered. How could Vianne betray me like this? I wished I could understand her, but I couldn't forgive those who had betrayed me.

"If I die, I'll haunt you, Elise!" I threatened, my voice filled with rage.

My eyes widened in terror as they dragged me out of the car and to the edge of the cliff, a gun pressed to my head. I was ready to meet my end. 

But then, he came to save me...