Chapter 28

©S A F I E

CHAPTER 28

GABRIEL

I am downright pissed. I can’t believe her timing. Victoria just loves to ruin the best moments. I've been having the time of my life as I lay there, looking at Elle, wishing about our future together and here she is, stealing the spotlight. Fucking Victoria and her schemes. I can't believe that I had once fallen in love with this girl.

I am such an idiot in the past.

“Joe, what is the update?” I asked as I round the corner. My hand tightens at the steering wheel as I hear him speak in the phone, his voice rough with exhaustion, 'Last we saw her lurking by the driveway back in the mansion an hour ago. Ryan tailed her but for some reasons, she disappeared. We suspect that Victoria has her eyes on Elle and Jacob since she was next seen by a couple of old ladies as she loitered by the lobby back at Two Fifty West.' There is some pause before Joe said, 'You have to take care, are you with them?'

“No.' I scratch my eyebrows, glaring at the street, "I went off because I thought that you finally got her. I have to go back and see them, shit, that f*cking bitch might have had a clue now that you are trailing her. Victoria is not a dumbass, I will not hesitate to think that she has planned all that loitering to distract us.” I sigh, turning the car as I planned to go back to Neo’s apartment. 'Gabriel, don’t turn back. Instead, call Elle. Ask her to meet you back at your penthouse, while I call Neola and ask her to get out of her apartment. She should stay at a friend's home while we track Victoria down. In the same way, I will book Elle at the hotel tonight and have you fetch her by the penthouse before Victoria gets her. That will set a trap for Victoria at the penthouse as she thinks that you and Elle are there.'

“Do you think that will work?”

'I believe, yes. Gabriel, this is our only hope. I think Victoria is really aiming for your penthouse - she knows that place. Hearing about Elle being there will make her go crazy, hearing you being there will drive her unstable. She has to know that you will meet Elle there and that she is going alone. It will make Victoria burn with jealousy and no doubt that she will go there as soon as she catches wind of it.' My hands are sweaty as I listen to his explanation, my gut turning, suggesting that it will be us who will be caught in the trap and not Victoria.

Victoria has an average of almost a hundred back in college. She won't be able to enter grad school in medicine if she were not that intelligent.

Shit.

Medicine. That is why she was able to act out her role as Cherry Woods. She might have dyed her hair to make it blonde. How am I so stupid that I didn't even notice those facts?

I hit my fist in the steering wheel, weighing my options. Should I really proceed with Joe's plan? It is not the best choice we got but it is better than having nothing at all. Victoria is capable of any crime as bizarre as it appeared to be. She had proved that to me when she was able to dress up and play the good concern doctor while lying about the baby? What use would her mind be if she will not use it in cooking up her evil plans?

“Alright. I’ll call Elle now.” I ended the call, my heart thudding inside my chest. I couldn't help but feel nervous for thinking that Victoria might be in possession of my son and wife. She can easily creep inside a hospital with fake identification, a flat is nothing but a piece of cake.

I click the pod, swiping on my phone as it sits on the dock. My fingers tremble as I click on her number, waiting with bated breath. Elle answered on the first ring, making me breathe a sigh of relief, 'Gabe?' I smiled as I hear her voice, “Elle," I breathe out, not trusting my voice. I focused on the road, relishing in her voice as she speaks in the background. I change gear as I turn, heading for the skyway.

'What is it, Gabriel? Jacob has fallen asleep, his fever has gone down now. Oh, thank god!' I can feel the smile tugging at my lips as I look at the rear, adjusting the volume so that I can hear her louder. 'Why did you call, Gabriel?'

I cleared my throat. I suddenly felt cold as I bit my lip, struggling to find the words I shall say, "Elle, listen. I have to ask you to do something.”

'What is it?' I can hear some shuffling before a quiet cry pierces the silence. 'Oh baby, Shh..' Elle coos towards our son, making my heart melt in affection. 'Gabe, what was that you are saying?' her voice came out clearer and I couldn’t help but sigh, "I want you to go to the penthouse. A limo will fetch you after a while.”

'Why? Is it -'

"I'll explain it to you once we are there, love you."

There's a pause followed by a squeak. I can almost imagine her blushing as she asks, 'Is that all?' I can sense as smile as she says these words. I bit back a smile, “Yes, love. I’ll be waiting, love you…”

'And I, you.' She ended the call and I lean back on the car seat, my heat pummeling with one hundred beats per second as I step down on the gas, hopeful of the outcome.

Okay. Plan number one, done. I just have to wait for Joe to summon Neo to the hotel and make the reservations, then we are all set.

*

ELLE

“Believe me, Elle. It was a trap. Joe told me about the setup. Gabriel had to make her believe that you are meeting Gabriel back at the penthouse when in reality, you will be going to the hotel. I’ll be the one who will ride the limo while you go to the designated hotel.” I watch as Neola takes her phone, her face flushed with exasperation. I carefully adjusted Jacob's hat as to not wake him; I hope he won't wake up and give us away during the transition.

“There, I sent it, the reservation. All you have to do is present this to them. I also have a fake identification for you. You will be Lois Lane.” She smiled but I frowned at the name, not believing it, "And Gabriel is superman?" She rolled her eyes and I chuckled, "You are such a nerd, Neola."

"I am your favourite nerd, besides, my brother is Superman." It was my turn to roll my eyes at her and she giggled, covering her mouth when Jacob stirred in my arms. She tucks a hair behind her ear, clearing her throat. “The limo is already here. I will take the carrier so that it will appear as if I am you and Jacob is with me. You'll keep safe, right?”

I nodded and kiss her cheek as she kisses mine. I hug her with on of my arm, avoiding to get so close because Jacob might feel discomfort making him cry. Neola gave me a pat as she whispered, “Take care, Elle. All of this will pass. I'm sure my brother knows what he is doing. Hopefully, their plan will work, I have no wish but to get my hands on Victoria's curls and pull them. I won't hesitate to shoot her if I were to see her.” She muttered darkly. I squeeze her arm and let go of her, fixing my hold at Jacob as he whimpered and open one of his eyes. I rock him in my arms, watching as Neola takes the carrier and left, riding the limo.

I waited for a while before I lock the door behind me and smiled down at my baby, heading at the back of the alley to meet with Ryan. I frown, looking around when a cab stopped in front of me. Ryan peeks through the window, adjusting his glasses before unlocking the car.

"Good evening, Miss Greene," I looked up to him and his address, sadly remembering that I am not married to Gabriel anymore. I adjust Jacob on my arms and settled in.

Ryan has insisted that we will drive around the city until it is safe to head inside the hotel. Joe hasn't called Ryan for any update and as we pass by the central park for the third time, I can feel my anxiety clawing at my chest, restricting my supply of oxygen. I wonder if Gabriel is with Joe now and if they have ever caught Victoria. I wish they did, so we can live in peace. She was the only problem we've got now and after her, I and Gabriel can finally rekindle our relationship. I'm trying not to be hopeful but the odds are in our favour and soon, Victoria will be locked inside where she won't escape.

Jacob has wake from his slumber right after we settled in the car, he looks up at me, just watching, his curious blue eyes shining. I tell him stories and bounce him on my knees before he settled back to a comfortable position in my arms, his eyes never leaving me. I nuzzled my nose at his cheek and he giggled. I can feel eyes on me which made me look up and see Ryan giving me a gentle smile. I shake my head and blow berries in Jacob's cheek, making him giggle some more.

I am glad that Jacob provides me with enough distraction to keep me out from worrying. I take my phone from the diaper bag and check it for any messages - there's nothing. I bit my lip and catch Ryan's gaze, which is also filled with concern. I shake my head at him and caress Jacob's cheek as he whimpered, now feeling sleepy. I took the prepared bottle of milk and gave it to him, soothing hi back as he finishes his bottle, singing him to sleep.

It was past eleven when we headed at the location of the hotel. Ryan drops me by the entrance of the small boutique that is next to a convenience store. I push open the door and was surprised to find it so old fashioned, yet have this homey feeling. I look at the old woman that is behind the counter and ask, adjusting a sleepy Jacob on my shoulder, "Ma'am. I’m here to check into my reservation." I showed her my phone and without too much of a grumble, she called for a girl asking for the room to be checked. I quickly turned, my eyes widening as I see the girl for hse resembles Cherry. She turns right before I recognize her face, making me frown,. I think I have seen her somewhere, maybe at the sidewalk or maybe ten years ago. I am not sure but something tells me that she is some I have seen.

She might be one of those million blondes who could look like Cherry Woods.

I was distracted out of my thoughts when the old woman smiled and pulls me towards the elevator. We went down the hall and she shows me a quite spacious room with a queen-size bed complete with a bathroom and a TV set. Jacob opens his eyes and peeks through them, earning a gush from the old woman. I thank her, receiving the key and saying my goodbyes. She gave a swift goodnight kiss on Jacob's forehead as he clung on my shoulder.

As soon as she exits the room, I cannot help but feel tired. I can feel peace seeping in my veins making me long for sleep to come. It was such a long day with a lot of things happened. It felt like this day can go on forever and I shiver to think what the next day will bring. I do hope that Gabriel will find Victoria soon. I rub my eyes and have to yawn so wide as I sat.

I put Jacob on the bed and put some pillows around him, wanting some alone time. I went inside the bathroom and let the water fill the tub. As it did, I return to my son, soothing Jacob to sleep as I rub on his back, smiling that he is not a fussy baby. "Oh, Gabriel...I hope everything will go as you plan.” I whispered, taking my baby’s hands and kissing his fingers, thanking the heavens that he's here to keep me sane.

I went back inside the bathroom and turn off the tap. Reaching for the body wash, I scrub my skin continuously, getting rid of the filth. With a final rinse, I decided to get out of the bath and dry myself up with the towel. I settle in large white tees I stole from Gabe's closet, breathing in his scent, "Oh, Gabe.." I opened the door and was shocked to find the whole room in a mess.

Jacob is nowhere, his diaper bag and clothes littering all over the place.

But I haven't heard anything and I have only taken ten minutes.

I look around, trying to find some clue only to come up with nothing. I opened the cupboard and looked under the bed yet he was nowhere. "Jacob? Oh my god, Jacob."

My hands are sweaty and I felt like I am going to be sick with worry. I look under the bed again and check the cupboard but he is not there. I was surprised to hear a muffled cry and a shadow pass by the balcony. I look back to see a cloaked figure, “Who are you? Show yourself! Give me back my baby!"

"Not gonna happen," I was suddenly pulled by a cold bony hand holding my cheeks up. I turn to see the lady from a while ago, the woman who appears like Cherry. My mind quickly process her appearance and I stop, my heart thudding fast. I can't believe it.

"You?"

"Yes, me." she slaps my cheek hard and I end up on the floor, my lips bleeding.

"Please, give me back my so-" Another slap made me end up again on the floor. Brushing my swollen cheek, she smiles at me, pulling my hair. "Oh, you idiot girl. I never thought that Gabe will choose a feeble-minded woman like you." She laughs. She held my son on her waist, her bony fingers grabbing him tightly making Jacob whine. I held out my hands but she kicked it away making me wince. "Look at you, you're not even pretty. Your dull eyes, not-so-straight nose, puffy lips," She lean down and pinch my bleeding lips, "Your empty skull.,. " She pokes my head with her long fingernail and cackle once again.

"All of it is not worth my Gabe, especially this shitty son of yours." she pulls a gun out of her waistband and grins menacingly.

"No, Don't! Please. Please, not Jacob. Kill me, kill me instead, leave him alone..." I please, trying not to cower from the pointed gun as she transferred it on my head, crouching low.

"And why would I do that? Why would I listen to someone as stupid like you?"

"No, please. Cherry, you don't need to do this!" I pull at her hand but she just hit mine with the bottom of her gun, making me cry out in pain.

"Ha! Fucker...it's not Cherry, that's my fake name. This is Victoria Lint, you stupid sh*t. I guess you don't remember me from high school. I used to have fun throwing your homework down the toilet."

"It was you?" I felt sick as a shiver slithers down my spine, showering me with anxiety. Victoria tilted her head to laugh, making Jacob whimper and my heart aches for him as he cried silently. "Ha! You'll never forget me - I'm the most beautiful woman Gabe had ever met, the one he almost had married but then you came..."She snorts, her lips curling to her teeth as she growls at me, kicking me so that I ended up on my back with her feet on top of my stomach.

"You are the reason why we break up! You destroyed our future. Maybe if you hadn't returned here in New York, we would be happily married by now, and perhaps had...a little girl or boy running around not this fucking shit of yours that won't stop crying!" She glares down at my baby and swiftly shook her head. She pinches his cheek making him cry louder and I trembled in anger, wanting nothing more but to wrestle him down and point the gun on her chest. She pressed her foot down and I wince, trying to lift her foot off of me but failing as she pointed the gun on my shoulder and fire.

The bullet embedded itself in my skin but I felt numb. Instead, I felt anger fuelling me as I struggled to lift her feet off. Victoria sneered, "The beautiful future I should have had is gone now because of you, and this shit!" She aims the gun at my son as Jacob cries louder this time. "I should've killed you both, you know. From the very first moment Eric announced that you are pregnant, my blood boils as my hands burn to kill. I wanted to kill you that instant when Eric is trying to save you but what's the thrill with that? I waited for this moment, dreamt of it every night. I will torture you with your child's pain until you beg for me to kill you..."

"Victoria, please, let us be. You just need to move on...let us go. Forget the past."

"How can I forget the past when every time I tried to look for the right guy, I see him? All I want is Gabriel. There will be no other man but him. Can't you understand me? You and this shit," She started pulling the trigger as she smiled, "Need to die as soon as possible so he will go back to me. And he will never leave me again..."

"No, please. Just, no...please."

"He won't go back to me knowing that you, and this piece of shit--" She pushes the gun deeper on my baby's chest and sneered "is still breathing down my neck and lurking around my precious territory!"

"You really need to have special medical attention now..." I muttered under my breath as I successfully lift her feet off making her stumble. Standing up, I tried to pull the gun off her hands, risking my chance.

"No! Nothing can soothe me better than him," She pulls the gun back and hit my head. "There, " I collapse on the floor, grabbing my head with both of my hands as she leans down, Jacob flaying his hands around, his face very red. "Now, now...what am I gonna do to you?”

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