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Chapter 116
I stood there, my hands clenched into fists, every minute feeling like an hour. The silence around me only made my worry worse. I couldn’t stay calm any longer. I needed answers, and I needed them now. I paced back and forth, my thoughts swirling, until I finally shouted again, louder this time. “I said bring him here! I want to speak to Merhold!” I wasn’t sure what I was going to say to him, but I couldn’t just sit here waiting for something to happen. As I stood there, I heard footsteps approaching.
The guards exchanged glances, and I kept up the noise, refusing to felt like forever, Merhold finally appeared. He stepped into the cell, calm as ever, with an be ignored. After what infuriating smirk that told me he was enjoying my frustration.
“What do you want from me?” I asked, crossing my arms and glaring at him aggressively. “Is it money? My organs? Just tell me why you kidnapped me.” He raised an eyebrow, amused. “Miss Doris, why don’t you guess again? Perhaps I desire your beauty and noble qualities.”
A laugh escaped me, bitter and disbelieving. “Beauty? Noble qualities? I’ve had two kids, and I’m divorced. What could you possibly want with a woman like me?”
Merhold took a step closer. “If it would bring you peace, I could bring Cyrus here to join us. I would treat him as if he were my own child.”
At his words, a surge of fury flared in me. Without thinking, I grabbed the cup of water they’d left and threw it at his face, the water splashing across his smug expression. “No harm to my Cyrus!” I growled.
Merhold didn’t move. He wiped the water from his face, that smirk still fixed in place. “Fine,” he said, “I won’t touch him, as long as you cooperate and do as you’re told.”
I eyed him suspiciously, not trusting him for a second. As if sensing my thoughts, he reached into his coat and tossed a small gun and knife onto the floor between us, holding his hands up as if to show he meant no harm. One of his subordinates stepped forward as if to intervene, but Merhold waved him off, keeping his gaze locked on me.
“Doris,” he said smoothly, “why don’t you join me for dinner?” I hesitated, uncertain, but
Giving Up My First Love For Secret Research: Second Chance at Happiness
this was likely the only way I’d find out what he truly wanted. I nodded, though I kept my, Voice firm. “Tine, but I want to freshen up first.” Merhold nodded, gesturing to one of the maids. “Escort Miss Doris to her room and see that she has everything she needs.”
The maid led me through a maze of halls until we arrived at a grand, luxurious room. Everything in it was extravagant: gowns hung on every wall, sparkling with jewels, and cases of glimmering jewelry were arranged by the mirror. But despite all the wealth, the room felt lifeless, like a beautiful cage.
As I looked around, memories of Carlos’s house came flooding back. His home had been grand as well, but warm and filled with life. This place, despite its opulence, was cold and empty, a place meant to keep me trapped.
The maid
It me alone, and I started toward the bathroom, catching sight of the gowns Merhold had laid out. They were beautiful, yes, but so ornate that I felt nothing but dislike for them. I wanted to be anywhere but here, wearing anything else but the clothes he’d
picked for me.
Once inside the bathroom, I turned on the shower, letting the water wash over me as I tried to calm down. That’s when something caught my eye, the bars on the window above the sink looked loose. I gave them a small tug, and to my surprise, they shifted in my grip. My heart raced. Maybe, I could get out of here.
Tina, my wolf, stirred inside me, her voice encouraging and strong. We’re brave, Doris. If anyone can make it out, it’s us.
Fueled by her strength, I shifted into my wolf form. My fur, pure white in the dim light, shimmered as I used my full strength to pry the bars loose. With a quiet, powerful leap, I was out of the window and into the open air, landing softly on the grass below. The night. spread out before me, the woods looming like a dark invitation to freedom.
I sprinted into the forest, the trees passing by in a blur. I let the cool wind guide me, feeling hope build in my chest with each stride. Ahead of me, I spotted the faint outline of a road a way out, a real chance at escape.
But then, just as I was only a few hundred meters away, something strange happened. My strength began to drain, my legs feeling heavier with every step. I stumbled, falling to the ground, unable to move. Panic flooded me. Why couldn’t I run? From behind, I heard Merhold’s voice, mocking and triumphant. “Why the sudden exercise before dinner, Doris?”
called amusingly.
