When My Husband Refused to Save Our Daughter

It was meant to be a happy day. Sienna was turning three.

My little girl spun around the cabin that morning, laughter spilling from her lips, her cheeks glowing as she showed off the pink dress I had picked out weeks ago just for her. She looked like pure sunshine, and for a moment, I let myself believe the day would be perfect.

We were celebrating on a cruise shipstreamers wrapped around the railings, pastel balloons bobbing in the breeze, servers weaving through the crowd with slices of cake and sparkling drinks. Music drifted through the open deck, mingling with the sound of waves and laughter. Guests smiled for photos, children ran around excitedly.

And I kept glancing at my watch.

I was waiting for my husband, Aldrin.

Late. Again. As always.

Mommy Sienna tugged gently at my fingers, her small face tilted up at me. Is Daddy coming?

I crouched down in front of her and brushed her hair back, pasting on a smile that didnt quite reach my eyes. Of course he is, sweetheart. Hell be here soon.

Even as I said it, something heavy settled in my chest. I knew better. Work always came firstfor him. And lately, so did whoever he claimed he was working with.

Still, I refused to let his absence ruin her birthday. I kissed her forehead and encouraged her to join the other kids for a bit while I made my rounds, greeting guests and thanking them for coming. Just a few minutes, I told myself. Nothing would happen in a few minutes.

When I turned around again, my heart dropped straight into my stomach.

Sienna wasnt there.

The air felt too tight to breathe. My eyes raced across the deckfaces, tables, railingsbut I didnt see her curls, her dress, her tiny shoes. Her laughter was gone. In its place, panic surged, hot and terrifying.

Sienna? My voice trembled. Louder this time. Sienna!

People glanced over, concern flickering across some faces, confusion on others. A few shook their heads. No one had seen her. My knees nearly buckled as I grabbed the railing for support. My baby. My only child. She had vanished.

With shaking fingers, I pulled out my phone and called Aldrin. The ringing felt endless. Once. Twice. Then

A woman moaned.

I went completely still.

Soft gasps. Heavy breathing. A mans voicemy husbandslow, intimate, unfamiliar in the way it hurt the most. Not meant for me. My ears rang as the sound flooded through the line.

I ended the call before I could be sick.

There was no time to fall apart. No time to scream. Sienna needed me. The crew searched the ship, authorities were alerted, procedures followedbut by the time I got home, the nightmare deepened.

The phone rang.

Mrs. Jones, a distorted voice drawled. We have your daughter. If you want her alive, prepare one hundred million dollars. You have until tomorrow.

The number echoed in my head. One hundred million.

I ran to my laptop, logging in frantically, ready to empty every account, every investment, everything I owned. But the screen stared back at me, cruel and unmoving.

Accounts restricted. Funds frozen.

No please My voice came out hoarse, barely sound at all.

I didnt think. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to Aldrins office, tears blurring the road. At the reception desk sat Biancahis secretary. My former best friend. The woman I had trusted with everything. I had hired her, defended her, welcomed her into my life without hesitation.

And months ago, I learned the truth.

She and Aldrin. Together. Behind my back.

I never confronted them. Not because I lacked couragebut because I was terrified of breaking the fragile world Sienna lived in. I endured it for my daughter. I told myself that as long as Sienna had both parents, I could survive the rest. I knew what it was like to grow up split between two homes, always feeling unwanted, never fully belonging. I wouldnt let Sienna inherit that pain.

Where is my husband? I demanded.

Out of town, Bianca replied calmly.

Then explain why my money is locked, I snapped, slamming my hands onto her desk.

She smiled faintly. Aldrin asked me to handle it. He thinks youve been overspending.

My chest burned. Fix it. Right now. My child has been taken!

She leaned back, eyes glittering. Im sorry, Amara. Maybe you could arrange the payment little by little. Perhaps theyll return your daughter the same way.

The words crushed me. Before I could react, she tossed some cash onto the floor.

Here, she said coldly. A starting payment.

Something inside me shattered.

I slapped her before I even realized my hand had moved. You monster, I screamed. You took my husband, my lifeand now youre stopping me from saving my child?

She shrieked as I grabbed her hair. We struggled, crashing into furniture, fury and grief blinding me.

The door flew open.

Aldrin.

Whats wrong with you? he shouted.

I pointed at her, sobbing. Our daughter is missing! You froze my accounts and she mocked me for it!

His face hardened. If Sienna disappeared, thats on you. You cant even keep track of your own kid.

Before I could answer, Bianca cried out, clutching her stomach. Blood stained her clothes.

Aldrin turned on me. If anything happens to heror the babyyoull regret it!

He struck me, pain exploding across my face. Then he carried her out, cradling her like she was everything that mattered.

I was left alone.

Thats when I understood. He would never help me.

So I called the only man who might.

Joseph, I whispered when he answered. If you still want to marry me save my daughter. Ill give you everything.

Joseph, I breathed when the call finally connected. My voice sounded broken even to my own ears. Its me. Tell me honestlydo you still want to marry me? If you do then help me pay the ransom for my daughter. Ill follow every condition you set.

For a few seconds, there was nothing but silence. Then he laughed. Slow. Mocking. Cruel enough to make my chest ache.

Well, Ill be damned, Joseph said lazily. Looks like you finally realized you picked the wrong man. So regretting choosing that jerk over me now?

I squeezed my eyes shut, forcing myself to stay calm. If you called just to ridicule meand not to helpthen we should end this conversation right now.

Easy, easy, he replied, his tone shifting though the arrogance never quite left. Dont get so worked up, Amara. I said Id help, didnt I? But dont forget what you just offered. Once I step in, you belong to me. No backing out this time. No running.

Yes, I whispered, my throat tight. Just make sure my daughter comes back alive.

Good, he said softly. Send me everything you have on the kidnappers. Five days. Be readyIll come for you myself.

The call disconnected.

I stared down at my phone, my hands shaking uncontrollably. Every instinct screamed at me to call back, to cancel, to flee from the deal I had just made. But what alternative did I have? Being bound to the man I once called my enemy was still better than trusting the husband who had already chosen another woman over our child.

My thoughts drifted backward, to all the years I had wasted believing in the wrong person.

Back in college, I had been na?veso sure of my feelings. I loved Aldrin first. With everything I had. When my father proposed the marriage to merge our companies, I didnt hesitate for even a second. I thought fate was on my side. I believed Aldrin loved me the same way.

For a while, he played the part well. He was attentive, charming, gentle. The ideal partner.

Until he wasnt.

Late nights became routine. Excuses piled up. Perfume on his clothes that wasnt mine. Lies stacked on top of lies. And then there was Biancamy closest friend. The betrayal should have been my breaking point. I should have left then. But I stayed. For Sienna.

Now I knew the cost of that choice. And my daughter was paying for it.

When I returned home, the house felt hollow, like all the warmth had been drained from it. I gripped the edge of the dining table, breathing hard, trying to keep myself upright.

That was when I heard heels approaching.

Bianca appeared, standing confidently in my home, one hand resting on her stomach, satisfaction written all over her face. Moments later, Aldrin followed her in, his hand brushing her arm with a familiarity that made my stomach twist.

What is she doing here? I snapped.

Shell be living here for now, Aldrin replied casually. And youll be preparing her meals.

I stared at him in disbelief. And why would I do that?

Because youre responsible for putting the baby at risk, he said coldly. You should make up for it.

I wont, I said, my voice shaking with anger.

His gaze turned sharp. That wasnt a request, Amara.

I stepped back, my chest aching. Im done. Lets end this. I want a divorce.

He blinked, then laughed harshly. Divorce? Thats your move? Over something this small?

You know damn well this isnt small! I yelled. Sienna has been taken! Instead of helping me, you froze my moneyyou did nothing!

Aldrin scoffed. Are you even sure they really have Sienna? What if its all a trick? Or worsewhat if youre using her to get money from me?

I felt like Id been slapped. How can you say that?

He narrowed his eyes. Why not? Youre just like your father. He scammed me and disappeared. Maybe youre no differentusing the child to manipulate me.

His words sliced through me. I could barely breathe.

Before I could respond, Bianca spoke softly, pretending concern. Please if this is because of me, dont fight.

Aldrin turned on me instantly. This is entirely her fault. If she had been a better mother, Sienna wouldnt be missing.

My knees nearly gave out.

Then the butler rushed in, his face pale as he held out a small package. A delivery for you, sir.

Aldrin opened it.

Bianca screamed.

I collapsed.

Inside was a severed toe. Small. Wrapped in cloth. Bloody.

Sienna My sob tore out of me as I fell to the floor.

Aldrins phone buzzed. He played the video. Siennas cries filled the room, broken and terrified. Mommy help me

Then the kidnapper spoke. No money. No mercy.

I looked up at Aldrin, desperation consuming me. But he only shrugged.

Thats too much money, he said flatly. Im not paying. If we ignore them, theyll give her back.

I stared at him in horror. Shes your daughter!

He smiled and wrapped his arm around Bianca. I already have another child.

They walked away together.

And I stayed there on the cold marble floor, realizing the truth at lastAldrin had already erased me. Bianca was no longer a secret. She was his future.

And I was nothing at all.

My phone vibrated while I sat on the floor beside the bed, my back slumped against the mattress, my body emptied out by hours of crying. I wiped my face and forced myself to look at the screen.

Joseph.

Relax, the message read. That was only a test. I wanted to see if your husband would do anything. He didnt. That tells you everything. Divorce him. Understood? Sienna is with me. Shes safe. Not a single scratch on her.

For a heartbeat, I forgot how to breathe.

Then relief hit me all at onceso overwhelming it nearly crushed me again. Sienna. My baby. Alive. Safe. Out of their hands.

My fingers trembled as I typed my reply. Then do this for me, Joseph. Make everyone believe my daughter is dead. Make them think Im dead too. I dont want him anywhere near our lives ever again. Not after this. Not after everything hes done.

The response came almost immediately. Done. Ill take care of it. Ill see you soon, love.

Love.

The word made something twist inside me, but I ignored it. Feelings didnt matter anymore. Only freedom did. Only Siennas safety. I would accept whatever price came with that.

I set the phone aside and grabbed a suitcase from the closet. My movements were fast, mechanicalclothes shoved in without care, shoes tossed on top, jewelry swept from drawers. Each zip of the bag felt like sealing shut a chapter of my life I never wanted to reopen.

Then a voice sliced through the room.

Im really sorry about your baby, Bianca said softly from the doorway, her tone dripping with fake sympathy.

I stiffened, my hands pausing mid?fold.

But honestly, she went on, walking in like she belonged there, you cant blame him for doubting you. Especially after what your father did. You shouldve been honest about his scam from the start. Secrets always come back to bite.

I kept my back turned, folding another dress with shaking hands. She was baiting me. I refused to snap.

Still, anger burned hot in my chest. My fathers sins were never mine. I had spent my whole life paying for mistakes I didnt make. Why was I still being punished for his past? And why did she think she had the right to throw it in my face?

She moved closer, fingers reaching for my clothes. So youre leaving? she said with a light laugh. Thats for the best. You really dont belong here anymore. Let me help you pack.

I dont need you, I said sharply, finally turning to face her. Leave. I can do this myself. And dont pretendI know every word out of your mouth is an act.

She ignored me and stepped farther into the room, touching things that werent hers.

Then her arm brushed the side table.

The vase tipped.

It shattered the moment it hit the floor.

My breath caught painfully in my chest.

Not that vase.

It was Siennasthe one she had made at school with her tiny hands, the one she painted herself, the one she won first prize for. My daughters proud little creation. Gone in pieces.

Something inside me snapped.

I shoved Bianca away, my voice breaking. What is wrong with you? I told you not to touch anything!

She stumbled back and immediately screamed, loud and theatrical. Aldrin!

Heavy footsteps rushed toward us. Aldrin appeared in the doorway, his eyes sweeping the scene. Whats going on?

I was only trying to help, Bianca said quickly, tears welling up on command. The vase fell by accident. She got angry and pushed me.

Thats a lie! I cried. She knocked it overI told her to leave my things alone!

Aldrins stare hardened. Over a stupid vase? Are you serious?

That wasnt just a vase, I shouted. Sienna made that with her own hands

Then why are you packing? he cut in, suspicion sharpening his voice. Planning to disappear, Amara? Is this because you found out I agreed to pay half the ransom?

My heart stuttered. You you agreed?

Yes, he said coldly. And now youre acting innocent? Dont play dumb. Youre trying to run.

NoI swear I didnt know

I dont trust you, he snapped. And frankly, Sienna might not even be mine. Who knows what youve been doing behind my back?

The words stole the air from my lungs. No! I would never

Enough! His face darkened. You need to be taught a lesson. Since you like playing games with me, youll never see that child again.

Fear exploded through me. I tried to retreat, but men appeared in the doorway, blocking my escape.

Take her, Aldrin ordered flatly. Pull out her toenails. Slowly. Let her feel the same pain. Let her suffer.

Noplease! I screamed as they grabbed me. Aldrin, stop! Dont do this!

He didnt even flinch.

The first wave of pain was blinding. They pinned me down, my scream tearing out as one nail was ripped away. My voice echoed through the house, raw and broken.

Help me! I sobbed. Pleasesomeone help me!

No one came.

Bianca watched in silence. Aldrins face remained cold, detached, as if my agony meant nothing.

The second nail. Then another. Each one sent fire shooting through my body, my sobs turning into hoarse gasps. My throat burned from screaming until sound barely came out at all.

And then everything went black.

When I finally woke, pain pulsed through every nerve in my body. My feet were wrapped in bandages, my limbs weak and shaking. But through the haze, one thought kept me grounded.

Its almost over.

Just a little longer. Just endure a few more days.

Soon, I would disappear.

And I would never look back.

I woke up drenched in heat, my skin burningnot with anger this time, but with fever. My body ached all over, every joint stiff, every breath rough and shallow. The agony in my toes from that savage punishment hadnt faded; it throbbed constantly, making it nearly impossible to stand, let alone walk properly.

The days blurred together after that. I drifted in and out of consciousness, half?awake, half?lost in fever dreams. And through it all, one thing never changed.

Aldrin never came.

Not once did he open my door. Not once did he ask if I was alive.

Through the fog of illness, sounds from outside my room crept in. Biancas sharp, delighted laughter. Aldrins deep, amused voice. Sometimes the laughter twisted into something worsesoft moans in the dead of night, sounds that clawed at my chest and left me shaking. I pressed my face into the pillow, biting back sobs, forcing myself to sleep. I told myself my body needed rest. My heart needed numbness. I couldnt afford to feel anymore.

But peace never lasted long in that house.

One afternoon, I jolted awake to a harsh, choking smell. Smoke.

My heart slammed violently against my ribs. I dragged myself out of bed, clutching the wall to stay upright, my legs trembling beneath me. Step by step, I made my way down the hallway and out toward the back garden.

What I saw stole the air from my lungs.

Fire.

Tall flames devoured heaps of fabricmy dresses, my books, boxes of memories. Siennas toys. Her stuffed animals. Everything reduced to ash.

What are you doing?! I screamed, stumbling forward as heat scorched my skin. Stop! Those are my things!

The maid wouldnt meet my eyes. Her hands shook as she dropped another box into the fire.

Miss Im sorry, she murmured. It wasnt my choice. Miss Bianca ordered it. She said she didnt want to see your belongings around anymore.

I went still.

Of course. Bianca. Taking my husband wasnt enoughshe wanted to erase me completely.

I turned away, ready to let it all burn. None of it mattered anymore until something caught my eye.

A thin silver chain shimmered briefly in the flames.

My breath hitched.

My mothers necklace.

The one thing she gave me before she died. The last thing she pressed into my palm, whispering, This will keep you safe.

No! I cried out, rushing forward. The heat seared my hands as I reached into the fire, yanking the necklace free just before it vanished. Smoke stung my eyes, but it wasnt smoke that made them burn.

It was fury.

I stormed back inside, clutching the necklace tightly, and found Bianca lounging in the living room like she owned it. One hand rested on her rounded belly, her posture relaxed, victorious.

Why? My voice shook as I faced her. Why did you burn my things? That necklace was my mothers.

She looked up slowly, blinking in false surprise. Oh, that old thing? I thought it was worthless. Honestly, Amara, you left so much junk lying around. How was I supposed to know what was important? I was just cleaning up.

Cleaning? I snapped. This is my house. You had no right

Enough.

Aldrins voice cut through the room like a blade. He stepped in, eyes cold, uninterested. Stop arguing over trivial things. Amara, clean up this mess. Im hosting guests tomorrow. I want everything perfect.

I stared at him, disbelief rushing through me. You want me to clean? After what she did? After everything youve allowed

I wasnt asking, he interrupted flatly. Im giving you an order.

Something finally broke.

No, I said, my voice low but firm. I wont. Im not your servant, Aldrin. Not anymore. If you want this place spotless, do it yourself.

Before he could respond, the butler hurried in, pale and visibly shaken, holding a small parcel wrapped in plain paper.

S?Sir this just arrived.

Aldrin grabbed it and ripped it open.

What fell out made my world tilt.

A small, blood?soaked bundle hit the floor. Tiny arms.

My scream tore out of me. Sienna!

My knees gave way as tears flooded my vision. Somewhere deep inside, I knewit wasnt her. It couldnt be. She was safe. But I let myself fall apart anyway. I let the hysteria consume me. I wanted him to see it. I wanted guilt to pierce that stone heart of his.

Aldrin swore under his breath and unfolded the note attached to the package. His jaw tightened as he read aloud:

One hundred million. Final warning. Or the child dies.

His phone chimed. A video began to play.

Siennas face filled the screen. Bound. Crying. Calling for me in her small, broken voice. A masked man growled, Payor we cut more.

My legs shook as I reached for the phone, but Aldrin yanked it away.

Thenhe sighed.

As expected, he muttered. Another trick of yours. Just admit it, Amara. Youre behind this. These men are working for you.

I stared at him, stunned. Are you out of your mind? You think Id harm my own child?

Biancas voice slipped in sweetly, poisoned. Well didnt you say once that your family needed money? Maybe your father planned this. And youre helping him.

My body went cold.

My father. The name they always used to stab me.

Aldrins eyes narrowed. That makes sense. Like father, like daughter. Both con artists.

The room spun. I couldnt breathe. They were accusing meagainwhile my child was suffering. While the man they hated had already saved her.

Fine, I said at last, my voice empty. Believe whatever you want. If youre willing to let Sienna die, then do it. At least I wont be chained to a man like you anymore. Youve done nothing but fail me, Aldrin.

I turned away before my legs collapsed beneath me.

Back in my room, I fell onto the bed, clutching my mothers necklace as silent tears soaked the sheets. My choice was already clear.

I reached for my phone and dialed a number Id kept for years.

When the call connected, my voice was calm for the first time in days.

Hello, counselor. This is Amara. I want to file for divorce.

Hello, this is Amara speaking. I want to proceed with filing for a divorce.

The silence on the other end stretched, heavy and uncomfortable, the kind that makes your chest tighten even when your decision is already carved in stone.

Ms. Amara, the lawyer finally replied, his tone measured, hesitant. I need to be clear with you. If you legally separate from Mr. Aldrin, you walk away with nothing. The house will remain his. The company shares stay with him. Even the vehicles under his nameyou wont be entitled to any of it.

I shut my eyes and let his words settle. Nothing.

Strangely, it no longer frightened me.

What was there left to lose, anyway? Not after the man who promised to protect me became the one who ordered my pain. Not after he stood by while I was broken and called it discipline. Not after he refused to save the very child we created together.

Thats fine, I replied calmly, even as my heart thundered against my ribs. I dont want anything from him. Send the papers tomorrowon our wedding anniversary. Let it be my present to him.

Before he could say another word, I ended the call.

My hands were still shaking when I dialed Josephs number. He picked up immediately, his voice brisk and alert.

I need to know, I said, swallowing hard. Wheres Sienna? Is she truly safe?

There was movement on his end, then his voice softened. Talk to her.

A second later, the sound Id been aching for filled my ears.

Mommy? Siennas tiny voice trembled, soft and unsure, like she was afraid I might disappear again.

Tears blurred my vision instantly. Baby Mommys here. Are you hurt? Did anyone scare you?

Im scared, she whispered. Why cant I come home? Why arent you with me?

I pressed my lips together, fighting to keep my voice steady. Because Mommy is fixing something important, sweetheart. But I promisevery soon, well be together again. You just have to be brave for a little while longer, okay?

Promise? she asked, her voice cracking.

I swear it, I said softly. Mommy will never leave you. Just wait for me.

I love you, Mommy.

My chest broke open. I love you too, Sienna. More than anything in this world.

The call went quiet, and then Joseph came back on the line. You heard her. Satisfied now?

I let out a shaky breath. Thank you. I just needed to know she was real that she was okay.

Good, he replied. Then dont forget our agreement. Tomorrow. Be ready.

I will, I whispered, ending the call and pressing the phone against my chest like it was my last lifeline.

But the peace didnt last.

A voice behind me sliced through the air. Who were you talking to just now?

I turned sharply.

Aldrin stood in the doorway, his eyes sharp, suspicious, already accusing.

I forced my lips into a smile. Im making funeral arrangements for Sienna. Since you wont help me, I figured this is how it ends.

His jaw tightened. So thats it? Youre giving up on her instead of begging me?

My breath came uneven. You want me to beg? For our daughter?

Yes, he said coldly, stepping closer. If this isnt one of your tricks, then prove it. Kneel. Kiss my shoes if you have to. Show me youre innocent.

A bitter laugh escaped my throat. No. Im done humiliating myself for you.

I brushed past him, but his voice boomed behind me. Youre walking away from me now?

Yes, I answered without turning back. Because you dont deserve to be Siennas father.

His mouth curved into something ugly. Suit yourself. At least she wont inherit anything. And you his eyes dragged over me with venom you wont give me another child anyway. After Sienna, youre barren. So really, this is your loss. Youre nothing to me now.

The words cut deep, but I lifted my chin. Then you wont miss me when Im gone.

Before he could say more, Biancas shrill scream echoed from the hallway.

Aldrin! Pleasemy stomach hurts! Take me to the hospital!

His attention snapped to her instantly, panic flooding his face. If you leave this house, Amara, he warned over his shoulder, your punishment will be worse. Make sure everything is ready by tomorrow. Important investors are coming. Dont disappoint me again.

I smiled tightly. Of course.

He rushed away with Bianca clinging to him, leaving me alone among the wreckage of a marriage that had long since died.

But I didnt prepare for his investors.

Instead, I canceled every supplier. I walked into his office, copied his presentation onto a flash drive, and erased the original from his laptop. If Aldrin wanted chaos, I would make sure he drowned in it.

By sunrise, I was gone.

Josephs black car arrived at dawn. He stepped out, smug and confident, like a man who already knew the ending. Ready to leave?

I nodded, gripping my bag tightly.

The moment I stepped onto the private plane, my legs gave out.

Sienna was there.

Mommy! she cried, running straight into my arms.

I collapsed onto the floor with her, holding her as tightly as I dared, tears soaking into her hair. Youre safe Mommys got you. Youre safe now.

Behind us, Josephs voice carried, amused and triumphant. Welcome back to me, Amara. Just rememberfreedom always has a cost.

For once, I didnt care.

Sienna was with me. That was all that mattered.

Before the plane took off, I pulled out my phone and stared at it for a long moment. Then I removed the SIM card, my hands trembling, and flung it out of the open window just before the engines roared to life.

Aldrins POV

The sterile white walls of the hospital felt suffocating. Bianca lay on the bed, her face scrunched in pain, her hand clutching her stomach. I paced beside her, restless. The doctor stood at the foot of the bed, flipping through charts with an irritating calmness.

Mr. Jones, he said finally, lowering his glasses. Weve run the tests. Theres nothing wrong with her. The baby is fine. No complications.

My brows knitted together. Nothing wrong? Are you sure? I looked at Bianca, then back at him. Shes in pain. She said her stomach hurts. Dont just tell me its nothing.

The doctor sighed. Its likely stress. Or indigestion. Or maybe just a reaction. Well keep her here for monitoring, but physically, she and the baby are healthy.

I turned to Bianca, my jaw tightening. Something didnt sit right. Her face was pale, her lips tremblingyet it reminded me too much of before, the same theatrics she pulled the last time she thought I was drifting away.

Are you playing with me? I asked, my voice low, dangerous.

Her head snapped toward me, eyes wide. What? Of course not! Why would I ever play with you? Her voice broke, almost offended. Aldrin, my tummy really hurts. Why would I lie about that?

I leaned closer, eyes narrowing. I dont know. Maybe because you saw me talking to Amara? Is that it? Are you trying to get my attention because I was busy with her, or did you think I was actually caring for her again? If that is, stop it. I know you!

Her mouth fell open in disbelief. Youre getting mad at mebecause of Amara? Because you thought I was making this up? Well, Im not, so are you serious right now? She raised her voice, sitting up straighter despite the supposed pain. Aldrin, shes not even here. And youre thinking of her? What about me? What about our baby?

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to calm down. No, thats not what I mean. I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated. She was supposed to arrange everything at the house for the investors, that is why I am talking to her, and I being here doesnt help because I need to be there to check. Everything needs to be ready. I cant waste time here.

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. And what about me?

You can handle yourself, I muttered, already standing. The doctor said youre fine. I need to go. You can handle yourself and Ill just come back once you're discharged,

Her hand shot out to grab my wrist, but I pulled away. Her voice cracked behind me as I left. Aldrin, dont you dare walk out on me!

But I was already gone.

When I arrived at the house, the first thing that hit me was the silence. The place was dark, no lights, no sound of workers preparing, no clatter of glasses or footsteps. Just stillness.

What the hell is going on? I barked, storming inside. My shoes echoed against the marble floors, the grand chandelier above unlit, casting the room into shadows.

The butler hurried after me, looking nervous.

Why is the place dark? Wheres everyone? I demanded.

I-I dont know, sir

You dont know? My voice thundered through the hall. Are you insane? Then start knowing! Find out what the hell is happening right now!

We scoured the rooms. Nothing. Not a single staff member. The house was in chaos, furniture unpolished, dishes unwashed. My stomach churned as I realized the investors were due in mere hours, and the house looked like a deserted ruin.

I pulled out my phone, dialing Amaras number. Straight to voicemail. Again. And again. No answer.

My rage boiled. Where the hell was she? This was her responsibility. She couldnt even do one thing right.

Then the butler returned, holding a folded note. Sir I found this.

I snatched it from his hands. The handwriting was unmistakable.

Sir, Ms. Amara said we could all have the night off. She dismissed us.

My grip tightened, the paper crumpling in my hand. She dismissed them? On the eve of the most important night of the year?! I threw the note across the room. Damn it, Amara!

Before I could rage further, the doorbell rang. Relief flickered for a second. Maybe it was her. Finally.

I yanked the door open.

It wasnt her.

A delivery boy stood nervously, holding a medium-sized box. Package for Mr. Jones.

I tore it from his hands, shoving him away before slamming the door. Setting it on the table, I ripped it open.

My world stopped.

Inside was an urn. Cold, gray, heavy. And a letter taped to the side.

Since you failed to deliver the money, here are the ashes of your daughter.

My knees weakened. The room spun.

No My voice cracked. My hands trembled violently as I held the urn. No, this isnt real this is a joke. A sick joke.

My breath came in shallow gasps. My daughter. Sienna. My baby girl.

Dead?

I refused to believe it. They were bluffing. They had to be. Kidnappers used fearit was their weapon. They wouldnt just kill her. They wouldnt

But what if they had?

No, I muttered, shaking my head over and over. Shes not dead. She cant be. Theyll give her back. Theyll

My phone rang, jolting me. Unknown number. I answered immediately, voice ragged. Hello? Sienna? Is she alive?

The voice on the other end was calm. Too calm. Is this Mr. Aldrin Jones?

Yes! I snapped. Why are you calling me?

This is the police, the officer replied. Were calling to inform you that Mrs. Amara Jones has been found dead. Her car collided with a twelve-wheeler truck earlier this evening. Im Im sorry.

The phone slipped from my grip, crashing to the floor.

Amara.

Dead.

Sienna. Gone.

The urn felt like fire in my hands, yet I couldnt drop it. My breath came in broken sobs, rage and denial warring inside me.

No. This couldnt be happening. Not to me.

Not like this.