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Ash stood there, looking between me and Kate. His face was pale, his hands rembling slightly as he looked around with confusion and surprise on his face
He turned to the kidnappers, “What do you want? Ash demanded, his voice firm but cracking just enough to
betray his unease.
One of the kidnappers sneered, leaning against the wall with a smug expression. “What do we want?” he repeated mockingly. “You should’ve thought about that before you made enemies. But honestly, we should’ve taken
Kate from the start. Would’ve saved us some trouble **
Ash’s eyes darted to Kate, who whimpered and as she looked into his eyes. He then looked back at me. His eyebrows pressed together, he seemed to be more confused but he stayed silent.
Another kidnapper, his grin wide and malicious, turned to me. “And you. Poor thing,” he said, shaking his head in mock pity. “You called him so many times, didn’t you? But he didn’t bother picking up. Not even once
Ash’s face froze, his eyes widening slightly as he turned to me. “Astrid he started, his voice barely a whisper.
I laughed bitterly, my head shaking. “It’s true,” I said, locking eyes with him. “I called you over and over, Ash. But you were too busy Too busy with her,” I added, gesturing toward Kate. “I’m not surprised. Just disappointed. So
much more disappointed than I ever thought I could be
He flinched, his gaze dropping to the floor. For the first time, I saw something resembling shame on his face,but
it was far too late for that
“Enough of this chit chat!” One of the kidnappers snapped, rolling his eyes. “We’ll make it simple for you, boy We’ll let one of them go ”
“And the other?” Ash asked, his voice shaky now.
The man smirked “Well, let’s just say revenge has its price”
lover
Ash’s eyes darted between me and Kate, panic creeping into his expression. “No,” he said firmly. “You’ll let them both go
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Dad stood just behind him, hands clasped like he’d been praying this whole time His usud wrong sho expression was softened, worry written all over his face “Astrid,” he saidquety
I tried to speak, but my throat was raw, and my voice omenavajenester I want a divorce” The words left my lips before I could second guess them, and the room stilled Sear’s face hardened instanty his jaw tightening
“That bastard,” he hissed, his voice a max of fury and pain kill him for this, Astrid for ens fhing he’s done to
you”
I squeezed his hand weakly, a feetle attempt to ground him to said, my wore tremblingbet frem but call him. Bring him here. I need to hear it from her. What he thinks about me”
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phone Tll call him ”
Dad placed a hand on Seth’s shoulder, taking him outside They both stepped away, learng me done with my
thoughts
I closed my eyes, my chest rising and falling with shallow breaths Verrones came fooding back, cresthing over me like waves Ash’s cold words, the kidnappers moking larger, his choice. He had chosen her Again. It was all
too much
When Seth returned, his face was unreadable, “He’s on his way he sad simply, his voice fat and filled with
disgust
I nodded, though I felt sick to my core
When the door opened and Ash walked in, his presence filled the space like a wet pressing down on my chest. He barely glanced at me before turning his attention to Seth, his posture $11, his expression impatient
“Make it quick,” he said coldly, crossing his arms need to get back to Kate and comfort her. She’s been through enough today”
