Chapter 8

• “She is okay. Nothing to worry about. It is the effect of chloroform. Slowly she will be alright.” After the feedback of the doctor, it was not only Anthony who was happy but his men too. For the present their jobs are intact.
• The next morning, Celeste opened her eyes to the rays of sunlight piercing from the window. Her head was pounding as if a thousand road rollers were running on it. She slowly looked around her surroundings. That was not her room. Where was she? Gradually the events of the previous day rolled in her head. Yes she was kidnapped by an unknown gang.
• When she was about to sit, she found a restriction. A heavy hairy hand was in her middle. A man’s hand? Damn who is he? She looked beside and instantly her eyes were wide like saucers. Anthony Rodriguez. Is he the one who kidnapped her?
• Keeping aside her curiosity, unknowingly she began to check him out. He looked much more relaxed while sleeping than when he was awake. Even in the bed hair he looked extremely sexy, and looked much younger.
• The swirl of his loamy cologne had her swooning in the aisles. He wasn’t a male model but he should have been. Handsome in an understated way, his basalt jaw and Spartan shoulders spoke of strength. Even for the little she knew upon him, he was a man who talked only with purpose and authority. He seemed molded from a different cast as he had an androgynous look uncommon to most people. That was his quality which often got her intimidated by him but deep within him she knew there was a man brimming filled with passion and desire.
• “Go on, check me out. You have full rights to do that.” His eyes were still closed. But how did he even know?
• She recalled his words five days ago in the club. “You are not going to marry him and I will see you follow my command.”
• Instantly tremors of anger rose in her body like venom. She threw his hand which was in her middle. “Get off my skin. Why the hell would you kidnap me?”
• The jovial and light mood of Anthony was replaced by seriousness. “I already told you, you cannot marry until you pay me back my dues.”
• “I told you Dave will pay you.”
• “I don't trust him. Pay me back my one billion dollars and I will release you.”
• “One billion?” A soft gasp left out of Celeste.
• Anthony did not reply to her but left the bed. Before leaving the bedroom he knocked on the bedroom door asking for her attention. “There is a pill on the table. I think you are well acquainted with Tylenol for the drinks you consume.” There was satire in his words.
• “It works for all sorts of intoxication. Gulp it with the glass of lemon water placed beside it. You will feel better. Breakfast will reach you shortly.”
• “How dare you abduct me?” Celeste yelled before he left the room.
• “I dared. What can you do now? You shouldn't have ruffled my feathers by agreeing to the marriage and this is the after effect of your foolish action. Where is your soon-to-be husband? You had too much confidence in him. Call him and tell him to bring one billion to get you back. You will by yourself know what sort of a selfish bastard he is!” His words were acerbic.
• Half an hour later, breakfast arrived. The porcelain plate consisted of fried eggs, toast, pancakes and some fruits. Until she saw it Celeste did not know how hungry she was! Her mouth instantly watered and she devoured the meal with relish.
• Only after food filled her stomach, her mind started working again. She looked around. The room she was given was enormous and very rich. The furniture was purely made of African black wood. In the center was a queen size bed and to one side of the hall was a door. Weirdly everything around her looked familiar as if she had been living in this house for so long.
• She opened the door to see it was a very big bathroom with a jacuzzi and latest bathroom fittings. Once upon a time she lived in this sort of luxury. Unfortunately everything is lost now.
• There was another door slightly bigger. When she opened it, she could get a full view of the garden surrounding the vast estate. It was a balcony. The fragrance of colorful roses hit her nostrils bringing in an entwining feeling. The pleasant breeze from the garden rejuvenated her senses with a feel of peace.
• Somehow she did not know why but Celeste did not feel like a captive and more like a resident in the house.
• Just then the maid arrived. “Good morning, madam. Sir had left for work but he told me to prepare a lunch of your choice. What would you like to eat?”
• “I do not have any specific tastes, I like everything which is warm. My only desire is to get out of this place as soon as possible. Can you help me with it? Don't worry, I will compensate you for your services.” There was an enthusiasm in Celeste’s tone.
• The maid did not reply to her but showed her the CCTV fixed on the ceiling above them.
• Jesus Christ! So he can hear everything she speaks. In what sort of a prison is she trapped?
• “By the way, attached to the washroom, is a walk-in closet. You can pick something from there of your choice.” The maid’s words brought her out of the reverie.
• Celeste recalled the ring on Anthony's finger after the maid’s information to her. She did not know if it was her anger or disappointment and she gave her a stubborn reply. “I am not in the habit of using someone else’s belongings.”
• The maid’s rims lifted up with a pleasant smile. “Madam, nobody used this room before you came here. And all the clothes in the closet are brand new.”
• She took the breakfast tray in her hands and looked back at her with the same cheerfulness. “Neither entry nor exit from this mansion is of your choice. I'm sorry I cannot help you regarding this. But I can assure you, you will have no problem here. You are someone special to my boss. Because I have not seen him bring any girl here before except his sister, Edith who occasionally visits him.”