He showed up sooner than I had expected. When I was about to experience an emotional breakdown because of Crystal, Lyle showed up in the basement.
The well-built man’s silhouette seemed so familiar, yet there was something odd about it. I couldn’t see his face, but I was certain he had his eyes glued to me for a few seconds.
Lyle instructed in a callous tone, “I have brought you a billion as demanded! Set them free at once!”
“How am I supposed to ensure you’re here on your own? You have brought quite a few bodyguards with you, haven’t you?” Someone stepped forward in an attempt to take over the suitcase with a billion, but Lyle took a step back and requested, “I need to ensure they’re safe!”
“Lyle, save me! I need you!” Crystal sniffled and looked at Lyle with a pair of welled-up eyes.
To my surprise, Lyle looked at me and asked, “Eve, are you okay?”
I gasped in silence when the kidnapper kicked me in the leg, instructing me to answer Lyle’s query. As much as it hurt, I tried my best to resist the racking sensation I felt and answered, “I’m fine.”
Lyle heaved a sigh of relief and handed over the kidnappers the hefty suitcase he had brought along. He seemed to have upheld his promise and brought them the demanded sum.
“I won’t lodge a police report as long as they’re able to leave safe and sound! On top of that, I promise not to go after any of you! Please leave at once!”
The three kidnappers gaped in silence at the presence of the suitcase of money. To be precise, I was equally inundated by the sum available.
No ordinary person could possibly remain calm in the presence of such an astronomical figure, let alone a housewife like me.
As the kidnappers went dead silent, Lyle repeated his question, “Can you set them free yet?”
“Wait!” Thrilled, the kidnappers’ emotions were written all over their faces. They announced, “Initially, we’re supposed to set them free, but the amount you have brought us only enables you to bring one of them away with you.”
Lyle rebuked with his eyes narrowing to a slit, “Don’t you think that’s too much? I have adhered to every demand of yours and brought the requested sum! Since you’re after the money, it’s better for you to set them free at once!”
Honestly, when he made himself clear and stood his ground, he seemed like the man I once had a thing for. However, I had long lost faith in him.
As a result, my heart started racing the moment the things awaiting the one left behind crossed my mind.
“Mr. Smith, that’s quite a persuasive speech, but I don’t think you’re in a position to negotiate since they’re currently under our custody! If you can’t make up your mind, do you need my help to make the call on your behalf?”
Halfway through the kidnapper’s orated speech, he ran the dagger across Crystal’s neck and asked, “This is your mistress, isn’t she? Do you think she’s able to paint if I amputate her fingers?”
“No!” Lyle was at the top of his lungs. He added, “I’ll get my assistant to bring another billion over immediately! Stay away from them!”
“I can’t be sure if you’re going to send the cops our way or not! Hurry up and make up your mind! Otherwise, I’ll make the call on your behalf!”
The moment Lyle witnessed the kidnapper trimming Crystal’s hair without any hesitation, he yelled, “Crystal!”
“Save me, Lyle! Haven’t you promised to keep me safe for the rest of my life? You’re not going to abandon me, are you?” Crystal started weeping with her eyes glued to Lyle.
When I caught him looking in my direction, I started stuttering as I was at a loss for words, “I-I—”
What am I supposed to tell him? Am I supposed to beg him to save me? Should I ask him not to abandon me when he had abandoned me for more than once? After much considerations, I asked, “Are you going to abandon me again?”
When he heard me, he stared at me openmouthed. It was evident he was taken aback by my question. Seconds after he snapped out of bewilderment, he announced with his teeth gritted, “I’ll bring you four billion as long as we get to leave!”
One of the kidnappers broke the silence, reprimanding Lyle, “Stop messing with us and make up your mind! Otherwise, we’ll randomly take one of them away with us!”
Lyle kept glancing at Crystal and me with his face scrunched up. Never had he shown me the hesitant side of his.
Suddenly, Crystal broke the silence, asserting while sniffling, “Lyle, please bring Yvonne away with you! She’s your wife! However, I’m afraid our child won’t get to meet you! O-Our child—”
