BXBX NOVEL Chapter 59 - DREAM
Chapter 59 - DREAM
"No matter what happens, just run...Don't ever look back." His words came as harsh and fierce, it was not a plea but an order.
His heavily tied wrists searched my hands that were tightly bound in front of me with a rope, his fingers moved forcefully against the rope, cutting it with a piece of broken glass he managed to retrieve on the ground.
It was dangerously dark, the pale moonlight loomed over the horizon watching the terrifying scene unfold as we kneel on the ground, grabbing the opportunity to escape while the villains are away. The trees surrounding the area don't look like trees but gigantic monsters against the streak of pale moonlight.
He impatiently struggled to brush the shard against the rope, muttering unintelligent curses under his breath,
unmindful that his fingers were now bleeding from the exertion.
"Please, I will never leave you, not like this," I whispered weakly, begging he would come with me as tears flowed down my cheeks like an endless waterfall.
"No! Listen to me, you need to escape! They will kill us both if you don't, I need to spare you!" He whispered grimly, gritting his teeth in exasperation.
"No, please don't make me do this please!"
My shoulders shook uncontrollably, silent tears continued to flow down my cheeks. "I will never leave you alone!"
From the distance the sound of a long, loud, doleful cry uttered by an animal, a dog, or probably a wolf—I'm not quite sure which—sounded ominous, it sent deep chills down my stiff spine.
I swallowed hard as he struggled to free my wrist, a tedious task which we found impossibly hard to accomplish within short notice.
The rope that tied around my fingers was digging deep into my flesh, making my fingers numb and cold.
If our captors arrive and discover our plan of escape. Surely, our death would speed up. I thought fearfully knowing we would be murdered ahead of time.
The pale moonlight cast a shadow on his handsome face making it impossibly hard to read his expression. He showed not the slightest sign of fear despite the grave danger we're in.
"Promise me you will not look back okay? Just run, please, find help. Promise, I will be fine."
Unmistakably terror filled my eyes as I looked at him. Dread was spreading throughout my body and creeping to my bones. My breath came deep and labored. The thought of escaping alone and leaving him behind scared the hell out of me.
"Please promise me just run, don't look back." He sensed my reluctance to follow him, his voice softened with encouragement.
Finally, the rope snapped, it fell into a heap on the ground like a loop of snake. The sound of quick, hurried footsteps approaching sent me into hysterics.
"Hurry run!" The man ordered, his voice sounded too desperate.
I got on my feet, the tears I thought would stop continue slithering down my cheeks. "I love you." He smiled faintly as I cast him a glance, "Don't ever look back." He whispered which made it triple worse for me or leave.
Without looking back, I crept to the woods, pressing my fingers on my lips and stifling the sob wanting to erupt.
"She escaped!" A man's angered voice rose in the dark realizing the spot I occupied was now empty.?"Quick! Find her!" He ordered. His fearful companion scurried to the woods to pursue me.
I pressed myself deeper into the thick mass of bushes as the pitiful sound of a man groaning with pain filled me with anguish. The man who just helped me was being beaten into a pulp, his wrist was still bound which made it impossible for him to fight back. He was now lying face down on the ground, bruised, beaten, and badly bleeding.
By the light coming from the moonlight, I saw the villain fished a dagger from his pocket. Without another word, he slashed the cold, hard metal across the man's back.
I woke up from the sound of my scream. Beads of sweat drip down my forehead. It was a dream! No! It's a nightmare… but it almost feels as if it was real. The emotions were so intense that I doubt if it was actually a dream…. Or a memory.
When my gaze landed on Faith she was still in her peaceful slumber. I'm glad that my scream didn't awaken her.
The grandfather clock screamed it was only three in the morning. I know I couldn't force myself to go back to sleep, the nightmare left a hollow emptiness in me that I couldn't just ignore.
The memory of the dream was so exquisitely clear, but the only mystery was the man's face. It was a blur. I peered through his face but I found no image in which to remind me how he looked, leaving me imagining how he possibly looked after I woke up.
He was a tall man, with broad muscular shoulders, and the hair the color of warm honey against the pale moonlight. Those are the details I could recall but it was not much of help now.
I leaned on the headboard and wrapped my arms around the pillow. When my fingers landed on my cheeks I was surprised to realize it was wet with tears. I'd been crying in my sleep.
I once more came to the question I asked myself earlier.
Is it just a dream or it was a memory from the past I lost?
The sun was slowly rising to the horizon, giving the sky an exquisite view like a breathtaking picture straight from a beautiful painting. I watched the scene in silence since It was the best thing to do after the portals to dreamland slammed close.
Today was the most awaited Grand Ball where my father will introduce me as Beatrix Crawford, the Heiress of Crawford Chain of business.
I should be happy. I told myself. But no matter how I cheer myself up, it simply fails to lift my mood. Perhaps it was the huge responsibility waiting for me that made me take the matter seriously. Great power requires great responsibility. I was afraid I would fail my father's expectations.
My gaze landed on the sleeping angel beside me and I smiled instantly. There's nothing I won't do for my daughter's sake. I will do even the most difficult thing for her. My worries faded instantly as my gaze landed on her seraphic face. I curled next to Faith and wrapped my arms around her. I closed my eyes while feeling her warmth to my skin.
Before I knew it, I was already fast asleep.
____
It was eight in the morning but the Crawford Heiress was still curled on her bed and snoring, recovering the sleep she lost earlier that day.
Downstairs, the hustle and bustle of the servants could be heard as they prepared for the Grand Ball that would take place this evening. The household staff scurried to and fro as they fulfill the tasks assigned for them.
Hundreds of round tables and several chairs were neatly arranged inside the large room. Above the ceiling, gigantic chandeliers were already installed to give the room the perfect illumination.
Alexander Crawford, who was observing the arrangements was pulled out of his reverie from the servants' voice, informing that a visitor arrived.
The scrunched on his temples deepened. But when he discovered who it was, the scowl that turned his face dark vanished. It was replaced by a wide triumphant smile that made his inky eyes glow.
"Bring Mr. Greyson inside the library," Alexander told the servant and moved to his library. Once inside, he settled on his comfy leather chair. Moments later, the door of the library flung open and his visitor slipped inside.
"What brought you here Mr. Greyson?" He inquired without bothering to greet him with pleasantries.
Without telling him to sit down, Greyson occupied the comfy leather chair across his modern office table. "I made up my mind Mr. Crawford. I shall accept your offer." He replied grimly. An angry scowl plastered on his face.
"What made you change your mind, Mr. Greyson?" Alexander Crawford cast him a curious glance.?Amusement had a bright glow on his eyes.
"My car was stolen and so is my suitcase. There's nothing left on me but to accept your offer." He replied which made Alexander smile inwardly at the thought.
He was right! Alexander cheerfully thought! Indeed right! that his prey will willingly come to him.
"Well, then Mr. Greyson welcome to the Crawford Mansion. I shall print the contract for you to sign tomorrow."
Greyson walked towards the door. He was halfway when Alexander called him. Obligated to look at his new employer, he stopped and turned towards his direction.
"As your new employer, I only have one strict rule that you should follow." The amusement that lit Alexander's eyes was gone. It was now replaced by sharp, warning glare
"Care to tell me that strict rule Sir so I could warn myself in the future?"
"I dare you not to fall in love with my daughter.
Greyson snorted. NOT GONNA HAPPEN. He thought as he shook his head in disbelief.
"NEVER. Mr. Alexander." He snapped and headed out the door not knowing he would swallow his words later that evening.