Chapter 40 cont’d

ANNA

Nodding my head, I decided to ask a question I've been yearning to ask like forever. “How long have I been here?"

As I sat there, my mind was reeling. Five months? How had I been here for that long without even realizing it? I tried to maintain my composure and not lash out at him, but the anger and frustration were almost too much to bear.

"Why did you keep me here for over five months?" I finally asked, unable to contain my curiosity and resentment.

He gave me a stern look and said, "manners, young lady."

I took a deep breath and tried to collect myself, but the anger was still simmering beneath the surface. How could he expect me to just accept being held captive for that long? My frustration must have been evident, as he continued to speak.

"I wanted you to realize that nobody gives a fuck if you are missing," he said coolly. "I noticed that tiny hope you had in you that someone was going to rescue you, so I let you see for yourself."

The realization hit me like a ton of brick