92. Vanish- . Riley . -It feels surreal to stand amidst Camilla’s opulent gathering, surrounded by strangers. I wasn’t expecting an invite. Hell, I wasn’t even anticipating any event because Mikolaj gave her a relieving party a few days back in office.This evening, when Mikolaj told me to get ready, I imagined it would be a small gathering or something. Not a freaking gala. My fingers brush the fabric of my dress, feeling the softness of silk under my fingertips. Not so bad for this event, but a heads up would’ve been nice. Not that I would ask him. I have adopted a no talk policy with Mikolaj. I am not gonna break it for a damn dress.“You look lost!” A voice brings me out of my trance and I blink. Is she talking to me? My eyes swim over Camilla’s stunning midnight blue gown. She looks beautiful as her dress shimmers under the soft glow of the chandelier above us.I look lost because I have been forced into a party I don’t belong to. But I cannot admit this to her. So I say instea

94. Not a hotelI stroll into the corridor to see if I can spot a caterer. None. Riley chose this room at the far end and there aren’t many partygoers lingering in this wing. I have no choice but to call Camilla. To my luck, she picks up. “Miko?” Camilla says in an extra chirpy voice. “Guess what? You can’t boss me around anymore.”I snort. The past few days she told me many times—teasingly—that she cannot wait to stop seeing my face.“If you are happy, I am happy.”“What is it?”With a slight turn of my head towards the bathroom, I realize the water is running. Is Riley taking a freaking bath?Pinching the bridge of my nose, I explain the situation, and Camilla giggles. I am not sure what’s funny about it. Or maybe she is intoxicated too.“Don’t worry, I will send food along with some stuff for the stay,” she says, and I frown.“I have no plans to stay.”“Just in case…” she sings and cuts the call.Then It dawns on me… I can’t take Riley outside without the paparazzi swarming in the

96. Missing. Mikolaj . -“Jessie…” I sigh, catching her pout as we stroll through our neighborhood. We had plans to visit a friend, but she changed her mind, captivated by a cute puddle—her words, not mine. Now she’s dragging her feet at snail’s pace while it’s drizzling. Instead of hurrying her along, I simply watch her. Perhaps that’s the essence of parenthood. Slow down and savor the rain.At least she isn’t cranky right now. That’s something. Ever since Riley left, Jessie has been difficult. I had anticipated this and almost asked her to stay longer. But it was written all over her face that she was desperate to get away from me. So I didn’t stop her. Our last night together was a cherished memory, and I wanted to keep it this way. With no fights or bitter words.My phone rings. As I pull it out, I notice an unknown number flashing on the screen. Typically, I wouldn’t, but something compels me to pick it up. “Mr Josef, this is Natalie.” After a brief pause, she adds, “I am Riley’

98. Manacled. Riley . -Rough texture of the makeshift pillow pokes against my back as I gaze out at the foggy window. I wish I could get up and clean the dust to steal a glance outside. I don’t even know if there are any trees around. Hearing the occasional honks and chatter of people, I can tell I’m somewhere in a city. But…If that’s true, why does no one responds to my pleas for help? Maybe there is no chatter, and I am imagining everything.The cold bites through the thin blanket I have wrapped around me, doing little to keep the chill at bay. Shivering, I clutch it tighter to find some warmth in the freezing room. The first night I gained consciousness, I thought it was a cabin. Only that could explain the wooden wall and ceiling with no color or polish on it. Then I realized it’s a half done house, a makeshift dwelling to keep me captive.A strong urge to itch the wound on my wrist takes over, and I wiggle in my spot to distract myself. I have been trying to relieve the pressur