The following day has to be the busiest I've ever been since I got here. The errands Nana Guadalupe had to run yesterday were in preparation for today's family dinner Javier is hosting. She said they had it occasionally, and since Javier's the head, it's only right that he hosts it. So far, Camila and Daniel are the only ones who have arrived. Daniel and Javier are doing some work in the sitting room upstairs, while Camila takes a nap in one of the rooms and is also upstairs.Nana Guadalupe and I are already done preparing dinner. It's been hectic having prepared food for at least four picky eaters and the other guests, but I also find it fulfilling learning new recipes. I was only ever restricted to a few back at home. “Alright, that should be all for now. Help me take this to the dining room. Be careful so you don't fall.” Nana Guadalupe points to the chicken casserole dish on the table.Grabbing it carefully with a kitchen towel so it doesn't burn my hand, I lift and head for the

“Do you need anything?” This has to be the first time in a long time since I was last asked this question. No one at home ever asked, including Oliver. It was me who only ever gave. Hearing Camila's questions directed at me, along with the concern etched on her face, is heartwarming. It reminds me of last night when Javier and Nana Guadalupe came to check in on me. I knew Nana would come, but finding Javier outside of my room was very shocking. I didn't think he cared. And to think I ran out to get the door with nothing beneath my dress. I only became more overwhelmed when Nana joined him and began fussing about me. It was more than I could imagine. More than I'd ever received since the death of my father. “No, I'm okay.” “I'm serious, Elsa.” “I really am fine.” I smile at Camila. While Nana acts motherly. Camila acts like an older sister. It's beautiful to watch, and knowing that these emotions are directed at me makes me feel really good on the inside. “If you do need anythin

I've come to realize that the more time I spend around Javier, whether alone or in the midst of company, my little brain gets fogged up and sends the wrong signal to… my heart. It even feels off saying it and I know why. It's because I shouldn't feel this way towards my captor. Yes he's impossibly attractive and what I think a man should be like but that's just about it. I don't even know him well enough like that. I might not have been the one to offend him to be taken as collateral but it doesn't change the fact that I'm still his captive either way. I'm not about to admit that I might be having Stockholm Syndrome but if I'm checked well, that's the exact name to call what I've been feeling no matter how much I don't want to. How else do I explain the weird thudding in my chest each time I hear Javier's voice even from afar? There's no mistaking that feeling for fear, because it's not.But It isn't right. By all ramifications, the man is possibly even betrothed to Sofia. Why else w

It's the wee hours of the morning. I think. I've been dreaming of none other than Javier Sandoval. Forbidden thoughts of my boss. My captor. It's fucked up, I know but It's almost like my consciousness can't help these feelings. I sigh into my pillow as I change position on my bed, trying to quieten the spiraling voices in my head. Or is it the voices in my dream? The voices disappear the second my eyes land on Javier's piercing stare. There it is again. Exhilaration. like epinephrine straight to the heart. How did the sight of him tangle my thoughts while unraveling my insides? He's sitting on a chair, leaned back, a leg folded over the other, hands on the arm rest while he stares at me. Even in my dreams he's still the most beautiful, and dangerous man I've ever seen. Not like I've met a lot of them if I'm being honest. “I was wondering when you would wake up.” He mutters, running the back of his fingers across his stubble, but I hear him loud and clear. I blink once, then twice

I don't know how, but I feel the instant Elsa's presence dissipates. It's been happening more times than I would like to admit. Before I found her waiting for me in my sitting room, I sensed her presence right from the corridor. I usually know the feeling of when intruders are present. But unlike the cold sensation, which would creep down my spine, this one felt warm, and I just knew she was near, waiting for me. And that feeling followed me right after I left that room and got here. Up until now, that is. She left, probably because she caught sight of her stepfather and can't stomach what comes next. The man in question is knocked out, courtesy of Carlos, since he wouldn't stop shouting out his lungs. Another man lays on the floor, well out of view of the window Elsa was looking from. Unlike Richard, who is unconscious, this one is fully awake. Bloodied and missing a few limbs? yes, but awake nonetheless. He watches as I take closer steps into the room, life almost snuffed out