Chapter 2 The kidnap

Victoria woke up early trying to make it in time for the visit. She was so desperate that it was written all over her face. " I am going to make Ethan mine," she said aloud, not minding who was around her at the moment." She then thought of how to get Ava out of the picture because she knew Ethan and her were in love. " I need to think of something and it has to be fast. I can let Ava have Ethan to herself. She doesn't deserve him." as she was talking to herself her phone rang.

She smiled seeing who the caller was and quickly thought of a plan. She picked up the call and responded to the caller " Hi Derek, how are you doing? I have a job for you. Can you carry it out soon and please I don't want any mistakes. It should be a clean job."

Derek was the kingpin of the "thunder dragons." They were known for their notorious act and bank theft but they were able to stay off the radar so the police didn't know much about them.

"Don't worry Miss Harrington, it is going to be a thorough job. You know what to do. Please forward the money into the account with you." Victoria nodded and with that, the call ended.

She smiled with the assurance that she had settled Ava's case and thought of what to do to make Ethan love her the way he had loved Ava. "That shouldn't be a problem, I just need to know what makes Ava special and why he wants to always be around her," she said.

It was now 10am. She washed up and had breakfast before heading to the palace. She was thrilled because she has never been inside the palace and this was going to be her first time. She tried her best to look nice and modest. She wanted to capture the duke's heart so she needs to be on her best behavior. She wore a gown showing a bit of her skin and her fresh legs. She also applied light makeup and was set.

She entered the car and drove off to the palace. Ethan woke up and was trying to get ready for both ladies. He needs to look like a Duke according to his title. He washed up while his servant helped him dress for the first time. He was trying to impress both ladies.

" I need to look like the king I am. Or what do you think Jason?"

Jason, who was helping him dress, looked up and said "Of course your majesty."

After he was done he ordered Jason to go tell the cook to make some delicacy that he would be hosting some guests soon. Jason ran off and delivered his message. Oliver came into his room and saw how handsome his brother looked. "woah! You are looking more handsome every day brother. Are you looking hot for Ava or Victoria? Because I know she is hot too. I would love to have her for myself if you wouldn't mind." Oliver said.

Ethan who has been looking at the mirror all this while looked at Oliver and smiled "Well am doing my best to represent my father. Moreover, I am the regent so I need to dress appropriately."

Oliver looked at him because he hadn't answered his question. "Well I love Ava and I would like to spend a lifetime with her. Victoria is beautiful no doubt but she is a nut. She is desperate and wants to have me for herself. Am not a prize or anything. I am the Duke." Ethan replied.

Oliver was now sure Ethan loved Ava and would do anything for her. As both men were talking, Victoria entered the compound with her car.

"I think she is here," said Oliver. Ethan peeped trying to confirm if she was the one. "She is here, she is looking hot," Ethan said. And dash out to accompany her into the palace. Oliver looked puzzled and said to himself " I thought this was supposed to be a business meeting." and head out to see what was going on.

Victoria stepped out of the car and was dumbstruck by what she saw. She looked at Ethan and what she saw made her marvel. He was a male model and he was adored by the fairer sex for his Teutonic-gold hair. It was a casual jumble sometimes but mostly neat and flowing. His crescent-of-moon eyebrows were thin and narrow. He carried an imperious nose well and his angular cheekbones carved down towards a flinty jaw. Unusually for a model, he had a manly, Samson physique. The catwalk loved the way he glided with an athletic grace without skipping a beat.

His mariner-blue eyes were round and darted constantly, a-gleam with delight and the vigor of youth. They were soft, Irish eyes and swam with joy. They shone brightly, as two sapphires dipped in milky pools. Everyone commented on his vivacious character and his gentle nature. His voice could be foghorn loud when he was booming out a guffaw but it was normally mellifluous. His gap year clothes always made him appear younger than his years. The swirl of his loamy cologne had them swooning in the aisles.

Ethan was equally taken aback when he saw Victoria. She has a round face that is soft and smooth to touch. Her attractiveness is enhanced by her rosy cheeks and red and well-shaped lips.

When she smiles, she shows her perfectly shaped pearl-like teeth.

She has a flat belly and a narrow waist. A well-shaped back and legs complete her beauty.

Ethan smiled when she moved closer "Welcome to my palace." Victoria came close and bowed to him, giving him the courtesy of his lordship. They both went into the palace. As they were about to sit Ava entered also, they both were stunned by her natural beauty and we marveled at the way she carefully takes her step while walking. She was a rare gem. Ethan walked forward and kissed her on the cheek whispering into her ears "You look beautiful honey."

Ava smiled and came into the palace. She saw Victoria and greeted her. Victoria snubbed her because she had always seen her as a competition. They settled down at the great hall over a delicacy of foods. They ate silently while Victoria steered about Ethan and Ava who couldn't stop looking at each other.

"Oh gosh, they give me the creeps. I wish I could take her place right now. She doesn't deserve him." Victoria thought. They finished the food and finalized the contract. "What can we do for fun?" Victoria asked Ethan.

"We can play truth or dare," replied Victoria trying to come up with mischief. Ava sat down looking at them. She is okay with whatever they come up with because she was equally bored and would want to be alone with Ethan.

Ethan chipped and said, "Maybe we can go clubbing." Victoria's eyes shone with delight and saw an opportunity to hatch her plan.

"a brilliant idea. I would very much love that," she said.

Ava nodded in agreement too. Oliver came out of his room and asked if he could tag along with them. "Of course," said Ava, who enjoyed Oliver's company.

They all entered the car and zoomed off. They went to the popular club that the elite frequent. Ethan and Oliver went to order leaving Victoria and Ava all alone.

Victoria looked at her and said "You shouldn't be here. I wish I met him first and not you because you don't deserve him, he is way above you." The words hit Ava hard and she replied "It ain't a competition. I just hope that Ethan sees you for what you truly are. Besides he chose me and not you so deal with it."

Both were at each other's throats before the men were back. They booked a table and sat down to enjoy their ordered drinks.

Victoria stood up and said she wanted to use the lady's toilet "Excuse me guys, I want to use the toilet." she immediately left them. Ava said, "Honey you know I don't like her right?" Ethan nodded and said "What choice do we have, let's just all calm down. It will be fine."

Victoria called Derek and told him there was an opportunity for the kidnapping. "Hello Derek, can you make it happen today? Because I can't stand her for another second," she said. Derek sighed over the phone and told her to send her fees. Victoria sent him some money and called him back to confirm If he had seen the cash.

"I have seen the cash. Expect a clean job by the end of the day. Should we have her killed or beat her up?" Derek asked her. "No, just have her locked up. That is all I want," answered Victoria.

Victoria went back to join the group and said they should all dance.

Oliver decided to dance with Victoria while Ethan said he was dancing with Ava. They went to the dance floor and they were shaking their bodies to the rhythm of the music.

Derek and his group came in and signaled Victoria of their presence. Ava was getting tired and told Ethan she needed some air. " I want to get some air, honey. I will be back." she made her way to the door and was out of sight.

Derek and his men followed her. " I want you to stay alert and be on her trail. He told one of his men." Ava sat outside as she enjoyed the view of the outside world. As she was about to take a sip of the juice with her, she saw some men staring at her. She got scared but tried not to show it. "oh! My God, am I being followed down here? " Ava was scared.

She got up and was about to make her way back to Ethan and the others. She halted suddenly when one of Derek's men pulled a gun on her. She immediately started sweating and pleaded for mercy. A car was parked in front of her. "get in before I blow your brains out." shouted Derek who was getting impatient with her.

She was bundled into the car and they zoomed off. Those who saw the incident shouted and ran in different directions.

Ethan was getting worried when he didn't see Ava. " What the hell is happening and why isn't she back in the club?" He left Oliver and Victoria to search for her. He met some people talking about the incident and asked what happened. "Some armed men just kidnapped a lady right now," said a young man who saw what happened. Ethan was confused and didn't know what to do. He called Ava's phone which ran right in front of him on the floor. He picked it up and went back into the club to tell Oliver and Victoria what happened.

"What did you just say? You mean she was taking, right under our nose?" said Oliver. He was annoyed and kicked the chair in front of him. Victoria pretended to be scared. "Can I drive you home?" asked Oliver. " I will be fine," replied Victoria.

Her phone rang. It was Drek calling her "Mission complete." Derek said over the phone. Victoria smiled and said "alright."

Ethan took his phone and called the police station who immediately came over upon hearing that it was the Duke who called himself. They came and collected everyone at the club statement. " Where is Miss Harrington?" one of the police officers asked the duke.

"She went home after the incident," replied Ethan. "Well, we need to hear her side of the story too." The police requested to see the video footage of everywhere in the club but Derek and his men were experts; they had carefully evaded all cameras. It was a clean job indeed. The police started investigating right away. They make a public announcement on all social media describing Ava and a bounty for whoever helps in finding her.

Ethan looked sad, he didn't know how to confront the Sinclair family to explain what happened. " I hope she is alright?" said Ethan. Looking worried. " don't worry she will be. Ava is a strong woman." replied Oliver. The brothers drove out of the clubhouse heading for Sinclair's mansion.

Suddenly, Ethan's phone rang and Lady Penelope's voice made him stop the car. " What happened to my daughter? Is she there with you? Please pass the phone to her if she is with you." she said, sobbing. Ethan calmed her down and said "We are on our way to your house ma'am." with that he ignited his car and drove again, cutting off the call. It was a sad day for everyone