Chapter 6 6

Present day...

The vehicle sped through the day, the cool air slapping Zara's face. After what felt like forever, the car screeched to a halt, and the driver spoke up, his voice low and husky. "We're here."

Zara's heart skipped a beat as the door opened, and she was dragged into an apartment by the masked man. The air was thick with the smell of stale cigarettes and old food.

As she entered, she was ordered to sit, but Zara refused to comply. "Who are you?" she demanded, her voice shaking with anger as tears welled up her eyes. "Why did you kidnap me? Why did you kill my husband?"

The masked man watched her outburst, a hint of amusement in his eyes. When she finished, he burst out laughing. "Mehn, you still got it in you," he said, his voice dripping with familiarity.

Zara's eyes narrowed. "What do you me-..."

Before Zara could respond, her stomach growled, embarrassing her. The masked guy caught her eye and smiled. "When we're done eating, we'll talk," he said, gesturing for her to make herself comfortable.

The masked man called out to Mike, who emerged from the shadows. "Order our usual, and include her," he instructed.

Mike's eyes landed on Zara, and his expression changed from indifference to surprise. He turned to him, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Really? You brought a bride home? Really, man?"

The masked man chuckled, a low, husky sound. "I'll tell you the details later," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Mike raised an eyebrow but said nothing more. Instead, he smirked and replied, "Coming right up."

The masked man glanced back at Zara, his eyes lingering on her bloodstained wedding dress. "You're going to need a change of clothes. You're a mess" he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

As he walked away, he turned and pointed his gun at her. "Don't even think of escaping," he warned. Zara nodded hastily. As she sat on the couch, her mind was a whirlwind of emotions. Her heart still ached from the loss of Williams, and the shock of being kidnapped was starting to wear off, replaced by a growing sense of fear and anxiety.

Zara looked around the apartment. It was a modest, one-bedroom unit with a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. The walls were painted a dull gray, and the furniture was old and worn. Despite its shabby appearance, the apartment seemed to be tidy and well-organized, with everything in its place. The only personal touch was a collection of framed photographs on the coffee table, but Zara couldn't see the faces clearly from where she was sitting.

The masked man returned holding out a set of clean clothes. "What are you thinking?" he asked, his tone teasing. "Go to the bathroom and get changed."

Initially, Zara refused, but the masked man's earlier words struck a chord. She looked down at her bloodstained wedding dress and knew she had to change. Taking the clothes, she headed for the bathroom.

As she changed, Zara wondered if they were looking for her. She let out a tired sigh.

Zara returned to the living room, her new clothes a stark contrast to the bloodstained wedding dress she'd worn earlier. The masked guy looked up from his phone, a hint of approval in his eyes.

"You look much better," he said, patting the couch beside him. "Come sit."

Zara's eyes narrowed, but she moved sheepishly to the couch, her mind racing with questions.

"How are you feeling?" the masked guy asked, his tone dripping with false concern.

Zara gave him a scathing look. "What do you expect me to say? That I'm great?" she spat, her anger simmering just below the surface.

The masked guy chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You always were one for honesty."

Zara's eyes flashed with anger. "Who are you really? What do you want from me? Why are you doing this?" she demanded, her voice rising.

The masked guy leaned back in his chair, a lazy smile spreading across his face. "Uhh, so impatient as usual," he drawled.

Zara's face twisted in rage. "Tell me! Who are you? Why are you acting like you know me?" she screamed, her fists clenched.

The masked guy sighed, his expression turning serious. "That's because, I know you, Zara," he said, his voice low and husky.

Zara's eyes widened, her heart pounding in her chest. "Who are you?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

The masked guy reached up and pulled off his mask, revealing a face that made Zara's mouth open.

"Oh my God," she whispered, her eyes fixed on the familiar face before her.

Just at that moment, there was a knock at the door.